Getting front of bike off the ground -- tips?

Ahh bugger! We have lots of log stepups too and they really freak me out. I find that as long as I keep practicing at one particular place where they have lots and lots, of all different heights, I can sort of work my way up to bigger ones.

But if I have a few weeks without doing many, I have to start again to get my confidence back and also I am doubly squeamish at any I have ever fallen over.:eek:

But I'm kind of the opposite about the HR. If I know one is coming up, I'm pedalling like hell to make sure I have enough momentum to overcome my crappy technique! So my HR will be through the roof!

The other thing that really helped was to do a session with a coach who is big enough to catch you when he spots you over them!

Joe Lawwill shows how to do a manual (as opposed to a wheelie) here at about :43 into the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdNKq...layer_embedded

To practice this, stand next to your bike with your hips touching the handlebar. Now thrust the bike forward in one quick movement. Don't move your feet. Push out, don't pull up.

He suggests you thrust your bike forward, like you're throwing a punch. Do it with commitment. At the end of the bike thrust, the front tire will lift off the ground without you pulling it up with your arms. Ears should hit your shoulder when you are crouched behind the saddle. So think of it as you are throwing a punch while moving your butt over the wheel.

This technique doesn't require pedal input. :)

For an illustration of this, refer to pages 62-66 of Mountain Bike Action, May issue.

More instruction videos here:
http://www.bikeskills.com/blog/?page_id=422

This is great. THANK YOU GALS!!!