Originally Posted by
modernjess
I have 2 suggestions.
1. Mountain biking (off road on actual mountain bike singletrack) is one of the best ways to increase your bike handling skills I think. It is different, but you are forced to do things that increase your feeling of comfort and confidence on a bike and use you upper body so much more. I really think it makes you a better road rider. With that said I wish I had more time to go mountain biking.
2. Ride ride ride. And then ride some more. Practice, like in anything it's the age old way to increase your skills
+1
Good advice - I only did singletrack once, but it really increased my understanding of how to control the bike.
Riding on snow and ice is also good for learning how to deal with slippery conditions.
FWIW - wet leaves are nastier than ice in a lot of ways. I would do the curves slowly (particularly at night) unless you really want to practise your crash kung-fu.