Learning to turn

[Dogbait]

I am learning to ride my first recumbent, a Rans F5. I've pretty much got the hang of turning while moving at more than 4 mph but am having a hard turning from a dead stop... such as making a right or left from a stop sign. I can't seem to make enough speed to get around the corner without pedaling, which causes my big feet to get hung up in the wheel. Any suggestions?
Thanks.

[aikigreg]

set up cones in a parking lot or something. It takes a lot of time to get really comfortable. My other suggestion is to really gear down when you are coming to a stop - even if it means a granny gear. You'll have more confidence when you don't have to muscle the bike. I started out in granny in my recent TT just to eliminate the chance of crashing at the starting line due to nerves :).

[BlazingPedals]

Start with the bike a few feet back further from the turn, that way you can get moving before you try an extreme maneuver? What are you trying to do, a 90 degree turn on a sidewalk? I've never seen a corner on a road that was sharp enough to worry about - cars can't turn all that sharply either so curbs always have a 10-foot radius (or more) to them.

[cat0020]

Keep your chin up, turn your head and eyes to look where you want to go, not where you might end up.

Sit up in the seat if you need to, slow speed manuever are about visualizing where you want to be.

[lowracer1]

Keep your chin up, turn your head and eyes to look where you want to go, not where you might end up.

Sit up in the seat if you need to, slow speed manuever are about visualizing where you want to be.

Then take one more big drag on that reefer.......... you'll be just fine and won't even care if you run into the curb and crash. I'll bet you'll laugh about it.

[carcassonne]

Keep your chin up, turn your head and eyes to look where you want to go, not where you might end up.

I was just thinking about this recently, and how a recumbent makes scenery enjoyable. I'm still not at ease enjoying scenery while riding as I tend, naturally, to focus on where I go or in the worst case, where I want to go.

Cheers.

[carcassonne]

As being said, try to get momentum before turning by stopping before the curve. Also it is possible for a short time to pedal while turning sharply if you move the heels out. At least on a AB HiRacer. Not a 90 degrees turn, but to some extent it is possible.

Cheers.

[Dogbait]

Thanks to all for your suggestions. It's getting easier as I practice. pointing the heels out helps.

Lowracer,
If you don't mind, I'll pass on the reefer... not really looking for anesthesia. :rolleyes: