Learn to ride no-hands

If you already know how, you may remember that it took practice to become confident. If you don't know how, you may wonder, "Why bother?"

True, it's not an essential skill. And there's always risk involved when not holding the handlebar. You must be very careful, especially while learning.

Riding no-hands can often come in, uh, handy. For example, it's easier to peel a banana or energy bar with two hands than it is to use your teeth. You can take off and store arm warmers, or hold down your jacket with one hand while you work the zipper with the other.

Race Across America riders, who are on the bike at least 20 hours each day, are known for riding no-hands for minutes on end while tending to various matters. We remember Jonathan Boyer eating a spaghetti dinner out of an overturned Frisbee. The only things missing were a candle and glass of wine.

The big mistake learners make is being tentative. If you release the handlebar but stay forward ready to grab it at the slightest twitch, it won't work. Here's the right technique:

Wear your helmet and gloves, and practice in an empty parking lot or backstreet without traffic or parked cars. Don't try it on a windy day.


Pedal at a moderate cadence in a gear that supplies some resistance. Don't go too slow, which only makes the bike less stable.


Hold the bar on top near the stem.


As you continue to pedal, push back gently and evenly on the bar and sit up with your back straight. Let your arms drop to your side. Don't keep them out front like you're sleepwalking, hands hovering over the bar.

Your bike wants to stay upright and going in a straight line. That's what the wheels' gyroscopic effect is all about. There will be little wavers, but steady pedaling will keep you going in the right direction.

As you get comfortable, you can start using slight hip movements to steer the bike around things in the road. Some riders can actually turn corners no-hands, but don't be trying that till simple straight-line riding comes easy.

Return to the bar by leaning forward and placing both hands on the top simultaneously. Watch what you're doing. If one hand should miss or slip off, well, that's why you're wearing a helmet!

Note: For various reasons, some bikes are very hard to ride no-hands. The front wheel veers unpredictably. Be very careful when learning. If you're having a hard time, your bike might be in the no-no-hands category. Don't force it and risk a crash.