The Blind Corner Dilemma

There it is, up ahead, the blind corner!

When I chat with and train riders and we talk about what the most challenging part of riding is and corners always become a center of conversation. This is no surprise and of course when I ask what type of corner they like the least the dreaded Blind Corner always takes the case.

In reality a blind corner isn't technically any more difficult than a normal corner, it is just more of a mystery to the mind because of what is yet seen. The corner itself gives a lot of clues in regard to the turn itself and if we assume that it will be a decreasing radius turn we are prepared for the worst in regards to the path. From there we need to gain an entry that allows us to see what lies around that corner as soon as possible and to be prepared for just about anything.

This is of course the moment that anxiety slips into the equation and makes that corner all that more difficult. Without anxiety we can think clearly and do what we need to do, but with it we tense up and then things seem to happen faster than they actually do. Until we relax we simply will never be comfortable with the Blind Corner.

About a month ago a student said to me that he just didn't encounter Blind Corners anywhere else in life that was a vulnerable as his bike, even when barely moving and that in a car he just didn't drive the same sort of road. We talked a bit about corners of building and the like and then I asked a simple question.

I asked if he ever had to run into a rest room after a movie or during a ball game. He said "of course!" So, I asked how much anxiety he had as he entered the restroom?

The light went off.....because you see....there it is.




So, the next time you run into a restroom without a door realize that you already know how to handle a blind corner without anxiety.....or the next time you're on your bike and headed towards that dreaded turn...pretend you are headed to the restroom!