-
Posts
-
-
‘Morning, everyone…
I wanted to ask you guys how you go about doing the stuff that you do. I have seen advanced trails, crazy looking jumps, rock hopping, etc… and sit back with an expression like: 😮
Here’s some details…
Bike: Schwinn Alum Comp (from Wally World – but yet upgraded by a LBS).
Age, height/weight, etc: 49, 6’0", 200 lbs, safe/sane/cautious MTB mentality.
Experience: Road – well over 40 years (obviously). Trail – maybe 1 or 2 years.I love mountain biking and venturing out on some of the single track runs. It is like a whole new world opened up, and I think it’s a real blast! 😎 I stick with the easy "green circle" beginner runs, double tracks, and I also do the intermediate "blue square" runs for a boost of confidence. But yet I look at some of the advanced trails, and think to myself, "What the #*@!" ?!? 😕 You all do stuff that defies the laws of gravity! 😆 I want to improve my ability and do what you do, but, then again, I have this hidden fear: Something deep inside tells me, [i:p02sznv8]"Don’t do it, Butch… You’re not as young as they are…"[/i:p02sznv8]
My main question is, how do I kick it up a notch, but without the need for an ambulance? 😉
-
"ButchA" wrote
My main question is, how do I kick it up a notch, but without the need for an ambulance? 😉
Same way you eat an elephant – little bit at a time. Work your way up. Start slow/low. Start going faster/higher, a little at a time.
No one goes out and just does a 20ft gap without a lot of practice on smaller stuff. At least, no one in their right mind.
I did see a drunk guy on a beach cruiser try to ride a dirt jump when I was in college. He’s not a dirt jumper, or even a serious rider. He was just on his way home from a bar. It didn’t end well 😆
-
I feel you 100% ButchA, Im 30 and I think the same way you do. The funny thing is that I used to ride my BMX in the 90’s and would jump off of anything and everything and wouldnt think twice about it. Now I ride a little more conservitively but yet I want to roll thru rock gardens and drops and what not, the thing that helped me remember that i am capable of doing things like this has been riding with guys who ride better then me who dont mind giving a few pointers. I have taken a few falls so now my knees are all busted up so I think its time for knee pads atleast. It’s very duable but we have to learn to overcome that little bit of fear we all have within our selves….
-
I met a stranger on the trail who showed me some crazy stuff… My only comment for him was that there was a cyclocross racer somewhere inside me. The worst thing you can do is bail out and walk down the really crazy stuff.
-
I feel the same way but I’m on a much steeper learning curve. First bike since I was a kid and I got a rigid ss. Had it 2 months. Just learning to bike off road is interesting enough. Throw in the rigid single speed and things are tons of fun. I am pushing myself but not beyond my limits. However, going to the emergency room or the bone doc is not having fun so I have no problem walking when things seem to hairy. Everyone I have met on the trails so far are as nice as they can be and are willing to lend some helpful advice. I would have thought that there might be some macho BS to deal with but I guess everybody is out there for the same reason…to have fun.
-
Thanks for all the great replies… I appreciate it. 😎
The green circle singletrack runs that I venture out on, are pretty easy, comfortable, and have a few tree roots and maybe a small 4" log crossing. I use them to practice my speed, control, and various styles of log crossings/bunny hops.
The blue square singletrack runs that I venture out on are also fun, and a real workout. I love the whoop-dee’s in the dried up ravines, and have actually gotten a little air time, which brought a smile to my face. 😃 But then, when I get hit up by a big log crossing/jump/homemade what-cha-ma-call-it, I tend to hit the brakes and lose all my speed.
