Gyp <
[email protected]> wrote in message news:<
[email protected]>...
> Zilla wrote:
> > How technical are the trails you ride on?
> >
>
> I'm still a newbie so an hour or two at cross country (mostly woodland) at the mo. I've sussed a
> lot of the nerve based stuff (going fast down incredibly steep bouncy slopes) but I'm still pretty
> lame at logs and gullys..
This is a great topic that could take up a lot of space. But here are some thoughts;
1. Watch weight allocation, especially on descents you want your center of gravity to be behind
your seat, avoid excessive use of the front brake, and have a bail-out in mind, like off the
back, etc. Be fluid and use your legs (and arms) as shock absorbers. Most descents I'll lower my
seat to make it easier to get my weight back, lowers my center of gravity for greater
maneuverability, etc.
2. Sometimes, when things get squirrelly, you might be tempted to panic brake, (which can really
screw you over) when all you may really need for the situation is to suck it up, power through,
and amaze yourself at what you just did. Keeping a clear head and your confidence up can save
the day most of the time.
3. Know how to fall, which means conciously training yourself *not* to extend your arms to break
your fall. Tuck and roll, and/or hang onto the bars and let them take the shock of a sideways
biff, rather than busting your collarbone or worse. If you have any Judo, Aikido, Jiu Jitsu,
wrestling, etc., experience, this will be a plus. Head to chin and roll like a ball.
4. If you're just real clumsy, and practice doesn't seem to help, get some elbow and
knee/shin guards.
5. Plan to ride with folks better than you, and study how they clean sections that are difficult
for you. We learn not only by trial and error, but by imitation, too.
Well, I could go on and on, but there's a start, fwiw, and I have the scars to validate a lot of
that stuff. ;-P
Paladin
