6 Tips That Helped Me Learn to Jump Faster

[@m1mars]

Turned 58 and just starting to learn to jump, Im glad snow summit built Blue Steel, after a couple of days I now get air and case them but Im loving my progression.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Me too - such a great in between trail to work on things.

[@jasoncapecod]

Turning 58 next month.. i'm almost clearing small table tops, but i have the drops almost dialed...

[@MTBMOR]

That trail is a blast. It's all about having fun. It seems like there are many of us grown-up men acting like kids and jumping our bikes. What a great group to be in :)

[@pippinrush1520]

I'm 50 and had been skateboarding more than half my life. handrails, big gaps, etc.. i've been out of it for at least 15 years, and my balance seems to be a little off when I'm on the trails with my bike now. I'm hoping loosing this gut is helping me gain back some of what is missing. Maybe more yoga to help my mind get in tuned with my body again.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

@@pippinrush1520 Chers Pippin from one skater to another.

[@donbenincasa7442]

I’m 55 and a grandpa and I’m still trying to increase the air I’m getting. Dual suspension combined with different jumps (lips) is a challenge and I’m loving it! I am so excited for Blue steel because I haven’t had the nerve to launch off of the big stuff on party wave! Great topic...Cheers 🍻

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Get it D!

[@mtbeliever5833]

42 year old dad trying to jump. That’s me. 👊🏽❤️🚲

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

👊👏🏼

[@sunglassrob7752]

me too!

[@toddtucker323]

Go get it!

[@chhernandez78]

Just got back on my bike after 20 something years. I’ll be 50 at the end of this year, and want to learn to jump again. This video helps. Thanks.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Amazing - get it bud!

[@BushmanCanuck]

10 years for me 50 as well. It's taken a season to feel a somewhat comfortable but still glued to the ground 😔😁....can still ride the gnar with young folks though 👍kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZWkap9srbppqrc

[@daveyoung7523]

early 50's and want to be able to jump something bigger than an inch worm. Thanks for the tips and great channel!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Chers Dave!

[@googlepixel9pro]

Same, been riding 20 plus years and cant jump, i just crash! 😢

[@dasanoneia4730]

The bike dont know and could care less about how old you are- Rich Drew paraphrased

[@raheemgahelable]

I'm not trying to be rude here, but, Rich Drew maybe an amazing" rider" , but he definitely, definitely ain't got what it takes to " teach" MTB skills! At least, I don't personally get his way of teaching!

[@AdamMock]

Love everything about this because I’m currently living it! Determined to have so much of my footage be “before” and looking forward to the “after”. Movin’ toward smoothin’! ✌🏼🤟🏼

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Heck Yeah Adam! Looking forward to seeing your progression buddy.

[@donchristie420]

Hahaha, I’m 64 and you young 50’s snot nosed punks are going to have to step it up to catch up to me!!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

🤣

[@bikeninja956]

All great tips! Just shy of 40 here. I never felt more confident on a bike, for sure next few years are peak. Setting goals and still slowly progressing. So I was just out riding with two dudes (late 20's, almost 30), we ended up @ a huge set of gap jumps and I noticed these young guys were really gun ho to try them, first go. I passed this time around...but it really made me realize the difference in decision making that happens because of age. Anyway, one of them mentioned how he hopes to still be ripping as hard as me when he's 40... I was tak'n back, in their mind, they felt that 40 is too old to rip hard or do jumps? I couldn't understand that mentality. I'm literally just getting started. Some of these kids are WAY to addicted to the adrenaline high. Go Big for that instagram photo, zero focus on cardio or other valuable riding skills. It's all about that rush. Been there done that, get's old quick. Need to leave some room for progression boys.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Well said. 👊✔️

[@MTBTrailReview]

I definitely have trouble committing. I know I have the skill, and I know I'll be fine if I commit, but I my head tends to go to the "what ifs" on the bigger jumps. Maybe the taco song will help.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Tacos always help! Yup it's more mental than anything.

[@lajfa]

Just crossed the milestone of 60 and I have been riding mtb on and off since 1989. Just got into learning drops and jumps. The keys are conditioning, commitment, progression and repetition. Now I go to the local jump line and look almost like I know what I'm doing!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

That's awesome John - I agree with your angle!

[@johnwest4788]

63 and trying to learn to bunny hop. When I can clear 12" I'm gonna buy me a real mountain bike!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Good stuff John!

