Fisan Posted July 12, 2015 Posted July 12, 2015 I'm privileged enough to live very close the Stellies / SA XCO track. While its awesome to be able to ride it almost whenever I want to, I can't ride whatever I want to. There are some sections that require amazing skillz or balls of steel. Like this:http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/news/2012/08/11/1344694871013-7ed2w47w820p-500-70.jpgNot actually Stellenbosch, but the Olympic MTB course. Very similar drop off though. To make matters worse, I spoke to a few guys on the go who attempted some of these sections - and almost all of them have broken something on the bike or injured themselves in some way. Or I just spoke to the wrong guys... Anyways, where can I learn some of the necessary amazing skillz, or alternatively, where can one buy balls of steel?
marko35s Posted July 12, 2015 Posted July 12, 2015 Try Dan Dobinson at iride or maybe Chris Nixon. Won't go wrong with either of them.
Allrounder Posted July 12, 2015 Posted July 12, 2015 Just go to any bearing guys. They all sell balls of steal.
Christie Posted July 12, 2015 Posted July 12, 2015 +1 for steel balls, the primary requirement. Other than that, weight back, ride the compression of the fork, keep enough momentum, use brakes like a surgeon (very carefully!)
BrandonF_ Posted July 12, 2015 Posted July 12, 2015 Its been on the backburner for quite some time now, but I think it'll be cool to try out a XC race... I'll poop off in the first couple of laps tho, as rhythm only catch up after 10-15kms... It looks like such fun, especially since watching it on tv
Johny Bravo Posted July 12, 2015 Posted July 12, 2015 I know that section you are referring to. Its quite scary at low speed, but at speed it is a lot more forgiving. Ride something that wont hurt you as badly if you come up short. I trained on a retaining wall, about 8 bricks high. Landing was on grass, so not scary at all.
JanJan Posted July 12, 2015 Posted July 12, 2015 Short Answer: COMMITMENT Its the same as trying to do a backflip on a trampoline the first time. Don't focus on the ledge or possibly falling. like Christie mentioned, don't brake during the drop.
Christie Posted July 12, 2015 Posted July 12, 2015 I know that section you are referring to. Its quite scary at low speed, but at speed it is a lot more forgiving. Ride something that wont hurt you as badly if you come up short. I trained on a retaining wall, about 8 bricks high. Landing was on grass, so not scary at all.Agree. Learn on less hectic stuff - if things go wrong, it can lead to serious injury.
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted July 12, 2015 Posted July 12, 2015 Practice, practice, practice. As for skills training, Dan Dobinson or Chris Nixon
Christie Posted July 12, 2015 Posted July 12, 2015 Also, understand that at some point you will wipe out. With luck not at first, but at some point you will overcook something. With even more luck it wont hurt too much. It happens to everybody, even pros that ride world cup DH events.
LazyTrailRider Posted July 12, 2015 Posted July 12, 2015 Screenshot_2015-07-12-15-30-06.pngYeah, we watched Matt rip through the Coetzenburg rock garden on Saturday. He makes something extremely hard (this section is up there on the gnarly scale) look deceptively easy.
Fisan Posted July 12, 2015 Author Posted July 12, 2015 I know that section you are referring to. Its quite scary at low speed, but at speed it is a lot more forgiving. Ride something that wont hurt you as badly if you come up short. I trained on a retaining wall, about 8 bricks high. Landing was on grass, so not scary at all. Theres about 3 of them!! The "drop of a root" one (with lekker intimidating chainring bites), the "drop down a rock" one (which, I'd rather not do at a faster tempo), and then there's the set of stairs. I guess I'll find some easier stuff to try before going to coach route. Also, will bring a video camera along this coming Saturday...
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