Hoogekraal Cobra - rant

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Ahem, Ahem... Didn't you rate the uphill double black?

Only 'cos I couldn't see past my own pain and suffering. 

 

Admittedly, I am woefully unfit. Which could have had something to do with it.

[Thermophage]

You 'maniacs' don't understand the mentality of a lot of us old farts. I have taken a fair numbers of adult beginners for their first rides who are trembling so much they wouldn't do that kids section until about their third ride. And it took me about 3 months to ride Cobra without putting my feet down, admittedly at the back end of summer when it was very rough.

Yes...BUT you tried and now you can do it. Meaning you can try something tougher and become more capable...If there was something for you to try

Look admittedly I'm not a ballie (34), but I never see myself getting to the point where I won't want to progress in anything I do.

Yoor statement above says the same about you...in not so many words

[Thor Buttox]

Yes...BUT you tried and now you can do it. Meaning you can try something tougher and become more capable...If there was something for you to try

Look admittedly I'm not a ballie (34), but I never see myself getting to the point where I won't want to progress in anything I do.

Yoor statement above says the same about you...in not so many words

I push myself in different ways. A 2 hour flat sufferfest at 170bpm is my happiness of choice. I may have more issues than any downhill maniac. Some guys like dopamine, others adrenalin.

[MTBeer]

Yes...BUT you tried and now you can do it. Meaning you can try something tougher and become more capable...If there was something for you to try

Look admittedly I'm not a ballie (34), but I never see myself getting to the point where I won't want to progress in anything I do.

Yoor statement above says the same about you...in not so many words

I'm 47 and judging by Strava I'm pretty fast on all the downhill stuff at Tygerberg. But at this age I am not going to start 4m gaps, 2m drop offs etc. Believe me there is a MASSIVE difference physically between 34 and 47. But saying that, I'm a better rider technically now than 5 years ago. I just know my limits.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I push myself in different ways. A 2 hour flat sufferfest at 170bpm is my happiness of choice. I may have more issues than any downhill maniac. Some guys like dopamine, others adrenalin.

yeah, but you're also pushing yourself technically so that you can keep your pace on those technical sections and get that dopamine kick on Cobra and Conters black etc.

 

I've been there when I was fitter. There's nothing better than bleeding out the eyeballs on the way down and then hitting a fast technical section / rock garden / stepdown etc and getting the adrenaline hit WITH  the dopamine. 

 

Something along the lines of HOLYFKNGSHIT I DID THAT Woooooo!!!! Mash mash mash on the pedals to the next thing. Smash that berm, grind grind grind SMASH that drop etc. 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I'm 47 and judging by Strava I'm pretty fast on all the downhill stuff at Tygerberg. But at this age I am not going to start 4m gaps, 2m drop offs etc. Believe me there is a MASSIVE difference physically between 34 and 47. But saying that, I'm a better rider technically now than 5 years ago. I just know my limits.

Hey, I don't do 4m gaps and 2m drops. But I want to learn how to... 

 

Eventually... 

 

I *probably* could, but then my head has a healthy dose of what I like to call "nopes" which, after my stile incident last year and a less recent bad concussion after a failed drop, are tough to get over. 

[Thermophage]

I'm 47 and judging by Strava I'm pretty fast on all the downhill stuff at Tygerberg. But at this age I am not going to start 4m gaps, 2m drop offs etc. Believe me there is a MASSIVE difference physically between 34 and 47. But saying that, I'm a better rider technically now than 5 years ago. I just know my limits.

I have no doubt there is...for most people.

Coe ride Majik sometime and I'll get you onto the 5.5m gap very quickly if you like...

If you can do 2m you can do 4m..etc.

But does that mean that we should not be given an option...?

[Thor Buttox]

yeah, but you're also pushing yourself technically so that you can keep your pace on those technical sections and get that dopamine kick on Cobra and Conters black etc.

 

I've been there when I was fitter. There's nothing better than bleeding out the eyeballs on the way down and then hitting a fast technical section / rock garden / stepdown etc and getting the adrenaline hit WITH the dopamine.

 

Something along the lines of HOLYFKNGSHIT I DID THAT Woooooo!!!! Mash mash mash on the pedals to the next thing. Smash that berm, grind grind grind SMASH that drop etc.

Haha, exactly true the sentiment - that first time of no toe-tapping was all CAPS. But I have no need to try more especially after that prang in Dec. One triple pelvis break is more than enough at my stage of life! ???? and anyone trying to smash my berm is going to get a stern rebuke!

[MTBeer]

I have no doubt there is...for most people.

Coe ride Majik sometime and I'll get you onto the 5.5m gap very quickly if you like...

If you can do 2m you can do 4m..etc.

But does that mean that we should not be given an option...?

problem is, if things go wrong (and they will at some point) you fall a lot harder on a 4m gap than a 2m gap. I'm not willing to take the extra risk to break bones and be out of riding for a couple of months. I know at this age I only have a few years (maybe 5-7) left of riding the way I am at the moment, so I would rather ride a bit more conservatively  and reduce the risk of missing a few months of riding.

[Thor Buttox]

I have no doubt there is...for most people.

Coe ride Majik sometime and I'll get you onto the 5.5m gap very quickly if you like...

If you can do 2m you can do 4m..etc.

But does that mean that we should not be given an option...?

You are right... Seeing Julien clear that one at the bottom of Conties during our one lesson without any pads or even appearing to try is just awesome. But 10m is more your thing, no?? Go for it...

[MTBeer]

Just to be clear, I am not arguing against more technical trails. I am just stating the ballie viewpoint.

[Thermophage]

Just to be clear, I am not arguing against more technical trails. I am just stating the ballie viewpoint.

I see that

To be honest I think the BIGGEST and easiest first step is for the club to re-visit ALL their grading and actually get it in line.

Then re-evaluate the inventory of trails...

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

You are right... Seeing Julien clear that one at the bottom of Conties during our one lesson without any pads or even appearing to try is just awesome. But 10m is more your thing, no?? Go for it...

Exactly - you're still taking lessons, no? Or is it now progression on your own terms? 

 

As for technical stuff - trust me. As long as you remember your teachings, you'll carry on getting a little bit faster, and a little bit better. 

[NicoBoshoff]

BTW, jumps aren't the dangerous things.  Much more likely to see your wang flying down a loose chute clipping a pedal.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

BTW, jumps aren't the dangerous things.  Much more likely to see your wang flying down a loose chute clipping a pedal.

Oh hell yes. And pedal clipping brings you down HARD. 

[Thermophage]

SLOW can also be technical...

https://www.instagram.com/p/BK35tAmDTa5/