Building an Epic Step-Up Jump on My Mountain Bike Trail
In this latest adventure, my friend Vic visited and he helped me with an exciting project on my backyard mountain bike trail: building a step-up jump that launches out of a creek full of leeches. Check it out the YouTube video if you're interested in mountain bike trail building, especially how to build a jump or a step-up!
Starting the Trail Build
I've been working on this trail for three years, and it's not just the terrain that's challenging—Australia's wildlife adds an extra layer of danger. While scouting the next section to build, we encountered a Red Belly Black snake. Although these snakes are poisonous, they've never caused a reported death in Australia, but I wasn't about to risk becoming the first.
After safely navigating past the snake, I decided on the perfect spot for the new feature: a step-up jump made of dirt that jumps out of the creek, which I call the Leech Pit. For those new to MTB, a step-up jump means the landing is higher than the takeoff, requiring a good amount of speed to clear it.
Speed Testing the Trail
To ensure we had enough speed for a decent jump, I used my e-bike with a built-in speedometer. Riding through the Leech Pit, I hit speeds over 40 km/h (about 25 mph), which is plenty for our planned jump.
Building with Vic
Vic joined me, bringing his enthusiasm and willingness to help, despite his nervousness about jumps. We first had to clear a dead tree blocking our build site. After some pushing, digging, and using a chain block, we finally removed it. Then, it was time to start shaping the jump.
Shaping the Jump
Using the natural curve of the valley and some moist clay we found just below the surface, we began to sculpt the takeoff. After cutting a rough shape, I tested the jump a few times to get the curve just right. This process is crucial because it allows us to make adjustments before finalizing the structure.
Overcoming Challenges
Throughout the build, we faced numerous challenges, from dealing with ticks to ensuring the jump was strong and stable. The highlight was using a mini excavator to gather more clay and shape the jump to be six feet tall with a 45-degree lip for optimal airtime.
Testing and Tweaking
Testing the jump is vital, not only for the build process but also to push Vic's comfort zone on the bike. Despite his initial nervousness, Vic managed to clear the jump, marking it as the biggest jump he's ever done. This success motivated us to make the jump even bigger and better.
Exploring New Trails
To get more inspiration, we explored new trails at Narooma. These trails offered a mix of fast, flowy sections and rocky chunks, providing great ideas for future builds on my trail. It was also a fun break for Vic, who got to ride and push his limits.
Final Adjustments
Back at the trail, I focused on finishing the landing. Inspired by the concept of a reverse shark fin, I designed the landing with two levels: a lower side closer to the takeoff for beginners and a higher, farther side for more experienced riders.
The Grand Finale
After putting in all the hard work, it was time to test the final product. The reverse shark fin design worked perfectly, accommodating different skill levels and boosting riders to varying heights. The jump was a huge success, and we had an absolute blast riding it.
Conclusion
Building this step-up jump was an incredible experience filled with challenges and triumphs. If you're interested in mountain bike trail building or want to know how to build a jump or step-up, I hope this post provides some valuable insights.
