how to build a mountain bike obstacle course

by Lurline Bergstrom 5 min read

Start with these easy steps and get ready for some fun:

  • Step 1: Gather materials for the obstacle You will need items such as ropes, wood scraps, nails and screws, PVC pipe,...
  • Step 2: Create a design

Full Answer

How to make a mountain bike course?

Build 5 frames with end caps only, instead of braces. End caps and braces both attached with 1 5/8” screws Assembly Attach the back to frames with 1 5/8” screws Attach the ramp surface with 1 5/8” screws Assembly Wall (can be used as a short pallet) Build the center “I” beam first Use 3” X 8 screws to build the framework Assembly

How to create an obstacle course?

Jan 30, 2022 · Start with these easy steps and get ready for some fun: Step 1: Gather materials for the obstacle You will need items such as ropes, wood scraps, nails and screws, PVC pipe,... Step 2: Create a design

How do you plan a good mountain bike ride?

Sep 25, 2019 · We are taking down the old Roller Coaster feature and rebuilding on its frame a Obstacle Course Feature. This will consist of a zig zagging skinny with a tee...

Can you build a mountain bike on a Saturday?

May 05, 2020 · Here’s how we built our berms. First, we used the rake side of the McLeod to scrape off the top layer of weeds and leaves, sweeping everything toward the outside of the turn. Next, we used the sharp, flat side to hack the soil and roots down a couple inches, and across about 18 inches.

How do I make a mountain bike obstacle course?

1:296:26Building a BIKE OBSTACLE COURSE on my Backyard Trail! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlright so the first thing we're gonna do is just have it built up and then back down super simpleMoreAlright so the first thing we're gonna do is just have it built up and then back down super simple we're gonna do stringers on both sides of the 4x4.

How do you make a mountain bike course?

0:107:50How To Maintain And Build Mountain Bike Trails - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt should go without saying but you may need permission to dig on the trails. Don't just startMoreIt should go without saying but you may need permission to dig on the trails. Don't just start digging in places where you're not sure who owns the land.

How do you build a mountain bike trail feature?

0:2910:09Building New Mountain Bike Trails From Scratch! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCome along rebar post hole diggers. This whole area just needs to get cleaned up like with anyMoreCome along rebar post hole diggers. This whole area just needs to get cleaned up like with any cleaning. Project it's good to start from a clean slate.

How do you build bike obstacles?

0:533:163 MTB Features that turn Your Backyard into a Skills Park - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDifficult use a two by. Two. Now we can start to get creative. I grabbed a 2x4. And attached it toMoreDifficult use a two by. Two. Now we can start to get creative. I grabbed a 2x4. And attached it to one of the logs. Making this feature way more. Challenging. Now let's take the 2x4. And the log.

How do I build a mountain bike in my backyard?

0:486:11How to Build 3 Cheap and Easy Backyard Bike Park FeaturesYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut if you don't have one you can still make a great berm using a rake and a shovel. Even. If youMoreBut if you don't have one you can still make a great berm using a rake and a shovel. Even. If you have a small yard chances are you can fit a berm in along the edges.

How do I get singletrack?

0:366:52How to Make Dirt Bike Single Track - Trail Making - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat's it no chainsaws nothing just lava now these are pretty heavy-duty I can cut some pretty bigMoreThat's it no chainsaws nothing just lava now these are pretty heavy-duty I can cut some pretty big stuff if your trail requires a chainsaw you're making it too wide.

How do you build a backyard trail?

0:397:17Building faster and prettier backyard trails - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipExactly 1 ton of rocks. Of course the rocks need to be transported manually into the art your toneMoreExactly 1 ton of rocks. Of course the rocks need to be transported manually into the art your tone changed so fast.

How do you make a pump track in your backyard?

1:1313:05How to build a backyard pump track - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is a broken Ottoman that I just put some chicken wire on and maybe find some rocks I can siftMoreThis is a broken Ottoman that I just put some chicken wire on and maybe find some rocks I can sift them out let's see how this. Goes. All right so after about maybe two and a half days of digging.

How do you cut a mountain bike trail?

2:109:46How to Build Mountain Bike Trails ‍♀️ - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipA hoe is probably the one that I used most often. And then I discovered these really cool trailMoreA hoe is probably the one that I used most often. And then I discovered these really cool trail building tools that are portable and the handles.

