Class 2B Crank Course: How to Ride the Right-Angle Turns

The crank course is a narrow lane bounded by kerbs that turns through a series of tight right angles. You ride through at walking pace without touching the kerb or putting a foot down. It is one of the stages learners most often need to repeat.

The technique

1. Enter slowly and on the outside. Before the first turn, position the bike toward the outer side of the lane. This gives you the widest arc.
2. Control speed with clutch and rear brake, just like the plank. Keep a little throttle on and the clutch slipping.
3. Turn your head first. Look through the corner to the exit of the next section before you turn the handlebars. Your shoulders and the bike follow.
4. Turn late. Ride deeper into the section than feels natural, then turn. Early turns cut the inside corner and the rear wheel clips the kerb.
5. Use the handlebars fully. At walking pace the bike steers mostly with the bars. Do not be afraid of full lock.
6. Reset between turns. Straighten up, move back to the outside edge, look to the next exit, and turn again.

Common mistakes

• Looking at the kerb. The single biggest cause of kerb touches. Look at the exit.
• Grabbing the front brake in the turn. With the bars turned, the front brake tips the bike over. Use the rear brake only.
• Stopping completely. If the bike stops, your foot goes down. Keep it creeping forward with the clutch.
• Turning early. Remember that the rear wheel takes a tighter line than the front. Give the inside corner room.