Freerider Rob Heran taught his seven-year-old son (pictured above) how to jump on his bike himself. These are his tips:
1. THE WILL COUNTS
Children should not be forced to do anything. They should have the opportunity to take the initiative themselves and say: I want to jump over this ramp. Please don't be falsely ambitious: don't compare your child with other children, as this demotivates them.
2. START SMALL
Before confronting the next generation with their first jump or drop, children should first get used to their sports equipment. Pump tracks are ideal for this. There, the little ones can practise with little risk and take their cue from other bikers instead of just mum and dad.
3. FALLING IS PART OF IT
On the first visit to the pump track or easy terrain, the first fall is usually not long in coming. Parents need to stay calm and not panic straight away. It is usually only the shock that makes the children cry. If everything is in one piece, it's time to analyse the mistake: Analyse the mistake and try again straight away.
4. VIDEO ANALYSIS
Film your child's attempts and explain any movement errors to them later on the computer. Especially in the age of YouTube stars like Fabio Wibmer, this can also be a special incentive. Otherwise, an ice cream will do as motivation.
A. APPROACH
Stop pedalling just before the ramp and concentrate fully on the jump. Keep your body as tense as a cat: arms and legs bent, centre of gravity in the middle above the bottom bracket. Look straight ahead.
B. SIGN-OFF
As soon as the front wheel touches the ramp, the legs push the upper body backwards. The arms pull on the handlebars to generate height. The jump is successful when the front wheel extends the ramp table in the air. Important: maintain body tension, otherwise the front wheel will tip forwards.
C. FLIGHT PHASE
The body's centre of gravity is relaxed over the centre of the bike. The arms and legs are slightly bent. Otherwise, it is important to prepare for the impact of the landing. Always look forwards again. Otherwise: enjoy the airtime!
D. LANDING
Important: Don't just let the bike's suspension travel do the work, but actively absorb the impact with your arms and legs. The elbows should be pointing outwards. The centre of gravity is above the bottom bracket. In general, you should make sure that you land with both wheels at the same time if possible.
You can find this article in BIKE 5/2020. You can read the entire digital edition in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the print edition in the DK shop reorder - while stocks last:
