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Wheelie Up & Over
Home » Mountain Biking » Essential Bike Riding Skills » Wheelie Up & OverThe first move we will discuss is called the “wheelie up and over” move. This is a common move used by mountain bikers to get over major obstacles on the trial. Many times when riding the trial will have a certain obstacles in it. These obstacles could be a tree branches, or logs, or even small boulders and rocks. If you are just starting out in the mountain biking sport many of these obstacles appear overwhelming. It just makes more sense to go around them than over them. This may seem right, however it is not true. If you take the time and learn this move it will make obstacles on the trail seem less intimidating and actually be opportunities for fun.
The wheelie up and over move these actually two moves in one. It combines pulling a wheelie and pushing an endo. I think most people understand what a wheelie is. However, if you are unfamiliar with the term, a wheelie is when you pull back on your handlebars while pushing your pedals on the down-stroke, and popping your front wheel off the ground. Most kids try this move as soon as they learn how to ride a bike. It is a fun move and looks really cool. The idea here is to time your approach to the obstacle, whether it is a log or a boulder, so that you can pop a wheelie and aim your front tire on the top of the obstacle. At this point you must shift your weight forward, pushing forward on the handlebars, which results in your back wheel coming off the ground. If you can picture in your mind a see-saw, then you may have an idea of what it may look like in slow motion. Though this is a double move, it happens very quickly, and when done correctly looks like one smooth move.
Many mountain bikers do not take the time to learn this essential skill. It you have ever been in the woods on a hike and have seen a log across the path with a chainring marks on it then you have witnessed evidence of mountain bikers who do not use this move. By learning this new move you’ll save the life of your chainring and your riding skills will improve as well. In addition, your speed will increase.
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