The independent Ability Measure for Park Bike

explorer

The independent Ability Measure


NEW PARTICIPANT

This Park Bike journey has begun!

A White iAM Band shows that you have taken the first step. Maybe the most exciting and challenging step any of us ever take.
You have been introduced to Park Bike in a safe, fully qualified environment.

Key Skills: This rider can
  • With or without assistance ride along on the flat.
  • Stop your bike with the use of the brakes.
  • Complete a pre-ride ‘M’Check.
  • They have also registered with the park and seen the guide.

Equivalence: Mount Hawke Park Bike Challenge 1


learner

The independent Ability Measure


PROGRESSING BEGINNER

Up, over, off and away!

This rider can ride their bike in a neutral position, slalom and ride onto, over and off the side of a
Flat Bank. You have progressed from the introductory phase of riding your bike. You have completed C2 of the Mount Hawke Park Bike Challenge.

Key Skills: This rider can
  • Place their feet in the correct position.
  • Ride neutral position.
  • Slalom through cones.
  • Ride a Flat Bank.
  • Do a seated 1 Hander.

Equivalence: Mount Hawke Park Bike Challenge 2


 
apprentice

The independent Ability Measure


ADVANCED BEGINNER

Improving quickly and full of potential!

This rider can front wheel lift, Track Stand and ride off a ledge. You are now improving your control, balance and your wheels are starting to leave the ground. You have built on the fundamental,
basic Park Bike skills. You have completed C3 of the Mount Hawke Park Bike Challenge.

Key Skills: This rider can
  • Ride a 1/4 Pipe.
  • Front wheel lift.
  • Track Stand.
  • Drop off a 6” (15cm) ledge.
  • Do a neutral position 1 Hander.

Equivalence: Mount Hawke Park Bike Challenge 3


 
intermediate

The independent Ability Measure


PRACTICED PARTICIPANT

Stepping up to the next level!

This rider can jump, Bunny Hop and ride on ramps. You have all the basics in place. Now, more considered and focused practice will be needed to show that you are deepening your understanding of riding your bike in a park. You have completed C4 of the Mount Hawke Park Bike Challenge.

Key Skills: This rider can
  • Ride a 1/4 Pipe (both ways).
  • Drop off a minimum 1ft (30cm) ledge.
  • Bunny Hop on flat.
  • Jump an obstacle.
  • Drop into a 1/4.
  • Jump a minimum 1.5m gap.

Equivalence: Mount Hawke Park Bike Challenge 4


 
independent

The independent Ability Measure


PROFICIENT PARTICIPANT

Advanced skills are on the menu now!

This rider can can drop in and pump around ramps, busting out an ever increasing range of tricks. You are a Park Bike rider who has reached a proficient level. You have completed C5 of the Mount Hawke Park Bike Challenge.

Key Skills: This rider can
  • Manual 1m or more.
  • Drop in and hop out of a ramp.
  • Air a ramp.
  • Assessor will choose 1 trick from a previous Challenge.
  • Fly Out 1 Footer, 1 Hander or No Footer.
  • Pump a 1/2 Pipe or Bowl.
  • Put a 10 second run together using a variety of ramps.

(all tricks to be done over a Box, Bowl, Spine or Volcano, Flat Bank, 1/4 or 1/2 Pipe ramps)

Equivalence: Mount Hawke Park Bike Challenge 5


 
skilled

The independent Ability Measure


ABLE PERFORMER

Perseverance is paying off!

This rider can perform most advanced skills on request. You have a full command of all basic tricks. Air variations, consistency, control and flow are now a key part of your riding. You have completed C6 of the Mount Hawke Park Bike Challenge.

Key Skills: This rider can complete a minimum of 6 of the following tricks
  • No Hander
  • X-Up
  • No Footer
  • Bar Spin
  • Moto Whip
  • Table
  • Turn Down
  • Toboggan
  • 360
  • Nothing
  • 180 Alley Oop
  • Crank Flip
  • Boost with Style
  • Gap Transfer

Put a 20 second run together showing a good use of ramps and tricks.

Choose 2 Rail or Lip Tricks:
RAIL:
  • Nose Pick, Ice Pick, 50/50, Feeble, Fufanu

LIP:
  • Tyre Tap, Manual, Nose Manual, Foot Jam, Air Out (minimum 3 foot)

(all tricks to be done over a Box, Bowl, Spine or Volcano, Flat Bank, 1/4 or 1/2 Pipe ramps).

