Hopping Over Obstacles On Your Bike
There are certain times in Cyclocross races where it pays off to be able to hop up and over obstacles. Not every course has positions on route where being able to "bunny hop" obstacles equal speed advantages. But there are times when using the skill of "bunny hopping" can assist those who posses the power and talent to pull off this move. It does take strength, skill and guts, to hop up and over obstacles under race pressure. For the riders who are able to hop over boards, downed trees, or up stairs, they will tell you it is a fun skill and a natural feeling when done right. I personally recommend all riders practice all Cyclocross related skills that could come in handy during a race. Whether it be a fast start, running, turning, hopping, or a fast finish, practice makes perfect. All the skill sets used in Cyclocross will further help each rider when competing in Mtn. Bike Racing or Road Racing, or basically any type of cycling event.Please have a look at this cool break down of "bunny hopping" from a section at the past Surf City race put together by the good folks over at the A40 Team blog-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UC_zFdPaYTM&feature=player_embedded
For some riders it is natural to jump up and over obstacles on course....
Logan Loader displays a good "bunny hop" gone bad.....
Here Logan Loader gets it right! Loader is one of the best "hoppers" in Nor-Cal. Even if the boards are spaced closely together Loader finds a way to ride through and hop over these sections.....
Kerry Barnholt(Scott/Ritchey) is one of the most skilled riders in the Elite Women's division, and was one of the few Women to "bunny hop" the log section at CCCX #2......
Anastasio Flores(Cal Giant Inc.) going up and over at Toro Park....
Aaron Bradford(Onsite Ultrasound) is a Super D USA National Champion, and has shown great form this season in the Men's Elite division, Bradford also has the skill to "bunny hop" when needed....
Surf City main man Jeff Clark is seen here filming Scott Chapin(HRS Rock Lobster) "bunny hopping" the boards at the Halloween Cross race. Chapin is one of the strongest & most skilled riders in Nor-Cal and this strength & skill is needed when "bunny hopping" boards...
WTB's Kenny Burt seen here using the tops of the bars to get leverage and pull the front wheel up and over the boards at Surf City....
Gannon Myall(Cal Giant Inc.) is smooth and precise when floating over the boards....
James Coates(Cal Giant Inc.) is a multiple time National Cyclocross Champion in the Masters division. Coates has developed his hopping skills with practice & when the opportunity presents itself Coates uses his ability well....


























