Beginner’s Guide to Mountain Bike Bunny Hops

The bunny hop is a fundamental skill that allows you to clear obstacles and maneuver technical terrain. While intimidating at first, with practice you’ll be hopping like a pro!

Safety First: Always wear a helmet and ensure your bike is in good working order (proper tire pressure, functioning brakes).

Finding Your Practice Zone: Locate a flat, open grassy or dirt area free of obstacles.

How to Bunny Hop Like a Pro!

·  Prep: Stand tall, knees bent, grip loose.

·  Pre-Hop “Pop”: Lower body, push down on bars to lift front wheel.

·  Lift Off “Pull”: Extend legs/hips, pull up on bars (lift rear wheel).

·  Land “Push”: Absorb impact with bent knees/elbows.

Benefits of Mastering the Bunny Hop:

• Smoother Rides: Conquer bumps, roots, and small ledges without slowing down, maintaining momentum and flow on the trail.
• Increased Confidence: Successfully navigating technical sections builds confidence and allows you to tackle more challenging terrain.
• Improved Bike Control: Mastering the bunny hop hones your body position and coordination, leading to better overall bike control.
• Opens Up New Lines: The ability to hop allows you to explore new lines on the trail, adding variety and excitement to your riding experience.

Mastering the Bunny Hop in 4 Steps:

1. The Prep:

Stand with feet flat on pedals, knees slightly bent, and core engaged. Keep your body centered and arms slightly bent with a low chest and forward gaze. Relax your grip for better balance.

2. The Pre-Hop “Pop”:

• Compress: Lower your body (knees and elbows) to compress your suspension, storing energy for the lift.
• Unweight the Front Wheel: Quickly extend your arms and push down on the handlebars to lift the front wheel.

3. Lift Off “Pull”:

• Manual Lift: As you extend your arms and push down, pull up with your arms to boost the front wheel lift and shift your weight slightly back.

4. Stick the Landing “Push”:

• Explode Upward: Once the front wheel is up, extend your legs and hips to lift the rear wheel in a smooth, explosive motion using stored energy. Point your toes down and pull up with your feet to aid the lift.
• Timing is Key: Practice coordinating the push down (arms), pull up (arms), and body extension for a fluid motion.
• Stay Loose: Maintain a relaxed, flexible body to adapt to the bike’s movement. Spot Your Landing: Look ahead where you want to land, not at your front wheel, to maintain balance and prepare for impact.
• Absorb the Impact: Bend your knees and elbows to absorb the landing. Aim for both wheels landing simultaneously or the rear wheel first for a smooth stop.

Tips for Success:

• Start Small: Begin with low hops on flat ground before tackling obstacles.
• Visual Markers: Use a stick or cone to practice hopping over, gradually increasing the height as you improve.
• Video Yourself: Record your attempts to identify areas for improvement in your form.
• Practice: Consistency is key. The more you practice, the more natural the bunny hop becomes. Short, frequent sessions are better than long, infrequent ones. Aim for a few minutes of practice every other day. Make sure you’re practicing the correct technique, even if you can only do a few hops at first.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Tensing Up: Stay relaxed for smooth, controlled hops.
• Poor Timing: Focus on coordinating front and rear wheel lifts. Practice slowly if needed.
• Looking Down: Keep your eyes focused on where you want to go, not your wheels.

Bonus Tips:

• Visual Learning: Watch instructional videos online for a visual demonstration of the bunny hop mechanics. A great resource is the Global Mountain Bike Network (GMBN) on YouTube, known for their clear and engaging tutorials.
• Embrace the Journey: Learning the bunny hop takes time and practice. It’s normal to experience challenges like poor body control, balance issues, or fear of falling. Remember, everyone progresses at their own pace.

Share Your Story:

• Leave a comment below! Did you face similar struggles while learning the bunny hop? How long did it take you to master it? Share your experiences and any obstacles you encountered to help and motivate others along the way.

Remember: Progression is key! Start slow, focus on proper technique, and with consistent practice, you’ll be conquering those trail obstacles with ease.