How do you build a wooden mountain bike feature?

8:1916:10Mountain Bike Trail How-to Series - Build a Wooden Table Top - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay so before you start to build your ramps before you start to put any of the boards on make sureMoreOkay so before you start to build your ramps before you start to put any of the boards on make sure that your floor by fours are nice and level vertically.

How do you ride obstacles?

2:016:11How To Get Over Trail Obstacles | Mountain Bike Skills - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust going to lift it up a little bit by curling your feet on your pedals. To let that rear end comeMoreJust going to lift it up a little bit by curling your feet on your pedals. To let that rear end come up and ride over it right you don't want to just come into this full palp.

What is a double in mountain biking?

Doubles: This is an advanced trail feature, it is effectively a jump, with a take-off and a landing, but the middle ground in between has been dug out, so no safe rolling option, you must jump.

How to improve mountain bike skills?

Finish your course by adding different obstacles. These can help you improve certain mountain bike skills. You can add jumps, drops, berms, and north shores. Just make sure that you can go through these obstacles without crashing or getting injured.

What are the different types of mountain bike skills?

Mountain bike skills are divided into categories. These are beginner, intermediate, and advanced. These let you build a course that matches your current skills so you don’t risk crashing and getting injured.

How to build a track faster?

Walk through the course and clear away rocks, branches, and foliage you come across. This makes it easier for you to work on the soil later on. It will also help you build the track quicker.

How to smooth out a track?

Smooth out the track once you’ve cleared it up. Use a rake or mattock to loosen the grass-filled topsoil. Then bring them to the sides to reveal the loose soil. Flatten out the soil using a shovel to smoothen out the track.

Is it worth it to build a mountain bike course?

Building your own mountain bike skills course is going to take a lot of great hard work. But it’s worth it! It helps improve your mountain bike skills and makes you less prone to injuries. Not to mention that you’ll have loads of more fun on your back when riding your bike.

Build a berm

Cornering is something all mountain bikers can stand to improve, and having your own berm to practice on is super convenient. To build a berm, you really only need one tool — a McLeod — but if you don’t have one, you can still make a great berm using a rake and shovel.

Dirt kicker

This is one I’m kicking myself for not building sooner, ha! To build a kicker out of dirt all you really need is a shovel, though a McLeod makes this even easier. The great thing about building a dirt ramp is it’s easy to adjust — taller or shorter, depending on the skill level of the riders in your household.

Skinny

Skinnies are great for practicing balance and they are easy to construct. You can build a simple, zero-consequence skinny in your driveway with a single board. Depending on your kids’ skill level (or your own), start with an 8-foot 2×8 or even a 2×4 laid on the ground and see who can ride the line.

Bonus features

If you have some rocks or even landscaping bricks laying around, pile them up to build a mini rock garden for practice.

How to maintain balance on a bike?

For you to maintain balance on the bike, you want to extend your arms back but still leave a slight bend at the elbows. This will distribute your weight and move your hips back on the bike for better balance. 4. Practice. Lifting your front wheel requires practice.

How to power a bike?

First you need to initiate power by doing a power stroke with the pedals. This will help you lift the front wheel off the ground. To do a power stroke, you want to get your dominant foot in a 2 o'clock position as you’re pedaling along and then push down quickly. This quick pedal stroke is called throttling the bike.

How to lift a front wheel?

Lifting your front wheel requires practice. Start by taking your bike to an open grassy field where you can practice in a controlled environment with soft ground. Once you get comfortable with the movements, take your bike to the trail and move on to bigger obstacles.

How to build strength in a week?

Towel hangs. Once you complete your base strength, you can crank up the intensity. Begin your intensity phase with a baseline race or time trial. You’ll want to quantify improvement during this phase. Plan your intensity phase for 4-8 weeks with a "down" week every 3-4 weeks.

How to improve base strength?

Compound lifts will be the keystone of your strength movements. Incorporate squats, deadlifts, lunges, and pressing. Linear progression is time-tested when it comes to strength. Try methods like 5-3-1 or 5x5 to see improvement during your base phase. A good base of strength can be done in two days a week for 8-12 weeks.

