Whenever I get more than a half-crank rotation backwards, I start to lose my balance (usually to my right) and have to step out of the pedals. I feel like I might be leaning too far forward. Does head position matter?

Is it easier to do standing or sitting? I've been guessing standing, since my weight distribution points with the bike are much lower that way -- but I could be wrong.

Any tips appreciated.

I recently learned to ride backwards, and the biggest thing for me is keeping my weight centered towards the seat.

I learned it recently. My tips:

Clipped out/on the reverse side of clips. Pretty obvious...

Standing, no problem if you start to lean forward while you are going

Practice trackstands. My best trackstand is right foot forward, wheel turned right. That's where I start the circle from, so halfway I get to a left forward, bar right position. To be able to ride through that, I found it useful to practice left-forward, bar-right trackstands.

Don't practice more than 20-30 minutes at a time, then come back to it the next day. Being obsessive just frustrates you and your upper body gets so tired you keep doing it worse and worse. Plus I seem to remember that sleep helps muscle memory things sink in properly.

Try not to be stiff, but relaxed and confident

thanks for this tip. makes sense. i do 90% of trackstands with right foot forward, so i know i need to practice with the left.

this may be a dumb question, but is the strategy always to ride in a circle? that's what it sounds like from your description, since you keep your handlebars turned. i've been trying to do ride both with them turned slightly, but also in a straight line.

i'll be practicing on the local (unused) tennis courts this weekend.

I've been practicing in a basketball court too. I always been able to ride facing backwards easily (sitting on handlebars, facing the rear, pedalling backwards). It's strange riding backwards like that is so much easier than facing the right way and going backwards.

I think the hardest part is the responsiveness of turning the wheel. It's easy to over turn it, you really only need to move it slightly. I can go about 10 feet further each time I practice.

Agreed. Learning *not* to turn the handlebars to compensate for loss of balance has been tough.

BTW -- skelly, you have some kick-a** photography on your site. I love the shot of the stone stairway that doesn't appear to go anywhere.

this one wins

I'm too lazy to find the link, but 2 months ago I asked the same question. It's easier to do a circle, and it looks cooler at the same time. Plus it reduces the chances of hitting something you don't see... But it's fun to practice straight line, too.

I tend to go faster when I ride forwards.

^^^practice more

skelly, you live downtown or in the burbs?: I haven't seen your bike around the city.

downtown near city hall. i rarely have a chance to ride when it's light out so i'm mostly out at night. do you do any group rides?

I haven't yet. I've heard about people riding on tuesday and thursday nights. I might come out tonight if i can find enough layers to put on.