Learn how to ride trials and street trials with TrashZen: this will also improve your general MTB riding skills.
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Drop off from any height


Now we're talking real control and hardcore physics. Jumping from some height in a controlled manner, that is, without putting yourself at risk upon landing, is a very useful skill to have if you are to save your bones.

trials riding tutorials

trials riding tutorials

Thanks to the laws of to gravity, it's fairly easy to go down, not always quite as planned though and that's why you should get used to jump off the bike when things go wrong, in order to crash "safely".

To avoid pinching flat on rocks or on sharp edges found in most biketrial zones, make a point of landing smoothly by damping the impact very progressively rather than banging the bike flat on the ground.

In all the drop-off techniques, unless you know what you are doing, always pull the rear brake to a full stop upon landing. That will prevent you from a harsh landing on your back (extreme wheelie slammer).


Some techniques that will get you closer to Earth

trials riding tutorials

Raw street style: jumping at full speed (bunny hop).
A simple pedal kick or brake release (pure trials).
Roll off a rounded obstacle, with one pedal turn or in manual.
Drop sideways with the back wheel first (stylish and precise).
Hop both wheels at once sideways (across some edges).
Ride down smoothly, if the step is not too high.
Pivot 270° with a 90° front wheel endo.
Launch a 270° freestyle turn as you drop down.
Absorb the impact progressively on the bike.
Check out the physics lecture


WARNING::WARNING::WARNING::WARNING:
Well, jumping off high is one of these transitions that remains potentially health damaging, flesh and bones being first in the wrecked crew. Simply bear in mind that people die when jumping from too high.

Gravity is painfully generous in that sense, and a bike in the way just adds to the cruelty of a bad reception, regardless of the protections you can wear. We would still advise to wear a helmet and some good knee/shin pads.

trials riding tutorials



Now, a few wisdom guidelines:

Well, yeah...
Thanks for the advice

trials riding tutorials
You should have seen that gap!

• What you feel about a move is very important. Don't get pressurised to do things you are not confident about. If you don't feel like you are in shape or in the mood to go crazy on your bike, just don't!!! 'cos that 's when you'll hurt yourself big time.
• Make sure your bike is in perfect order, and that you can trust it. Watch out particularly for the brakes, and the chainset which is under quite some stress.
A chain that breaks when you just kick on the pedals, can make things go horribly wrong (it is very likely to send you over the bars i.e OTB facial reception).
• When learning, always start small before you build the height. As a general fact, all the techniques described in that Website can be practiced on a 6 inches kerb, along your home street, until you are confident enough to try from higher.
• The harder the ground, the harder the reception, 9 feet to land on concrete is a risky business, whereas landing on a sandy beach or on thick turf is much more forgiving.
• Other than that, if the bike is reliable, and you feel great, then: Just trash your bike around and stay zen. Read our Disclaimer...


More hints and safety guidelines
In the air, stabilise the bike aligned with your body, otherwise, you're likely to be ejected sideways, on impact with the ground. Leave the back wheel hit the ground first, with the rear brake on to gain extra damping with the "bottom bracket-to-rear-hub" lever. We 're talking hardcore physics here!
Check out the lecture on smooth landing.


serious connection