RHYTHM SECTIONS
WORDS: DAVID PINGREE
PHOTOS: SIMON CUDBY
PHOTOS: SIMON CUDBY
WORDS: DAVID PINGREE
PHOTOS: SIMON CUDBY
PHOTOS: SIMON CUDBY
RHYTHM SECTIONS
R
hythm sections can be difficult because they require great depth perception, hand-eye coordination, and timing. We found this little jump section at Milestone MX and thought it was a good demonstration of this technique.
The section consists of six rollers, none of which have a good lip on them. That’s good, because it’s forgiving if you come up short, but it also means you won’t get much pop off any of the lips. The quickest way through is to single-double-triple, but it’s technical. Here’s how we tackle it:
This section is right out of a corner, so you don’t have the speed to attempt a triple-triple. The simplest way through is to double-double-double, but even that requires going to the outside in the turn (leaving the inside open), and it isn’t the quickest way through. Because these are round, I’m able to absorb the first jump and push the bike down into the face of the second jump. This might seem like something you don’t want to do, but when there isn’t much lip, you have to rely on the suspension to help you get over the jumps cleanly. 
You can see me fall into the bike as I come over the first jump and then extend to push the bike down into the face of the second jump.
As I hit the face of the second jump, I’m focusing on the third jump; I need to be very accurate with my landing in order to catch all of the backside and accelerate to triple out. I’m trying to carry as much momentum as possible without overjumping the second and third jumps.
As I reach the landing of the third jump, I’m now focused on maximizing forward drive and lift. Body position is important, and I’m on the balls of my feet, head forward and pushing the bike down into the face to get as much lift as I can as the suspension rebounds.
Just like jumping on a trampoline, I go from a knees-bent position to legs extended to help spring the bike up and forward. I’m also pulling up on the bars to get as much distance out of the jump as I can.
The last component here is to squeeze the bike with your feet and knees and lift. Your legs are the strongest part of your body, and if you’re trying to muscle a bike around with your upper body, you’re going to lose every time.
Keep your focus on the landing once you’re mid-flight. You can adjust the attitude of the bike with the positioning of your upper body, the throttle, and your rear brake if necessary.
As you land, make sure you’re still on the balls of your feet so you can absorb the landing softly. The flex in your ankles and knees is the first line of suspension on a bike, and you give up control, touch, comfort, and safety if you’re on your arches. Apply throttle as you land and assess your next obstacle.
This isn’t easy, so find a round, safe section like this to work on the technique. Give yourself that cushion for error; peaked jumps will bite you when your timing is off. Stay safe, and good luck! 
This section is right out of a corner, so you don’t have the speed to attempt a triple-triple. The simplest way through is to double-double-double, but even that requires going to the outside in the turn (leaving the inside open), and it isn’t the quickest way through. Because these are round, I’m able to absorb the first jump and push the bike down into the face of the second jump. This might seem like something you don’t want to do, but when there isn’t much lip, you have to rely on the suspension to help you get over the jumps cleanly. You can see me fall into the bike as I come over the first jump and then extend to push the bike down into the face of the second jump.As I hit the face of the second jump, I’m focusing on the third jump; I need to be very accurate with my landing in order to catch all of the backside and accelerate to triple out. I’m trying to carry as much momentum as possible without overjumping the second and third jumps.As I reach the landing of the third jump, I’m now focused on maximizing forward drive and lift. Body position is important, and I’m on the balls of my feet, head forward and pushing the bike down into the face to get as much lift as I can as the suspension rebounds.Just like jumping on a trampoline, I go from a knees-bent position to legs extended to help spring the bike up and forward. I’m also pulling up on the bars to get as much distance out of the jump as I can.The last component here is to squeeze the bike with your feet and knees and lift. Your legs are the strongest part of your body, and if you’re trying to muscle a bike around with your upper body, you’re going to lose every time.Keep your focus on the landing once you’re mid-flight. You can adjust the attitude of the bike with the positioning of your upper body, the throttle, and your rear brake if necessary.As you land, make sure you’re still on the balls of your feet so you can absorb the landing softly. The flex in your ankles and knees is the first line of suspension on a bike, and you give up control, touch, comfort, and safety if you’re on your arches. Apply throttle as you land and assess your next obstacle.
This isn’t easy, so find a round, safe section like this to work on the technique. Give yourself that cushion for error; peaked jumps will bite you when your timing is off. Stay safe, and good luck!