[@paulwintermute1495]

Two tips I want to add as a 47yr old shredder: #1 confidence is key. If you aren't feeling it. Don't send it. There is always another day. If you are feeling good you will be loose and have a WAY better chance for success. Number two, get a tow in! When hitting a jump for the first time knowing the right speed is key and following another rider who is constantly cleaning the jump is a huge help.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Good points Paul!

[@dreadsanddirt5966]

The part about crashing is dead on. I made an unwise decision a few weeks ago and warmed up on the black diamond trail at the bike park. I've ridden it hundreds of times but it was still my first run of the day. Launched myself right over my bars and bellyflopped onto a rock garden. At 46, I expected it to suck a lot worse than it did but all that happened was a small scuff on my ribs and a little scrape on my hand where my glove otherwise kept me from shredding my palm (for reference, I play guitar for a living so my hands are my livelihood). Yes, I grew up in bmx and at one time I held a pro card (it didn't mean I was fast, just that I was foolish. LOL) but times are very different and I'm not the same rider I was 20 years ago. I ride fully padded (knee,elbow, and a crash shirt from Leatt) and to be honest, that aforementioned crash was barely more than incidental. Got up, dusted myself off, finished the trail and got back on the lift. **MOST** crashes are little more than an embarrassing reminder that crashes are worse in our heads.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Well said!

[@michaeldevries2482]

Started jumping this year at 50 on flow trails. By the end of the season i actually started to progress and am REALLY looking forward to next season. Great vid.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Love that - you're on your way Michael.

[@adamweb]

Van Halen said "might as well jump" and pretty sure he's way older than us!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

True!!!!!!

[@SimplePleasuresMTB]

1984! Saw them with Journey. Best concert ever😂

[@billmcmillan7735]

Didn’t hit my first jump until I was 60.

[@SeanKWhite-lk5zf]

Great video. 55 and really started jumping last year. I built a series of kickers and took them to the local school and set them up on a sloped lawn. Low consequences and great for building skill and confidence

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Good idea Sean!

[@justinreed8792]

I can relate with how skateboarding has basically taught me the same mindset. What really helps me is to not think about it too much. When I was about to ollie a stair set that was way bigger than normal I would just think, it's just like every other set I'll just be in the air a few seconds longer. Made things much easier. Once you think too much stop and don't go for it.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

I feel you.

[@jerrypeevey]

Turning 65 in May and have no fear . Some smarts from this vid should help. The only thing holding people back is the mirror .

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Haha I get it Jerry.

[@briangong007]

I will be 51 in a couple months.. another point is don't let "ego" or "peer pressure" lead you into something your not ready for.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Yup.

[@nynomad7625]

#7.. Strength, get in the gym, start stretching, start building muscle groups

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

👍

[@trytubeniceok]

thanks for the video, my man. i'm exactly that guy riding sleigh ride at sky park just starting to get a little bit of air. good to know i'm right where i should be.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

There you go! All uphill from here! 👊

[@toddtucker323]

I just turned 48 and have been riding more than ever and am starting to learn to drop and jump.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Yes Todd!

[@josephzaitz2250]

I'm 51 still love doing crazy sh**

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Heck yeah!

[@daboo2]

Perfect timing for this message. Thanks!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Cheers Dale!

[@mikechavez6348]

THE best movie clips

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Cheers Mike!

[@gmanmtb]

I'm 46. Been mountain biking for 13 months. I started small. Am now clearing table tops 3 bike lengths long with a little style now. All from watching (or should I say obsessing over) MTB videos and tutorials. Great video bro. Just added you to my other 32 MTB subscriptions!!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

That is awesome! And welcome!

[@rickswanracing3139]

Thanks for the video! Helped me a lot. I am 50 and just got back into biking after about 10 years. (Thanks to Covid and furlough). Family all bought new mountain bikes so i finally upgraded my 15 year old GT hard tail to a full suspension trail/enduro bike. This inspired me to train for regional enduro's coming this next spring. I seem to have guts enough for technical black climbs and downhills with speed, but my hang up has been the jumps for some reason.... your video has given me some good tips and insight. So... Stay tuned... I need to develop some better jumping mojo to be faster for enduro's..

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Good stuff Richard - you got it bud.

[@DimonStudio]

Man, just turn turn 47, watching your vid, and decided to do it, never MTB before, just street. My Bike coming this Friday, I hope I have time to do Skypark or BigBear before season ends. Ty for Video. I hope I see you next time in Skypark!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Have fun! Love that man!

