Ride Like A Pro: Jackhammers with Chucki
Chucki Norris is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most clinical riders who always makes a trick look the way it should look. And as you can see, the same rule applies when it comes to Jackhammers: somehow he always gets his body perfectly in line with his front fork, and his arms extended on the same angle. It’s a cliché, but Chucki’s Jackhammers are poetry in motion. It’s about time we hit him up to see how he does ’em so good, then!
STEP 1
Before attempting the Jackhammer, first make sure you’re comfortable with the jump set-up and make sure you’ve got Cliffhangers dialled. A Jackhammer is basically a super-extended Cliffy, and once you get comfortable with them, it’s just a matter of standing taller and straighter. The cool thing about Jackhammers is you can slowly build up to them and get your extension sorted.
STEP 2
If you’re attempting the Jackhammer over 75ft, approach the ramp cruising in second gear in a neutral riding position, then give the throttle a squirt on the ramp. As you leave the ramp, start lifting your boots forward towards the bars, but remember to keep your legs straight: this will make it a lot easier to get the Jackhammer perfect, rather than having to straighten out your legs once you’re in position.
STEP 3
Lock your feet around your fork legs by pointing your toes inwards. This will clamp your feet in position and hold them there. Things can get a bit nasty if you don’t lock in and the bike sails away from you halfway through the trick! To help your feet grip the fork legs, use some grip tape on the stems, and also under your bars. As your feet lock in, let go of the bars.
STEP 4
Now, try and stand up as straight as you can by pushing your pelvis forward. I find flinging your arms above your head from the front (instead of from the side) also helps pull me into position and stand taller at the trick’s full extension. You want to stand up and flick your arms above your head in one smooth motion, so you can snap to extension and hold it longer at the peak of the bike’s trajectory.
STEP 5
As the bike starts to come back towards earth, pull your feet up into your chest. This will bring the bars up to you and means you don’t have to reach right down to your ankles to grab on to the grips. Your feet and hands will now be close to where they should be and you’re preparing for landing.
STEP 6
By now your feet are on the pegs and your hands are on the bars, and you’re hitting the down-ramp sweetly. Well done!
HI, I’M: Michael Norris
I’M: 25
I LIVE IN: Newcastle, NSW
I RIDE: 2008 Yamaha YZ250
I LISTEN TO: Kottonmouth Kings
WHEN I’M NOT RIDING: I’m usually being a dad at home with 18-month-old daughter Irela, training at gym, or working as a plasterer.
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