BMX Newb - First Time Dirt Jumping Basics?

[MasterShake82]

Hi everyone, I'm totally new to BMX.

I actually bought my first bike a week ago when I was on my way to buy a new deck for my board and I notice that some guys had dug out and made a public dirt track near a river near my apartment. I've always been interested in BMX so I went ahead and took the plunge.

So, I'm working on bunny hopping and other easy flatland stuff, and I'm anxious to go out to the track I saw and try to have some fun. There is never anyone out there though when I can go so I can't ask any questions. So I need some help and advice.

The smallest jump is a small gap, maybe 5 feet. So, I've looked and couldn't find anything about the basics of taking your first dirt jump. So here are my questions. Keep in mind I haven't even attempted it yet so some of these may seem stupid.

First, when you hit the lip do you have to lean back a lot or a little or any at all? Once I'm in the air, do I just lean forward to prepare for the landing, do I need to pull up on the back on the back end using my legs to get the bike to tilt forward. If someone can help me out, link me somewhere or just give me a quick rundown of doing this so I can at least have some idea what to expect. I completely expect to wipe out, but I just want to have some guidance so I can get it down.

Thanks.

[drk_fly]

when u hit the lip and ur front wheel is in the ar, push on ur bars forward to engage into a half front flip. this will create u to eat shit and cause enormous pain. try it out. tell me how it works

[roughrider]

well when you hit the lip, you pull up on your handlebars. you should only lean back a little bit. While you are in the air, try to even out the bike to make a smooth landing. Just keep practicing and you should get it right.

[b_m_x_X_x]

keep your cranks level when you get ready to hit the jump. It prolly wouldn't hurt to find a jump with little to no lip first. Keep your eyes on the landing too while you are in the air. You might not have to pull up, i would imagine you are more worried about the gap then the air at the moment.

[demolitionrider_fox]

pull up on the bars at the lip of the jump lean back very little, keeps ur eyes on the landin, and to drop the front end of ur bike tap the brakes (dont hold them in tho) try to keep the bike level to the landin, dont think bout eatin shit and ride it out....

[bikerboy1391]

pull up on the bars at the lip of the jump lean back very little, keeps ur eyes on the landin, and to drop the front end of ur bike tap the brakes (dont hold them in tho) try to keep the bike level to the landin, dont think bout eatin shit and ride it out....

Ya, that pretty much covers it. :D

[halfbreed]

I've never really done dirt jumps...I've tried this one tabletop at the skatepark but its all bumpy on the way to it is that normal and how can that not **** up my mind set...

[Smudge]

One thing to remember is dont go stiff in the air. If you lock up the bike will to leaving you with no control of the landing which gives you like an 80% chance of eatin dirt. Remember your in control of the bike not the other way around.

[Korey]

do all that and have a positive atitude and just think of you making it and you will be fine. take it easy don't try for the huge jumps right away just because you can clear the small gap.