Have you ever heard the saying “hit the wall”? It’s a common phrase in running groups and typically means something has stopped you in your tracks.
So it is appropriate that these supercross obstacles are called a “wall”. Supercross wall jumps have become increasingly popular over the last decade to slow riders down but as riders got better they have began using the wall as a launch pad into another obstacle, like a sand section. So track builders began putting them before corners like this one, leaving the rider no choice but to slow down and take the time to assess the situation or risk overshooting the corner and end up eating a Tuff Block.
1 OFF YOUR ARSE!
Do not hit Supercross Wall Jumps sitting down. If you transition from sitting to standing while cresting the wall you will unload the rear suspension and launch.
This could send you flying over the handlebar or into the crowd, who may not be happy to meet you.
2 STAY LOOSE
As you approach the base of the wall keep your elbows and knees bent so they can absorb the bike’s movement underneath you. Try and stand in the attack position with your eyes looking ahead.
Have your hands hovering over the clutch and brake levers as you will need these on the other side.
3 SMOOTH AS SILK
As the bike begins to go up the wall, back off the throttle, apply a small amount of brake and bend the knees. You want to absorb all the force being pushed back into your body by your knees. Do not skid the bike.
4 THE CREST
When you are at the crest of the wall begin to shift your weight forward so the bike shifts to a downward angle. In order for the bike to transition to the front-wheel down position you will need to release the brake and pull in a little clutch. It is also at this point you can scrub the bike a little to absorb the last little bit of force.
5 WHAT GOES UP
When you can see the other side of the wall and the bike is facing downwards you can begin to lower your body height and even prepare to sit down. As soon as you can see your next obstacle on the track and you know where you’re going, getting on the throttle is key.
6 LET ’ER RIP!
If there is no immediate corner or sand, unleash the throttle! Plant your arse back on the seat to help get the power to the ground. Make sure you are in the right gear for the exit before you enter the wall so the bike doesn’t bog or rev out too quick when you accelerate. SX Gun Lawson Bopping
SEND IT!
With suspension as good as it is nowadays, riders are starting to use walls as a launch pad. The problem with this technique is that it is higher risk then riding it out and sometimes even slower. But, it does look cooler!
If you jump into a sand section with a skinny, deep rut your ’pegs could get caught or the bike could get slightly cross rutted, resulting in a gnarly crash. And because the jump is so steep it is difficult to scrub height off, so going big is often slower as it leaves you suspended in the air for longer so your wheels aren’t powering you forward.
Supercross Wall Jumps – Who’s It For?
SKILL SET
Advanced. This is a supercross obstacle and with only a handful of riders holding a supercross race licence the number of people who will need to perfect this technique is limited
GENRE
Supercross
PRACTICE
Practicing this is tough unless you have access to a supercross track. Try starting really slow and building up the speed.
STRENGTH & HEIGHT
Taller riders will be able to absorb more of the force through their legs but there isn’t really any advantage either way.
WIDOW POTENTIAL
High, if you send it.
BRAGGING RIGHTS
Rolling over a wall may not look cool but it could save you time and help you pass someone who decides to send it.
Photos: ADB, KTM Image and Red Bull Content Pool