I wanted to inform the flatland community of new riders and girl riders some of the advice I was given, some of the ways Iīve dealt with people trying to push me down or talk smack, and just some encouraging words.
Letīs just start out with balancing. I always says, anchors over axle (aka boobs over axle or for the dudes moobs/pecs over axle). I know it sounds silly and everyone has their own perspective on their balance point but this seriously works for every trick I do. Steamrollers, peg manuals, front yard glides (I realized making my torso lean back just enough to be over axle kept me at my balance point, and to climb backwards over the bars to ride out, as I lift my leg anchors over axle is indeed and very obviously my balance point. If I donīt do this I canīt climb back over.), squeakers, pedal squeakers, back peg squeakers, hang 5īs, hang 10īs, tail whips, fire hydrants, McCircles, even kicking forward and funky chickens. That balance point is vital to remember. No one likes falling, lol. Remember where you are on that bike and where that balance point is and tricks become much easier.
Tire size is pretty important when you are putting a bike together or trying to gain more speed. The less tire surface on the ground the less resistance you have. This meaning, 2.10 tire on the ground is going to slow your spinning, and a 1.75 is going to speed up your spinning. I also have some advice, I have heard and want to inform you of some opinions on 1.85 tires. Almost every rider I have met that have sported those on their rims hate them. They feel that the tire is too rounded and you slide out when you carve the wheel. I have personally rode tires over 2.0 and my tires now at 1.75. And I prefer the 1.75. Although your foot doesnīt have as much surface to scuff or land on, it actually feels much more comfortable when riding flat. Plus, the smaller tire works much better on tougher outside surfaces. Where a larger tire would slow down quickly and would require more scuffs, or pumps, the smaller tire doesnīt slow down so fast. Also, the psi in your tires can affect your speed on certain surfaces. On asphalt I have learned that a higher psi of around 120 speeds you up and tire rotation doesnīt slow down as fast as a lower psi. On a slick floor, although super fun to ride on a high psi, you can use a lower psi around 90 so you donīt slide out. Iīm also only 120 pounds, so those of you who weigh more, may like an even higher psi on asphalt, perhaps around 130. But it is all personal preference.
A friend of mine suggested I call out how nervous I was at my first contest, which was JOMO Pro. For all of you going to your first contest, those nerves are intimidating. Seeing all these riders you look up to, and all these riders that are just out right amazing is very nerve racking. But no matter your level of riding, donīt be scared that these riders are going to make fun of you or make you feel shitty. Everyone started somewhere, no one got on a bike and was just awesome right away. We all work and strive to get there. I conquered these nerves by throwing on some Billy Idol on the ipod, and just trying to pull a steam roller link. The second I did and realized everyone was just happy to see you pull your trick, wiped all nerves away. Most riders are very supportive of other riders, and supportive of the new riders. We arenīt a HUGE sport so we all need to give a helping hand or a good job to all riders that try their hardest. As the contest actually approaches, for me, everything zones out. The only thing going through my head is, "You are gonna pull this trick and that trick". All I hear is my tire on the ground and the noises of my bike. No need to listen to anything but that. Always just imagine you are having a little session at your ride spot.
Please donīt ever be afraid to ask a seasoned rider for advice. Chances are they will help you learn your trick, or at least tell you what you are doing wrong. No, not all riders are nice because they just wanna ride and donīt care to help. But most flatlanders will be happy to help. I know that every once in awhile some jerk off thinks itīs hilarious to talk down to me because Iīm a beginner or because I am a girl. Things are said like, "Youīre gonna quit," "Youīll never be as good as the guys," "Youīll never go anywhere riding bmx," and "You arenīt a serious rider" (this is usually internet harassment and these people have never rode with me.) Donīt take this crap serious. Forget anyone that isnīt supportive. Flatland is frustrating enough as it is, and if you let people that talk smack get to you, you will lose motivation or become more frustrated. That feeling is going to disrupt your progression. People like to talk bad about others, because for whatever immature reason it makes them feel better. Donīt let them get to you, keep your head up, and know that eventually these hard tricks you are working on are going to become second nature and one day youīre going to think these tricks are easy. The process is usually a long one. Flatland is patience. It may take a day to learn a trick, or it may take months. Whatever the time frame is just remember that one day it will come to you, and when it does the feeling will be awesome! If you are getting uber frustrated, move on. No sense in getting more and more irritated, it will only cause you to fuck up. Take a break from the trick and next time you try it, believe me it will feel a bit easier.
Ladies, do NOT let boys intimidate you. There is no reason that you canīt be just as good as them. If you put in the dedication, time and motivation, you can progress to the same level riding. Yes, you may have to do some push ups in the morning, lol, perhaps some strength training for certain tricks that tend to use a lot of upper body, but that doesnīt mean you canīt do the tricks they do. And remember, sometimes a trick may feel more difficult because our body weight isnīt thrown around like a mans, we may have to work on our bodies momentum because we have smaller frames and usually weigh less. I know that for me, side squeakers are hard right now because my muscles arenīt used to being used in that way. And yes I honestly do believe if I had a males strength it would be a tad easier. That is the one up the guys have on us. But, your body will adjust and will strengthen. Those tricks will soon feel less strenuous. Exactly why you should ride as much as you can, so you get the muscle memory of the tricks, and you get the strength you need to be just as good :)
I know this article wasnīt funny, but I wanted a serious article out there just to give some advice and something encouraging to read. Please send me some of your new videos or some rad old school videos, so I can throw up a favorite video of the week. Ladies please send me your videos and some info about you, so I can make a favorite girl rider of the month, (donīt be shy because some dudes troll these threads either. Iīm sure 90% would be more than happy to see an article on girl riders) Please send all videos to my email address, lea@global-flat.com
Ride on ladies and gents
Lea Dobrowski