The Pothole: Riding Over Obstacles Standing on the Pedals

Students learn the standing ready position to absorb bumps, roots and low curbs without losing control. It's a key skill for street and trail riding.

How to play

1. Warm-up ride and ABC check (4 min).
2. Ready position: pedals level, standing, knees and elbows bent, eyes forward (6 min).
3. Ride over a pool noodle on the ground in ready position, letting the bike move under you (7 min).
4. Ride up and off a flat wooden board (fake curb), unweighting the front wheel (8 min).
5. Mixed route with three bumps and a curb; your partner checks your position with a checklist (5 min).

Rules

• Low obstacles only: never higher than a board lying flat.
• Always in ready position with fingers on both brakes.
• One rider at a time, in a straight line, no skidding.
• If in doubt, put a foot down before the obstacle.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with low vision: bright-colored obstacles and a partner warning two meters ahead.
• Knee injury: only the ready-position phase on flat ground and partner assessment.
• Unsure riders: start by pushing the bike over the obstacle on foot to see how it moves.

Learning goals

• Hold the standing ready position on the bike.
• Ride over bumps and low curbs with control.
• Prevent falls from unexpected obstacles.

Equipment for a class of 25

• bicycles: 12
• helmets: 30
• pool noodles: 6
• wooden boards: 4
• cones: 16

Teacher tip

Pool noodles are ideal because they roll harmlessly if hit badly; thick ropes work if you have none. Common mistake: locked straight arms that pass the jolt up; ask for soft elbows. Students bring bikes with a signed permission slip, or borrow them from the city or local police; if you are short, pairs take turns.

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