Lesson 36 – Cornering Like a Pro

Cornering is one of the biggest differences between an average cyclist and a confident one. The fastest riders don't attack corners—they flow through them. 

Whether you're riding winding country roads, descending a mountain pass or simply turning at a roundabout, good cornering skills make every ride safer, smoother and far more enjoyable. The secret? It's not about bravery. It's about technique.

 
👀 1. Look Through the Corner 

The number one rule of cornering is simple: Your bike follows your eyes. Many riders make the mistake of looking directly in front of their wheel—or worse, staring at the hazard they're trying to avoid. 

Instead: 

✔ Look towards the exit of the corner. 

✔ Keep your eyes scanning ahead.

 ✔ Let your body naturally follow your vision.

🛑 2. Brake Before the Corner 

One of the most common mistakes cyclists make is braking halfway through a turn. 

Instead: 

✔ Slow down before entering. 

✔ Finish most of your braking while travelling in a straight line. 

✔ Release the brakes as you begin turning. 

Your tyres have more grip available for turning when they're not also trying to slow the bike.

 
⚖️ 3. Trust the Lean 

Many new riders try to keep their bike upright while turning. In reality: Your bike is designed to lean. A smooth lean allows your tyres to maintain grip while naturally guiding you around the corner. 

The tighter the corner… …the greater the lean required. Stay relaxed and let the bike do what it was designed to do.

 
🚴 4. Position Your Pedals 

As you enter a corner: 

⬇️ Keep your outside pedal down.

 ⬆️ Raise your inside pedal. 

This: 

✔ Lowers your centre of gravity. 

✔ Improves stability. 

✔ Reduces the chance of your inside pedal striking the road. 

Add gentle pressure through the outside pedal to help the tyres grip.

 
🤲 5. Relax Your Grip 

Tight hands create stiff steering. 

Instead:

 ✔ Hold the bars firmly—but not tightly.

 ✔ Keep your elbows slightly bent.

 ✔ Relax your shoulders. 

A relaxed rider responds much more smoothly to the road.

 
🌧️ 6. Respect the Conditions 

Every corner is different. Reduce your speed if you encounter: 

🌧 Wet roads 

🍂 Leaves 

🪨 Loose gravel 

💧 Oil patches 

🛣 Rough bitumen 

The goal isn't to ride every corner at maximum speed. The goal is to ride every corner with maximum control.

 
🛣️ 7. Choose the Best Line 

Without crossing the centre line or leaving your lane: Think: 

Wide → Apex → Wide 

Start wide within your lane. 

Clip the smoothest point of the corner. 

Allow yourself to naturally drift wider as you exit.

This creates a smoother arc and requires less braking. Always stay within your lane and obey road rules.

 
😊 8. Confidence Comes From Practice

Nobody becomes an expert cornerer overnight.

Start practising on: 

✔ Quiet roads.

 ✔ Gentle bends. 

✔ Familiar routes. 

As your confidence grows, your cornering will become smoother and more natural.

 
⭐ Coach Booty's Tip 

Confidence isn't about entering corners faster. It's about entering them with control. The smoothest riders often look effortless because they're calm, relaxed and looking well ahead. Ride smoothly—not aggressively.

 
🎯 This Week's Challenge 

Find a quiet road with a few gentle corners. Practise: 

👀 Looking through each corner. 

🛑 Braking before turning. 

⚖️ Keeping your outside pedal down.

 🤲 Relaxing your upper body. 

🚴 Riding smooth, not fast. 

You'll quickly notice how much more stable and confident your bike feels.

 
💗 Remember Every great corner starts long before you begin turning. Look ahead. Brake early. Stay relaxed. Trust your bike. Master these simple habits, and every ride will become smoother, safer and more enjoyable. 

🎓 Next Week at Booty Butter Academy Lesson 37 – Riding in the Heat Beat the Heat. Ride Smart. 

Summer riding can be one of the most rewarding—and most demanding—times to be on the bike. 

Next week you'll learn how to protect yourself when the temperature rises.

 We'll cover: 

☀️ How heat affects your body and performance. 

💧 Hydration strategies before, during and after your ride.

 🧂 Replacing electrolytes lost through sweat. 

🕒 The best times of day to ride in hot weather.

 🧴 Sun protection, clothing choices and recognising the early signs of heat exhaustion.

 Because riding smart in the heat isn't about pushing harder—it's about preparing better. 

See you next week! 🚴☀️💗