Philadelphia Mountain Biking Association - Forums

I've ridden the FOW/IMBA demo trail a few times now and each time I try to use it more and more. However I'll freely admit I don't know what I'm doing!!! I need help on techniques for tackling these jumps & obsticles, eg approach, take-off, landing, etc etc.
Yesterday I took one jump too fast, went over the handlebars, landed on my head, saw stars and scrapped up my knee pretty badly!!! Luckily my girlfriend is a nurse so she patched me up....I'll ride again....hopefully romorrow!!!!

So is anyone else the same as me....wants to use the new trail but doesn't know how to?? Safely!! And would be interested in attending such a class??
Also, is anyone willing to take the class??? I've been out there with a few of you guys and I know there are people out there who could do it.

Cheers
Gary

Hope you're ok Gary. Jumping is not easy. I have trouble myself despite riding for years, so I know where you're coming from. Make sure you start small and work your way up. Try to stay relaxed. When you tense up is when you usaully end up crashing on almost everything. Practice, practice, practice.

There's a lot of really talented jumpers in the club so a class like this could be in the future. Stay tuned.

i couldnt help you out on huge hucks and railing kickers, but i do have a couple pointers on hopping over larger logs if you're interested.  no bashguards necessary!

I am not a pro or anything but I feel comfortable jumping almost anything. Plus I used to be a ski instructor so I know some techniques on teaching. I would love to help out and hold some kind of clinic or something... But Tom is excatly correct. You have to stay loose any time you leave the ground as each jump face is diffewrent and will make your bike react in a different way. Staying loose and using your body, and suspension if you have it, to modulate your take off path and trajectory is the most important part to a sucessful landing. The most common mistake is called the "dead sailor" which is when a rider is fully extended, arms and legs, going off the face of a jump, and the bike and body fly through the air like a dead sailor, and you usually go over the bars. Your arms and legs need to be limber, so you can move around and make corrections to your flight path in the air... More later, but I hope this helps. Gotta go ride!!!!

Guys, thanks for the advice, its all appreciated. And yes, I'm ok, my knee is pretty stiff so I had to enjoy this glorious day out of the saddle! I did find this clip that gives a few good pointers:

http://rodale.onstreammedia.com/vss-bin/vss_SR/rodale/play/?template=video_viewer.tmpl&asset_id=380&flex_time=1034&expression=bicycling&query=*&showads=yes&isRelatedLink=yes"

See y'all bright & early next Sat.....

Gary

Roger Maverick you have the ball...  Ummm yea lets not make this rocket science.  Lou does know how to jump, but that kind of language makes it seem like you need a degree in engineering to get it.  Its just about being comfortable on your bike, lessons will help you, but the trick is bike control.  Start with log crossings and just getting used to larger logs.  Once you can get over that stuff without having your cardiologist on speed dial I'd recommend starting to jump small obstacles like single jumps.  Of course suspension helps on the jumps so if you're on fully rigid I wouldn't recommend jumping too high or far. 

A lot of the technique to jumping is your body position approaching the jump.  It would take a ton of writing to explain this for every situation and frankly it wouldn't matter because there's no way you'd be able to memorize and apply it.  It really comes down to feel and seat time.  So get out there and get out of your comfort zone a bit but just remember to take it in increments.  Nothing will set you back more than a real injury.

Cheers!

Chris

Hah!  I guess I'm in the same boat, as far as off-roading.  I've been trained several times over the past 12 years for city patrol on a bicycle, but I have never really done any off-roading, which is what I would like to start doing on my own time.  I know I need a better bike than what I have now for serious off-roading and downhill stuff.  I don't think my eBay-bought NEXT mtb is going to hold up to much abuse, although the frame seems sturdy.  Although, if i break it, it would be good justification to spend the money on a nice Trek or Cannondale; I just don't want to break any bones in the process.

I don't know if a formal class is necessary.  Probably better to just get a group together of folks with various skill levels, and some veteran riders that are willing to slow down and coach a little here and there.  Also, sharing info on where to find intermediate-level trails would be a big help.

I'd definitely be interested in a group ride. I call dibs on being the comedy relief.

 quote: "I don't think my eBay-bought NEXT mtb is going to hold up to much abuse, although the frame seems sturdy.  Although, if i break it, it would be good justification to spend the money on a nice Trek or Cannondale; I just don't want to break any bones in the process."

No doubt that getting a new ride will improve your fun factor. It's not just about high performance, it's about reliability and not having to fix your bike after every ride. Your riding ability will grow more with a better bike. Also, be sure to get it from a bike shop so they have your back if something does go wrong.

Don't wait to brake the bike/yourself to get a new one.  A proper ride will roll smoother, faster, have suspension that works with you as opposed to against you and guarantee more smiles per hour.  REI's got a sale on now that will have you rolling on something fun that won't break the bank.   

Karl

Lust, I posted that awhile ago.  Two weeks ago, I bought a new 2006 GT Avalanche 2.0, and I'm still breaking it in.   ;D

Nice. Congrats on the new ride.

Hey, I want to jump too.  I already hit everything I can find on the "legal" trails. Maybe we can meet those other guys at the bowl on Fiday for a little clinic.  What time do you all meet?

we should be there no later than 5pm. Come one, come all. I will try my best to teach anyone who wants to learn how to jump. There will be at least 4 guys there that are jumpers that can help, and yes there are small jumps to learn with. But for starters a bike with the proper set up is very important. To hit the big stuff, a bike with a short stem (75mm max) makes it easy. This is not to say you can't jump with a long stem, but it is easier to control the bike and your body.

First thing we will work on is body position and center of gravity. You want to be in the "attack" position (low and loose, knees and elbows bent almost 90-degrees) during take off. This will help you be fluid in the air and be able to adapt and correct your flight path once you leave the ground. Think about it and try it on your next ride off of small bumps. Try to move yourself and the bike around in the air a little bit more each test run and get to know the feel.... See you at the bowl. Anyone who needs directions, PM me. Lou

Thanks. I'll see you all there!  I'll be riding a Fisher Fat Possum.

Where's the bowl?

 ::) :o :-\