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Ride Like A Pro: Schuie's Switchblade Cans

 

STEP 1
Before you attempt the Switchblade Can, you need to be able to complete off-the-side tricks like Double Cans and Indies so you’re used to your legs splitting, and Double Nacs and whips to be accustomed to the bike floating away from you in the air. This is a combination of all those tricks. This Switchblade Can looks more spectacular in real life: photos don’t really do it justice. It’s more of a “be there in the moment” trick, hahaha.

STEP 2
Approach the ramp at your normal speed, which for me at 75ft is in second gear, and remain in a central position over the bike. Because I whip the bike from right to left, I come into the ramp from the right-hand side, then carve up to the left to get the bike whipping out.

STEP 3
As the bike leaves the ramp and starts to whip out, I take my feet off the pegs and lift them over the seat, I start twisting my shoulders and hips and I turn my head up so I’m looking towards the sky. As well has this helping twist your body, it makes the trick look that much better. People think “Wow, he’s not even looking where he’s going”. It’s just something I do to give the trick more X factor, I guess.

STEP 4
When you’re twisting up and you’ve got your waist at around the same height as your shoulders, throw your legs into an Indy, so your upper leg goes backward. I always try and get to this position as fast as I can, so I can hold the trick as long as possible. I usually try to get to the full extension of the trick just before the top of the bike’s arc so you can hold it through the arc.

STEP 5
Once you’ve held the move, you have to untwist yourself and kick your legs back over your seat. Because I prolong the extension and it’s past what the body can normally do, I find my torso and legs will spring back naturally, and you can use this to help get your body back in position. Also, your body untwisting will automatically pull the bike back into line. If you get a long way off the bike you have to pull yourself down with your arms, but you soon get the knack of it.

STEP 6
By the time you’re landing, your feet are back towards the pegs, the bike is straight, and you’re looking good to ride the trick out and think about what you’re going to try next. Good luck with it!

HI I’M: Matt Schubring
I’M: 27 years old
I LIVE IN: Boonah, Qld
I RIDE: Motorex KTM 250SX
I LISTEN TO: Punk-rock and Jack Johnson-style music
WHEN I’M NOT RIDING: Working on my bike, building jumps on my new farm, jetting off to the next Crusty show, and hanging out with my fiancee, Lesley.