How does keeping your elbows up help in a motocross race?

A bunch pf people have beenn telling me to keep your elbows up when racing but what benifit does it have. will it help me?

How does keeping your elbows up help in a motocross race?
It is one of the most important things to learn while racing...Not only do you have more control from side to side but it also lets you get into attack position..Always" Always...Make sure when going into a corner that your outside elbow is up.and weight the outside foot peg...
Reply:It's called the "attack position" and it is very important. My motocross instructor, Gary Bailey, is fanatical about this. He will some times pop you in the arm with a big stick as you round a corner if your elbows are not in the correct position. Always remember, elbows up and chin over the bars.
Reply:Truthfully it only helps when doing a rythem section or the "whoops" because you get more control but if your on a jump i wouldnt advise it, only because you pulll it up to high and you head would be too far close to the handle bars giving you an easier access to go over them. I would advise keeping your arms loose and not tense, also keeping your elbows up makes it easier to dislocate your shoulders.
Reply:Get a copy of Gary Baileys book on how to ride MX. It explains that and many more tips. T-pod.
Reply:Having your elbows up gives you more strength and control over the bike as you are over the bars.





If you were push starting a car you would never have any power to do so if you pushed front on with your elbows down and the same applies with having them down on a bike. You have less power.





Have a look at a site www.motocross-racing-tips.com as this mentions keeping elbows up a few times and www.motocrossaction.com also has an article called leading with your face that talks about riding with elbows up
Reply:the benefit is that if ure elbows are up then your arms go with the suspension and you have more control. its hard to explain what i mean but if u leave ure elbows low then theres more strain on ure forearms and wrists although carmicheal and villipoto dont really keep there elbows up and there to of the best in the world so if ure find it dosent suit you just carry on how you are. one thing though is if you can get the techniques and body positioning right then add the speed you will end up beinga better rider