Signature Trick Documentation

Trick Name: Garuda-Stand

Category: Flatland BMX

Type: Rolling trick performed on the back wheel

Time of invention: 2012

Difficulty Level:

• As a single trick: Intermediate
• In combination with other tricks: Advanced

Trick Overview:

The Garuda-Stand involves standing on the seat-stay while rolling on the back wheel. The trick emerged naturally for Monika during a video contest, where she was experimenting with foot-switching techniques to improve body control. The foundation of the trick is a Peg-wheelie, a move she frequently used while rolling down the street. Over time, standing on the peg became too easy, prompting her to explore new foot placements on different parts of the bike. Eventually, the unique geometry of the Ares Garuda frame provided the perfect spot for foot placement on the seat-stay, leading to the creation of the Garuda-Stand.

Prerequisites:

• Basic Flatland skills
• Peg-wheelie (on both regular and opposite sides)
• Requires more strength than a standard Peg-wheelie

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Starting Position:
   Monika begins by standing on the left peg, with the handlebars pulled forward and her weight centered on the back wheel. She maintains balance using her free leg, while steering is controlled by shifting her body weight and subtly pushing the handlebars to either side.

2. Initial Movement:
   Monika leans forward and pulls the handlebars towards her to lift the front wheel. She starts rolling in this position on the back wheel, using her free leg to help balance.

3. Core Action:
   To initiate the trick, Monika places her right foot onto the seat-stay while keeping her left foot on the peg. For a brief moment, both feet will be on the bike, requiring precise balance. She quickly removes her left foot from the peg, holding the handlebars firmly. Monika shifts more weight towards the back and pulls the handlebars closer to her to find the balance point, which requires extra strength compared to a regular Peg-wheelie.

4. Control and Balance:
   Monika stands tall on her toes while pulling the handlebars towards her for balance. She keeps her core engaged to maintain control of the trick.

5. Trick Climax:
   In this position, Monika can either roll straight or add turns to the left or right, each direction offering its own unique challenge, style, and feeling.

6. Landing/End Position:
   As the bike starts to lose momentum, Monika gradually shifts her weight back and allows the front wheel to gently touch down. She rides out smoothly to finish.

Common Mistakes and Fixes:

• Mistake: The front wheel drops down too early.
• Fix: Pull the handlebars closer towards you to maintain balance and prevent the front wheel from lowering.

Tips and Insights:

• Foot placement is key to keeping the position stable. Losing balance can happen easily during the foot switch, so Monika focuses on making the switch quickly and placing her foot securely on the seat-stay.
• It's beneficial to practice two-footed rolling on the back wheel, with both feet on the pegs and both hands on the handlebars, to improve overall control and balance.

Video/Visual Aid:
Watch the Peg-Wheelie to Garuda-Stand transition at 5:20 in the video.

Conclusion:
The Garuda-Stand is a creative solution for riders who don’t use pegs, utilizing a fundamental part of the bike in a new way. However, frame geometry plays a crucial role; if the seat-stay is too steep, it may be difficult to keep your foot in place. Thanks to the perfect geometry of the Ares Garuda frame, I named the trick after it. Depending on your frame, you might need to add grip tape to that section of the bike for better foot placement.

Trick Name: Pedal-Doughnut

Category: Flatland BMX

Type: Scuffing trick performed on the front wheel

Time of invention: 2007

Difficulty Level:

• As a single trick: Pro

Trick Overview:
The Pedal-Doughnut is a variation of the classic Doughnut trick, conceptualized by Monika in 2007. Unlike the standard version, where the rider stands on the front peg, this variation involves standing on the pedal, significantly increasing the difficulty. The rider's body position shifts, with the standing leg placed on the pedal, while more body weight is concentrated on the hands. This requires greater strength and control to maintain balance, making it a more advanced trick with potential for further development.

Conclusion:
The Pedal-Doughnut draws inspiration from the mid-school era while offering fresh possibilities for riders who don't use pegs, transforming a fundamental part of the bike into a creative tool. With further exploration, this trick holds great potential for innovative combinations and progression.