This is one of the most essential skills, as well as one of the most deceptively difficult. “Looking ahead” could actually be in front of you, but it could be behind as well. This is critically important for turn-arounds and for cornering. The faster you go, the further out you need to look. Remember that what is one yard ahead of you is irrelevant once you and the bike are already committed. Don’t look down, look at where you want to be. This way you will know what is under you, because you’ve already seen and scanned it.
Prerequisite – normal neck muscle flexibility and ability to remind yourself about this every time. More like hundreds of times per day.
Homework – driving your car or a bicycle, every time you get out of the house, be mindful about where you are looking. Are you looking 50 yards ahead? Are you scanning the surroundings? Lift your eyes from the ground and force yourself to look where you will be in a couple of seconds. Remind your brain about looking ahead. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t master this over a week. Nobody does. This takes practice and patience. Instead, praise yourself every time you remember to do it.
LanaOnWheels 