1) descend in the drops. Lower center of gravity= better handling.

2) brake before turns. Slow in fast out is the fastest, and safest way.

3) learn to turn by countersteering (i.e. pressing down on the inside handlebar to push the bike over into the turn). Davis Phinney has written about this and he can explain it better than I can. See http://cvcbike.org/club/descend.html and http://books.google.com/books?id=O33...-IumE#PPA28,M1 This method allows much more control , and the ability to alter your line as needed.

4) when it's wet, really emphasize No 2, brake before the turn, enter the turn very slowly, and make the time up on the exit, and the straightaway.