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    I suck at this


    Being old (25) sucks. The kids made me look like grandpa on the jumps Im so rigid not how I used to be. I'm slowly building up confidence but jesus some of the gaps were massive in person, its very intimidating. Settled on this small ridge and tried it a few times.
    Felt like I was going to OTB every time 1st time nearly bucked me off. Not the best spot to land as it went straight down into a bend and then stream. But I'm slowly getting there. Online makes it look so easy!

    I suck at this
    byu/DowseTheMouse10 inMTB



    by DowseTheMouse10

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    32 Comments

    1. itskohler on

      Brother. At 25 your ligaments aren’t even matured yet. You’re not old, trust me.

      You look like you’re popping off the bike as the bike wheel comes up. Try driving the bike into the take off and standing up to the jump. There’s a great video on YouTube about it.

    4. microscoftpaintm8 on

      25 is old?!

      I started at 28 and by 31 I’m clearing big booters at bike parks. Ride ride ride and ride some more.

    5. Ovidius_37 on

      Keep ridin’ bud! i feel the same but you can’t let that get you down, watch videos and ride your bike. I’m willing to bet you’ll surprise yourself in no time.

    7. Norwegian_way on

      42 here, still bombing (I think). All that matters is having fun. Eather of us won’t win rampage😅

    9. Cycle_Spite_1026 on

      Those of us 65 laugh at the idea you think you are old. If so, you’ll be dead by 40. 😂

    14. jojotherider on

      47 and feeling like im riding the best yet. Well, descending at least. My climbing fitness has fallen off since i stopped doing endurance events.

    15. spadge_badger on

      See that dip before the jump? Push down into it before you pull up at the takeoff. Keep doing that, and you’ll get the hang of it. In fact, if you push down into any dip in the trail, you’ll start to get a feel for riding real quick. Like the other here are saying, just keep riding, and it’ll come to you soon enough. Good luck, have fun, mate. BTW I’m 51. You ain’t old bro. *

    17. Fit_Tiger1444 on

      I was 40 before I started riding. You’re a ways away from old OP. 🙂 I would suggest you find a pump track if you can. Pumping is what folks are referring to when they say “push into the lip” or “stand up to the jump.” It’s the foundation of lots of advanced skills from jumping to cornering (on berms) and navigating big technical features. And concentrate on hinging at the waist (like a deadlift) and bending your arms. That alone will get you less rigid.

    19. very-edge-of-space on

      Brother you are killing it! Comparison is the thief of joy. You are shredding hard for you and that is what matters.

    21. seriousrikk on

      I started learning to jump at 46.

      Quite with the too old bollocks 🤣

      Key word above is learning. Your technique and timing is all wrong here. Can you bunny hop?

    23. bashomania on

      Dude, if I could learn to get off the ground (a little bit) last year, at age 62, I 100% believe you will be getting super air at your age if you just continue working at it.

      Find something manageable and just session the hell out of it. Do nothing else but hit that same jump over and over until it’s boring and you’re consistently getting some air. Then use what you learned and session other manageable ones with different ramp and lips, etc.

      The “stand up to the jump” YT video got me going. Others will say that is not enough, and they are probably right depending on your goals, but it will get you started.

    24. yossarian19 on

      Came here for wreck video.
      Disappointed but also glad you’re OK.
      25 isn’t old and caution today is how you know you’ll be riding next weekend, too.

    27. Unknown__Content on

      I’m 53 (almost 54) and every now and then catch some air. Just started 2 years ago. Just enjoy yourself! Don’t overthink things or compare yourself to others. Biking is so much fun, just let it be.

    28. ballisticpantz on

      If you weren’t riding so damn slow you might get different results, just sayin’ 🤷‍♂️

    30. Stiingya on

      I have the same problems! BUT, the MOST important thing is that your having fun, (and riding mostly safe), while riding!! Sure, get advice, practice, find video’s on YT, etc. For sure it’s always worth pursing towards the next thing!! (here’s a good jumping vid IMO)

      [https://youtu.be/s9w2zSvuaGM?si=-4qVhybrXi0lxACH](https://youtu.be/s9w2zSvuaGM?si=-4qVhybrXi0lxACH)

      BUT, as long as your having fun then it’s all good!! That’s the MOST important thing… 🙂 LOL, 25 is old… 🙂 In another 30+ years of riding your thoughts on that will change!!

    31. Euphoric_Eye_3599 on

      25 feeling old? Thanks a lot! 42 here and still learning how to MTB. Old is how you feel!

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