Naas Vermaak Posted July 3, 2014 Posted July 3, 2014 I organize MTB races. I want to give the rider an unforgettable experience in terms of scenery, varied terrain, lots of singletrack, a nice challenge to riders of ALL capability/levels and to promote fun whilst riding/competing. Then I get the following question: ..is the route technical? How do you answer a person that has spend R10k+ (in most cases MUCH, much more) on equipment and time and a whole lot other expenses over a number of years yet NEVER took the time to go for a basic course in skills and bike handling - almost like a golfer who never went for lessons and fades the ball for the past 10 years playing off a 24 handicap and don't understand why his handicap is not coming down. To all those riders who complain race after race that it was too technical, this is what you must #*****ing do..... I am the wrong person to answer that question....so hubbers plse assist...awaiting your kind journey into the world of wisdom Cheers Naas Peach., Surv0MTB, TopFuel and 11 others 14
Catatonic_Joe Posted July 3, 2014 Posted July 3, 2014 This is going to be entertaining... Personally I love technical stuff, if it looks too hectic, I'll try anyway and fail, if I fall, I if I fall/fail, I'll walk passed it and ride till I fall again, or not. I haven't been for any skills courses. Maybe you should tell them to try road races, they're never technical. Bobbo_SA, enjoi, mrbaker and 6 others 9
Sniffie Posted July 3, 2014 Posted July 3, 2014 I have been mountainbiking for about 8 years and I think that the average Joe's skills and fitness have improved over time. I also enjoy the more technical stuff, never been to a skills clinic. Not because I don't think I will benefit from it, only because nothing available here in the platteland. I try to learn online and practice what I see on youtube. Luckily we have a few technical spots on our 2 River course here in Bothaville to try and stay sharp. andregrobler and Fire Engine 2
Wannabe Posted July 3, 2014 Posted July 3, 2014 Sorry Naas, won't ask you again. Tumbleweed and Jigghead 2
Stretch Posted July 3, 2014 Posted July 3, 2014 Its simple...you use a local trail as a benchmark and then say..."do you find xyz technical" and answer accordingly Naas Vermaak, GreatGusto and nonky 3
Skubarra Posted July 3, 2014 Posted July 3, 2014 How do you answer a person that has spend R10k+ (in most cases MUCH, much more) on equipment and time and a whole lot other expenses over a number of years yet NEVER took the time to go for a basic course in skills and bike handling - almost like a golfer who never went for lessons and fades the ball for the past 10 years playing off a 24 handicap and don't understand why his handicap is not coming down. To all those riders who complain race after race that it was too technical, this is what you must #*****ing do..... Naas To be fair, most riders out there do not have 10 years of experience behind them. It's a growing sport with lots of newbies and semi-newbies... My personal take, if I want to ride really technical stuff I go hit a trail on my own or with my buddies where I can ride at my own pace, Races, I prefer them less technical because of the masses riding with me. Mads, Tjokkits and skipperw 3
Naas Vermaak Posted July 3, 2014 Author Posted July 3, 2014 See, there you go Wannabee..I want to know from you guys! Give us some grading scale or whatever... By the way, your friends told me it's technical for you to get ON a bike... Toon63, Sidekick Racer and Wannabe 3
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted July 3, 2014 Posted July 3, 2014 What is deemed as technical?It's highly subjective, that. There are also so many aspects to technicality. It can be an abundance of switchbacks, off camber corners, jumps, dropoffs, rock gardens, loose shale, rooted sections, sandy trail, northshore and so on and so forth. To say a trail is "technical" is a difficult thing to do, as "technically" (lol) anything above straight, flat singletrack qualifies as technical in somebody's mind. niterider 1
MrMonk Posted July 3, 2014 Posted July 3, 2014 Some riders like technical routes, others, often beginners and older cyclists, prefer milder stuff. I think it is a valid question to ask before participating. You should be happy that your event is getting interest and replying to possible entrants with as much info as possible.A big problem with races and trails in general is the lack of a sensible trail rating system, at least the ones I've ridden. One person's blue is another's red or even black. Trail running has an excellent system which tells any entrant the exact nature of the trail. Skiing also has an old and well known system. Either could be easily adapted for mountain biking. Have a look at the: Wildrunner Trail Grading System. Oufy MTB (Roadie) and Naas Vermaak 2
GoLefty!! Posted July 3, 2014 Posted July 3, 2014 If you are required to turn/make directional changes more than 4 times in a minute then its technical.... If not then its the Epic Cruz Addict, mrbaker, IH8MUD and 3 others 6
Uni Posted July 3, 2014 Posted July 3, 2014 if trails are colour coded to determine their difficulty - why can't that be used on races? Capricorn 1
lukelockie Posted July 3, 2014 Posted July 3, 2014 Technicality is a definitely a subjective matter, as mentioned above, every person is different and has their own likes/dislikes about trails that they ride. Maybe a review system could be introduced after every race? An idea:Select a few riders from each competence level from each route (look at times taken to complete the race) and send them a thanks for participating email and ask them to rate the technical aspects of the ride from 1-5.This way we could get a feel of the level of technicality from a number of different levels of riders and based on their responses a rating can be given to each race/race route from beginner to expert. IMHO, the more technical the better. You have to try new things in order to improve, even if that means seeing your gat a coupe of times in the process mrbaker, BenReaper and Uni 3
Gen Posted July 3, 2014 Posted July 3, 2014 If I wanted to ride district road I could do that any time. If I enter a race I want a challenge. . If I fall I fall, if it's tough I suffer. . If I have to walk I have to walk. Baaisikilist, Naas Vermaak, BenReaper and 8 others 11
Wannabe Posted July 3, 2014 Posted July 3, 2014 See, there you go Wannabee..I want to know from you guys! Give us some grading scale or whatever... By the way, your friends told me it's technical for you to get ON a bike... Asked them so nicely not to divulge that kinda information. Some friends I have. I dunno what technical is. I ride where I can, otherwise I get off and walk / push to where I can ride again. Uni and Corrado 2
LazyTrailRider Posted July 3, 2014 Posted July 3, 2014 To say a trail is "technical" is a difficult thing to do, as "technically" (lol) anything above straight, flat singletrack qualifies as technical in somebody's mind. Corrected. Skubarra, Captain Fastbastard Mayhem and michaelbiker 3
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