How To Gain Speed On PumpTracks & Trails - How To Pump A Bike

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Gain Speed on Pump Tracks & Trails

Introduction:

Pumping is the art of pushing your weight into the ground to generate momentum and accelerate through bumps and rollers on a downslope. In this tutorial, we will cover the key techniques and common mistakes to avoid when pumping your bike to gain speed on pump tracks and trails.

1. Understanding the Basics of Pumping:

   • Pumping involves pushing your weight into the ground to generate momentum and accelerate through bumps and rollers.
   • Practice on a pump track or a trail with rollers to get a feel for the technique.
   • Ensure your seat is low to maneuver around the bike easily.

2. Proper Body Positioning:

   • When approaching a roller, lower your body and absorb the face of the roller with your arms towards your chin.
   • Compress your arms to generate momentum and release the energy forward.
   • Extend your arms as the front wheel reaches the top of the roller to follow the contour.
   • Tighten your core and legs as the rear wheel reaches the peak of the roller to drive your weight into the back half of the rear wheel.

3. Timing and Acceleration:

   • Practice timing your movements to accelerate through multiple rollers consecutively.
   • Focus on getting your weight behind the axle to drive the bike forward.
   • Push your legs forward to make the rear wheel follow the contour of the ground and prepare for the next roller.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid:

   • Avoid staying too centered on the bike and not getting back past the axle to generate forward momentum.
   • Refrain from repeating the same mistake on consecutive rollers by maintaining proper body positioning.

5. Practicing on Pump Tracks and Trails:

   • Apply the pumping technique on a mountain bike to gain speed on smaller rollers and transitions.
   • Practice consecutive pumps to accelerate through sections and corners on the trail.
   • Focus on getting your weight into the downslopes faster to maintain speed and control.

6. Continuous Improvement and Practice:

   • Keep practicing to refine your timing and body positioning for effective pumping.
   • Listen for the acceleration of your tires and adjust your technique accordingly.
   • Experiment with different sections on pump tracks and trails to master the art of pumping for speed.

7. Final Tips and Advice:

   • Find a spot with good rollers or sections to practice pumping consistently.
   • Focus on mastering the technique in one session to improve your speed and control on pump tracks and trails.

By following these steps and tips, you can enhance your pumping skills and gain speed effectively on pump tracks and trails. Remember to practice regularly and seek improvement in your technique to become a more proficient rider.