This classic bike and skate park feature looks intimidating, but once the jump box has been mastered it can teach you a lot.
1. Wheels on the ground
Riding fast over a jump box while keeping your wheels on the ground is a great way to get used to the shape of the transitions.
Push down to keep your wheels on top of the box and also push into the landing. Aim to get as much pump out of the take-off and landing as possible, by compressing and then pushing into the ramp with your arms and legs.
2. Pop a Manual
Once you’re comfortable riding over the box, try keeping your front wheel up in a manual across the top of it.
To do this, pump into the take-off and drop your hips back slightly to lift the wheel. Push into your pedals and pull on your bar to keep it up until you reach the landing. Once you build up speed, you’ll need to keep your body weight forward and core strong while pushing through your feet.
3. We have lift-off
Now to jump the box.
Once again, use your arms and legs to pump up the take-off. But this time, instead of pushing down with your feet, allow the back wheel to come up, off the ramp.
Keep your body weight central on the bike and extend your arms and legs as you come back down to land. Look for the downslope, aiming to guide your front wheel into the top and use your legs to absorb any impact through the back wheel.
4. Perfect landing
Pump and pull up from the take-off, pulling your bike up with you. Spot your landing and, at the highest point, move your weight forwards to bring the front wheel down first.
Allow the back wheel to follow the same arc through the air. Stretch your arms towards the landing and look up as your front wheel touches down. The perfect landing is complete when your back wheel follows without hitting the top of the box. This takes some practice!