MTN MTB track opinion

[jarek.pski]

Morning forum,

 

Yesterday was my first time on the MTN mtb track and my first memory is engraved on my back....literally....

 

Beginner route, I followed the perimeter of the property, at the bottom I took the low tunnel to the right (river water running down) came up a wooden bridge to the right.... this is where I sucked badly...

 

tried mounting the plasitc mesh to gain traction with the wheels still wet, my rear tyre slipped and I went overboard, off the bridge beautifully greating my back on the barbwire fence at the bottom and my bike followed shortly after.

 

10 stitches later, torn shirt and pants I thought to myself.... who on earth puts barb wire fence at a mtb track all around? I know I'm a beginner but everyone makes mistakes, and I don't think I'm / was the only one that will/has made this mistake.

 

I'm going back there again without a doubt as it's conveniently placed... as soon as the stitches come out my arse

 

Just thought I could bi*** and moan about it here....

[Just Keep Pedaling]

Many riders have fallen at various places in the MTN park. It is a deathtrap for beginners.

[ThePubSA]

was there for the 1st time yesterday aswell , from like 1pm -6pm. my rear tire also spun once or twice on those grates they putting up altough was able to power thru the slipping. noticed some close call areas with the barbwire. spose its there so bike jackings dont happen >>>> that side of the highway. lol also had sum ruff & tumble yesterday zoidberg and i swopped bikes for like 5 mins and both managed to snuff it due to us riding rear brakes on opposite side of our handlebars, i came sliding down to see how his rear sus worked under breaking, hit breaks which was now front and superman followed , he did exact opposite doing a wheelie. both left with a few scrapes bails out the way , next time shud be a pinner

[ThePubSA]

LMAO , forgot the 1 lvl 3 wooden bridge trail which has like 1/2 metre wide bridge, came in to fast and had to exit and do sum blackjak crop bashing , all good tho makes u feel alive

 

btw hope u heal up fast

[jarek.pski]

I mean it's ok to have it further from the bridges and trails, but space between bridges and the fencing is less then 1m away, after landing I battled for maybe 10min to get the bike off me and unhook myself from the fence...

 

I was hoping somebody would come this way and help me, but no luck.

 

I also found that going DH there is also barb fencing, imagine getting a speed wobble or something?? hitting the fence at 20-30km is not really my idea of fun.

 

I also found that going thru wetlands, someone has been working on the wooden bridge and, left a hammer, screw drivers and nails right in the middle of the bridge. I think they should've closed that area for time of repairs.

[jarek.pski]

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae176/crObar/26042011002.jpg Edited April 26, 2011 by jarek.pski

[Palaeodom]

Yep i've had a few nasty falls there when i first started out. There are still some parts that require some special concentration as a fall would mean some serious bed rest. the barbed wire thing is rubbish, it'd be great not to need it but this being SA we certainly do need it. I would suggest getting off the bike and walking up that ramp under the bridge as it is pretty slippery in the wet, i've seen people bail off the top when making the turn coming from the left. Many of the runs there i try and do several times before i feel like i know it well enough to start playing, if you pick a trail you like but tests you just do it over and over and you'll quickly get better as you learn the route and how to do it and then you can apply that to anywhere.

[Danger Dassie]

Really at the end of the day it's it's much ado about nothing. Hope you made the staff or Riaan aware of your feelings as well.

[jarek.pski]

Really at the end of the day it's it's much ado about nothing. Hope you made the staff or Riaan aware of your feelings as well.

 

My bro rushed me out of there as bleeding was quite bad, when I go there next time Ill have a word with someone. I did sign idemnity so I can't really cry about anything. Who is Riaan?

[jmaccelari]

For a REAL rush take a cyclocross bike and do the black routes... Phew...

[Mojoman]

Eina! I once got chucked off a horse into a barb wire fence and had similar injuries, the stuff is lethal.

[Moolz]

Same thing almost happened to me last week...and thought how crazy it would be to end up in the barb wire!!

Lost all traction, couldnt uncleat and somehow managed not ending up in the fence!!

 

I am however thankful for the little pastic bit they use as a ramp...but you need to attack the bridge at quite a speed to make it up relying on pure momentum without fear of braking traction...

 

The wood is ridiculously slippery when wet! But I suppose its part of the riding experience!

[cat-i]

 

The wood is ridiculously slippery when wet! But I suppose its part of the riding experience!

groenkloof put chicken wire all accross the wood to make it less slippery. maybe suggest it to the guys there when you see then again?

 

<hijack>

wow, did groenkloof get their singletrack right or WHAT?

</hijack>

[jarek.pski]

lol no need to wonder what it would be like to land in barb wire... Results can be displayed here Im recovering well... Visiting Mankele thus weekend

[Mr-T]

ouch!!! ouch!!

[Tumbleweed]

For a REAL rush take a cyclocross bike and do the black routes... Phew...

 

Space Junk must be a hoot on one of those!

 

To the OP, if you are a beginner, you should size up an obstacle before you attempt it. I don't think blame can be placed on the park people, but rather on yourself, as you said, you "sucked" at the place you fell. I've fallen there lots. No fault of theirs, just talent failure on my part.