HOURS: Closed Sun
Mon-Fri: 10-6 Sat: 9-3
 Pro Riding Tips: Attacking Whoops with Doug
Dubach
December, 2004
By Corey Neuer
Photography: Adam Campbell
 Whenever you go to your local track, you always see a
cheater line around the whoops. But if you’re serious about riding and racing,
you’re only cheating yourself by skipping the whoops section every lap. One of the
easiest places to make up time on the track is here. Yeah, when you hit them wrong, they
are also one of the easiest places to lose time! There are many techniques for going
through them, but only a few get the job done right. We asked Doug Dubach to share his
secret to tackling the intimidating rollers. According to Dubach, even though whoops come
in all shapes and sizes, you can almost always use the same technique since consistency is
a major key when attacking them. Riders often spend their time working on whoops, trying
find the best line—the one with the smallest whoops to go through. There is nothing
wrong with that, but your technique and determination will be your best friend when it
comes to riding fast through whoops. Start off slow, take your time when learning and
build your speed as you go along!
A. When
you’re entering the whoops, look ahead to pick the best line that will link you up
the fastest with the next section of the track. The right gear is also super-important.
You always want to be a gear higher to keep the rear wheel driving forward rather than
spinning. Body position plays a big role here. You need to transfer your weight to the
back of the bike, placing the balls of your feet in a neutral position on the pegs. This
helps keep your front wheel light; if too much weight is moved forward, there is a good
chance you will tuck the front wheel.
 B.
When you’re blitzing whoops, things can go wrong quickly (like the front dropping
down). Make sure you are going as straight as possible. Even though your weight is on the
back of the bike, try to keep your body position centered. Use your legs and squeeze
tightly; this will help the bike stay upright and allow you to use less effort with your
upper body.
 C.
Throttle control is a must when tearing through whoops; smooth is the name of the game.
The smoother you are with the throttle, the easier it will be to keep the bike straight.
As you go through, you want to pick up momentum. In this photo, Doug Dubach is fully
committed; he has everything lined up and is now hard on the throttle.
 D.
When practicing, be creative and let the bike take the hit in the whoops. If you’re
leaned back and your body position is right, the bike will do most of the work. The higher
you can stay through a whoop section, the smoother it will be and the more energy you will
conserve.
 E.
Exiting with speed is crucial. As you exit, transfer your weight forward to help get a
good drive out and to get traction. Keep squeezing with your legs; you may get a bit of
wheelspin while exiting. Keep looking ahead and stay aggressive all the way out.
INDEX
Paul's Cycle
Supply
6202 Price Lane Louisville, Kentucky 40229
p: 502-964-5327
Toll Free: 800-977-2857
paulscyclesupply@bellsouth.net |