Pedal Kicking/gapping off of ledges

[cwbashaw]

On flat ground or loading docks I can pedal kick well over bike lentgh but if I try to kick off a short ledge like a curb or parking bumper etc... I can only get about a foot or two of distance. It feels like I'm rolling off the obstacle before I get my kick in.

Any tips on how to correct this?

[KeepRollin]

Jump up! There's a fundamental change that has to happen in your technique. Generally when you start pedal kicking you rely heavily on the pedal kick itself. Unfortunately, as you have found out, on very narrow obstacles that just won't work. Try to use your body more. Preload your body/tire and think about jumping up almost more than jumping forward and just give a short stab at the pedals.

[rush]

^ This.

Also, you want your tyre to be just on the edge when you leave the object so the tyre gets some wrap. but dont worry about that for now. Just try to jump.

[cwbashaw]

thanks I'll be practicing this tonight. Hopefully I'll have it down before Difficult run this weekend.

[Bryan]

Your biggest problem is probably letting the brake off too early. Try to consciously delay letting the brake off until after your comfort point.

[cwbashaw]

Your biggest problem is probably letting the brake off too early. Try to consciously delay letting the brake off until after your comfort point.


I tried this last night and I still need to work on it, but this seems to be the cause of my problem.
I'm also kicking way too hard.

[carnagr]

There's no such thing as kicking too hard. You can kick too far though. It has to be quick, but it should be as hard as you can.

[rrreese]

yea its all about the jump. i found a real good way to practice this is to get something real skinny (i rigged up a 2x4 on its thin side, also its real low to the ground) and try to get distance off that. It makes you focus entirely on the jump, because if you dont, ur wheel just falls of and u go no where:wiggle:

[cwbashaw]

that's a good idea.

I've been trying on a railroad tie which is slightly more forgiving but seems to be helping me for now.