It's All About Friction And Leverage
A little more than a week ago I uploaded a YouTube video about Can A Woman Really Pick Up a Big Bike , and the response in the comments blew me away. You guys are amazing. Though it is not the highest comments on a video today as I stated in the video, it is one where I really enjoyed the conversations. So in YouTube video link above I wanted to circle around and respond to many of the amazing conversations that were started in the comments of that video.
1) Thank You!
Comment after comment, everyone was support and encouraging. Especially since I did not edit out that I had to take a couple of tries at it before I did it. Everyone of you that engaged was amazing!
2) Apologize For The Misreads
I have to send out my apologies to those out there that thought video was about something else. It is crazy how changing just one letter can change the whole meaning. I am sorry for those that thought I was talking about how to pick up 'bikers' as opposed to 'bikes'. Though those gave me a good giggle and I appreciate that you shared a comment.
3) Sound quality
The location we used to record the video is where we do our slow speed practice. With it located very close to highway 101, it was not ideal for great sound. After investing what I have in my current equipment to this point, I will not be invest in any additional microphones for a while. I want to keep my husband happy and stay on budget. However, I did hear you and changed locations where I could control the ambient sound to make the most of the equipment I currently have.
4) Bending Your Knees More
Many people left comments that in the video I did not bend my knees enough and they are spot on. After watching the video again not only was I not bending my knees enough, I was also sliding upward on the seat and both of these made the lift more difficult than it should have been. For those that brought it up, good eye!
As a follow on to this point, this technique should be practiced. I highly recommend practicing with a friend. A friend will not only be there to help in case it is needed, they can also watch you and let you know if you are slipping off form. If having a friend around in not possible, video yourself so you can watch the play back and make adjustments as needed.
5) The Technique If For Dropped Bikes
I did have a few reach out to ask for clarification about was this for recovering from a crash or from dropping a bike. The video was focused towards a dropped bike. In my experience most drops happen in parking lot style situations. Incorrect breaking, gravel, or as BillTheHarleyGuy mentioned, pot holes. All of these and a few other situations can cause a drop.
6) It's All About Leverage And Friction
Had one member of YouTube ask if the technique would work on unlevel or wet ground. Standing up a larger bike is all about leverage and friction. If you don't have both of those, the lift will be significantly more difficult. The PNW Rider brought up the point that if the ground is at an angle, especially a down angle, the lift could be impossible without help. He is spot on. Depending on the angle of the ground, achieving the proper leverage may not be possible. In the case of loose soil or gravel, there is not enough friction to keep your footing when walking backward.
In short, I wanted to do a post to say thank you to everyone that reached out with a thumbs up and/or a comment on my YouTube Video. Thank you so much for your support. it really means a lot to me. Connecting with so many of you in this blog and on YouTube is part of what makes what I do so much fun for me.
Then get out and ride, have fun, be safe, and catch you in the next post……
