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Finally! I made my first double. It wasn’t big, or hard. But I had either rolled it or cased it for a year. I think I am as happy as Russel Wilson and the Hawks, today.
Tried to find some lessons but no luck.
So did some on-line learning... between AJ Catanzaro & MX factory I got the theory and a practice plan.
1. Pick the easy jump to start.
2. Decide how much speed to carry, and don’t gas it on the ramp.
3. Keep throttle set at same place as the approach.
4. Learn correct neutral position: pigeon toes, knees cranked into bike, chest above the bars.
Biggest trick I got was: check if you can see your toes if you look down. I realized my knees have been to far fwd for a year, and my legs were not holding the bike at all.
I discussed this with an experienced guy at the track. He said all the jumps here are pretty fair and you just have to carry enough momentum to clear. If I’m not marking the landing zone just give it “A Little More”

I was not good enough to take a selfie. But this is same jump I made, with an A rider making it look easier than I did. I should have got a 12-YO on an 80cc as they can make it look easy, too.

I sharpened my foot pegs, an it made a huge difference! Between that and proper leg position, I was able to run some leather off my boots and some more paint off my frame. I can now see where I need some more grip tape.

Good job!

Who is paying for your boots? :-) I can't imagine running grip tape like the pros who get boots for free.

Look into IMS footpegs. Next time you are at the track, check out other people's modern bikes and see how much different the footpeg shape is compared to yours / "how they all used to be". If you want to feel better, compare yours to a 70's bike. OUCH!!

Thank you.
Ya, I was wondering what other people did. Up until last 2 weekends, I had hardly put a mark on these boots. Now that I am doing it more correct, I wonder how long the boots will last.
My KTM buddy says they make a sticky-ish rubber coating that does not tear up boots as bad. Not as grippy as skate tape but doesn’t tear up your leather.
I will look into new pegs, too.

Racers never had grip tape back in the day. They jumped high and far. Just pinch in with your legs. You'll be fine, and your boots will, too. :-)

Great job on doin' the double! I used to hesitate a lot on doubles until I did them a few times, and now it's just knowing what speed to hit them and they're not bad at all. If you end up going with the IMS foot pegs, I'm sure you'll like them. I put some on a few months ago and they are much better than the stockers.

It is a definite mental shift to carry momentum rather than just try to adjust at the last minute. I also now understand very clearly why MX bikes have different gearing.
Those pegs look great. Glad to know that you like them bettered. I have added to my wish list for future purchase!

And here's a side-by-side comparison of the IMS vs stock pegs. It almost seems like the IMS pegs look a lot bigger than stock when seeing in person as opposed to a pic.

Cool! Much obliged

Hi gator. I ponied up for the IMS pegs. Love them!
Great upgrade.

... & KDXG. The IMS allow much more leg pinching.

Thanks!

That side by side picture really shows the difference.

Late, but next in line for a +10 on the IMS pegs. I really like them. I think you've got it, Goat. Body position and toes in so you can grip the bike.
If you haven't see this demonstration online, stand up (just in your house, not the bike) with your toes pointed slightly OUT. Now try to pinch your knees in. You CAN'T, Now point your toes slightly inward and try to pinch your knees inward. Easy Peasy! The trick is to practice this so much you do it without even thinking especially when you are dog assed tired. Muscle memory. It's how you should be whenever standing on your bike, which by the way, is probably 70-80% of the time.

Got it. I am working on it! Could be better. Still having trouble getting it to be automatic. Specially after coming out of hot corner directly onto jump.
It is is crazy that how you ride is soooo much more important than what you ride.
The masters guy at my first race won his class on CR125 and came 3rd overall on the short course. And the MX coach lapping me on his pit bike!

.... not to mention Fredette on the unicycle !