Skill of the Month

This months skill is -- pedaling front wheel lift

Ever wanted to do a wheelie? This is step one. Not interested in wheelies but would love to get over that small log on the trail without getting off you bike? No? Still not convinced this skill is for you... what about getting up onto a sidewalk? You catching my drift? This skill is for EVERYONE! Bonus, is can be practiced ANYWHERE.

So let’s get riding! This is a slow speed skill, it is a bit tricky but a safe one to practice anywhere!

Find a flat, open area and make sure you are in a gear that gives you resistance (middle ring-ish). It’s easier to learn from sitting - with your seat in what would be considered your climbing position. Up high!

Okay lets do it!

Our key words for this skill are

• Tall ready position

• Power position (front pedal is at the top of the pedal stroke”

• Preload (over front)

• Power pedal & pull

• Return

We want to start without any obstacles, we don’t want to add the timing in until we are feeling comfortable getting our wheel up consistently.

Come in at a slow walking pace, in a tall ready position. Get up enough speed that you can coast with level pedals. Move your forward foot into the “power position”, preload the front wheel like you would for a front wheel lift (moving shoulders slightly forward and low over the bars). Right when you move your chest up and your arms begin to straighten, forcefully apply downward pressure on your front foot (power pedal) while gently guiding your bars upwards.

Did you have luck, how many tries did it take? What key words did you tell yourself? What would have helped you learn this skill easier?