You can break down bunny hops into two parts: the front wheel and the back wheel.

Basically, you need to pre-load down into the bike and then punch it forward with your arms and legs. The key thing here is to use your weight to get the front wheel up rather than pulling it up with your arms.

As the front wheel is coming up and almost to its peak, it’s time to get the back wheel up. Now you want to quickly spring up and just a little forward. Your sudden weight shift will get the rear wheel off the ground.

When you’re practicing your bunny hops, work on each wheel individually. Start nice and slowly with a line on the ground and work on your timing to make sure both wheels clear it. Slowly increase your speed until both wheels are in the air at the same time. When you’ve nailed that, add a small stick and start again. Once you can clear the stick at speed, you’re ready to take it to the trail.