Bos Posted February 20, 2018 Posted February 20, 2018 Hi guys, I have some insight I'd like to share on this topic. While some might be contemplating riding down a 1ft drop others might be thinking about that 3-4m gap. I started riding bikes at 15 and at 16, in 1996 I started building jumps in a firebreak next to our house. From there it evolved to some proper head high, 5-6m gap doubles at 18. For someone who did jumps I didn't injure myself much, but I was young light and fit. Another thing, I was actually quite careful although others always thought its puremadness, and only took calculated risks. What they didnt consider was that I rode my bike every day, for hours.. For jumping and just all-round "ripping a trail apart" as we see so many video clips of guys doing these days it takes a whole lot more than big balls and speed, especially if you want to keep riding. When the dirt jump thing started catching on in Knysna back in '98 some older locals got some nice DH/trail bikes, nice kit and started coming to the trails. They all wrote themselves off within 6 months. One broken wrist, one torn rotor cup in shoulder and one exploded knee cap. Some of the kids also wrote themselves off but in general the older guys did the most damage. They could all ride pretty well at that stage but they kept pushing the limits, and found them, and (these jumps might or might not be bigger than what you guys are generally referring too put the principal applies..) I'm 36 going on 37 and with kids at home and a household to run I am riding less than ever and I'm just not as flexible, fit and "on it" as I once was and want to give the following advice. We only have one body and one life and a crash that can end riding for ever happens so so fast. If you are serious about taking your riding into a new direction you need to learn to be one with the bike, not just pilot it and pedal it pointing the bars in a direction. Like many peeps in this thread has said, get a dropper post, wide bars, pads, short stem etc.. Also get some flat pedals, learn to bunny-hop with them- they will teach you how to flow.. ThenGo ride pump tracks and learn to pump for speed and flow. Jumping can either be a leap of faith or a very calculated maneuver. Bigger balls than brains will only get you in hospital. Sorry to get all serious on youall.
BuffsVintageBikes Posted February 20, 2018 Posted February 20, 2018 Great post and very true, some risks aren't worth the recovery period.I jump the small doubles and tabletops at G-Spot but I don't risk the gap jumps, not with 100mm of travel.I find Strava my biggest downfall, I'm forever trying to beat my previous best down ST descents and I'm just hoping my luck holds out
capediver Posted February 20, 2018 Posted February 20, 2018 can you XC https://www.facebook.com/NinoSchurter/videos/10156120439638910/Great riding and we know that's Nino and he's done this before....BUUUUUTTTT how'a about the damn camera man!!!! Kudo's to him too!! Matthias Stirnemann, I believe....didn't miss a beat!
Delarey Posted February 20, 2018 Author Posted February 20, 2018 Great advice Bos. I think the clips of the pro’s creates the impression that this thread is about jumping in general. It is exactly the opposite. I really enjoyed to see how much pride other “middle age” hubbers take in conquering jumps that youngsters take for granted. My teenage kids are properly embarrassed when I boast about my conquests to their friends who are proper down hillers. I think pushing your own limits is a essential part of staying young...even though there is sometimes a price to pay. Then again reading this I also realise that a “midlife crises” only really starts making sense once you get to a “certain age”.... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
DJR Posted February 20, 2018 Posted February 20, 2018 .............. a “midlife crises” only really starts making sense once ........................you use it as an excuse to buy more bikes. Just kidding, you don't need any excuse for that.
