Originally Posted by
USAZorro
Lots of good advice. I try not to think about too many things. Practice one or two until it becomes second nature, and then focus on one or two more.
Look at where you want to exit the turn
Brake before the turn, hands off the brake while turning unless you have a major emergency
Steer primarily by leaning bike
Outside pedal down on turns.
Weight on outside pedal
Keep body vertical while bike leans
and finally - increase body mass.
j/k on that last one.
+1
I'm one of those guys who's blessed in that I drop like a rock. I think looking down the road as opposed to looking down at the road is the most important part of descending. Find a steep hill that's either straight or has very gentle curves and coast down it getting used to the speed. Start first up on the hoods catching wind and then when you feel comfortable start tucking and getting used to faster speed. Hopefully the joy of speed and trying to cut corners as fast as possible it will become addictive (note: don't do this on unknown roads so you don't have to worry about gravel).