Example: You’re cruising through the trees on a pretty straightaway trail. Up ahead you see a big log crossing. Two 4" logs, one 8" log, and one big 12" tree trunk, and again, an 8" log, 4" log, etc.. on the other side. Do you pick up speed and go for it, and become like a mountain biking Evel Kinevel?!? 😆 I find myself slowing way down, thinking to myself, [i:1m8dio1p]"WTF is that?!?"[/i:1m8dio1p] and then I have no speed to try to bunny hop or even wheelie over it. So, I end up having to walk the bike over it. 😳
I need to get back out there and practice the log crossing/jump. I know I can do it, it’s just that I have this bizarre hesitation. Like Chilipepper was saying, "I am my own worst enemy". But I know I can do it… I just have to get out there prove it to myself…
Thanks again, guys! 😎
-
That log crossing sounds like a nice small ramp to me,haha.I also have 4-5 inches of travel on the bike which makes it feel almost like a smooth ramp but even if riding a rigid,you just have to loosen up and "perch" yourself in attack position and loosen up the arms and legs and just guide the bike…it’ll flow over those logs.Be prepared to eat it but don’t be so prepared that’s all that’s going through your head,know you can make it but know how to fall as well.
There is a bridge on one of the trails here and it’s about 7 feet above the water,14-16 inches wide,and about 25 feet long.I KNOW I can hit it and make it,I just hesitate and then end up thinking about it too much and end up walking it.If the water was deeper than 4 inches I wouldn’t be so concerned but that’s a good fall to a wet,kinda hard landing.I will hit it soon though!
-
ButchA- on situations like your big log pile, one thing I do is try and scan quicky for sprocket teeth marks in the top of the pile. If there are some or alot, I know I shouldn’t just roll it, and if it is not too late I at least try and get some momentum up so the front lofts at least some and also try and unweightthe rear, intentionally endoing a bit, lifting the BB/chainring and rear wheel over the top with clearance or atleast unweighted.
Galaxy- I hear ya on the mind over matter stuff. One can ride a 4" path all day long, but playing what if isn’t easy 😮 -
ButchA – Welcome to Singletracks. I’m from the Richmond area too. Which trails are you honing your skills on?
Regarding log piles, there was some good advice above and if you search around you’ll find more. Start off on small piles or smal single logs and get used to the mechanics of getting over them. That will build your skill and your confidence. I’m no expert rider, but I get over a lot of log piles on the local trails. There are several more that I haven’t even attempted. Not ready yet. I might never be.
Regarding chainring scars on the logs, I have two comments. The best line is typically where most of the scarring is. Sometimes it doesn’t look that way on the approach, but in my experience it becomes the path of least resistance. The scarring is there for a reason. Also, a lot of the scarring may be coming from full-suspension bikes. I ride with a guy that has a FS and he bottoms out a lot where I don’t, and I think it is because his bike compresses into the log pile where a hard-tail won’t.
I clear log piles often that are all scarred up, and I never touch, so don’t assume that because a log pile is all chewed up that you are going to bottom out. However, if you are unsure, you can inspect the pile / line beforehand. And as the previous poster noted, you need to learn how to be "light" on the bike to avoid an unfavorable result. From a safety perspective, checking out any TTF before riding over/through it is good advice, especially if you are somewhat new to technical features.
-
"fleetwood" wrote
ButchA – Welcome to Singletracks. I’m from the Richmond area too. Which trails are you honing your skills on?
Fleetwood, thanks… I’m in the west end of Richmond, near Regency Mall.
Trails I’ve ridden so far
Deep Run Park – I can ride to this place from my house. It’s alright, but I stay off the paved paths, due to the crowds. I go there to work on speed and control.As far as honing my skills. I would say it would be Deep Run Park – since it’s so close to home. I know every tree root in the place. It’s an easy ride and allows me to build confidence as I increase speed and do some bunny hops over small 4" log crossings.
Rockwood Park – Just like Deep Run, it’s alright. I just stay off the paved paths, due to the crowds. I go there to work on speed and control.
