MX Tips for a complete beginner

[CaNaDiAn,Eh?]

Hey Everybody,

I will be going to a mx track for the first time in a few days and I was hoping I could get some tips from the masters..lol. I have never had the opportunity to go before so I am completely lost. I don't even know the proper technique for going off a jump. Thanks for any tips you can give me.

 

[Jeff Gilbert]

The biggest mistake I ever see a new rider to mx do is think they can do what the seasoned riders do. I see new riders mount the bike and "goon ride" all the way up the face of a jump and end up wearing the bike for a hat. My advise is to take it slowly at your own pace. Feel the reaction of the bike over the terrain before you try floating above it. And for God's sake, get your butt off the seat.

 

[r_outsider]

Which track you going to? Calgary? Rocky?
Just take your time, and ride your own pace. You're not going to be attacking triples or blitzing whoops your first time out, so don't kill yourself trying. One thing I'll point out...you're going to encounter faster and better riders. When they go around you, don't suddenly panic and change lines in front of them. Most MX neophytes make this mistake, so I thought I'd point it out before you get T-boned. Just hold your line, they'll get around you, or pull over when it's safe.
Other than that, take your time, stand up and have a great time!

 

[CaNaDiAn,Eh?]

Thanks for the advice, it definitely helps me out a lot. Unfortunately the weather has turned sour so I won't be going when I planned...but I am hoping to get there in a week or so. One more question, when you go up the face of a jump do you gently accelerate or do you hold your speed??? As I said I am completely clueless.

 

[r_outsider]

First of all, find yourself a nice small jump with no lip or kickers on it. somthing with a long gently sloped backside or a small tabletop would be perfect. Then, go practice riding it. Usually, you want to hold steady or let off the gas as you approach the face. Mostly it's just going to take practice, practce, and more practice. Probably some bumps and bruises, too. Good luck!

 

[tedkxkdx]

I am thinking of building a MX training course for guys exactly like this. It would be a closed course with the individual rider being able to do two exact same jumps in a oval format. The jumps would first be very simple and then progress from there. The emphasis is on safety and technique so there are no doubles, triples to case on just table tops with visual aids to let the rider see doubles and triples on the longer jumps. I would give instruction as well, but I am still in the land-looking stage. It would be in St. Louis MO area.
What do think about this course? Are there courses like this in the states now?

 

[tnrider]

Are there courses like this in the states now?

likely only in individual's back yards...

i have one in the works on my land for my kids to play on - but no plans to open to others (thanks to insurance and litigation issues)

 

[CaNaDiAn,Eh?]

Sounds like a good idea!!

 

[tedkxkdx]

I would have to pass the IMSA insurance since I would want folks to have the 10K injury coverage. IMSA makes you build your course in a certain way but I have yet to find out what their requirements are.

 

[SpectraSVT]

Make sure you keep your weight forward. Alot of riders who are not accustomed to track riding sit too far back on the bike. This is good for some types of offroad but it makes you turn slower and jumps are more difficult. When you stand keep that helmet over the bars.