[@jeffjackson9483]

Man this video has is so on point bro, im 45 and i just got back into biking about 6 months ago and I’m slowly but surely trying to build my jump skills / confidence up lol , been riding the Fullerton loop a lot lately to get my stamina up! Great video though thanks a lot bro and happy trails 🤙🏽

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Thanks for tuning in Jeff - see you out there!

[@jeffjackson9483]

The Outsider MTB .. No worries at all totally my pleasure!! Right on that would be very cool !! 😎 🍻 ✌🏽

[@freendeed8410]

I'm a 53yr old now and hadn't messed with bikes since the 80's bmx scene. Ending up at ⁶6'5" tall, I literally out-grew the bikes and stopped riding...for 30yrs I was above average, racing, ramp, vert back then on a 21lb steel, rigid 20". I say that to say this.... Got a Ragley, a phenomenally aggressive hardtail, two yrs ago and was amazed at how well I could ride. Muscle memory is an amazing thing I guess. I'm on a Transition Scout now and doing 25+foot gaps. Only one shoulder surgery MTBing so far....😂😂😂🤣🤣. Like the man says,... understand and practice body position, body/bike separation (be fluid on the bike), and progress.... meaning start small and slower and be patient and progress up. Above all, ride ALOT

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Well said and that's awesome to hear!

[@koho]

Tony - great as always. I'm 59 (but not a grandfather!), pretty much an intermediate rider, and made my first trip to SkyPark 2 weeks ago - spurred on by you, Alan, and Tommy Huynh. Quickly found Arrow as my favorite trail. Just like you said, a great trail to try out some jumps and wall rides. By the end of the day I rolled the pump line. So I'm at least starting down the progression you mentioned. (And I even got a few jumps in at Mammoth a couple weeks later.) Outsiders: if I can do it, you can too! Suggestions for great MTB/jumping tuts: - Dropin MTB " What the Pro's Won’t Tell You About Learning to Jump on a Mountain Bike" - idea being, jumping is the 2nd half of a bunny hop - this really clicked with me. - anything by Phil Kmetz

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

👊👍

[@imrinasution3552]

Great video! I’ve just started biking again after leaving it for more then 20 years! I’m now learning mountain biking techniques that I never knew back then. Thanks for the motivation. Oh, and l’d recommend watching Kyle Warner and April Zastrow ‘s KZbin channel (Kyle&April). Very detailed and well explained step by step techniques that will surely motivate anyone to ride. Thanks again for the motivation.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

That is awesome!

[@JoshuaDomoslai]

As my older friend in his mid 60s who still races moto x says “age is just a number”

[@BigVanLittleAdventures]

Never use age as an excuse. A friend and I were working on some jump progression and we ended up riding with a guy that was 65.... He sent some stuff I have Bern avoiding for a while now. It was beautiful.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Hell yeah!

[@RydenDirty]

Dude such a great video👏 great information. Im 38 and just barely started my jumping career in the last 9 months. Definitely having a great time learning. Its nice to see my progression in the last six months cause I never thought I would get there.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Love it keep at it Ryden!

[@RydenDirty]

@@TheOutsiderMTB thanks mang. Thats the plan #startsmallgohuge 🤟🤟🤟🤟

[@mtbwithtfb]

ow you duin? I'm in my sixties Tony and I have the desire to learn to jump but my head gets in the way. I manage to jump small ones but doubles and gaps psych me out. I have been to Sky Park a couple of times at the end of 2019 but I could never muster the huevos to send it fully. I think back to my teenage years (yes, 3 and a half decades ago) and I used to build wooden ramps out of old coffee tables and scrap wood and jump from ramp to ramp in the partially paved alley, without a helmet (not available in the late 60s/early 70s). Now I'm all geared up with elbows, knees chest, and helmet I even wear a fully padded bike short to pad my hips and tailbone) yet I still can't get over the trepidation and anxiety of jumping. Any thoughts?

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Just start small and take your time. Repetition is your friend but if your not feeling it don’t stress. 👊👍

[@eliotcrowe7884]

Great advice. I've been riding a couple years and have been steadily working on my jumps. I am extremely risk-averse (living in a country with no nationalized health service!), so it's slow going but that doesn't bother me. I've gained a lot from watching instructional videos, particularly GMBN, but sometimes micro-analyzing technique can make you forget that just hitting a roller/tabletop with enough speed will give you some air - I definitely want to keep working on technique but for now it's fun just to roll at speed and enjoy the experience! Repetition is a huge help - I have a few favorite trails, and I started out taking air off small rollers to flat, then tried a small tabletop, I just got clearance on a bigger tabletop, and am happily starting to case some of the shorter gaps on the trail!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Goos stuff Eliot!

