Talking about bike-maths (Galileo would have built sick rhythm sections): when you manual-pump a roller, should the force be directed vertically (to increase your weight as you suggest in Mastering Mountain Bike Skills), or perpendicularly to the backside (so that all the energy is used to push off the ground)?
Provided that our aim is to get as much speed as possible. This issue has been niggling me for a long time…
Jakub
Lee,
I bought Pump Up the Base a couple weeks back. I am currently in week 2 and am enjoying the workouts very much.
I have a question — I’m doing my best to drop my heel and then point my toes at the bottom of the pedal stroke. I’m getting a feel for that circular motion, rather than mashing. I can’t do it every time, but I’m getting better.
My question is this: I’m feeling this in my calves quite a bit. Is that normal? I would think it is to some extent, but I know I don’t want to overdo it and all my power to be coming from the calves — they’re too small a muscle group and not connected enough to the core.
Any insight you have on this — if you have the time, of course — would be appreciated.
Jim
Check out this experimental device from Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza, in Florence, Italy.
Here’s another way to learn how to move, get stronger and stay somewhat sane this winter.
UPDATE Nov. 22, 2013:
“First snow and first time nobody on it during the day in a while. Supposed to get real cold tonight, hoping it freezes, thanks again to you, Bruce and Scott.”
Mark L
Gardnerville, NV now has a super sweet bike park.
• Design by Lee McCormack and James Hall
• Build by Bruce Swan and Scott Miller
• Project management and stress by Lee McCormack
Photos:
Winter is settling in all over the northern hemisphere, and passionate mountain bikers are dreaming of great races and rides next year. If you want to shred with utmost radness next season, I suggest you start building a smart base now.
The new LaPierre/Rockshox E:i suspension system adjusts rear damping on the fly based on pedaling and bumps. I’ve been dreaming of such a system — and I tried it yesterday at Valmont Bike Park.
Hi Lee,
First of all, thank you for writing a great book. I’ve read Welcome to Pump track Nation several times and have been measuring out my pump track and started thinking about draining. In fact, I might have developed a problem. I’m beginning to wish it rained dirt, and every flat yard I see I ask, why no pump track?
My big question is, on the long return side (circled and labeled #1) up to my berms I will have to pump up hill (maybe a 10% grade, I haven’t measured it yet). What is the optimum pump size and spacing for going up hill? Should they be taller and closer, smaller and closer….
Another thing that you could perhaps comment on is making a “switch” spot to reverse direction. What would that look like at the location circled and labeled #2?
Thanks for you advise. I would like to build once and get it right.
Joe
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Hi all,
I hope you’re having fun out there. This is a great time of year to start building fitness, skills and radness for next year.
Please check out:
• Pump Up the Base training program
• The most useful pedaling tip ever
• NorCal clinics Dec. 13-15
We are rocking kung fu skills clinics at the world famous Soquel Demonstration Forest Dec. 13, 14 and 15.
Come on out!
SOLD OUT!
Promo copy: Shaun Palmer, the Miserable Champion is a shocking portrait of one of the most notorious athletes of all time. Action sports hero Shaun Palmer: 5 sports, 7 times world champion, 6 X-Games gold, 38 elite victories, 117 tour podiums, ESPY 2001 “Action Sports Athlete of the Year.” USA Today asks the question “Is this the world’s greatest athlete?”
It’s taken time and struggle to get this movie made. As soon as the DVD appeared at The Fix Bike Shop, I bought it. Full retail. Gotta support such endeavors.
Thoughts:
Hey all, we are designing an indoor bike park in Las Vegas, NV, and it’s gonna be sweet.
Chase bank is giving $250K grants to selected small businesses. Please read about the project and vote for us!