To DH in JHB or not

[ngala24]

So im really keen to try my hand at a little bit of DH riding, couple questions though

 

1) I have a fused neck (C5/6) and not particularly keen on breaking my neck, would a leatt brace be the answer ?

 

2) Im in Benoni, where do i go ride ?

 

3) Who would be willing to take me out on a loan bike to give it a bash first before i drop cash on it ?

[nigelhicks]

Patches may be able to help ... he was saying to me that a couple of his mates are building up a "village bicycle" for the noobies to try ... so ask him

 

As for the neck thing ... i donno ... but i know of a good couple of racers who have fused necks and they still race.

 

Then where to ride? Good Question ... again ... ask Patches

[patches]

@Ngala,

 

I can't answer in terms of your spinal fusion... but as Nigel said... quie a few people who have had such procedures still take part in the more extreme sports. A leatt brace could be the answer?!

 

Also as mentioned... he G.A.S. club (Gravity All Stars) have a village bike which is almost complete. This will be present at events, for those who are keen to try their hand. In terms of a full face helmet... commandeer tumbleweeds. I know for a fact that it doesn't see any action

 

Now where to ride. The closest DH course to you would be Gilloley's. This probably isn't the best one to visit for your first time. Most riders hate it. it's insanely rocky and breaks riders and bikes.

 

Here are the others:

 

1. Helderkruin (near clearwater mall, west rand. great one to learn)

2. 139 (Waterkloof Pretoria. Awesome track. Some of everything. Rider's fav by far)

3. Klapperkop (PTA, land access is a problem)

4. Stonehouse (Haarties... rocky and loose. Events only I think)

 

and as soon as the haartoes cable cars are up and running... that track will be ready too.

 

I'd say Helderkruin or 139 are your best bet. If there's a saturday on which you feel like visiting either, PM me and maybe we can meet up. You're also welcome to give my DH bike a go or 2 (don't worry, it's insured )

[ngala24]

Thanks Patches, will take you up on that offer.

Ill be in touch as soon as i get a chance, moving into new house next week so things a little caotic right now

[TiBones]

Hey Patches, I have a son with a need for gravity speed. 13 year old bullet proof (or so he thinks). Do you DH's have an open day type thingy?

[patches]

Hey Patches, I have a son with a need for gravity speed. 13 year old bullet proof (or so he thinks). Do you DH's have an open day type thingy?

 

Last year we had an open day in Feb, to kick off the season. But truth be told... Every DH event here is like an open day. Especially on the Saturday. Dh racing is so relaxed (when you're not on a race run ofcourse ). The guys are all helpful.

 

I'll keep the Gravity thread posted on the Gauteng events!

 

Oh, and with any luck, I may have a second DH bike soon... so my current one can be a loaner.

[TiBones]

You Sir, are a skollie and a genital. Thank you, I will keep checking.

[ngala24]

Patches what kind of a bike would i pick up for about R10k ? Anything worth while ?

[MariusC]

@Ngala,

 

I can't answer in terms of your spinal fusion... but as Nigel said... quie a few people who have had such procedures still take part in the more extreme sports. A leatt brace could be the answer?!

 

Also as mentioned... he G.A.S. club (Gravity All Stars) have a village bike which is almost complete. This will be present at events, for those who are keen to try their hand. In terms of a full face helmet... commandeer tumbleweeds. I know for a fact that it doesn't see any action

 

Now where to ride. The closest DH course to you would be Gilloley's. This probably isn't the best one to visit for your first time. Most riders hate it. it's insanely rocky and breaks riders and bikes.

 

Here are the others:

 

1. Helderkruin (near clearwater mall, west rand. great one to learn)

2. 139 (Waterkloof Pretoria. Awesome track. Some of everything. Rider's fav by far)

3. Klapperkop (PTA, land access is a problem)

4. Stonehouse (Haarties... rocky and loose. Events only I think)

 

and as soon as the haartoes cable cars are up and running... that track will be ready too.

 

I'd say Helderkruin or 139 are your best bet. If there's a saturday on which you feel like visiting either, PM me and maybe we can meet up. You're also welcome to give my DH bike a go or 2 (don't worry, it's insured )

Let me know when there is something at Helderkruin again would wanne pop around and maybe try for myself once

[patches]

Patches what kind of a bike would i pick up for about R10k ? Anything worth while ?

 

For 10k one could pick up quite a decent bike. If I get this 2nd DH bike I have my heart set on, then I may sell my current one for around 10k.

 

Here's an indication of what I think is a good buy in the 10k region

 

Frame: 2008 Morewood Izimu

Shock: Fox DHX 5.0

Fork: 2008 Rock Shox Boxxer Team

Cranks: Shimano Saint

Chain Guide: MRB G2

Rear Derailleur: Shimano SLX Shadow

Brakes: Hayes Stroker Trail

Bars: Truvativ Boo Bars

Stem: sunline V1 Direct Mount.

Wheels: DT Swiss FR600's

 

Basically THIS bike with different bars and wheels:

 

 

 

So yeah... that's an idea of what would be a decent buy at 10k (and not just saying that because it's mine, )

Edited May 25, 2012 by patches

[ngala24]

Cool, ill give a try soon and if its a much fun as i expect then ill keep an eye on the classifieds for something

[patches]

Let me know when there is something at Helderkruin again would wanne pop around and maybe try for myself once

 

I'm contemplating riding some helderkruin tomorrow.

 

I have an optometrists apointment at 9:30 adn again at 13:00 (Clearwater), so I have to make my saturday riding close to there.

 

There won't be a shuttle... but it will be nice and relaxed. I'll PM you once I'm certain

[RockCoach]

Patches, our 15 year old daughter is also serious (at this stage) about doing downhill. So if there is a small loan bike please let us know...

 

Sounds like Helderkruin would be the best place to learn?