Pocahontas State Park – I love this place! 😎 There are so many trails and such a variety of places to ride. It’s incredible! [i:2v4pge2c]{get’s printout of map}[/i:2v4pge2c] Let’s see… Within Pocahontas, I’ve ridden these trails:
— Forest Exploration
— Powhatan
— Lakeview 1 and 2 (I ran out of gas and couldn’t make it to 3)
— Old Mill
— Tall Oaks/Blue Mtn Bike
— Green Mtn Bike
— Muddy Buddy
— Parallel
I haven’t done the Red trail yet or the area called "Little West VA". I saw the area and had serious second thoughts. I was like, "Whoa.. Are you guys for real?" 😮 😉Powhite – I went here and had to really be careful. This place was fun, but, very very challenging. It’s rated a blue square, but to me, it should be a black diamond. I love the "half pipe" in there – that was awesome! 😎
Belle Isle – I have ridden here, and saw the wicked looking downhill trails from the top. Somebody is either very very good with a full suspension bike, or either they have a death wish! 😆 I ventured on a few trails that wound their way up towards the top, turned around and came back down. Very nice place, but [i:2v4pge2c]packed[/i:2v4pge2c] with people on the weekends! 😮
Edit: I should add "Huguenot Trail / Pony Pasture" to the list of trails, but I don’t really consider them a MTB trail. The Huguenot Trail is just a real small singletrack through the woods under the Huguenot Bridge, and is flat with nothing special, except for serious mud after it rains. I’ve gone there to goof around in the mud and get all nasty and dirty. But, it’s sort of fun in a way…
-
I’ve been riding trails for maybe a year now and I can definitely be over-cautious when it comes to a some obstacles because I’m a big guy (6′ 290ish) and it hurts when I fall. Someone already mentioned riding with buddies who are better than you so that they can give you tips and pointers. I’m still a total noob and until I get in better shape, I’m going to suck for a while but that has been my biggest help so far. It’s helped in tackling new obstacles and in pushing myself longer on the trails which has really helped in my weight loss.
-
"jtorlando25" wrote
I’ve been riding trails for maybe a year now and I can definitely be over-cautious when it comes to a some obstacles because I’m a big guy (6′ 290ish) and it hurts when I fall. Someone already mentioned riding with buddies who are better than you so that they can give you tips and pointers. I’m still a total noob and until I get in better shape, I’m going to suck for a while but that has been my biggest help so far. It’s helped in tackling new obstacles and in pushing myself longer on the trails which has really helped in my weight loss.
I can attest to that fact….in fact I blame you Mr. Orlando for getting me started into this addiction!! hahaha Just come ride with me out at Quantico one day, and I’ll keep ya going!
-
ButchA, looks like you have had a good sampling of what Richmond has to offer. I rode Powhite today after work. I’ll agree that there are some technical sections, mostly due to roots/rocks, but it’s not bad once you work up your skill level a bit. Some of the inner trails are tight and twisty.
The downside is that the network of trails is kinda small. It is fun to do a couple outer loop runs (both directions) and explore the inner trails, but even then it tends to get monotonous if you go there often. I hadn’t been in probably over a month though, so it was fun to get back out there and mix it up. It’s a great place to get a quick ride in after work.
Just keep at it and over time you’ll realize that the same things used to be hard aren’t as challenging anymore.
-
"ButchA" wrote
‘Morning, everyone…
I wanted to ask you guys how you go about doing the stuff that you do. I have seen advanced trails, crazy looking jumps, rock hopping, etc… and sit back with an expression like: 😮
Here’s some details…
Bike: Schwinn Alum Comp (from Wally World – but yet upgraded by a LBS).
Age, height/weight, etc: 49, 6’0", 200 lbs, safe/sane/cautious MTB mentality.