Guest dirkieuys Posted February 21, 2018 Posted February 21, 2018 This jump was added to Mont Marie around Oct last year. Was even dreaming about it for a while. Those rocks in the middle just messed with my confidence. Man was I proud the first time I cleared it! Hi, sorry for asking. Where is this? Looks interesting. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thor Buttox Posted February 21, 2018 Posted February 21, 2018 Hi guys, I have some insight I'd like to share on this topic. While some might be contemplating riding down a 1ft drop others might be thinking about that 3-4m gap. I started riding bikes at 15 and at 16, in 1996 I started building jumps in a firebreak next to our house. From there it evolved to some proper head high, 5-6m gap doubles at 18. For someone who did jumps I didn't injure myself much, but I was young light and fit. Another thing, I was actually quite careful although others always thought its puremadness, and only took calculated risks. What they didnt consider was that I rode my bike every day, for hours.. For jumping and just all-round "ripping a trail apart" as we see so many video clips of guys doing these days it takes a whole lot more than big balls and speed, especially if you want to keep riding. When the dirt jump thing started catching on in Knysna back in '98 some older locals got some nice DH/trail bikes, nice kit and started coming to the trails. They all wrote themselves off within 6 months. One broken wrist, one torn rotor cup in shoulder and one exploded knee cap. Some of the kids also wrote themselves off but in general the older guys did the most damage. They could all ride pretty well at that stage but they kept pushing the limits, and found them, and (these jumps might or might not be bigger than what you guys are generally referring too put the principal applies..) I'm 36 going on 37 and with kids at home and a household to run I am riding less than ever and I'm just not as flexible, fit and "on it" as I once was and want to give the following advice. We only have one body and one life and a crash that can end riding for ever happens so so fast. If you are serious about taking your riding into a new direction you need to learn to be one with the bike, not just pilot it and pedal it pointing the bars in a direction. Like many peeps in this thread has said, get a dropper post, wide bars, pads, short stem etc.. Also get some flat pedals, learn to bunny-hop with them- they will teach you how to flow.. ThenGo ride pump tracks and learn to pump for speed and flow. Jumping can either be a leap of faith or a very calculated maneuver. Bigger balls than brains will only get you in hospital. Sorry to get all serious on youall.Great advice. I went for the lessons and my fault was the ability to judge speed. After a few almost disasters I figured I would just enjoy the trails and ignore the tiger lines. Ps: I am fffffffo... young enough to jump, but old enough to know better ????
PhilipV Posted February 21, 2018 Posted February 21, 2018 nwoob here, what's the difference of a xc jump and a normal jump?Well having raced XCO I reckon the XC jumps are the long doubles that need some commitment, usually found on the faster lines, while normal jumps are safer. But with the way the term XC is misused here, it is probably intended to be the other way round.
PhilipV Posted February 21, 2018 Posted February 21, 2018 Thanks for this! Have been living in Stellenbosch for 25 years and never heard of it. Will definitely check it out! Mont Marie and G Spot is great, but if you want to try the same jump over and over, it is not ideal.Lekker spot. I must go there again. And on most Friday arvies you might just find Mr Phenningh there. Ask him nicely and he'll probably help you.
Duane_Bosch Posted February 21, 2018 Posted February 21, 2018 This jump was added to Mont Marie around Oct last year. Was even dreaming about it for a while. Those rocks in the middle just messed with my confidence. Man was I proud the first time I cleared it!Hi, sorry for asking. Where is this? Looks interesting. Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMont Marie. It's part of a very nice flowy line that pops out at the mid point of another very nice flowy line that rolls all the way to the restaurant. Combine that with a session at Eden for a really fun morning.
Eddy Gordo Posted February 21, 2018 Posted February 21, 2018 Mont Marie. It's part of a very nice flowy line that pops out at the mid point of another very nice flowy line that rolls all the way to the restaurant. Combine that with a session at Eden for a really fun morning.They have changed that somewhat if I am not mistaken. That is under the trees near to the restaurant, you have a choice of 2 lines and this one is to the right. It never had that landing area before, it is a fairly easy jump, if it is the same one I am thinking off.
Duane_Bosch Posted February 21, 2018 Posted February 21, 2018 I also realise that a “midlife crises” only really starts making sense once you get to a “certain age”.... There is no crisis. Wanting to have fun and push your limits does not mean you are having a mid life crisis. Thats a bull**** term invented by feminazi's to make successful men feel guilty. Robbie Naish is in his 50's and sailing as hard as ever. Kelly Slater is 46 and still a World Title contender.
Delarey Posted February 21, 2018 Author Posted February 21, 2018 They have changed that somewhat if I am not mistaken. That is under the trees near to the restaurant, you have a choice of 2 lines and this one is to the right. It never had that landing area before, it is a fairly easy jump, if it is the same one I am thinking off.No, it is further up, part of the first section of Mont Marie. It is before the drop-off. Basically after the tight switch backs the road splits. There is a sign: Left is Fast and Right is Fun. You take the right. It is a completely new section since Oct 2017 (only about 40m with 2 jumps and a nice switch back against a hill)
Delarey Posted February 21, 2018 Author Posted February 21, 2018 Mont Marie gap...1:25.... Nice Clip!
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