Mount/Dismount techniques

[SheFly]

If you have someone in your area who is a racer, learning from them is the best way. I am lucky in that where I live, I have a large group of 'cross racers from whom to learn. Once you learn the basic moves, it takes A LOT of practice to get it right (I'm still working on that 4 years later!).

A clinic is also a GREAT place to learn these skills - see if your local shop puts one on or knows of one in the area.

There are some videos you could watch, but I think having the first hand experience is the best.

SheFly

[Sheesh]

I watched videos that were linked on this site, then went and practiced on my own in a field. I'm still not very good at it, but it was enough to get me through my first season!

[Eden]

I went to a clinic offered by some local racers. It was pretty funny watching the guy demonstrate mounts and dismounts on my dinky little bike.... he could pretty much walk right over top of the whole thing...

[spokewench]

My hubby taught me - I'm still much better getting on than off - sometimes I just can't come through with my leg as I dismount - but I'm kind of a spazz.

[Voodoo Sally]

Years ago as I was looking for instructions online I happened upon this slightly goofy site called Big Shark. I read carefully and practiced what it said. The stuff they said to do really worked. It was hard at first (I missed the mount more than a few of times. ouch), but after a couple of seasons it was easy.

[LainiePants]

BF taught me in a soccer field. It was really hard at first--only managed to do it once without falling that first day. Then for a few weeks I would go down to that field occasionally to practice on my own. It only took me a couple days to figure it out, but all this time I was riding very slowly. I think it's not so hard if you start decelerating with plenty of room to spare.

Unfortunately I never got "proficient". The dismounts were by far my weakest area when racing. I would have to slow WAY down prior to the barrier so that i was comfortable dismounting. I would always get passed at the barriers And i'm sure it didn't help that i crashed in my first race by botching a dismount.

BUT! It was still awesome! And this year i'm going to practice practice practice until I can do it at speed. If fact, I may start practicing tomorrow--after all, CX season is just around the corner