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Ride Like A Pro: Double Grabs with Steve Mini

 

PHOTOS BY PETO/SHOTGLASS

STEP 1
Before even attempting a Double Grab make sure you can do a standard Superman Seatgrab smoothly and consistently, because the steps to do a Double Grab are much the same. Another important safety point is to make sure your grab holes are a decent size. If you can barely slide your hand into the airbox while the bike is on its stand, you've got no hope of doing it mid-air. Cutting foam out of your seat can make a huge difference, too. For all you Yamaha owners, modifying your subframe so it runs along the bottom of the seat and now through the centre of the grab hole can also make quite a big difference.
 
STEP 2
When approaching the ramp, it's important to have your body weight centred. It can also help when learning the trick to hit the ramp at a smooth, consistent speed rather than cruising up to it and giving it all the berries on the ramp. This will ensure the bike stays fairly level off the ramp, which is a crucial part of the trick if you want to stretch right out.
 
STEP 3
After leaving the ramp, it's time to start taking your body parts off the bike. While learning, it can be easier to take one foot off at a time while taking one hand off and reaching for the grab hole. I highly recommend grabbing the grab-holds one hand at a time while learning rather than just throwing the bike and catching the grabs. This will automatically happen the more you do the trick, anyway.
 
STEP 4
With one hand firmly holding the grab handles and your legs moving towards the back of the bike, grab the other grab hole and push the bike forward. This should automatically push your body into the right position.
To get as much extension as possible, fully extend your arms and try to touch your chin on the rear guard, while trying to point your toes at the same time. This helps get your body as straight as possible and gives the trick a nice, clean, extended look, which is important.
 
STEP 5
Once you feel your body stretch out, it also helps to look at the bars or your fuel cap to get your body nice and low. It can sometimes feel like your body is too low and your feet are down near the chain, but that’s often when you do a good one. After holding the extension, it’s time to bring it back. Once again, it's best to go one hand at a time while learning the trick.
 
STEP 6
Pull your body in until you feel comfortable enough to let go and reach for the bars with one hand. Grab the bars, but use your hand that’s still in the grab-hole to pull the rest of your body forward. If you pull from the bars, it’ll throw your body out of whack. By the time your second hand reaches the bars your body will automatically fall towards the pegs. Once you're securely holding the bars, make sure your feet are comfortably on the pegs, then land the big girl nice and smoothly on the downramp.
 
NOTE:
A Double Grab isn’t the best trick to do in windy situations: when you pull yourself back into the saddle, the wind can blow the bike to one side and you’ll have trouble getting one foot back on.
 
HI, I’M: Steve Mini
I’M: 24
I LIVE IN: Mudgee, NSW or the Gold Coast
I RIDE: Showtime Yamaha YZ250
I LISTEN TO: Mainly hip-hop, sometime punk, sometimes Rhianna or Britney Spears on long, long drives.
WHEN I’M NOT RIDING: I’m driving or flying somewhere to ride, or kicking back at the beach.