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Post by kconner on Dec 27, 2010 16:17:32 GMT -5
After my trip to Ray's MTB in Cleveland last week, I decided I really wanted to develop some technical skills. I've been wanting to learn how to bunny hop for a while, so I figured that would be a good place to start. I noticed that the pump track has a tapered log, so I built this out of scrap wood I had laying around the house:  It has 3 sections, each 12" wide, and 9", 6", and 3" high. I angled the corners to (hopefully) reduce the impact in the case of a fall. The only drawback I can see is that it doesn't have the depth that a typical rider might have, but it's at least something to start with. The best feature is that it's portable, so I can use it at the house or at work (I'm lucky enough to be able to play around at work when I have down time ;D ) and it can also have tiers added to it when/if I get good enough. Anybody have any other ideas of stuff that can be easily built? I've got a decent amount of scrap wood at the house I need to get rid of/use and would like to build some skinnies/log rides and maybe some teeter totters. I'd like to do it on a somewhat smaller scale in order to be able to easily reconfigure, and keep it low to the ground, since the plan is to develop skills, not kill myself  Any ideas are appreciated! |
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Post by dgaddis1 on Dec 27, 2010 20:07:36 GMT -5
That's cool! I wouldn't use it for bunny hop practice tho, as you'll likely end up with flat tires and dented/busted rims. It would be awesome for practicing log hops tho (front wheel touches the log, hen hop the back over). Even then those hard edges will not be friendly to your wheels if you come up short.
For bunny hop practice build yourself a limbo bar that goes all the way to the ground. Use a 1" PVC pipe as the bar. That way if you hit the bar it just falls off, you don't crash, and your wheel doesn't get totaled. I built one for SORBA-CSRA, I'll find a picture later...
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Post by dgaddis1 on Dec 27, 2010 21:35:33 GMT -5
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Post by kconner on Dec 27, 2010 22:11:36 GMT -5
Since I am new, I apologize for how stupid this may sound, but what is the difference in a bunny hop vs. a log hop? I always figured that getting over a "ridable" log or other small obstacle would be best accomplished with a bunny hop, but is there a better/easier/more efficient method (I don't have a problem getting the front wheel off the ground, I'm just tired of slamming the back wheel into the obstacle due to the loss of momentum in addition to the wear and tear to the wheel)? Anyways, I accomplished getting the back wheel off the ground about an inch the other day and was looking for an obstacle to practice with to better the skill.....thanks for your comments about the hard edges, I didn't think about that.....I've still got enough scrap wood left over to build the supports for a piece of PVC, that'll give me something to do tomorrow |
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Post by dgaddis1 on Dec 27, 2010 22:26:34 GMT -5
The problem with bunny hopping is it's hard to do for really big logs, and speed is really important, got to go fast enough so both wheels clear the log before they come down.
The best way Ive found to ride logs, as you approach lift your front tire, and let it land on the log, just in front of the top. As soon as it touches the log hop the back wheel - jump up (NOT forward) and suck your legs up. If you're clipped in it's really easy. As you lift the rear wheel push the bike forward, the back tire should just clear the log, and you'll land smoothly on the other side. If done right it's super smooth and you may not even have to slow down any.
It's all about timing! But you can adjust your timing to fit any speed/log size. You can also use this tool to step up onto rocks or bridges or any other obstacle on the trail.
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Post by dgaddis1 on Dec 27, 2010 22:28:38 GMT -5
Bunny hopping looks cooler though!
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Post by kconner on Dec 27, 2010 23:00:22 GMT -5
oh, so they're pretty much the same thing, just different..... |
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Post by kconner on Dec 27, 2010 23:01:10 GMT -5
but that does make sense, I'll hafta play around with the different techniques |
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Post by DK on Dec 28, 2010 6:40:57 GMT -5
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Post by dgaddis1 on Dec 28, 2010 7:09:37 GMT -5
oh, so they're pretty much the same thing, just different..... Yeah sorta. With a bunny hop nothing ever touches the log (in theory!), and it's harder to lift the rear wheel. With the other method you can pivot the bike about the front wheel once it touches, which makes lifting the rear wheel easier IMO. Rotate your wrists forward to help. I've been going a bit to fast before and my timing was off, and I ended up lifting the rear tire before the front touched down. Then the front tire bonked off the log and launched everything up even more. I cleared the log by a good foot or so! It was pretty sketchy though... |
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Post by kconner on Dec 28, 2010 9:55:27 GMT -5
cool website, this is the best one I've found so far for breaking down/explaining this skill, I like the idea of using a platform for practice, gives you the chance to practice placing your front wheel in different spots  |
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Post by Mark Y on Dec 28, 2010 15:11:17 GMT -5
cool website, this is the best one I've found so far for breaking down/explaining this skill, I like the idea of using a platform for practice, gives you the chance to practice placing your front wheel in different spots And practice busting your hiney on grass in the front yard rather than roots,rocks, and hardpan on a trail. |
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Post by kconner on Dec 28, 2010 18:45:13 GMT -5
 I stole your design....it's not as tall, but it's made from scrap wood I had laying around, and it's all I need for now....thanks for the idea! And as for the butt busting....way ahead of ya! |
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Post by Mark Y on Dec 28, 2010 21:35:53 GMT -5
Ahead of me in busting your butt? Prolly not, I'm a pro sad to say.
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Post by dgaddis1 on Dec 28, 2010 21:54:48 GMT -5
Nice job man, that's perfect.
Now put some extra air in your tires and get to practicing! I expect you to compete in the bunny hop contest at bike fest next year, we need more people.
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Post by kconner on Dec 28, 2010 23:14:17 GMT -5
Nice job man, that's perfect. Now put some extra air in your tires and get to practicing! I expect you to compete in the bunny hop contest at bike fest next year, we need more people. I plan on it! |
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