Experience: Road – well over 40 years (obviously). Trail – maybe 1 or 2 years.I love mountain biking and venturing out on some of the single track runs. It is like a whole new world opened up, and I think it’s a real blast! 😎 I stick with the easy "green circle" beginner runs, double tracks, and I also do the intermediate "blue square" runs for a boost of confidence. But yet I look at some of the advanced trails, and think to myself, "What the #*@!" ?!? 😕 You all do stuff that defies the laws of gravity! 😆 I want to improve my ability and do what you do, but, then again, I have this hidden fear: Something deep inside tells me, [i:2xh33vfx]"Don’t do it, Butch… You’re not as young as they are…"[/i:2xh33vfx]
My main question is, how do I kick it up a notch, but without the need for an ambulance? 😉
First thing’s first, you have to kick the "You’re too old for this" and "safe/sane/cautious" mentalities. It all begins in the mind, and the willingness to go beyond your comfort zone, to push the boundaries into the area where you’re really learning. Yes, you may (and should) fall a little bit. That’s part of the sport.
-
Just keep at it and over time you’ll realize that the same things used to be hard aren’t as challenging anymore.
[/quote]
Man i totally agree with this comment, I find myself going over sections that i never used to and not even think twice about it. I still hesitate on some and try to find the best line but if i cant i’ll save it for another day. A lot of my improvement comes from riding with people the are skilled a little or a lot more then me. Like for example, i ride with trailrider247 and when we do ride together he will choose the easiest line to ride thru to help build my skills, so i just try to follow his line when i can, cause i tend to choose the hardest lines to run thru cause im still learing. So now when i ride solo which is often cause of the time i choose to ride at ( i ride 530 am – 900am ) i ride with a lot more confidence knowing i have the ability to ride thru stuff i didnt think i could or ever would for that matter. Oh yeah, like mentioned already YOU WILL FALL & YOU WILL HARD but the question is, HOW MANY TIMES ARE YOUWILLING TO FALL TO GET IT RIGHT???
-
Ditto all that. Yesterday I had one of those learning experiences. Trails were SWEET after an afternoon rain and it was cool, and I was cooking along at a nice pace and on rain packed trail 😃
There in the the trail was about 3" limb laying across the trail with some vines going down to it’s [i:3fl3cz0m]left[/i:3fl3cz0m] end…. no biggie I thought and just proceeded to loft the front over the log and blast on over and through the trail junk- that’s how I do it on a dirt bike( with 220 more # of mo and hand/brushguards…) so WTF, right? Well no sooner than my rear wheel came over the limb did I realize instantly that 1) I was decelleration at an alarming rate 😮 2) and I was rapidly endoing and rotating around the front wheel 😏 then 3) was flying through the air, already laughing before I hit the ground- tuck and roll and giggle 😆 The vine had gotten hung on my front brake and I did the stoppie from hell. No injury other than a minor knee booboo.Note to self- respect vines more 😆
-
"XCFW315" wrote
Ditto all that. Yesterday I had one of those learning experiences. Trails were SWEET after an afternoon rain and it was cool, and I was cooking along at a nice pace and on rain packed trail 😃
There in the the trail was about 3" limb laying across the trail with some vines going down to it’s [i:20ra2j8r]left[/i:20ra2j8r] end…. no biggie I thought and just proceeded to loft the front over the log and blast on over and through the trail junk- that’s how I do it on a dirt bike( with 220 more # of mo and hand/brushguards…) so WTF, right? Well no sooner than my rear wheel came over the limb did I realize instantly that 1) I was decelleration at an alarming rate 😮 2) and I was rapidly endoing and rotating around the front wheel 😏 then 3) was flying through the air, already laughing before I hit the ground- tuck and roll and giggle 😆 The vine had gotten hung on my front brake and I did the stoppie from hell. No injury other than a minor knee booboo.Note to self- respect vines more 😆
Haha nice, good story man!
Yeah a MTB is way different than a moto!
-
Lesson #2 today.
When removing a leaf that’s flapping in your face dangling from a spiderweb, and you freak out about the corner your about to overshoot, DON’T grab a handfull of the left lever. 😏
I think I gotta go moto-style front…. 😛 -
"XCFW315" wrote
Lesson #2 today.
