Single Track Skills and Rider Etiquette

[Tubehunter]

If anyone decides to up their tech skills by attending a clinic of sorts, please drag this dog along too... 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2F5QQ9WHVw

[raptor-22]

<Careful, controversy ahead. Read at your own risk>

 

 

What irritates me:

 

1)  people who walk on the single, forcing all the people still RIDING to get off and walk too. Its not a hike, if you want to walk, buy a dog not a bike. I can recommend a border collie. Very fast walker.

 

2) people who fall off and then expect everybody to jump off their bikes pick them up and then have a group hug and mutual back slap on a job well done. if you fall off, and you haven't broken yourself, then stay off the trail till others who ARE STILL RIDING have passed. Its not fair on the RIDERS to have FALLERS continuously fall in front of them. <Disclaimer> there are legitimate cases where someone falls off and the group hug thing is necessary. this needs to evaluated on a case by case basis using common sense. If You don't have any common sense, I can recommend the purchase of a Giant Trance as common sense is included in the deal.

 

3) People who can't ride a technical section, dismount then hold a bosberaad with other like minded  non technical riders (now also standing around peering into the abyss below whilst blocking the trail) to decide on how not to ride the section while the RIDERS are queueing behind. GAAN staan in die F'kken bosse mense. Riders ride, walkers yield to riders.

 

4) okes who stop on the singletrack to have a goo, while paring their bikes on the track...

Wait till after the singletrack to have a go or pull off where the trail is wide enough for others to pass.

 

 

 

if someone is slow, I don't care. Its their right to be slow as long as they are RIDING. I find a way past when its safe and easy for both myself and the person being passed.

 

But I think it needs to be reinforced that Walkers, must yield to Riders in Riding events. Please extend the RIDERS the courtesy of RIDING. they didn't come to walk. Just because you dressed in spandex doesn't mean you riding. When feet are pressed against the ground to propel you then you not riding anymore.

 

So much can be addressed through common courtesy rules. E.g When in Rome...

 

maybe we need a run of t-shirts>

 

#Rule1 Riders rule on the line

[Rapunzel]

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.

Maybe with the sport diversifying, it's time for the W2W Enduro!

[The Flying German]

<Careful, controversy ahead. Read at your own risk>

 

 

What irritates me:

 

1)  people who walk on the single, forcing all the people still RIDING to get off and walk too. Its not a hike, if you want to walk, buy a dog not a bike. I can recommend a border collie. Very fast walker.

 

2) people who fall off and then expect everybody to jump off their bikes pick them up and then have a group hug and mutual back slap on a job well done. if you fall off, and you haven't broken yourself, then stay off the trail till others who ARE STILL RIDING have passed. Its not fair on the RIDERS to have FALLERS continuously fall in front of them. <Disclaimer> there are legitimate cases where someone falls off and the group hug thing is necessary. this needs to evaluated on a case by case basis using common sense. If You don't have any common sense, I can recommend the purchase of a Giant Trance as common sense is included in the deal.

 

3) People who can't ride a technical section, dismount then hold a bosberaad with other like minded  non technical riders (now also standing around peering into the abyss below whilst blocking the trail) to decide on how not to ride the section while the RIDERS are queueing behind. GAAN staan in die F'kken bosse mense. Riders ride, walkers yield to riders.

 

4) okes who stop on the singletrack to have a goo, while paring their bikes on the track...

Wait till after the singletrack to have a go or pull off where the trail is wide enough for others to pass.

 

 

 

if someone is slow, I don't care. Its their right to be slow as long as they are RIDING. I find a way past when its safe and easy for both myself and the person being passed.

 

But I think it needs to be reinforced that Walkers, must yield to Riders in Riding events. Please extend the RIDERS the courtesy of RIDING. they didn't come to walk. Just because you dressed in spandex doesn't mean you riding. When feet are pressed against the ground to propel you then you not riding anymore.

 

So much can be addressed through common courtesy rules. E.g When in Rome...

 

maybe we need a run of t-shirts>

 

#Rule1 Riders rule on the line

These Should just be Put up as The new Riding Rules i will be the frist purchasing a Shirt

[Eddy Gordo]

<Careful, controversy ahead. Read at your own risk>

 

 

What irritates me:

 

1)  people who walk on the single, forcing all the people still RIDING to get off and walk too. Its not a hike, if you want to walk, buy a dog not a bike. I can recommend a border collie. Very fast walker.

