Epic Rookie

The wave is in here somewhere:

http://www.dailysurfvideos.com/wp-content/media/wipeout-clips.jpg

http://designyoutrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/112.jpg

Hmmm, my GoPro overtook me on Stage 1 of the Epic this year after it snapped off the mount coming down a hill pretty early on, guy behind me was a bit pissed but had to save the camera. Spotted the bright blue mounts the "pro-riders" were using, looked much better!

Hi, I'm new to MTBing and i've got a few questions. When I shift gears, I have to "double tap" to get it from the small chain-ring to the medium one, is there anything i'm doing wrong, do I need to tighten or loosen something? Secondly, i've got a Uvex Xenova helmet, I put it on nice and firm but after bouncing down a few hills I inevitably have to tighten it again, is that a normal occurence or should I take it back? Thanks for the help

I've been watching The Epic and Sani2C on TV, there's also the Joburg2C coming up soon. What's the best race or what are the benefits of each of them? Got to have a goal to aim for and would like to complete one of them one day.

I go to bed and wake up thinking about it, can't wait! I've been to Bowmans and Revolution in town because I work close to them. I've also been to City Cycle (I think that's what it was called) in Canal Walk. I've gathered a bit of info but still not sure about some aspects. I've looked at FELT, MONGOOSE and SILVERBACK as well as GIANT and TREK. Do I try saving more (I've got approx R6000 at the mo) or do I settle for something now? All these questions, feel like a kid again! Full Suspension or Hardtail? Hydraulic or mechanical Discs? I want to eventually do something like the Sani2C, Joburg2C or maybe the Big Daddy of them all, The Epic! So much excitement, already looking at Riders as they fly past me when i'm running on Trails, sussing out what they ride. Grondpad, you mentioned Clubs, are there any MTB Clubs in the CT City Bowl area? Thanks already for the feedback, can't wait to become a part of the MTB Community!

Hey everybody, So, as the name says, i'm a rookie, a really big one, an EPIC rookie! Originally from Durbs, now in CT and wow people are active down here. Started Trail running in December, never ran before that and I can't stand Road Running. Now, i'm super keen to continue down the dirty path and get into MTB. At least with Trail running I knew how to run, not that difficult. However, with MTB comes a whole new world of what, where and how? So, I want to know all there is to know about MTB. Bikes, what to look for and what to stay away from? Looking at saving up for a better bike that will last a while as opposed to buying a cheapy now and regretting it later. "How to" is also a problem, I know how to ride a bike but that was as a kid growing up and putting Cards in the spokes to make them sound cool. Any ideas on books or sites with valuable info about hill climbs and descents? Changing gears and which brakes to use at the right time? That's just the start, hopefully with all your help, i'll become a fully fledged MTB Junkie.