[@phoenixeasyrider6026]

Visited my first bike park ever this summer. 68 and getting better, 2 years back riding, did my first drop (middle one at the park). Still not air born, but it's coming. Can't believe you replayed the handle bar breaker? That one dampened my enthusiasm! Great Video, love the channel!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Haha - I have to get my mileage ouit of that one. That's super rare though! 😉

[@gr8fulride]

Excellent vid. late 50s always looking to progress skills. The pump before the jump is what I was missing for years. Also need to session more drops. Practice!.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Boom!

[@paultorres4866]

I've been riding mtb for many years and was hitting 20 to 30 foot gaps and drops when I was in my mid 30s. I'm 50 now and ride regularly. Definitely not hitting the big jumps like I once did, and feel like I don't have anything left to prove to myself with jumping. I still ride aggressive and will hit whatever I feel like, in my own time. Amazing sport.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Cheers Paul - it's all about having fun out there buddy.

[@hltsw247]

I rode bmx bikes since I was 5 and always liked to jump sidewalks and build ramps with milk crates, wood or any that could look like a jump. Got my 1st mtn bike in the mid 90s when I was 14. Stopped riding and got back in to it 2 years ago. I am now 42 years old and my progression is way up. Your video is basically all those steps you mentioned. Yes I have crashed, but nothing major. Last time at snow summit I cleared all tombstones and starting to manipulate bike in mid air adding my style. Glad to hear there many guys our age ripping it. Keep up the good work and keep motivating.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Love this! 👊👍

[@junaustria0119]

Started jumping at 53. And still going strong. But what gives me confidence to do jump is, I use to play baseball as a left fielder in high school. So I know how to tuck and roll. And I did that a lot learning to jump. Hehehe

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Always great to take a skill set with you into something new.

[@joshbenson8039]

I’m 38 and I’ve started learning to jump. I don’t even have a full suspension trail bike yet. It’s coming someday but until then I’m practicing on my hardtail because I just have to

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

That's awesome Josh!

[@fated6635]

I´m 45 and the Mindfuck is often the biggest Problem. But face your enemy on and on and send it........

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

👊👍

[@brentrice3536]

Hey love your attitude and your videos. I am 63 and want to learn how to jump. Had my first lesson last month. Been riding for 20 years . Oh trainer said I had to learn how to bunny hop first. Is this correct.?

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Thanks! Yeah I’d say that motion is necessary for the jump motion. You got this. 👍

[@dkipu266]

Over 50, finally got around to learning to bunny hop and jump. It’s not that I had never been airborne or jumped off of small ramps as a kid, but mountain biking and launching airborne is definitely a different learning experience to go through.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Very true DK. Cheers!

[@palexander2288]

Loved the vid! I am 64 and discovered MTB when I was 55. For years I was happy doing flow trails and staying on the ground but riding behind my grandson and watching him try to get air on every little feature that he could find made me realize that I was missing out on some good stuff. So two years ago I committed myself to get out and practice almost daily, manuals, wheelies, jumps and drops. I am having more fun than ever! Crashes?...you bet but I wear the scars proudly and my grandson loves it that PopPop shreds😎 Just subscribed thank you for the added inspiration 👍

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Heck yeah that's what I'm talking about! Welcome Alexander!

[@pepeanza6187]

I been riding mtb 20 years I'm over 50 definitive I'm more scare at this age than 5 years ago of having a big crash attempting something out of my comfort zone and getting hurt, not so scare of the crash but get a injury believe me my skills are good not the best ones but good but I have second thoughts always when something big is on my way for my is long jumps whit gaps on it and very very steep down hills.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Makes a lot of sense Pepe.

[@brennanBEdonut]

Any non-park trails that have some progressive jumps built in? Is that little session area on the top of Santiago Oaks still around? Thanks for the vid!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Check out Waterworks at Ladera Ranch. I have a vid in the library.

[@CaptKid101]

Here I thought I was late to the world of MTB but apparently not and I appreciate the words of encouragement. I’m new to the sport been riding for a month but continue to push for progress and loving everyday I get to ride.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Welcome Sal! You're right on time.

[@nynomad7625]

i used to be able to huck it.. now for some reason i fear bones shattering

[@hwy88forever38]

Just turned 47. Thanks for the inspiration and tips! Now time for me to research full-face helmets 😄

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Have fun!

[@KevinMcAfee]

Love this! Would enjoy even more skills-based content, dude!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Cheers Kevin!