When removing a leaf that’s flapping in your face dangling from a spiderweb, and you freak out about the corner your about to overshoot, DON’T grab a handfull of the left lever. 😏
I think I gotta go moto-style front…. 😛Or just use your left hand to clear the spiderweb 😉
-
Speaking of brakes…
How about when you are cruising along a trail and it starts heading downhill. You pick up speed, go around a corner, and then see a shallow stream crossing (2" deep, 4′ wide) up ahead that you have to navigate through a few rocks (some sticking up about 4", others are just small rocks and stones). So do you just plow through it, or do you hit the brakes like I do ( 😳 ), then cautiously make your way through it?
-
ive gotten to the point that I just plow through obstacles. If I fail then I try again at a slower speed. I burn a lot of energy getting back to the momentum I had before, so I just try to keep going. After a few of those, you realize that most obstacles arent as bad as you originally thought. Plus, Im only 26 so I heal faster bc of my youth. I also pay insurance every week, bout time I used it. lol.
I have more troubles with switchbacks and sharp corner more than I do anything else. I cant seem to blaze through them as fast as I would like to.
Im starting to zero in my skills and realize what my bike can and can not do. I really need a new front fork but outside of that my bike is great for the trails around my area.
I love rock gardens. 😃
-
"…you realize that most obstacles arent as bad as you originally thought.
and
..Im starting to zero in my skills and realize what my bike can and can not do."Exactly. I’m finding that I routinely underestimate my bikes abilities. As far as my own, who knows- just applying intuition and hoping it is correct.
"Or just use your left hand to clear the spiderweb"
-LOL yea I was, but I quickly/reflexively put it on the bar to both steer and (over)brake.
I switched the brakes over anyways last night and hoses actually move more freely not crossing infront of the steering head) Can’t be any worse, right? I mean is there and intrinsic reason for left front/right rear?? -
"BikerPanda" wrote
ive gotten to the point that I just plow through obstacles. If I fail then I try again at a slower speed. I burn a lot of energy getting back to the momentum I had before, so I just try to keep going. After a few of those, you realize that most obstacles arent as bad as you originally thought. Plus, Im only 26 so I heal faster bc of my youth. I also pay insurance every week, bout time I used it. lol.
I have more troubles with switchbacks and sharp corner more than I do anything else. I cant seem to blaze through them as fast as I would like to.
Im starting to zero in my skills and realize what my bike can and can not do. I really need a new front fork but outside of that my bike is great for the trails around my area.
I love rock gardens. 😃
Going fast, even through the rough stuff, helps keep you upright due to the gyroscopic forces of your wheel. And if you’ve got the suspension for it, its even easier.
-LOL yea I was, but I quickly/reflexively put it on the bar to both steer and (over)brake.
I switched the brakes over anyways last night and hoses actually move more freely not crossing infront of the steering head) Can’t be any worse, right? I mean is there and intrinsic reason for left front/right rear??I’ve got a friend that came from a moto background and he’s got the brakes on his mtb set up moto style. The only reason I could think of is that your rear shifter is on the right as well, so it’d make sense to keep both of them together.
-
"ButchA" wrote
Speaking of brakes…
How about when you are cruising along a trail and it starts heading downhill. You pick up speed, go around a corner, and then see a shallow stream crossing (2" deep, 4′ wide) up ahead that you have to navigate through a few rocks (some sticking up about 4", others are just small rocks and stones). So do you just plow through it, or do you hit the brakes like I do ( 😳 ), then cautiously make your way through it?
I’d say it depends on the actual speed and suspension travel but really,if you choose the right line,it should be possible to blast it on a hardtail as well.
My brakes suck so I try to hit most stuff with speed,haha.
Those damn vines are horrible,I had one wrap around my neck the other day and it actually stopped me it was so large.I got off the bike and got rid of the vine so it wouldn’t snag anyone else.
-
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.