The Now we're talking real control and hardcore physics. Dropping off: jumping from some height in a controlled manner. Well, thanks to gravity it 's quite easy to go down; not always as planned though. But you should get used to jump off the bike when things go wrong, to crash "safely".

8 techniques to drop off

Raw street style: jumping frontally at full speed (bunny hop). Frontally from a pedal kick or brake release (pure trials). Wheeling off a wall, with one pedal turn or in manual. Sideways with the back wheel first (stylish and precise). Both wheels at once sideways (if the bike is on some edges). Riding down smoothly, if the step is not too high for your crank set. Pivoting 270° with a 90° front wheel endo. 270° freestyle turn: backhop flip on the rear wheel.

WARNING::WARNING::WARNING::WARNING::WARNING::WARNING::WARNING::

Well, dropping off 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 sens, and a bike just add to the cruelty of a bad reception, regardless of the protections you can wear. I would still advise to wear a helmet. Now, a few wisdom guidelines: What you feel about a move is very important. 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. 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) 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 you can easily fall off in the sand. Other than that, if the bike is reliable, and you feel great, then just keep control of everything and stay zen.

Well, yeah... Thanks for the warning You should have seen that cliff! Real scary!!

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 brakes on to gain extra damping with the "bottom bracket-to-rear-hub" lever. (we 're talking hardcore physics there! Check out the lecture).