 

2) people who fall off and then expect everybody to jump off their bikes pick them up and then have a group hug and mutual back slap on a job well done. if you fall off, and you haven't broken yourself, then stay off the trail till others who ARE STILL RIDING have passed. Its not fair on the RIDERS to have FALLERS continuously fall in front of them. <Disclaimer> there are legitimate cases where someone falls off and the group hug thing is necessary. this needs to evaluated on a case by case basis using common sense. If You don't have any common sense, I can recommend the purchase of a Giant Trance as common sense is included in the deal.

 

3) People who can't ride a technical section, dismount then hold a bosberaad with other like minded  non technical riders (now also standing around peering into the abyss below whilst blocking the trail) to decide on how not to ride the section while the RIDERS are queueing behind. GAAN staan in die F'kken bosse mense. Riders ride, walkers yield to riders.

 

4) okes who stop on the singletrack to have a goo, while paring their bikes on the track...

Wait till after the singletrack to have a go or pull off where the trail is wide enough for others to pass.

 

 

 

if someone is slow, I don't care. Its their right to be slow as long as they are RIDING. I find a way past when its safe and easy for both myself and the person being passed.

 

But I think it needs to be reinforced that Walkers, must yield to Riders in Riding events. Please extend the RIDERS the courtesy of RIDING. they didn't come to walk. Just because you dressed in spandex doesn't mean you riding. When feet are pressed against the ground to propel you then you not riding anymore.

 

So much can be addressed through common courtesy rules. E.g When in Rome...

 

maybe we need a run of t-shirts>

 

#Rule1 Riders rule on the line

I admit at times that I do walk, however like you said, give way to riders. I always do this. I will even try to get as far out of the way as possible. I laugh and smile etc, but on the way down its a different story. Most people in my way then, and no one moves over for faster riders especially when cycling abreast. Its all good though and part of the sport. I just make my own path down the middle.

[BenGraham]

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.

Enduro Bro. Its the answer you're looking for. Nothing but the best singletrack available. No mass starts. The only problem is how few events there are. But that is changing.

[rustycat]

I touched on this in the W2W thread, and then saw this topic (recurring, but relevant none the less).

 

I believe that event organisers and bicycle agents also need to take some responsibility in promoting (and perhaps even subsidising) skills clinics for all riders. It makes things safer (its far more dangerous to walk an A-frame than to ride it, if you know how to ride it), less congested and everyone has a better time. Instead of showing us footage of each stage they could also change the focus on how to / not to ride certain obstacles.

 

Riders unfortunately also need to put up their hands and pursue technical training clinics. If you can spend money on a personal trainer, cadence, tech support at the race, massages etc. you can spend a few saturdays before the event getting some much-needed technical coaching. Key here is having the time to practice what you have learnt.

Whether you participate in Cross Country Mountain Bike Races, Gravity Enduro Races or just MTB Trail Ride for fun, we provide the skills training, any level. Ages 12 and up. Our skills sessions cover, general bike handling, basic suspension and bike setup, cornering, braking, body position, jumps, drops, rock gardens and overall confidence improvement on the trail.

Our skills sessions cover, general bike handling, basic suspension and bike setup, cornering, braking, body position, jumps, drops, rock gardens and overall confidence improvement on the trail.

General days and times (subject to change due to events or weather.)

Wednesday at 17H30 at Hoogekraal – Basic Skills to Intermediate level and more advanced)

Thursday at Meerendal or Bloemendal at 17H30, dependant on events being held at each venue. (Beginners Skills and Basic Skills)

Friday at Contermanskloof at 17H00 (Push your limits, Intermediate to Advanced Skills, Always a lot of FUN!)

Cost is R250 per person per skills session. Refreshment drink afterwards included. Sessions are 2 hours dependant on sunlight and notification of dates and times will be posted on our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/enduromtbworld/?ref=hl or phone Julien Louw on 076 941 2331

Saturday Skills Sessions may be booked or organised if we receive 4 participants or more. So bring friends. Individual or private group Skill Sessions can be booked directly with Julien Louw at the number below and costs will be negotiated accordingly.

All Tygerberg MTB Club members will receive every sixth Skills Session FREE.

Call: 076 941 2331

[Fax: 086 601 5164] [skills@enduroMTBworld.co.za]

www.EnduroMTBWorld.co.za