1. Extreme Biking
Extreme mountain bikers have been doing tricks for years, pushing the limits of the human ability to fly and maneuver mid-air. Dirt jumping takes the tricks to new levels, with riders performing tricks such as 360-degree turns and flips in the air, back flips and landings that could crash the average bike to bits.
2. Stay Safe When Dirt Jumping
Safety gear is vital when you are jumping 10 or 15 feet in the air over hard surfaces. The landing can be very dangerous and you need to protect yourself to ride another day. Injuries are a fact of life in dirt jumping competitions, but you can minimize the effects with the proper safety gear. A full-face helmet is preferred over a regular helmet and it's got to fit snugly so it won't fly off mid-air. Most dirt jumpers, who also find good shoes and gloves that provide some level of protection, use shin and elbow guards as well.
3. Know When to Quit
Dirt jumpers live for the dangerous risks. However, you should never attempt a new trick until you are confident that you are ready. Tension creates stiff joints and more injuries when, not if, you fall. One of the first skills needed by a dirt jumper is the ability to fly away from your bike mid-air when you feel that the trick has been compromised. It is not a sign of weakness to let go if it doesn't feel right. You can always pick up your bike and try it again.
4. Better Bikes, Bigger Jumps
Take time to purchase your first mountain bike. Now many bike features can be customized for the kind of riding that you enjoy most. By now, you've ridden on a few rented bikes or done some dirt jumping on your old mountain bike. You can tell the bike shop what you are looking for. Put your money into the best suspension that you can afford. Multiple gears and bigger tires will aid you in the high jumps. You will be in the mud and off-road, so you don't need the spiffy frame that many racers and city riders look for. Get the best rear-wheel suspension that you can afford.
5. Train for it
Mountain biking is one of the worst sports to address lack of range of motion. Overuse of muscle groups, especially on the back and wrists, creates stiffness. It can lead to injuries if a biker doesn't balance his biking with cross training workouts to exercise other body parts. Floor exercises are a good compliment for bikers because you can bend and twist the body in alternate positions from your usual riding positions. Crunches and twisting should be an integral part of any riders training regimen. Other sports, such as swimming, provide an alternate resistance needed by the arms and legs.
Member Comments