[@joshiboy31]

Ahh I'm early 40's and learning to jump, I didn't realise i was getting to long in the tooth, quite nervous now

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Haha i didn't know that phrase.

[@justmtbandgaming4518]

Very nice advices for someone to get in to jumps you nailed it. After a litle bit of practice its one the things that most mtb riders are seeking on trails cause its really really really FUN.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Great to hear!

[@arbasacarlislejohnp.4778]

oh man. really want to do jumps and go aggressive trails. but im afraid to do it with my xc bike 😅

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

In due time my friend.

[@barkingmadman1169]

54. Started MTB 18 months ago. I can air a couple feet on jumps and just cleared my first 3 foot drop. But I want to hear from someone 50+ that has CRASHED seriously, recovered from a broken clavicle or whatever, and came back for more progression. At my age I am taking things soooooo slow because I'm afraid recovery time from a serious injury will just take too long and I'll never come back. I don't want to end my days of MTB forever for one silly mistake, and I'm willing to be patient since that is a skill I HAVE learned by this age in life.

[@sapinva]

Really the worst I've had from an MTB crash is a broken wrist and thumb. But when road biking I was hit head on by a truck at 40 mph (at about age 50), and that is more the type of thing that is hard to come back from regardless of age. Best thing you can do is look after your overall fitness (weight bearing exercise to keep your bones and joints strong), and most important, learn to crash. Crashing is a skill in itself, learning to drop and roll, push the bike away, protecting your shoulders by not trying to brake with your arms.

[@barkingmadman1169]

@@sapinva Dude! Head on at 40mph? Glad you lived to tell the tale! I do agree, and must do my best to remember this perspective, that road biking is much more dangerous. Yes, I've had a couple of crashes I was able to roll through and walk away from, with the worst needing stitches (that I neglected to get, but healed anyway). But more and more I realize I benefited from good fortune in my tumbles at least as much as any special crash skills. And maybe some flexibility from yoga. Respect to you. Thanks for the feedback!

[@dontaebutler2331]

To me it's not so much the age favor as much as it is the recovery time from injury, of course getting older bones take longer to heal. To me thats the part that sucks.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Yup - life changes things up for sure, Dontae.

[@TrailDogsMTB]

I’m young and I still feel like that 😅 gotta push past the fear!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Haha yup you said it.

[@FreeRyder9]

Is that fullerton loop at 9:05 where the kids are watching you jump?

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Nope that's at Ladera on Waterworks.

[@schoonhovenk]

Alright, where are some good spots to progress in the SoCal/OC area? Is skypark the best bet? Does snow summit have some trails to build up on? I'm getting much more comfortable with drops and small jumps but I don't know if the bike parks will be too much of a jump, so to speak.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Skypark Sleigh Ride Trail and Snow Summit just opened Blue Steel. Time is your friend on this journey Kevin. 😉

[@schoonhovenk]

@@TheOutsiderMTB thanks brother, appreciate that. Already broke my collarbone a couple years ago trying to learn drops too quickly, I'm not trying to make that mistake again.

[@Calispeedboi]

I got a progressive geometry bike with a progressive leverage curve but I added more volume spacers to make it more progressive and all this meant I progressed on the jumps. Progressing though 2020 into an even more progressive 2021. Don’t forget to use Shimano pro parts because you can’t be progressive without being pro.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Progression serves only those who strive to progress. Well said Petey.

[@Calispeedboi]

The Outsider MTB lololol just seems like the word of the year for everyone.

[@litpineapples3324]

Bro great vid! no one is to old to jump!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Thanks!

[@SimplePleasuresMTB]

Great stuff, 47 here but I keep up with the younger guys I ride with and sometimes I’m the one pushing them🤙🏻 “Did I get a boo boo”😝😂😂😂speaking on body position...I always watch Loic Bruni. I’m not a downhiller but that guy just floats over everything! His body does most of the suspension work if you watch him. Beast

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Good point! He’s super light on the bike. 👍

[@mrsmartypants_1]

I guess this is more of a motivational talk. Folks sure are responding to it positively. Personally I’m a little stumped. Isn’t this all just common sense if you’ve participated in some form of athletics ever since you were a little kid?

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

I don’t think all of this is common sense and if it is it’s always great to get a reminder that we all have to start somewhere. Getting prepared Mentally is always great and with jumping there are some things that definitely helped me that didn’t partake to other activities.