How to get the best results in OCR?

To achieve your best results in OCR you need to have a plan to lead you to success. The phases of your training plan are crucial. Your base will give you a strong foundation, your intensity will make you fast, and your race specificity will teach you what to expect on the course.

What is OCR in racing?

Rich Ryan. Obstacle course racing ( OCR) used to be a novelty. Running up a mountain, parading through the woods, and rolling in mud was out of the norm and considered “crazy.”. Now OCR is one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

What is strength intensity?

These workouts will include compound lifts that will tax your muscular endurance and aerobic capacity. Your strength intensity phase will prepare you for fast transitions between obstacles, switching stimulus at a high level while improving muscular endurance.

What is the purpose of OCR?

All these elements will break your rhythm, so you need to prepare. The purpose of these runs will be to handle a switch in stimulus and find your home base effort. Run workouts:

CrossBuck

Two 18’-16” logs, 8 feet apart with eight 8’-6” logs every 30” apart. Every other one will be placed atop the large log. Every 30” place a small notch in the log to hold the 8’ small log. For expos the cross buck can be made by using 4 cavaletti’s and ten, 10’ jump poles.

Crossed Logs

Logs placed on 2 parallel logs, or on each other, or cavaletti’s to elevate no more than 16” off the ground on one or both sides.

Rock Obstacle

You will need about 50 medium sized rocks. Each rock should be 12” to 18” in size. Rocks or 50 black nursery pot liners. (Most nurseries have them.)

Scramble

Twenty, 10’ polesthat are placed on the ground to look like pickup sticksthat the horse learnsto walk through.

Logs

You will need at least six logs, 12” to 16” in diameter and 10’ in length. For expos you can use large black pipe that is easy to move.

How to make an obstacle course?

1. Consider inflatable obstacles. A safe and easy option for creating an obstacle course is to make use of inflatable obstacles. Since these obstacles are inflatable they pose a low risk of injury and can add an appealing and lighthearted feeling to your obstacle course.

How to overcome obstacles?

Including teamwork can be a great way to get your participants working together to overcome the obstacle course.

What is a three leg race?

Partners might have to throw and catch a ball a certain number of times. The three-legged race is a good obstacle that requires teamwork (When doing a three-legged race, be sure that the pairs ankles are touching and the rope used is tight around their ankles.

How to test agility?

Running around a series of cones, like a skier slaloming, can be a good test of agility. Try tying small threads with bells attached to them just off the ground. Participants have to step around them without ringing the bells.

Who is Justin Conway?

This article was co-authored by Justin Conway. Justin Conway is an American Ninja Warrior competitor and the owner of World Ninja Sport, a ninja obstacle course company that provides obstacle design, construction, ninja coach certifications, and ninja curricula. With over seven years of experience, Justin specializes in helping gyms create and expand ninja programs along with certifying Ninja Warrior coaches. Justin holds a BS in Psychology from New York University, and he is the creator of the world’s first Ninja Coach Certification, SPOTTED. Justin is a founding member of Ninja USA and a founding board member of the National Ninja League. He is a three-time competitor and a six-time Las Vegas course tester for American Ninja Warrior. Justin is a certified level two parkour instructor and the host of the New York Ninja competition series. This article has been viewed 103,798 times.

What are some good obstacles for kids?

Alternatively, have people balance an object on a spoon for a short stretch. Inflatable obstacles are great for children too.

Is obstacle course fun?

Obstacle courses are a lot of fun to participate in and building them can be just as much fun. When building your obstacle course focus on keeping it balanced, including obstacles that present different challenges and that are also age appropriate.

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Mountain Bike Skills to Improve

  1. Get permission to build your mountain bike course. Make sure the land you want to build on is not privately owned or protected, such as a state park. The best area to build on is land that you personally own. If you do not personally own the land, contact the landowner and present a written proposal that details where and how you would like to build the course.[1] X Researc…
  2. Walk the general path where you want to make your mountain bike course. Scout out the lan…
See all 6 steps on www.wikihow.com

Building Your Own Skills Course

Maintenance and Improvements

Conclusion

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Mountain bike skills are divided into categories. These are beginner, intermediate, and advanced. These let you build a course that matches your current skills so you don’t risk crashing and getting injured.
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