100psi

I started street riding/racing with the rest of the intercity kids on our department store bikes in Philadelphia during the late 80's early 90's. I eventually started riding up to the 'burbs with the more 'priviledged' kids who were on Torkers,Dyno, DiamondBacks, etc. They were the ones who were organizing the local street races and freestyle sessions. I started buying upgrades for my crappy little bike at the local bike shop with what little money I had so I could be apart of it all. It all came to and end when we moved to Texas in 1990. Or so I thought...

fast-forward many years...

On Xmas 2006, my wife was sweet enough to surprise me with a brand new DK Step Up. I took it for a ride that night! It had been so long since I rode a 20"(or 24, or 29, or scooter), that I barely made it down the block before my legs(and lungs) were completely spent. I walked the bike home with my burning lungs and noodle legs and stayed slumped on the couch for the rest of the evening. But I was still pretty happy to have a 20" again. Eventually, I realized that the Step-up was not going to hold up to me(6ft, 200lbs) or my type of riding. I rode it gently for the next year or so, researched the popular parks and trails, then sold it in favor of a stronger, more upgradable 20". So, with my newly acquired '08 DK Cleveland and at 34, I am ready to fully rejoin the world of BMX and MTB(I also plan on getting a 24" or MTB for longer rides and technical trails.)

Dilema:
A few weeks ago, had the rare free time to hit one of the local skatepark pools by myself(no kids). I waited for the few skaters to finish their runs and decided to give it a try. I didn't have the nerve to attempt to drop-in on the bike, so I just grabbed it, slid down on my feet, hopped on and went for it. Getting vertical wasn't as difficult as I expected. I just couldn't seem to get up enough speed to keep the momentum going without pedaling. Even though I had the pool all to myself, I wore out quickly(about 3 min). I got out to rest for a few before trying again. Still, the pushing and unnecessary pedaling killed me after only a few minutes. It was exhausting but extremely fun!!

Question:
Does anyone have advice on how to effectively improve on my pool/bowl skills? I would like to be able to increase my momentum and speed going and get as high as the coping - or above.

DKfix

"My 20" helps me fight off the "old"." AMEN!

(another OLD BMX noob)

chicagotypewrit

dude i just rode a bowl last night and i forgot how fun they are. its been a while. a while for me is like 2 months. and i use my whole body for speed. and i just pump the **** out of everything. and also you want to be goin fast when you first enter the bowl

100psi

I guess that's my main problem. I need to get the balls to drop in while on the bike instead of doing the sack-less carry-down. Even on the shallow part, that short verticle drop-before-curve is intimidating.

chicagotypewrit

yeah please get comfortable with dropin in before you just start pedalin at the bowl. because i dont want anyone to get hurt. and how deep is this bowl?

bmx2478

Just ride the pool for a while until you're confident with the angles of all the transitions.
You should be able to drop in fine.

A sweet bowl some friends and I rode a few weeks ago, scary.

fuzzbox

Before you start to drop in see if your sprocket can clear without hitting the coping.

minichamp31

Bmx2478, that is a really nice pool. Sweet graffitti, too.

chicagotypewrit

overview of the bowl


and the deepend. this shows how deep this thing is compared to someone shreddin it

FitRider 921

Lower gearing might help a bit, although getting in better shape would probably be your best bet.

bmx2478

That bowl is beast!

chicagotypewrit

its pretty beastly. its got pool coping all the way around

fuzzbox

Only thing in town that lets bikes in 2 times a week. Looks steeper in person.

100psi

This is what the pool looks like.
View of the deep section(about 11ft) with dip/transition. It's a pretty good size with plenty of room to get creative.


This is the view from the shallow section(about 6ft)


Gearing shouldn't be a problem. The stock gearing is 33/12(I'll swap for 25/9 soon). Plus, I know how to drop in. It's just getting over my own fear of it. It's as if my brain doesn't see the curve - just the verticle-to-flat. ...like I'm just gonna go straight down and face-plant. I know I can do it. I just need to sack up. I'll get over it. Your definitely right about getting in better shape. I seriously need to work on my conditioning.

chicagotypewrit

you said you wanted to cruise around without pedaling so your gearing wouldnt matter but you still dont want to be pedalin super fast and not be goin anywhere. dont think about the steep part of the transition. if you know how to drop in then takin it to a bigger quarter shouldnt be that hard. good luck. i wish i was there so i could help ya

chicagotypewrit

by the way that place does look real fun

FuzzyRyder

this is the bowl i ride.

minichamp31

I really wish there was anything like that around where I live. I'm jealous.

100psi

FuzzyRyder, That bowl looks like a work of art. Do you know who designed/built it? We are going to have an entirely new park built here by some big-time designer firm from Canada.

FuzzyRyder

The project was done by newline skateparks.

100psi

I believe Newline is doing our next park. According to the preliminary plans, it looks real nice and should be done sometime next year. I'm looking forward to it.

live4muzic2

I dont get the little lump in the middle of the park?

FuzzyRyder

if you're talking about the bowl in my pictures, it's called a pump bump, and its fun.

100psi

Who else has pics(or vids) of their favorite pool or bowl? Extra points if you are in it!!

bmx2478

Do I still get extra points?
I took the picture...