lines

[MobyP]

I understand that Dirt ridding don't always use lines like road racing because of the terrains and conditions. So could someone give me a set of rules that I should take into considertation for motocross.

Am I right to say that the over taking line is always or rather mostly the insider line?

thanks

 

[Jeff Gilbert]

If I understand what you're asking,

holding a line in motocross is an imaginary line. In other words don't ride all over the track when someone is about to pass you or you might get taken out. Don't move suddenly to the left or right means to hold your line.

If you are passing someone do it by any means necessary as long as it's safe, it doesn't matter if you're on the inside or outside but remember to take into consideration the next obstacle or you may be passed back.

 

[MobyP]

Hi Jeff,
i assume that what you said is when i am prepared to let someone over take me right? So by holding on to my line make sures that i allow the guy behind me to pass over with either taking me or himself out.

Thats not my question, but thanks.

It's like when i am on the track all by myself or leading a pack. How do I know which line are the fastest line? It varies from corner to corner,terrain to terrain, but is there a set of guidlines that i should know that can make sure or rather help me when i am deciding which line to take.

thanks

 

[roostinbe]

Often it is a toss up. You tend to carry more speed when you take the outside line, but cover a greater distance, whereas the inside line is shorter, but you can't usually carry anywhere near the speed that you can on the outside. In race practice, it is a good idea to try as many lines as possible, because unless you are leading, there will always be riders in the popular lines. You also want to look at what comes after the corner. If there is a big jump, it may be necessary to take the outside line, retaining speed and clearing the jump, in order to maintain momentum. There is nothing wrong with taking the line of a rider that's trying to pass (thats racing) as long as you are not being lapped, or going way slower than him. Basically the only guidlines for corner lines have to do with riders ahead of you that you intend to pass, and obstacles following the corner. Just look for the lines that look smooth, and trouble free.

 

[Anssi]

Originally posted by MobyP
I understand that Dirt ridding don't always use lines like road racing because of the terrains and conditions. So could someone give me a set of rules that I should take into considertation for motocross.

Many turns have a berm on the outside and a rut on the inside. Either one can be the faster line, or they can be pretty much equal. There are very few turns where the out-in-out line is the fastest.

 

[wardy]

are probably more imporatant in mx/sx than any other track obstacle, or process of riding a track. More so in my mind than road racing etc. Here is why;

road racing adheres to a specific line that the majority of the riders are "expected " to ride. Go out as a raod racer and start "squaring up" the corners and see how fast ya get in trouble. SO in my opinion lines are not as optional.

On the Flat surfaces of MX/Sx racing lines are totally optional. Jumping one of course should hold thier line........but the rest is open season.

In fact one of the most important things i stress in my advice to riders is to think and ride the correct lines on a race track.

You can be out of shape, slower overall, and not do the huge jumps, but if you choose to have the best "lines" on a track you likely will do better then a guy who follows that goat trail cause its "where everyone else goes"

wardy

 

[Jeff Gilbert]

Originally posted by MobyP
Hi Jeff,
Thats not my question, but thanks. thanks

I wasn't sure if I understood what you were asking, sorry if it was no help:(

 

[MobyP]

Hey Jeff,
thanks for even replying to my message. :)

So the general thumb on rule is to find the line that is the smoothest of all. And the smoothest line is the fastest line. Practise and try different lines, thats the way to slowly earn about lines ya?

thanks guys :)

 

[HiG4s]

If someone is on your tail usually the inside line protects you from being block passed. If someone sneaks inside of you to block pass, if done right, the out/in/out line can be useful. Go wide, brake hard and drop inside behind the block pass, and then slide back out block passing them. If done wrong, and you clip their back tire as you try to drop in, you ususally end up face first in the dirt.
Also going into whoops you want to start at about the speed you want to finish, speeding up or slowing down in the whoops is extremely hard to control. So an outside line coming into fast whoops is usually perfered.