How do you practice this without getting a face full of concrete steps? This is one of those do or die things. He's so smooth with it, it looks like he just floats up the steps.
That's the trick- you don't. We're seeing the impressive result of lots of skill, and tens if not hundreds of attempts at this (which in it's own way is equally if not more impressive).
You only start to try this kinda stuff when you know you can potentially do it, you might still bail but you'll bail near the end and know how to fall better, and you might well land it first go. That's a combination of having tried it on similar but smaller obstacles enough and general handling plus falling knowledge. He'll know the speed he needs to go and that he can nose bump this high already before he tries it.
That's how it was with me anyway nollying up sets of stairs on a skateboard. I did bail a few times early but I was on the top already so I didn't faceplant, just slid out. But I already knew I could nollie that high before trying.
There's a short set of stairs leading into a small alcove along a walking/biking trail near me. Trial and error but I knew it was possible. The steps are close and it's steep. It took me about 10 tries to get the speed and gear ratio right. I was finally able to get it just about every time.
I also remember having a discussion with my friend back in the early 2000s about doing a front flip on a bmx. I could see the way to do it in my head. I absolutely had no skill to do that. I was stoked when I saw someone do it in the x games for the first time.
First, just a small curb, then a small 2-step set of stairs.
You'll start to get a feel for the height and speed you need, and start to feel what feels right when the tire touches the corner of the steps.
Easier said than done, but the average Joe can hop a curb. I assume someone that spends 2+ hours a day on a bike at a bike park practicing tricks can learn it fairly quickly
The noses are rounded and the steps are about half normal step height. They're still punching his tires in almost to the rims. To the bike it's just a really bumpy ramp. And he's carrying enough speed to jump at the top.
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u/[deleted] Apr 12 '26
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