[@mrsmartypants_1]

The Outsider MTB: You know your audience. Personally I don’t know how folks wouldn’t intuitively come up with: 1)Start small and progressively go bigger as results dictate. 2)Watch a good instructional vid soon after a session so a lightbulb goes on, “Aha that’s what I’m doing wrong (or right).” And retain a key point or two of what you want to practice next time. 3)Repeat the cycle. I get that people - especially kids - become impatient and may bite off more than they can handle at times. That just reinforces that they need to backtrack and go smaller for awhile. But are there actually folks who jump something way too advanced for them - be it 2 feet or 12 feet - and crash and NOT realize they have a better option to practice on smaller safer jumps for awhile? I fear for the human race if folks don’t come up with this on their own. 2 key tips of things new jumpers often get wrong and need to know: 1)Lower your seat way down. Hopefully you have a dropper post. Then approach a jump coasting in with enough speed and pedals even/level to the ground. This gives you time to be set up properly. Don’t be pedaling right up to the lip. If your pedals are in the up and down position at take off you will go off at an angle and you will crash. 2)Never go off a jump sitting on your saddle. You will get bucked over the bars (OTB). Approach the jump in the standard attack position - Standing. Knees bent. Knees over toes. Weight evenly balanced through your legs on level pedals. Arms relaxed. 95% of your weight supported by your legs/pedals. Very little weight should be supported by your arms. Head up. (Think of how a professional jockey rides his horse in the Kentucky Derby. Butt floating above the saddle. Weight evenly distributed in the stirrups. Legs bent.) Those 2 key things will get all folks over small jumps safely. (Once mastered they can move onto more advanced stuff learning how to compress into a jump just before takeoff, heels down, bunny hop type move to boost (go higher/farther) jumps etc...). But 1 and 2 are the initial keys to everything when jumping. It’s amazing how many instructional vids don’t explicitly detail both of them.

[@TeddyParker]

Just turned 30. Broke my elbow on BMX at 29 (after over 20 years of riding). Thought I would never jump bikes again until I bought a full suspension. Going to Summit Friday to ride a proper park for the first time... The biggest advice that people never take honestly is DONT BE STUPID. Especially around the influence of others. It's already hard enough to dial in your limits riding solo. Doing so with riders who are more skilled than you is extra challenging and you have to man up and skip features or entire trails if the features are above your skill level. If you have to skip half the features or are white knuckling the whole way down, don't just hack away at it. Put in that time on lesser trails, come back to those features later. Way way way too many people on blues or blacks stopped in the middle because they lost confidence and it's why I've been avoiding parks but... I need to go eventually (before seasons ends) :/

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Well said Teddy!

[@auruem832]

Hey man hopefully you see this but what do settings and/or gimmicks do you use to cancel wind noise on your gopro?

[@auruem832]

Love the vids also!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Thanks! I use a windscreen you can buy cheap on amazon for the hero 8.

[@FastToysClub]

Great video and tips. I’m 45 yo and want to jump like 20 yo kids. Hardest thing to do is to start small. I found the perfect line (Blue Steel) at Snow Summit to make my jump progression come true. Not too small, but not too scary either!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

One of my favorite new trails. Get it man!

[@Keithmeister9]

I'll be 47 next month, this is exactly what i needed Tony. You nailed it on the head what i am going through in my progression. Thank you for this video 😁👍

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Awesome Keith! 👊

[@BentSpokesMTB]

Good video.. 49 here and jumping isn't just for kids lol

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

😉

[@BentSpokesMTB]

@@TheOutsiderMTB auto correct lol.. jumping ISN'T just for kids lol

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

@@BentSpokesMTB Got it haha!

[@LoneOakWoodworks]

Good video Tony. I'm going to add some advice as I started mountain biking this year at 49 and though still fairly athletic with good balance I've struggled with jumps and drops. Even with watching many videos, trying to practice, and building a small ramp in the yard to hit over and over I kept having trouble with my feet coming off the pedals on even medium size jumps and drops, which of course means no control on the landing and no confidence. What has allowed me to progress more lately is foot technique to grip the pedals a bit, with the pedals neutral (horizontal) I drop the heel on my front foot and the toe on my back foot which gives me enough grip on the bike to finally start gaining some confidence. I haven't seen that mentioned in any "how to jump" videos, but it is working for me. The second thing to deal with is your #6, commitment, you can't just ride over a jump and expect good results. You really need to compress the bike into the lip so the front suspension is rebounding as you go off and you are shifting your weight back. Earlier this summer I went down a trail well above my skill level for jumping, heavy berms and jumps, and stupidly figured I would just take the jumps at moderate speed. Wrong speed, no commitment, hesitant vs confident, and despite coming down nose heavy on the first few I kept going until the inevitable OTB and getting pogo'ed off the bike onto my head and shoulder. No real injuries, but a painful lesson to stay within your skill level until you are confident and comfortable, then step up a notch...

