Let’s frame the discussion a bit. We’re concentrating on road riders here, but some of this will be applicable to mountain bike riders as well. Oddly, this discussion will be concerning itself with quick and safe, as opposed to fast. Please read closely, as there is a distinction.
It should be obvious that getting off to a fast start has its advantages. Apparently a large number (possibly the majority) of road cyclists just don’t seem to get how to make this happen.
Before we go any farther, let’s make something really clear. This post has almost nothing to do with racing. You will rarely see experienced racers rush the start. For them, it’s simply not worth it. What’s the point of frantic rush, when one is surrounded by others, and a race-ending fall, at the beginning of the event is embarrassing.
So why bother to discuss it? Well, the majority of cyclists don’t race. And for those who do, the majority of riding is not in a race, and is done on the road. On the road, we have to stop. We must, regardless of how negligent or lawless we are, come to a stop at intersections, on a fairly frequent basis. This stop implies a start. A good, brisk takeoff is safer than lingering when it’s your turn to go. There are plenty of other instances where a quick start is ideal.
Here’s how to get yours going.
A good, efficient start, like most of life’s endeavors, depends on a mindset.
Preparation, Execution, Follow-Through, and always, Situational Awareness.
A fast start begins before the stop. Think ahead of the next thing you are going to do. Think through the coming intersection or stop. As you begin your stop, also begin to prepare for the take off. Downshift as you are decelerating. This will benefit you in two ways. First, you will be preparing for the anticipated stop. Second, you won’t be caught by surprise if the situation changes, and the stop becomes unnecessary.
Incidentally, shift all the way down. Go to your lowest possible gear. It’s the one that will give you the fastest of starts.
Look ahead. (Here’s that situational awareness thing.) What traffic or other obstacles are assembling themselves before you. Also check behind you.
As you are braking, prepare to clip out and step down.
While you are dismounting, mentally prepare for the takeoff.
In the moment that the bike halts, One foot is going to the ground, and the other is rising into the “power position.”
You are now ready for a quick departure.
The moment that you are clear to go, release the brakes and step down on that raised pedal. Step down briskly. While the pedal is going down, you are rising up, moving toward the saddle.
Bring your supporting leg up and put your foot on the pedal. Don’t worry about clipping in, make power. You either will or will not engage the pedal. Doesn’t matter. Put power on it. Pedal and shift.
Keep your head up, and continue your scan of the surroundings as you accelerate. (Situational awareness again.) Shift as you “top out” in each gear.
You’ll reach “cruise speed” shortly after the intersection. That’s the time to attend to the pedal. If you aren’t clipped in, make the necessary adjustments. Correct your saddle position. This is that follow through part.
Bonus: Everyone gets caught off guard from time to time. It’s possible that you could come to a stop unprepared, either through a surprise or inattention. So there you are, stopped, and you know the bike is in a high gear. What to do? Here’s a neat trick.
Release the rear brake, while you stand with one foot down and steady. Now hold the front brake tightly on. Then push forward and down on the handlebars. This will raise the rear wheel off of the ground slightly. Now you can pedal with the clipped in foot, and downshift into an easy low gear.
Practice all this stuff away from traffic, then put it to use. You’ll be amazed at how much more smoothly you will progress through intersections and other obstacles.
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