I had this article all written and ready to post, but I decided to go for a ride. When I get back the page was completely blank other than the title. Aarrrgggg! So now I have to rewrite the whole thing.

Have you ever been asked that question? I have several times. Not trying to be a smart alack, but I usually just simply state the truth … “by turning the handlebars”.

Now that is the main way but there are other ways as well. There is what is known as “brake steer” where when cornering one brake can be applied to slow the inside wheel down while the outside wheel goes faster. So if turning left the left brake is used and if turning right the right brake is used. The rider need to get used to this. The more the brake is applied the more steering effect it will have. One must be careful not to lock up the brake however. Brake steering is helpful if you are cornering a little too fast/aggressively. If you ride like a turtle you will probably never use brake steer.

The third way is what is called “body steer”. By leaning to the left in a left turn or leaning to the right in a right turn you can turn a corner faster without tipping over. Moving the body from one side to the other can make a big difference whether or not you successfully negotiate the turn.

Have you ever watched motorcycle sidecar racing? It is pretty fascinating watching the second person called “the passenger” move about so much to keep the motorcycle on the course at high speeds. He earns his money … not to mention the extreme danger. They do get killed while doing this. There is also dirt track racing where they are bounced around all over the place making their job all the harder. They have to hang on to keep from getting tossed out.

Anyway, moving our bodies from side to side can make a big difference. But again, if you don’t ride that fast and aggressive you probably will never experience “the thrill of it all”. Keep in mind a tadpole trike can tip over … easier than most people think. I have seen it happen at a slow speed just going around a curve. Leaving into the curve would have prevented it.