Equivalence: Mount Hawke Park Bike Challenge 6


 
expert

The independent Ability Measure


CREATIVELY COMPETENT

Control, power, grace!

This rider can legitimately be called ‘Solid’! Technical tricks are done on demand with creativity and grace. You are now in a position to pass on knowledge to others whilst perfecting your own art. You have completed C7 of the Mount Hawke Park Bike Challenge.

Key Skills: This rider can complete a minimum of 7 of the following tricks
  • 180 to Fakie
  • 540 to Fakie
  • 720
  • Super Man Seat Grab
  • No Foot Can
  • Tail Whip
  • Bar Spin
  • Truck Driver
  • Boost with Style
  • Downside Whip
  • Back Flip
  • Flair
  • 360 Variable
  • Decade
  • Front Flip
  • Gap Transfer trick

Put a 30 second run together showing a good use of ramps and combo tricks.

Choose 4 Rail or Lip Tricks:
RAIL:
  • Smith, Tooth Pick, Ice Pick, Crooked, Feeble, Pedal, Tooth Pick Hangover

LIP:
  • Foot Jam Whip, Tail Whip Tyre Tap, Bar Tyre Tap, Crank Flip Air Out (minimum 5 foot)

Choose 2 Hop Tricks:
  • Hop 180 to Fakie, Hop 360, Hop Bar Spin, Hop Tail Whip, Hop Tuck No Hander, Hop Decade, Hop Truck Driver, Hop Crank Flip

(all tricks to be done over a Box, Bowl, Spine or Volcano, Flat Bank, 1/4 or 1/2 Pipe ramps)

Equivalence: Mount Hawke Park Bike Challenge 7


 
pro

The independent Ability Measure


NATIONAL COMPETITOR

A very good rider indeed!

A Red iAM Band shows that you are a national Park Bike competitor or personality.
You compete and win in national events (in the ‘no-age restriction’ category) and display skills that are matched by very few in the country.


 
elite

The independent Ability Measure


INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL

The Park Bike Elite!

A Grey iAM Band shows that you are an international competitor or global Park Bike personality.
You are usually a full time pro earning a living from riding.
You are amongst the very best in the world, inspiring other riders wherever you go.


 
icon

The independent Ability Measure


ULTIMATE EXPLORER

A genuine Park Bike hero!

A Purple iAM Band shows that you are a master of your art. You have shaped the future and defined the present. You have reached a level of performance rarely seen.
A global focus, you are the definition of ‘Park Bike’ An innovator - an Icon!


 

Park Bike is the art of riding a bike (BMX, Mountainbike etc) across obstacles in a skate park environment.


iAM Park Bike


The independent Ability Measure [iAM] for Park Bike represents the 10 colour milestones along your Park Bike journey. From the very first time you have a lesson all the way through to becoming an international Park Bike Icon… we ride along with you the whole way.

To find out what skills and tricks are required to reach each new colour 'ability measure', just select from the 10 colours above.

You can also download our 'Park Bike Ability Measure' poster as an easy reminder of what you need to practice to get to that next milestone!

Of course if you just want a nice clean Park Bike action shot to put up on your wall, or use as wall paper (digital or physical!) - simply download the 'Park Bike Action Poster'.

It's worth knowing that we do send you a lovely A3 version of this poster when you buy a Park Bike iAM Band.

Requirement


Whilst independent, iAM Bands is adaptable. It has been designed to complement any legitimate or National Governing Body (NGB) recognised progression pathways and awards schemes in the world.

Currently there is a great scheme created by Mount Hawke skatepark in Cornwall – the Mount Hawke Park Bike Challenge [MHPBC] which encourages safe riding, in-depth learning and progressive development of bike skills. Check out - Mount Hawke Skatepark

The only way to earn a Park Bike iAM Band is to complete a Mount Hawke Park Bike Challenge. Check out with Mount Hawke when their next Park Bike coaching session is running, head their way and work towards completing a Challenge. Once you do complete a Challenge they will issue you with your equivalent iAM Bands card, with your own unique reference code to buy and or register your iAM Band. Easy!

The 'Park Bike Ability Measure' download is not just an easy reminder of what you need to practice to get to that next milestone it also shows how the MHPBC requirement is complemented by iAM Bands.

Good luck and have fun!

Photo Kye Forte, Grey iAM Band Rider. Picture by Jonathon Williams

Downloads:

Park Bike Action Poster:

Park Bike Ability Measure Poster: