But the most important tip is to learn to pump the bike at the base and in a smooth motion extend at the take off lip. Pumping the bike is essentially knowing how to smoothly load and unload the bike.
As you approach the base of the dirtjump drop down to a crouch. This is essentially loading your body and your bike with potential energy.
As you come up the jump you smoothly unload your body like a basketball player popping up to do a slamdunk. At the lip of the jump your legs and arms should be extended. Think of being on a trampoline and jump up tall; not crouched. Do not let your body lean back or you'll crash. Stay upright or slightly forward.
Explode off the lip upwards then suck the bike up towards you as you start to peak out at the highest point of the jump.
As you peak out at the top and start to come down to earth, push the bars forward. This will drop the front wheel down and let your bike gracefully arc down towards the backside or tranny.
Don't force it. Your motion has to be smooth and have rhythm. The smoother you are, the better the jump.
Comments
2007-12-1708:18:18 Nice article.
Dirt Jumping is unlike freeride because you have to work with the bike and control it instead of just thrashing around.
2007-08-1007:07:45 Great article and spot on!
you can\'t over emphasise the point on being relaxed… if you go rigid (Dead Sailor) you have had it… :0