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Hopping is a very essential skill,
one that is utilized often in a variety of situations. This
skill is very useful in places where traction is minimal,
such as in rocks, dirt, stream beds, hillsides, and even
some manmade objects, like stairs.
Hopping in place is a good way to keep your balance in loose
terrain. To hop in place, a combination of pulling up with
the arms and body movement is used to pick the bike up.
You should try to jump up and pull the bike with you. Keep
in mind that you do not need to overly exaggerate the moves
to simply stay in position. Highly exaggerated moves are
more likely to be utilized when hopping forward.
Hopping forward is one of those moves that takes a lot of
energy, but that is useful to know. To hop forward, you
should compress your body down towards your bike, then throw
your weight forward. At the same time, pick up the bike
with your arms and throw the handlebars up and out. We find
you can get a few more inches forward if, when you throw
your arms forward, you flick your wrists as well. If you
want to get a little more distance without expending quite
as much energy, try adding a very slight pedal stroke right
when you are hopping forward, this will get you a little
extra kick.
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