So I've sort of got the basics of pump sections/berms and things like that while going on a XC/slight DH track here in the FoD. Embarassed myself when I tried the proper DH trail by failing the smallest of tabletops which I've never really had the cajones to do.
So basically, what tips would you give someone who doesn't really know how to go over a jump/tabletop? ANY tips on body position, what I should be doing at the lead-up, take-off, in air and landing would be gratefully received Thanks!
This guy's video helped get me moving in the right direction. I know the video is for a Bunny Hop but it started pushing to experiment more with hands and arms and their purpose and movement while biking.
The biggest factor is confidence. If you are not 100% confident going into the jump, no matter how well positioned you are, it's likely you will fall. For a table top, just stand on your pedals, make sure ur flexed on your legs as they will act as the suspension (yea ur bikes helps aswell). And go at a speed ur comfortable with. If your going too slow to clear it, it doesn't matter you'll just land in the middle. Try the jump over and over again and gradually build ur speed up. Make sure ur center of gravity is well centered through the jump so ur bike doesn't dive forwards or backwards. But again, it's really all in the confidence.
I would highly recommend going on a training course or get you mates to help train you. My OH paid for me to go on a course last year and my confidence is miles better. I learnt loads of stuff and even my OH has picked up tips.
Hey thanks for all the replies guys. By the sound of things a lot of it is all in the head. Will definitely look into training courses etc. so thanks for that Gayle. JD + Ferret thanks for the tips on technique!
The book called "Mastering Mountain bike skills" by Lee McCormack and Brian Lopes has a lot of good info and there is also a video produced by Fluidride "Ride like a Pro" that goes into a lot of techniques including jumping. I found both very helpful. They talk about the position you should be in approachig the jump, what to do at the lip to either squash your jump or go big and how not to dead sailor and where to look. They pretty much cover everything and both are full of great pointers for all of Mtbing.
[Quote="Mishtar"]The book called "Mastering Mountain bike skills" by Lee McCormack and Brian Lopes has a lot of good info Quote] +1 build up slowly, maybe a jump away from the DH run and crowds/pressure, try and do a "pose" in the air, jus turn the bars a littl, lean the bike a bit- anything to stop the dead sailor striking
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