How do you woods riders cross big logs?

[twiggy]

I'm not talking about small trees across the trail (I can handle those). I'm talking trees 18" or more in diameter that you could use for a bike stand!

I recently rode a trail that had several of these in both uphill and downhill sections. I could basically get my front tire over pretty easy, but when that back tire hit, it nearly threw me over the bars. I basically had to get the front tire over the tree and then muscle the back end over.

Any help would be appreciated.

Jon

 

[Micahdawg]

I usually hop the front end over, lean forward, grip the bike with my legs and hop up as I gas it for the rear. Leaning forward and hopping up helps kinda bunny hop the rear over it. If I'm dragging the frame of the bike I'm SOL 50% of the time though. Some things you just shouldn't be going over.

Micah

 

[JPIVEY]

This works for me ( most times )

As your front wheel loft over the log get your weight back on the rear fender as far you can and then a quick twist of the gas,just enough for the rear to grab a little log and pop your over.

btw,speed is not the issue, it's technique

 

[Badgas]

Do an internet search for a Trials technique call a "Jap Zap". Basically, you lift the front end enough to make contact with the log about 3/4 of the way up. When the front end hits the log, load the rear suspension by pushing down on the pegs. With the rear suspension loaded, physically jump up and "Zap" the gas a little same time. Try this technique slowly at first. Soon you will be basically bunny-hopping the log. This is a timing technique. It will feel very bizarre at first. Start small and slow. Once you get good at it, you won't even hit the log with your rear tire. Hopes this helps.

 

[smb_racing]

Answer, very carefully :D
but no really, do you ever wonder why most off road bikes have skid plates or if they don't have a skid plate there's no paint left on the bottom of the frame? I always pull the front wheel over and drag the frame until I get traction from the rear, it's not pretty but it works.

 

[SndyRds]

RONCO pocket chainsaw?????

 

[gibbs_6]

I do the same thing as smb.May not be the right way, but it works.;)

 

[YoTRacer158]

when i cross big logs im usually in 2nd gear on my 125....go up to the log slow and then use the clutch to pop the front wheel up...if you hit it going too fast the back end will kick hard and you'll probably go down. then like some of the other guys said i just squeeze with my knees and pull up until i get enough traction to get back on the gas

 

[SpeedyManiac]

I wheelie to get the front end over until skid plate hits. Get off bike, lift the rest over, get back on bike, continue on my way. There are pluses to have a really light bike!!!!!

 

[wr200r]

Whenever we find large logs laying over the trail, and I'm talking Oregon old-growth large, which we can't ride over, we just pile a bunch of smaller logs on each side of it(or one side if we are only going one way) making a triangle. Otherwise, just keep your weight back, snap the throttle and don't hesitate.

 

[twiggy]

Thanks guys. I'll try the the technique, but with an old XR, I'm not too sure how well that chunk of lead will "hop".

SpeedyManiac: That's how I got through this one trail. But with an XR, the only thing that resembles "light" is that thing in front of the handlebars. It nearly killed me!

wr200r: I like the "pile up smaller logs" solution. Sound like what I will do until I develop some skills (which may take a while). It will also help when my wife is on a ride with me.

Again, thanks for the help.

Jon

 

[JPIVEY]

Twiggy, try to find a log 3-4' long, drop it in a field or backyard and practice over and over, you don't need a whole lot of room.

Just a thought

And stop bagging on your bike :D

 

[twiggy]

JPIVEY: Good idea. Thanks. And about my bike, I'm just trying to convince myself it's a heap so I can justify getting a new(er) one.;)

 

[bbbom]

You are going to make your wife take your bike over the big logs? Boy, I need to talk to her!!! ;)

My BIG log technique would be similar to Speedy's but I don't lift my bike over, I walk alongside of it while letting it do the work. We have also used the piled up stick technique for really big logs.

If the log isn't too huge, I have been able to pop the front tire over, stop and get my feet on the log then power the rearend over. Still leaves you vulnerable to rearend kick though. :scream:

 

[twiggy]

bbbom: It's so my wife can get HER bike over big logs. Otherwise, I'll have two bikes to wrestle over the obstacles (which I will always gladly do;) ).

Yeah, I've done the standing on log, powering bike over thing. But most of the logs I was talking about were the ones where when your back end gets on them, your feet can't touch anything (and I'm 6'4", mostly legs!). Not a lot of fun when I lose my balance.

Thanks.

Jon

 

[smb_racing]

well when your bike gets the back tire on it then you're over the obstacle, the key in that situation is all balance. Have you ever tried standing on the pegs while sitting still and just balancing the bike? It's a good excercise to practice I think.

 

[bbbom]

:eek: :p :cool:

 

[SpeedyManiac]

I've tried the build it up with other logs, they are alright, but make sure it isn't too steep, otherwise they get very tricky.

 

[cr250john]

Check out this link

For the "Jap Zap" method.
Includes text and pictures!

 

[smb_racing]

great link :)

 

[Nikey]

I have no problem going over big logs, my problem is getting my bike with me...;)

 

[MTRIDER]

wheelie on to the log at a 45 degree (or should I say into the log) with the front wheel hitting the top of the log and use that same plane to cross the entire log....then just do a drop landing on the on the other side .......if it is done right it is smoooth and the only rubber touches.... this is the same for 12'' to 4':p

 

[jalbert]

tips

check out mlafferty.com for great riding tips:D

 

[Trev250]

Originally posted by twiggy
And about my bike, I'm just trying to convince myself it's a heap so I can justify getting a new(er) one.;) [/B]

Nuthin wrong with old bikes. Keep ridin that old heap like it's goin outta style (Oh, It probably already is,Oh well). My CR is an 84 and I can't think of anything else I would be more comortable on. :p

 

[W.P.EXC]

Trev 250, your forgetting some people on here have seen you ride and comfortable isn't the first thing that comes to mind! :) :) :)