So much wisdom in this nsmb.com story by Ryan Leech. I swear an entire essay can be written about each paragraph. Brilliant illustrations too.

Check out Ryan Leech and the Cons of Being Pro.

Even if you’re not a pro rider, you might identify with some of the struggles Leech talks about. I sure do.

Thank goodness I haven’t weighed 200 pounds since I started riding bikes two decades ago.

We’re talking pedal cadence!

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I just stumbled upon a new pedaling drill. It helped me drag my sore carcass up the hill to my house, and it made me more aware of my standing-sitting-standing transitions. Fun!

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A little change of pace, but a useful one. Clear writing is one of the most useful—and bankable—skills you can develop.

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This year we ran the second-ever Sea Otter Classic Speed and Style event. It was speedy and stylish.

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Hi all, I just got back from Sea Otter and high school coach training in Utah. Lots of big adventures. I’ll post reports as soon as I can.

Hey Lee,

I have your mountain biking book and it’s been really helpful. I plan on picking up a copy of the BMX skills book too.

I’d like to start incorporating some BMX pump track riding and BMX jumping to gain some skills as you recommend. There are also some skate parks around where I live and I thought that might be fun to try too for the hell of it. Right now I have no experience in BMX, but thought that getting a bike that is capable of BMX racing and dirt jumping would be good. From what i understand, BMX race frames and components aren’t designd to be jumped and take hits like the freestyle BMX bikes are designed to take. So I guess my question is do you think it’s better to start out with a BMX race bike and then pick up a separate dirt/freestyle BMX bike if I want to get into dirt jumping? Alternatively, would it be better to just get a chromoly dirt/freestyle BMX bike and use it for both dirtjumping and pump track riding?

Thanks,

Ben

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Hi Lee,

I bought the book and built one of your tracks. Then bought your MTB book and the bmx book.

Now I want to buy a dedicated pumptrack bike but am trying to be cost effective.

Two questions:

Question 1: Do I want/need a front shock for pump track? Some things I read seem to say no others seem to think it is cool.

Question 2: Should I get a bmx, cruiser or dirt jump 26”? I ride my Santa Cruz Nomad on the trails and tried to convert my Kona Humu but it has too long of chain stays.

I live on an island and have dealer representation for Kona (downside), Redline (d-26) and Specialized (P.1). These are all 26” dirt jumpers but I do rock best right now on my daughters 24” Torker! Should I get a 24”... 20”

Let me know if you have thoughts. You are my mentor. I will learn the Kung fu…

Best Wishes,

Brian

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Hello Lee,

I just started reading your MTB skills book. Awesome read! Only a few chapters in and have learned many new techniques. One of my favorites is the brake lever position. I moved mine as you recommended and WOW what a differance. So much better leverage and control.

Anyway, I do have one question for you. I bought a new Giant Talon last year coming off an old Hardrock(2002). I had bar ends on the HR and thought why not put them on the Talon as well. I always like to have the alternate hand position.

Today reading your book, I see no mention of them nor any pics of them. What is your recommendation? Did they go out with the ‘90s?

Thanks!

Brandon

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It’s been a big year for sweet new bikes. First the Stumpjumper FSR 29 Carbon S-EVO and now a new p.bike, dubbed for now the p.pump.

We rode today. Check it out:

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