Interesting article about progression and it's risks

[Paddaman]

So the argument is that "They paved paradise to make a parking lot". 

 

It seems that the ethos of MOUNTAIN BIKING, was to get off the tar, and cycle on jeep track (mostly washed out) and animal/single track full of obstacles and rocks, so that we could get into nature and chill.

 

It is now to see how much cement we can mix with sand to make indestructible berms and smooth single track.

 

Also bikes have changed from something with knobbly tyres, to 29er dualsys spaceships......

 

It is almost an awkward question to ask, "If you want to ride so smooth and fast, Why did you quit road cycling?"

[NicoBoshoff]

Who wants flat and off camber corners?

 

No carrying speed and having to pedal back up to speed after every corner.... Thats like riding a single speed Fat bike at Epic!

This guy:

 

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

[Eldron]

This guy:

 

www.instagram.com/p/BgwrIoRngDH/?hl=en&taken-by=troybrosnan

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgwrIoRngDH/?hl=en&taken-by=troybrosnan

 

Using Tory Brosnan as an example of riders who prefer flat/offies kinda answers the question as to why there are so many berms.

 

Edit: Oh and Sam Hill - just two average Sunday fun riders getting riding out the way so they can have a beer and mow the lawn.

[ChrisF]

So the argument is that "They paved paradise to make a parking lot". 

 

It seems that the ethos of MOUNTAIN BIKING, was to get off the tar, and cycle on jeep track (mostly washed out) and animal/single track full of obstacles and rocks, so that we could get into nature and chill.

 

It is now to see how much cement we can mix with sand to make indestructible berms and smooth single track.

 

Also bikes have changed from something with knobbly tyres, to 29er dualsys spaceships......

 

It is almost an awkward question to ask, "If you want to ride so smooth and fast, Why did you quit road cycling?"

 

THIS is why I bought a MTB ...  

 

 

 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Who wants flat and off camber corners?

 

No carrying speed and having to pedal back up to speed after every corner.... Thats like riding a single speed Fat bike at Epic!

Me. I also want rocks, roots and slow tech trails. Like North Shore stuff. Stuff that challenges me technically. Makes me a better rider.

[Eldron]

Me. I also want rocks, roots and slow tech trails. Like North Shore stuff. Stuff that challenges me technically. Makes me a better rider.

 

Your "better" and someone else's "better" is of course a relative thing....

[PhilipV]

Ok you 2 please just stop talking. I Looooooove Berms and Flow trails.

I love flow trails. I love fat berms that hold you tight and spit you out at mach 7, I love jumps and throwing shapes.*

I also like slow, techy, gnarly stuff that makes you doubt life choices.

I love trail parks like Helderberg where I can take the flow trail today, and the off cambered rocky trail next to it tomorrow.

I also butter my braai broodjies on both sides.

Bottom line: I like having options.

 

 

 

*disclaimer: I am not nearly as fast and stylish in real life as what I imagine I am. I am also fluent in hyperbole,

[Patchelicious]

Me. I also want rocks, roots and slow tech trails. Like North Shore stuff. Stuff that challenges me technically. Makes me a better rider.

 

 

Your "better" and someone else's "better" is of course a relative thing....

 

Your "want" and someone else's "want" is relatively important to take into consideration.

[Eldron]

Your "want" and someone else's "want" is relatively important to take into consideration.

 

Agreed. 

 

I'm with PhillipV on this one. I like riding my bikes - sometimes easy with my mates doing flat boring trail and sometimes scaring the bejeebers out of myself - and all the the things in between.

[NicoBoshoff]

Your "want" and someone else's "want" is relatively important to take into consideration.

The truisms on this page. It's, almost, I don't know...contrived?

 

I started making the point that people are getting hurt because they grow up on groomed trails and then think those skills translate to the rough stuff.  Now I'm getting lessons from Milton F'ing Friedman over here.

[Capricorn]

Your "want" and someone else's "want" is relatively important to take into consideration.

 

that's the best part about a trail: you look, and if you don't like, you go be boring somewhere else. 

[Patchelicious]

that's the best part about a trail: you look, and if you don't like, you go be boring somewhere else. 

So if you dont like the berms, go elsewhere... your position is moot. 

[jimmy hardtail]

Does it really matter who likes what trails? Its all mountain biking, just ride everything and become a better rider. The trails that you dont like are the ones you should try untill you get better, whether that means more skill or fitness....

Its like boulders in tokai, since the fires i haven't been able to get through it once without outting a foot down and it drives me nuts. And its not the kind of trail i really enjoy, but im gonna clear it eventually dammit

[Patchelicious]

The truisms on this page. It's, almost, I don't know...contrived?

 

I started making the point that people are getting hurt because they grow up on groomed trails and then think those skills translate to the rough stuff.  Now I'm getting lessons from Milton F'ing Friedman over here.

Oh chill out and drop the snide insults.

 

Look, I don't even ride these trails, so berm me or dont berm me, you guys are just making silly arguments about the sport changing. Its going to change with or without you.

 

So let me explain it like I would to a child if that will help. You cant always get what YOU want.

[Odinson]

Oh my god. Like a bunch of old fuckin' women. 

 

If you're a dirt roadie, who enjoys knocking out big miles in lycra and on your Epic/Spark, then head to the gravel roads and do your thing. 

 

However, a lot of people prefer to be technically challenged when heading out on a MTB ride. Thus, it becomes frustrating when trail centres only have 'green' trails, which suits the preferences of the 'Epic' MAMILs. This leads to lycra bandits thinking they can tackle techy terrain at mach chicken, because they can 'slay the green trail at Moddies, bru'. Said riders usually end up like this when faced with actual trail obstacles. 

 

http://cdn.24.co.za/files/Cms/General/d/5879/91164ef33c47490f97c6c64e936e5098.jpg

 

As far as possible, trail centres should be inclusive, i.e. accessible for both beginners and okes with skillz and steeze.

[Duane_Bosch]

So if you dont like the berms, go elsewhere... your position is moot. 

It's a burm. Get it right.