The Wheelie

The Wheelie, so impressive, but yet so easy! (Editors note: that's what you think!)

Well worth learning this one. It's all about balance. From this you can master your rear wheel balance and then easily move onto tricks such as the backhop and the kickhop. Then from there the gap jump and the drop off. So listen up!

1. Ride along at a slow walking pace in a highish gear you feel comfy in.
2. Lean forward getting your bodyweight over your bars.
3. Use your wrong foot (the back foot when bunny hopping), and put in a half pedal stroke and sit down all in one movement.

Whatever you do, DON'T STOP PEDALING! This is where most people go wrong. If you stop you're bound to loose your balance.

4. Keep your arms out straight and lean back.
You will want to make sure you have 1 or 2 fingers covering your brake lever as well. This is in case you start leaning too far back and feel you may come off. In this situation, just dab the brake on and that should stop you falling off backwards. If you feel that you are leaning to far forward, then you need to put in a more powerful pedal stroke. Remember though, don't be afraid of leaning backwards.

You may want to try learning this on grass until you are more confident. After you have mastered the art of the basic wheelie, try advancing the trick a little. Here I am doing a no-footed coaster wheelie. You may want to try the one and no footer wheelies on slight downhill slopes.

If you want to know the best places for riding in Milton Keynes, then drop us a line or e-mail me and I'll do my best to sort you out. Happy trials.