Trail Ninja Posted November 2, 2015 Posted November 2, 2015 So I rode the W2W Adventure this weekend I am fairly a mid bunch rider when doing races enjoying my MTB, however, I have some fairly good single track skills coming from motorbike enduros. However, it is alarming how shocking the general single track skill level was at W2W this weekend.It appears everyone thinks its an easy ride and its as if everyone only trains for 70km - 80km longer rides for time in the saddle. When we hit the single track, its like riding a long bike train in granny gear. Do most people never train or ride single track? Many many many riders were braking at everything, daudeling in granny on flat sections which is rather nice and flowing. I was honestly astonished with the skill level. I am not that strong on flats and climbs, everyone just blitz past me, then all those blitzies take forever on the single track! What is the general take on this? And secondly, theres alot of respect gone missing in the sport. Most people just ride past not warning "passing left" or "coming through". I have almost had a few ugly ones in this regard. And the guys being so slow on the trails, they just don't care if there are 20 riders train riding, they just keep granny gearing away. I find this a little inconsiderate? I know many people must have moaned about this, but I have experienced this way to much not to ask the question: What is up with this????? My point is not to moan, but rather point out to respect quicker riders, be considerate, being the quicker or slower rider and go and ride some single track prior to just entering rides with lots of it.
Tubehunter Posted November 2, 2015 Posted November 2, 2015 Stop doing stage and cross country races dude! Enduro is your format of choice! We are the same animal! For years I've been getting my fitness levels up so that I can attempt to get into the single track ahead of the non technical fitness junkie bunch, who can power the flats and non technical climbs all day, just so that they can WALK the descents! And yes, walk in the middle of the track with no shame it seems. It is the culture of this thing called Cross Country it seems... (This topic has been flogged to death, but before the advent of Enduro, which now happily exists!)
Patchelicious Posted November 2, 2015 Posted November 2, 2015 If you don't like them passing you on the hills or flats, train harder.
Trail Ninja Posted November 2, 2015 Author Posted November 2, 2015 Stop doing stage and cross country races dude! Enduro is your format of choice! We are the same animal! For years I've been getting my fitness levels up so that I can attempt to get into the single track ahead of the non technical fitness junkie bunch, who can power the flats and non technical climbs all day, just so that they can WALK the descents! And yes, walk in the middle of the track with no shame it seems. It is the culture of this thing called Cross Country it seems... (This topic has been flogged to death, but before the advent of Enduro, which now happily exists!) Unfortunately I like the stage racing scene. So its basically my own fault, however, not trying to moan, just saying whats up with the sport in general with regards to these 2 points. Never really read anything the hubbers have posted regarding this. cool
Skubarra Posted November 2, 2015 Posted November 2, 2015 Here is a suggestion. If you aren't fit enough to get to the singletrack ahead of 1000+ unskilled weekend warriors, then you have 2 options - A) Get fitter or/and B) Don't enter events along with a 1000+ unskilled weekend warriors and expect uncongested singletrack.
NukeproofPeanut Posted November 2, 2015 Posted November 2, 2015 Just nudge their back wheel a couple times trimming their tread and see if they get the idea?
BarHugger Posted November 2, 2015 Posted November 2, 2015 Heavy breathing and brakes squealing.......works for me
supertorro Posted November 2, 2015 Posted November 2, 2015 You could try and coach them. Tell them what to do, repetitively. On and on. I though it would help, but it seems to annoy people instead. Although, it could just be me
Tubehunter Posted November 2, 2015 Posted November 2, 2015 Unfortunately I like the stage racing scene. So its basically my own fault, however, not trying to moan, just saying whats up with the sport in general with regards to these 2 points. Never really read anything the hubbers have posted regarding this. cool As a bike enduro rider you will understand the racing format very quickly but it's geared towards single track racing and neutral sections in the climbs so that you leave a fall gap to bomb the next downhill piece. Suggest you check out the next local event on the 15th of November. Use this to get your downhill jollies and the stage racing to get your mileage fix, knowing that this single track issue on stage and mass participation events will ALWAYS exist! The term dirt roadie was coined for exactly this phenomenon. Far too many chaps who have no technical skill and essentially waste the fun parts of the event, by arriving their bleeding out of their eyes from effort, so that they literally try to survive the downhill sections... (mostly by walking them...) http://www.dirtopia.co.za/index.php/all-mountain-enduro
Skubarra Posted November 2, 2015 Posted November 2, 2015 Heavy breathing and brakes squealing.......works for me Haha! some days those squealing brakes can be a bit embarrassing, on events like this pretty useful - especially if it is your partner that is taking it too slow on the singletrack...
Meezo Posted November 2, 2015 Posted November 2, 2015 Heavy breathing and brakes squealing.......works for me [emoji14]h34r:Hope Hubs!
RockCoach Posted November 2, 2015 Posted November 2, 2015 Haha! some days those squealing brakes can be a bit embarrassing, on events like this pretty useful - especially if it is your partner that is taking it too slow on the singletrack... Prefer the sound of Hope hubs
KingTJ Posted November 2, 2015 Posted November 2, 2015 Just tell them to move, and sit on the rear wheel and make them nervous, they will soon enough pull over.
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