MTB - The culprit on the course

[CoffeeMugger]

I take issue with the assumption – in every gripe in evidence - that a rider trying his best to “race” whether for podium pos or not – is automatically labeled “the culprit – who will be dealt with by CSA”, this is a most unfortunate attitude and is both unfair and offensive.

 

The challenges (and difficulties ?) of the routes along with unmet expectations can often fuel frustrations and irritation that can lead to otherwise calm individuals “losing it” at the slightest provocation and/or for the most minor of indiscretions and/or errors/and lack of (and conversely possession of ) skill by others.

 

For the most part the “fun Riders” level of enjoyment is directly linked to the ease (read physical fun) of the effort – conversely the “racer” (including riders who want to push boundaries and go as fast as their competencies will allow irrespective of podium dreams) is probably measuring enjoyment level on another scale entirely.

 

Having ridden hundreds of events over the years – the vast majority of which have had no major incidents – I would venture an opinion to say that I have yet to see anyone in any of these events riding with the intention of getting hurt, wanting to hurt, seeking a scrap or spoiling anyone elses day and most minor brushes with fellow riders are usually immediately dissolved by way of apology and/or a laugh at the stupidity and ineptness associated with the issue.

 

I have lately witnessed an increasing number of “misunderstandings” culminating in vicious arguments and some unfortunate physical retaliations – all of these have been in events with overlapping courses.

 

The recent Trailseeker event in Cullinan was an “argument staged” in my humble opinion – the scramble up the loose rocks where staying on your feet without a bike was a bigger challenge for some than actually riding – and mixing 40/70/20 riders created yet another perfect occasion for someone having a bad day to lose it.

 

THIS IS MOUNTAIN BIKING – not tiddlywinks - and somewhere along the way :

- You will make some kind of physical contact with fellow riders – sometimes fleeting,(a rub of shoulders whilst you “hold” each other up in friendly dispute for the first round the bend).

- Bikes will “clash”– (they do seem sometimes have a will of their own).

- You will get dusted, soaked, mudded, scratched, cut, bumped, thirsty, hot, cold, etc….

- You will have a mechanical failure or a puncture and have to stand forlornly next to the trail in “help” mode whilst the lucky ones hurtle by unaffected.

- You will inevitably get exhausted, lose concentration and end up on your butt.

 

BUT - If you go into an event with the right frame of mind – and a bit of MTB etiquette and planned luck – you will stay out of harms way with your dignity intact and none of theses issues should spoil your day nor cause you to spoil someone elses.

 

And best of all you will gain some skill – maybe even speed – a seed - and a whole new perspective on enjoying your ride.

 

No offence – if you get off yr bike, stay safe and move over please – don't be the accuser or the culprit.

I just wanna ride my bike !

Edited July 8, 2013 by Andypandy

[dirtrider]

Andy very well said but if you been riding MTB as long as you claim to have then you will know that in the "old day" when we use to race provicials on delivery bikes around the Taal monument in Paarl , that you would not even think of shouting at a slow rider (heaven forbid) or push/touch anybody . I really think they should have a race for the people that think they can either podium or wanna do a PB on one day and a race for the people that wanna enjoy it like we use to . In the first mentioned race you can act like a hooligan and do whatever it takes to reach you goals was in the second race it will not be tollerated and you should have your number displayed clearly front and back to we can report you !! Not to CSA cause they a useless bunch of runts but to the social MTB commity of SA (still to be formed) !!!

[Witkop]

ride single speed or take up duathlon. no pushing only respek. AliG style.

[Gavmeister]

ride single speed or take up duathlon. no pushing only respek. AliG style.

 

Speaking of duathlon, I'm doing my first one (offroad) on the 21st of July (Momentum Duathlon series @ Cornwall Hill) and have no idea of what to expect. Do I run and cycle in the same kit or what? Help will be highly appreciated!

[dirtrider]

Speaking of duathlon, I'm doing my first one (offroad) on the 21st of July (Momentum Duathlon series @ Cornwall Hill) and have no idea of what to expect. Do I run and cycle in the same kit or what? Help will be highly appreciated!

 

It really depend on what distance you doing and how tough you feel . Running in cycling shorts is not nice , tried it before . But I am not to sure how the other dudes do it . I eventualy just did the whole race in my running shorts

[silvertemplar]

Speaking of duathlon, I'm doing my first one (offroad) on the 21st of July (Momentum Duathlon series @ Cornwall Hill) and have no idea of what to expect. Do I run and cycle in the same kit or what? Help will be highly appreciated!

 

Bit off topic, but simplest solution, run in those tight ski-pants type of shorts (i personally like these: http://www.firstascent.co.za/shop/mens-reaction-tights/ ) , then during transition you simply add your regular cycling shorts over it (and strip out of it for the final run). It's relatively painless and quick to do for the comfort you get (you are changing your shoes during that transitions anyway) . For triathlons you get a trisuit that is a bit of everything, good for a swim, got a little padding for cycling (just enough not to bother you during the run) etc, but even with that i liked to pull on my cycling shorts, my arse likes some cushioning .

 

Plus, i believe that particular duathlon is a 5km, 30km , 2.5km . You'll be on your bike the longest by far....think about it ;-)

Edited July 8, 2013 by silvertemplar

[Gavmeister]

Thanks guys, have thought about it, will definitely want the cushioning for the cycle, will go get some of them ski pants then!

[Joe Low]

I can't make out what the OP (first-time poster) is trying to say - he seems to be having an argument with himself or imaginary others.

 

It seems to be - "i'll ride how i like, suck it up, especially if you are slower and/or weaker" - not sure who this is addressed to or why.

 

What actually happened?

[Watcher]

also not sure whats going down here - is this a WTF happened at Cullinan thred? or WTF to do in a duatholon thred?

[Salty]

I have done a few of the momentum duathlon a. Road and off road, tried the cycle short route, used old ones whose padding held less structure...was ok, not great. Decided to buy some, look like cycle shorts, but thinner and smaller padding. Works well. Don't like the ski pants thing.

Got them at New Balance factory outlet store in wood-mead.

 

Distances are 5km run, 30km mtb ride and 2.5km run.....or walk, depending on how hard u push. The on road is same running but a 40km cycle.

......to avoid a Cullinan bottleneck, try get as far forward in the chute.....(is that ok W?)