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Great stuff and thanks for sharing!

[@jay_a5762]

The audio / your voice sounded really dull. Don't think it's on my end but figured I'd let you know, so you can adjust your mic or whatnot.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Yup. Mic glitched out.

[@jay_a5762]

@@TheOutsiderMTB right on 👍. Keep up the good stuff.. Watching Car Wreck now. - that rock garden lol, wow & then you almost hit a Bull.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

😉

[@leonardoolivar]

45 here and I don't really want to jump but I need to be capable in case I need it. 👍🏽

[@RaptorV1USA]

Ps.. not sure what's up but the audio on this one is crap...

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Yeah it didn’t sound like that when I tested it. My bad.

[@bafare25]

Awesome video. Thank you!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Glad you liked it!

[@joshuamalek5536]

Is there a video on Deer Valley coming soon?

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

A bunch!

[@raheemgahelable]

That was some great tips, bud! Awesome

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Glad you liked it!

[@speed2live]

THANK YOU TONY !!! I'm about to turn Sixty-Three and this video really has inspired me to work/play harder toward my progression goals. I love Sleigh Ride AND Arrow at Skypark , but have not progressed to Jumpline yet. Working on Party Wave and Westridge ( and now Blue Steel ) at Snow Summit. As a lifelong thrill seeker, man I wish I was doing this thirty-five years ago. 😁 I want to be able to properly call myself....The OLD MAN and the SHRED !!!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Haha you're only as old as you feel right?!

[@drewsenthused6079]

Rock on chief! Good points.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Thanks Drew!

[@karlosb8423]

41 and just got my first full squish 2 year’s ago. The advice you give in this video is really good. It’s actually pretty much what I’ve been doing, starting small, working my way up, committing and all that stuff. And my jumping skills have progressed a LOT. At first I was super uncomfortable in the air, drifting sideways and not having control of where my front tire was going. But after a lot of repetition and BABY steps I can clear some good sized jumps and drops now. Feeling a lot more comfortable now and having a ton of fun!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

There you go Karlos - good stuff man!

[@steventruett7488]

Movie clips are on POINT on this vid. Great tips. I get so frustrated when I hear people claiming they're too old to ride well (or at all for that matter) when they're only in their 30's. I'm 31 and make no plans to stop riding, surfing, skating, etc ever. You're never too old for anything!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Absolutely! Thanks Steven!

[@riffmeisterkl]

I learned how to bunny hop at 48. It can be done.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Nice Jeff!

[@brentv7299]

Hey Tony - another great vid! I'm (also) in SoCal so thanks for all of the great 'local' trail content. I'm planning my first trip to Sky Park in a week to work on my jump progression so your trail order recommendations is exactly what I've been looking for. I do have random question about the park: How many laps can you do in a (typical) day there? [Lap count isn't the goal but I've always wondered about this.] Thanks!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Sounds great Brent! I'd say it all depends because you can take half laps or full laps. What I can say is after two hours you're going to definitely feel like you had a full day eve with the climbing. You get a lot of runs packed into that trail system as it is wound very tight.

[@TheRoamingHazard]

About the same age as you and my issue is when I try to properly bunny hop boost a jump. I can english bunny hop boost some jumps but when I try to proper boost there's so many steps involved to piece that together into a smooth fluid motion I usually only do part of it and then stiffin up of something else dumb. I did this on the medium slopestyle line at the bike park in Tahoe. Did the firsts steps and boosted really high but I stiffened up and dead sailored it came down hard and broke my collar bone. So now I'm sidelined and ruined my whole trip when I did it. Was on jumps I had done and cleared before too numerous times. I've been going hard on features this summer and had a lot of progression but had some good falls too. I really wanted to get better a boosting because I'm sick of depending on speed to clear things. One of the issues I have is finding jumps at my progression level that are close by but not gaps.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Sorry to hear that man! Jumps are more strategic than a lot of people think for sure. Heal up!!!

