Submitted by prodigaldotter on October 28, 2006 - 3:34pm
Okay, so as a beginner, I am into out-of-the-way (also out of the traffic) spots to practise. I just thought it would be interesting to hear where everyone else goes (whether alone or with people) to goof off or try stuff.
My current favourite:
this tiny little park at 11th and Manitoba - it's paved in this cork-like tile stuff, so it's cushy and it hurts less when I fall/stumble/get clumsy. And it's a quiet street, so not so many boorish onlookers. It's small though, so don't visit with more than, like, 3 or 4 people?
Any other out-of the way spots to reccommend? Variety is good!
Have you tried the Hey Fixie group? I know a lot of people go and practice together around science world.
http://www.fearlessgearless.com/group/hey-fixie/
Apart for that, I usually practice in traffic! Ekkkk!
Being able to skid in a parking lot doesnt mean you'll be able to skid when a car tries to door you...
what you say is of course very true... however learning the basics of skids, or better bike handling is easier and safer in parking lots, tennis courts, open squares and away from large moving vehicles and latte-wielding pedestrians. it all goes to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed on your bike (fixed or not).
that way when the car door does open right in front of you you can avoid it, avod the car that is passing you at the same time in the lane next to you and still be able to coherently express your dismay at the offending door opener... in whatever form you feel is appropriate.
and yes... one of the main points of 'HeyFixie' is to share and build our skills, without people making negative comments (unless we are talking to sascha... ;])
We practice/dork around all over the place... science world is the start/warmup spot... but the plaza of nations, canada place, robson square and brittania HS have all been visited (to list a few).
come on down...
One place that I had a BLAST on riding my fixie, was Confederation skatepark.
It sucks to ride a BMX there, but the terrain is just challenging enough to ride a fixie over.
Theres a couple of low pyramids, two banks, and a 'funbox'.. not to mention a weird ass teacup that rivals china creek.
..also, its strangely empty all the time.
Lyle
As for straight up skidding goes.. when its raining, you cannot beat Science world.
Try to make it all the way around the sphere on one skid =]
Watching movies while practicing trackstands and drinking beer is a good time.
Otherwise, I'm practicing trackstands, skids, and circles whenever I'm on the bike =D
It's wet out right now, I should be out there working on my 180 to rollouts.