Ride Fakie (BMX)
Riding fakie, or backwards, is a crucial skill in flatland/street BMX. It isn't too hard to learn, but it takes a while to get the hang of. This article will take you step by step through the process of learning how to fakie on your bike.
Contents
Steps
- Find a wall. You will need this to 'bounce' off of to start rolling backwards to practice your fakie.
- Approach the wall on your bike at a comfortable speed, but not too fast. When your front wheel hits the wall, press your front brake (if you have one), and lean forward.
- Lean back so that your weight is centered over your back tire's hub. You should now have some momentum and be riding backwards.
- Don't give up if you fall or lose your balance. It takes a while to get used to steering and riding backwards. Just remember that when moving backwards, make smaller movements with your handlebars to turn, otherwise you will go flying to one side.
- Get out of the fakie. While riding backwards, cut your front wheel to one side and lean the opposite way. You will start to roll around. About halfway through your turn, pull up on the front wheel and use your muscle to get it around the rest of the way.
Tips
- Keep your balance over your back wheel when riding fakie.
- Use small movements of the handlebars to steer, as steering is more exaggerated when riding backwards.
- When getting out of the fakie, lean the opposite way of where the wheel is going, and use your muscle to get the bike around after half of your turn.
Warnings
- Wear a helmet, and be careful.
- It's easy to hurt yourself doing this trick, or any other BMX trick.
- It can help to make up your own word like "Gazorta!" and scream it when hitting the wall.
