Losing the front wheel

[Boozer]

i haven't really heard this issue being discussed anywhere, so i thought i would find out everyones opinion on this.
When attacking a flat corner of some degree (not a 90 degree turn, but sharp), what do you do when your front wheel suddenly washes out? lets say you are half way through, sitting in the correct position at the front of the seat with your leg extended, when your front wheel hits a rock and washes away. What do you do?

 

[Anssi]

What I should be doing: keep rolling on the gas. Unless the front end takes an enormous hit, you should end up going pretty much where you were going.

In one of the nationals this year one of the top riders (maybe Hughes) hit a rock (maybe 6" across) and his front wheel jumped out of line like 2 feet. He just kept on the gas and resumed accelerating.

 

[Boozer]

im guessing that would work great on a nice surface with plenty of grip, but what if you are riding on a rather slippery dirt road? would this technique work here? any comments on body positioning?

 

[Jeff Gilbert]

I'm not sure in your case, in mine I usualy pucker:uh:

 

[wizard69]

I lost the front wheel on my bmx once it was in a race first jump and my wheel fell of we got it on video it is very funny.sorry for getting off topic but thats what your title made me think of.about the cornering thing when my tire washes out I panic and let go of my bike then I asume the featle position

 

[Hondaman_06]

What i do when i lose the wheel on a slick trail or road either A. get off the gas put my footdown and try to catch myself or B. Nail the gas and try to slid the backend around and get the bike standing back up straight again.

 

[bschoch]

Front wheel washing

My advice would be to weight the outside peg. It can be done by keeping your weight centered over the bike while making the turn. It also helps to press the outside leg tight against the bike to help weight the outside peg.

I don't know if this will cure the problem but give it a try.

 

[TrackMaster]

When my frontend washes out, i usually wind up laying the bike down and sliding off the track and over a berm. :eek:

But only because the 250s a bit heavy. I usually put my foot down on the ground, since its out anyway, to catch myself. Then I gas it and slide the rear end out flattrack style. And hope I dont get runover by the guys behind me. ;)

 

[High Lord Gomer]

Boozer, you're probably much better at this than I am, but my reflexive letting off the gas usually weights the front and and makes it bite again.

Thankfully, though, not many rocks around here!