How to Jump Your Bike: Key Points from the Lecture

Introduction

• The skill of jumping a bike is broken down into easy, understandable steps.
• These steps apply to any bike and any obstacle.
• Featuring Mike, Chase Willie, and Matt Cordova, an expert dirt jumper.

Equipment and Safety

• Bike of Choice: Any bike can be used to learn this skill.
• Pedals: Recommended to use flat pedals.
• Safety Gear: Always wear a helmet for protection.
• Jump Location: Start with a flat or rollable jump.

Techniques for Leaving the Ground

• Launching: Passively riding into the jump, relying on speed and the feature itself.
• Jumping: Actively applying force into the obstacle for controlled and repeatable jumps.
• Jumping is preferred for control over the bike.

Steps to Learn Jumping

1. Applying Force and Accurate Speed in the Lip
2. Leaving the Lip and Leveling the Bike
3. Identifying the Landing Zone and Practicing

Anatomy of a Jump

• Flat Bottom: Start in a neutral riding position, weight on feet over the bottom bracket.
• Loading Zone: Located on the lip where you apply force (pump) to jump higher.
• Pop Point: The top of the lip where torso should be perpendicular to the ground.
• Case Pad: A flat surface on top to safely land if short.
• Gap: Distance to clear between the lip and the landing.
• Landing: Preferably nice and mellow for beginners.

Practicing Jumping

• Start by riding over the jump without attempting to jump it.
• Identify the loading zone by feeling where the lip starts to push back.
• Apply force (pump) into the lip using arms and legs.

Body Position

• Maintain a neutral riding position.
• Weight should be felt in the feet, not hands.

Leaving the Lip & Leveling the Bike

• Use the entire lip to maintain momentum.
• Level the bike by bringing knees to chest and pushing handlebars out.

Landing

• Prepare to land by re-extending legs to absorb impact.
• Aim to land with both tires simultaneously for a smoother transition.

Additional Tips

• Practice is crucial; no easy button for mastering jumps.
• Advanced riders may land front tire first for more control.

Closing Remarks

• Safety and fun are paramount.
• Approach jumps with caution and respect.
• Engage with the community for more tips and share your goals for jumping.
• Check additional resources for related skills like pumping and Bunny Hopping.