NEYC ADVANCED Skills - 33 - Manual

The manual is a bicycle skill used to lift the front tire to traverse depressions in the trail, such as puddles or water crossings, preventing the rider's feet from getting wet. Mastering this skill allows a rider to balance on the rear tire while keeping the front tire in the air. The Manual Progression Compression and Lift: Compress the bike through the feet with a "stomp" to make the bike feel lighter. While the bike is exploding upward, pull with the hands and lean back with straight arms to raise the front tire. Safety: Keep fingers on the brakes at all times. If a rider leans back too far, pulling the rear brake will immediately bring the front tire down to maintain safety. Heel Drop: To improve the manual, drop the heels and push the feet forward during the motion, which makes a significant difference in balance. Hip Positioning: Use the hips to maintain the balance point. Move the hips forward to bring the front tire down if leaning back too far, or push the hips back to lift the tire if more height is needed. Coaching Insights Purpose: Beyond traversing obstacles, the manual is the foundational first step for executing a bunny hop, which combines the manual with a rear-wheel lift. Practice Drills: To advance the skill, have riders attempt to lift the front tire while passing between two cones to practice timing and coordination; increasing speed can help riders advance further while in a manual. Common Errors: Failure to lift the tire: Riders often forget the initial "stomp," leaving the front of the bike too heavy to lift easily. Loss of balance: If a rider pulls to one side or struggles to maintain balance, they are often moving too slowly; encouraging more speed can help stabilize the maneuver.