adobephile
01-19-2005, 12:52 AM
After many months of gliding fun I have yet to have a major spill. But I almost bought it the other day in a moment of inattention.
I was gliding down a sidewalk past a group of people walking in the opposite direction. My attention was on maintaining plenty of separation. I was also a bit distracted by their admiring glances and comments as I passed--to the extent of not noticing a dip in the concrete at a driveway cutout.
I somehow lurched the HT sideways a bit, enough to throw off my body balance sideways and enough to necessitate putting my foot down and other fitful body maneuvers in an attempt to keep from taking a spill.
I lucked out and was able to stay upright and get back on the HT, and all was well.
This incident served as a reminder to me to always be on the lookout for potential pitfalls. For me these have been abrupt transition surfaces such as curbings and sidewalk cutouts--all of which can normally be smoothly negotiated, but all of which can spell disaster if one isn't prepared for them.
Anticipating turns by starting to lean sideways a little bit BEFORE twisting the steering ring, so as to keep the body center of gravity inside the HT's CG; keeping one's legs and knees bent/flexed to absorb shocks and keeping a light grip on the control sick to allow it to slap back and forth while crossing uneven surfaces, etc. are all acquired skills which help ensure that glides remain impact-free.
This is in no way a complaint. I just wanted to share my observations for the benefit of other gliders.
"The job of art is to chase ugliness away."
Bono, U2.
From a personal appearance
at an Apple Computer music event.
October 26, 2004
Daniel Swanson
http://www.van-garde.com
I was gliding down a sidewalk past a group of people walking in the opposite direction. My attention was on maintaining plenty of separation. I was also a bit distracted by their admiring glances and comments as I passed--to the extent of not noticing a dip in the concrete at a driveway cutout.
I somehow lurched the HT sideways a bit, enough to throw off my body balance sideways and enough to necessitate putting my foot down and other fitful body maneuvers in an attempt to keep from taking a spill.
I lucked out and was able to stay upright and get back on the HT, and all was well.
This incident served as a reminder to me to always be on the lookout for potential pitfalls. For me these have been abrupt transition surfaces such as curbings and sidewalk cutouts--all of which can normally be smoothly negotiated, but all of which can spell disaster if one isn't prepared for them.
Anticipating turns by starting to lean sideways a little bit BEFORE twisting the steering ring, so as to keep the body center of gravity inside the HT's CG; keeping one's legs and knees bent/flexed to absorb shocks and keeping a light grip on the control sick to allow it to slap back and forth while crossing uneven surfaces, etc. are all acquired skills which help ensure that glides remain impact-free.
This is in no way a complaint. I just wanted to share my observations for the benefit of other gliders.
"The job of art is to chase ugliness away."
Bono, U2.
From a personal appearance
at an Apple Computer music event.
October 26, 2004
Daniel Swanson
http://www.van-garde.com