Skyyhorn Posted October 21, 2018 Share Posted October 21, 2018 With all the rain we’ve been having, my rides have consisted of riding up and down the brushy creek regional trail on my hard tail which has become extremely boring. Today was slightly different as I started doing bunny hop drills and practicing looping out to get comfortable in a semi-controlled setting. I even went as far as to build one of those bunny hop drill contraptions I’ve seen on YouTube, but haven’t had a chance to use it yet. What other drills or skills would everyone suggest to practice that could be done in a field, parking lot or other open area while the trails are soaked? As a note, I would say I’m an intermediate rider that needs to develope the necessary skills to ride harder features. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyt Posted October 22, 2018 Share Posted October 22, 2018 trackstands drops 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skyyhorn Posted October 22, 2018 Author Share Posted October 22, 2018 Just now, crazyt said: trackstands drops I accidentally have to practice track stands while riding with my 4 year old and he randomally stops. I try as best as possible to track stand as long as needed and it’s made a big difference. For drops, those are harder to create without trail. Curbs are not challenging anymore and I haven’t found a suitable drop to practice off trail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mack_turtle Posted October 22, 2018 Share Posted October 22, 2018 Think like a BMX street rider and go urban riding. Drop loading docks, bomb stairs, hop parking lot gaps, carve banks. Austin itself is a BMX street riding Haven, in case you didn't know. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mack_turtle Posted October 22, 2018 Share Posted October 22, 2018 Also, learn how to pump. Find a flat area and see if you can do a "lap" without pedalling. This skill pays out big of the trail. Getting over the terrain is partially about pedaling, but largely about how effectively you "surf" the terrain by moving your center of gravity in a parabola over every bump. Notice that Lee's head almost doesn't move at all. On that topic: https://www.cyclinghacks.com/mountain-bike-skills-coaching/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
throet Posted October 22, 2018 Share Posted October 22, 2018 (edited) 12 hours ago, crazyt said: trackstands drops Much easier to tackle drops if you first learn to manual. On many drops you can get away with just having enough speed or shoving your bars forward or compressing your suspension to get some lift off the run in, but if you listen to the experts, your best bet for keeping your front wheel from diving in many situations is to manual off the edge. It makes sense and looks great on videos, but I think because it probably feels unnatural, most people just compensate using other methods. The technique is the same regardless of whether you're going off a curb or a 6-ft drop, but of course the consequences of failure vary greatly. Edited October 22, 2018 by throet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teamsloan Posted October 22, 2018 Share Posted October 22, 2018 Ride skinnies (curbs). I like practicing by riding from my driveway to my neighbors. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skyyhorn Posted October 22, 2018 Author Share Posted October 22, 2018 1 hour ago, mack_turtle said: Also, learn how to pump. Find a flat area and see if you can do a "lap" without pedalling. This skill pays out big of the trail. Getting over the terrain is partially about pedaling, but largely about how effectively you "surf" the terrain by moving your center of gravity in a parabola over every bump. Notice that Lee's head almost doesn't move at all. On that topic: https://www.cyclinghacks.com/mountain-bike-skills-coaching/ This is something I had not considered and will certainly give it a try. I have a mini tri-pod I'm going to use to film so I can see what I'm doing right or wrong. I really like this one and appreciate the suggestion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skyyhorn Posted October 22, 2018 Author Share Posted October 22, 2018 40 minutes ago, throet said: Much easier to tackle drops if you first learn to manual. On many drops you can get away with just having enough speed or shoving your bars forward or compressing your suspension to get some lift off the run in, but if you listen to the experts, your best bet for keeping your front wheel from diving in many situations is to manual off the edge. It makes sense and looks great on videos, but I think because it probably feels unnatural, most people just compensate using other methods. The technique is the same regardless of whether you're going off a curb or a 6-ft drop, but of course the consequences of failure vary greatly. I have unintentionally noticed landing with the back wheel does seem to help, even off curbs. I try and ramp off driveway edges and not let the front wheel dive just as proof of concept until I can find a more suitable height. 18 minutes ago, Teamsloan said: Ride skinnies (curbs). I like practicing by riding from my driveway to my neighbors. Yes, this I have tried as well while riding with my son since riding them at a slower pace is harder. I try and ride as far as possible, but it also helps to know when to bail and hop off to the street. At some point I would like to ride the trails again just like everyone else, but I appreciate the suggestions from everyone thus far so I can be ready if it ever quits raining. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRA Posted October 22, 2018 Share Posted October 22, 2018 Great time to learn how to ride a wheelie. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mack_turtle Posted October 22, 2018 Share Posted October 22, 2018 (edited) I've been working on my bunnhop skills. how does this look for progress? https://www.instagram.com/p/BpPRKAKh4Au Edited October 22, 2018 by mack_turtle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skyyhorn Posted October 23, 2018 Author Share Posted October 23, 2018 3 hours ago, mack_turtle said: I've been working on my bunnhop skills. how does this look for progress? https://www.instagram.com/p/BpPRKAKh4Au Wow, I’m not sure I could manage to get my front wheel up to the lowest point of where that guy’s rear wheel hits. Impressive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bamwa Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 Bikerfox Hop is essential. I've actually used it on some steep dismounts. It goes like this....endo....land on feet.....pat yourself on the back....ride off in style, Jackson. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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