REAR WHEEL LIFT
The Rear Wheel Lift is a technique used to lift the rear wheel to get over features.
WHERE THE SKILL IS USED
The Rear Wheel Lift is used to get over small features on the trail.
KEYWORDS – REAR WHEEL LIFT (2-WHEEL CYCLE)
| 1. Tall Ready. 2. Load. 3. Explode. 4. Claw. 5. Ready. |
INSTRUCTOR DEMONSTRATION
Side view demonstration. Moderate Walking pace. Recommended Cone Placement
PERFORM A DEMONSTRATION – The instructor must perform a demonstration for every progression.
LOCATION FOR DEMONSTRATION
Flat terrain, dirt or grass, open area.
SITE SELECTION – Consider the natural elements when teaching this skill in the open space (protection from the sun, wind, and rain). You will need access to a 4-inch (10 cm) high rollable feature.
GOAL OF THE LESSON
To lift the rear wheel over a 4-inch (10 cm) feature/log on the trail at slow speeds.
KEYWORDS – The describing words used to teach the skill.
PHASE BREAKDOWN- Helps the instructor create a deeper understanding of the skill, how it is broken down into the key Bike/Body movements, and the correct order in they should be performed.
| FIVE PHASE | KEYWORDS REAR WHEEL LIFT | KEY BIKE/BODY MOVEMENTS TEACHING POINTS |
|---|---|---|
| Set Up | Tall Ready | The rider is in a Tall Ready Position. Speed: Moderate walking pace. DO NOT apply the brakes. |
| Initiation Move | Load | The rider Loads the bike, bending their arms and legs, dropping their hips, and applying strong downward pressure through the feet, compressing the bike. |
| Force-Producing Move | Explode Claw | Immediately after the load, Explode the body upwards pushing away from the ground, through the feet and legs. Continue the explode movement until the arms and legs are fully extended. The rider points their toes down and Claws the pedals to lift the rear wheel. As the pedals are clawed, brace the shoulders and arms forward and down onto the handlebar. Using the claw, the rider bends their knees, pulls the pedals up, and lifts the rear wheel. |
| Critical Instant | The moment the rear wheel lifts off the ground clearing the feature. | |
| Follow Through | Ready | The rear wheel lands on the backside of the feature/log. The rider uses their arms and legs to absorb the impact. The rider returns to a Ready Position. |
Additional information:
When utilizing the claw, the primary focus is on the rear foot, and the front foot will follow.
The Rear Wheel Lift is NOT initiated by using the brakes. Caution riders to not use the front brake during this move.
The rider maintains a balanced position throughout the Rear Wheel Lift. As the rider explodes, and the rear wheel releases from the ground, the arc of the movement will cause the rider to naturally shift forward onto the hands, creating pressure in the hands, and a body wedge. Watch for riders who are throwing their weight forward instead of staying in balance throughout the lift.
Once a rider learns to lift the rear wheel, they should also be able to unweight the rear wheel. The difference is important, as it is often necessary to maintain contact between the rear wheel and the feature.
Example: When the Front Wheel Lift is used to go over a small log, the rider unweights the rear wheel. This gives the rider better control and feel of the surface that the rear wheel is rolling over
GROUP MANAGEMENT – Have the riders practice one at a time through the cone zone. Space out your riders allowing for enough room for them to practice the skill and reset.
METHOD OF OBSERVATION – Position yourself to the outside (side view) of the cone zone, allowing space for you to observe all the key bike/body movements in order. You will need to keep your eyes focused on the group watch for frustration and rider fatigue.
ERROR DETECTION AND CORRECTION – Positive, Constructive, Positive.
ERROR DETECTION AND CORRECTION
Example: The rider cannot lift the rear wheel.
- Check the rider is performing the load correctly. Without the load and explode the rider will not be able to perform the claw movement and lift the wheel.
- Check that the rider is shifting the hips upwards after the load, a common error is for the rider to shift their hips forward towards the handlebar.
- Check that the legs are extending before the feet claw the pedals.
- Check the clawing technique.
PROGRESSIONS – Teach the skill in smaller steps to ensure the rider has become proficient in that step before advancing to the next step in the skill.
RIDE STANDARD – The BICP ride standard is used for testing riders for certification.
SKILL PROGRESSIONS
Have riders practice the Claw movement before practicing the Rear Wheel Lift. (STATIC HOLDS AND DEMONSTRATIONS)
PROGRESSION ONE
Have the riders practice a Rear Wheel Lift with no feature; the rider chooses the timing.
PROGRESSION TWO
Add a timing line. Have the riders roll the front wheel over a row of cones, then practice the Rear Wheel Lift over the row of cones to develop the correct timing.
PROGRESSION THREE
Add Front Wheel Lift then Rear Wheel Lift. Have the riders practice the Front Wheel Lift over a row of cones, then the Rear Wheel Lift over the row of cones to develop the correct timing.
PROGRESSION FOUR (RIDE STANDARD)
Increase the size of the feature. Have the riders practice the Front Wheel Lift and then a Rear Wheel Lift over a 4-inch (10 cm) high feature/log.
PROGRESSION FIVE
Increase the size of the feature. Have the riders practice the Front Wheel Lift and then a Rear Wheel Lift over a 6-8-inch (15-20 cm) high feature.
STATIC HOLDS AND DEMONSTRATIONS
| OFF-BIKE DEMONSTRATION |
|---|
| 1. Stand beside the bike with one foot on the ground. Lock only the rear brake. 2. Place the other foot on the pedal in the lowest position (3 o’clock), point the toes, and apply backward pressure. 3. At the same time, apply forward pressure to the handlebar. Creating an opposing force. 4. Push the pedal back and up. |
WRAP UP THE LESSON –Have the riders leave on a positive note. Remind the riders of their accomplishments and suggest a goal or things to practice.
DEFINITIONS
Rear Wheel Unweighting
The rear wheel maintains contact with the feature with less of the rider’s weight on the rear wheel.
Wheel Lifts
This is when either the Font Wheel or Rear Wheel lifts off the ground and does not touch the feature.