[@RaptorV1USA]

I've been riding since I was 7 been riding MTB for 35 years was a rabid mtbr thru the 90s and up till about 2012 when my prized custom FSR was stolen, then life got in the way and I spent about 7 years off the bike. I got back into it again 2yrs ago 1st restoring one of my old bikes then built a new geo. (used) frame as well..now I'm hitting the parks every two weeks making up for lost time and kick-starting all those old skills and muscles I used to take for granted. My 1st ride back in June 2019 ended 8 min in when my buddy inexplicably crashed popping off a small boulder next to the trail, I was right behind him & he took us both out, I ended up with the worst injury in my life with a shattered collar bone in about 8 pieces, now I wear a titanium bar and about a dozen adamantium screws inside my chest. This really fucked me up mentally not gunna lie 1st major injury on a bike jacked my head... it has taken me well over a year esp with this pandemic shitshow to get my head around jumping again but the last 2 months up at big bear ive been on a fairly rapid progression and the old skills are coming back fast.. I still scared the shit outta myself on the bottom half of miracle mile,. And at 56 I'll NEVER be sending shit like I used to back in the day....But now I know what to expect and I'll be on top of it by end of summer..keep up the great videos thanks for the work.!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Comeback kid: hell yeah!

[@janmaly1591]

Vid is about jumping (great vid btw!). Movie clip is from "Falling Down". Brilliant. 🤣🤣

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

👊😉

[@gearsandchainmtb5127]

Really enjoyed the video I’m 47 and a Grandpa, been riding for 3 years had a bad accident in March putting me in the hospital for two days, after I recovered went straight to the same jump I wrecked on and cleared it. Ever since then I’ve ridden the best I’ve ever ridden including more air! Thanks for the video!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

That's awesome - keep at it!

[@SickfoosMTB]

No shirt! No shoes! No Dice!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Hahah 👏🏼👏🏼

[@ArunMTB]

really useful thank you

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

👍

[@mrlucifer4]

I'm 58 and thats the reason i mtn bike,love to jump,always have since my days of bmx racing..

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Nice!

[@5492sparky]

Top tips Tony. 👍

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Thank you Mark.

[@johnvmtb5440]

thanks for the tips and experience. will start on the small jumps and progress to the big jumps. ride safe and stay healthy.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

You got it John!

[@stronz73]

Great video, great guy, too bad its monday. You have peaked my interest at trying out jumps, but I still think the simple things of mountain biking still make me really happy at the moment.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Thanks Alex - that's great too. As long as your loving your riding that's what counts most buddy.

[@dankahara6263]

Rad! Thank you! 38 here, and struggling with fitting a single piece of paper under the back tire, or dead sailing it into the bushes.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Ha you got this Dan!

[@chadbeckstrom3627]

Thanks for this Tony! I have been in that mindset of too old for this shit. I'm 47 now, started riding only 5 years ago. I'm ready for this, but had an accident last year that affected my confidence. Hitting Party Wave, but have been too scared to send it and mostly landing on the table tops. Love Blue Steel to get more comfortable with jumps. Appreciate the motivation!

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Nice Chad! Confidence is key for sure.

[@frankstella7508]

Thanks Tony< I am in my early 50's and felt exactly that way when it comes to jumps. Not anymore.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Awesome Frank - love that.

[@patrickkennedy2533]

is this JJ Abrams

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Yes.

[@thegriff9425]

Sorry but I have to comment on the film segways. Not a fan. But otherwise like your vids.

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Thanks Lee. Lots of people seem to like them, but thanks for your feedback. Kind of breaks up looking at my face for too long. 😉

[@thegriff9425]

The Outsider MTB look I understand, but if I was to give a proper response I would say that your content is quite good, as are your videos. And I would rather see your personality come through than random film clips that don’t always match up with what your trying to communicate. There is also the idea that these ‘inserts’ have been used with more success by people like WWC - and that it gets old VERY quickly. A little goes a long way. I come for the story and riding content and think that these clips detract from your already somewhat unique position of being an older rider and former skateboarder. Draw on those two items and I think you will hook more people in. The best ‘comedy’ channel is biking with bobo. That guy is naturally quite funny all through his content... anyway this is just my opinion and you know what they say about those....

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

Cheers Lee I hear you and thanks for the kind words. Judging from your example of funny I think we have very different opinions though. Haha 👍 Also, each video is its own thing. I don’t prescribe to adding clips all the time. Just depends on the video or my mood when editing. Each week is a new beginning. 😉

[@thegriff9425]

The Outsider MTB I think Not necessarily - I think I called it a ‘comedy channel’. Not that I found it funny. This I did though kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJrKmIuHbpV5d8U

[@TheOutsiderMTB]

That is gold. 👏🏼👏🏼😂