I am too scared of a bike jump and get too scared to even lift up what should I do?

Question

the jump is the steepest i've ever done and goes almost straight up when i go off i really only use my speed and never get high as some of my friends i dont't even know how they do it because if you pull up the bike will be going straight up

Answer 1

Hey,

I know how you feel.

The most simple thing to do is

1. Make sure if nothing were to go wrong you could do it

2. Do some other jumps first to build up comfidence

3. Get shitloads of adreniline (watch vids or listen to music) and just do it, dont think.

Once you've done it once your confidence will go up and you'll be able to do it again easily.

(Even the best guys in the biz say)

"If you not scared of a new hard line you've never tried, you've got to be a dumbass"

(And it worse for me when i try new big c**p cos my suspension doesn't work, im doing it 90's style, lol)

Answer 2

If u r really tht scared thn don't try. Even if u learn it, u won't b able 2 do infront of odrs. Cause u'll feel very scary and shy.

Answer 3

Ok......first things first.   On a *real* jump that has a proper lip/ramp.....do NOT pull up on your bike.   If it's made well, all you have to do is shift your weight back when you hit the lip, and you'll get some pop that will carry you up.   That's the easy part.....you still have to shift the bike and execute the landing!   lol    :o)  

If you pull up, like you're going to wheelie, or like you might on a small, rounded "jump" mound of dirt, then you're more than likely going to go straight up, have trouble adjusting your flight attitude, and case the jump badly.    A good launch is all in the timing, so practice on smaller jumps (build one, if you have to) until you get the weight shift right and it starts to feel comfortable.  Keep practicing, and you'll get it eventually.

That said, don't go bigger than you're ready for.  It's far safer and smarter to learn on itty bitty jumps while you perfect your technique and *then* move up to bigger jumps than it is to go too big before you're ready and get frustrated and/or hurt in the process.   Please consider this advice....it's coming from a guy who has early arthritis and limited range of motion from a few broken bones and a lot of downtime because nobody shared this info with him when he was on the learning curve.   :o)

Study some videos and play them in slow motion if you can.....look at the weight shift that good riders execute as they roll up the lip.  Notice if they crouch-and-pounce....or if they don't.   If you have $20 to spare, pick up a copy of "Mastering Mountain Biking Skills" from Lee MacCormack and Brian Lopes.....very good stuff in that book that will help you learn the right way and improve your skills.  

Good luck, keep at it and be safe!

Answer 4

If you're too chicken then go play golf. It's a great game and not scary.