Duane_Bosch Posted May 24, 2019 Share As a first timer from that area I'd recommend Meerendal. The parking feels safe. There's enough work to make you feel like it's not for free and there's enough excitement to get the blood flowing. You can also repeat bits that you enjoy quite easily. Then when you are done you can roll back down to the car quickly. Have fun, Edited May 24, 2019 by Duane_Bosch Thermophage and Captain Fastbastard Mayhem 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marko35s Posted May 24, 2019 Share It's definitively not a black trail.Which brings a whole new problem to the table"I rode the black graded Cobra so I'm sure I will be able to launch down DH0 without an issue"... Captain Fastbastard Mayhem 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mamil Posted May 24, 2019 Share This is a great post chrisf. Particularly the idea of what a beginner looks like. If my first mtb ride 5 years ago at age 44 had been contermans i doubt i would have done a second, from both a fitness and a technical point of view. As a complete beginner I would suggest starting at koeberg just to get used to the physical effort of riding the bike and from there to meerendal. The welvergenoegd loop at hoogies is way outside beginner level. Those first steep downhill switchbacks for someone on their first mtb outing ever? No no no.... unless beginner is already fit and has a lot of natural talent. If you're a newbie who hasnt been on a bike for years i predict blood. Enjoy it echo... mtb is a fantastic sport. Full of thrill and risk and pain and pure joy. No feeling like it! See you on the trail WELCOME Echo25. Some random thoughts ... Access to trails -There is a R50 day fee to ride at Bloemendal, not sure what the day fee is currently at Meerendal. You break even buying an annual permit if you ride twice a month .... AND you get access to various trails and corridors that cant ride on a day permit. "Beginner" - Sadly this is a very relative term.... Some grew up on bikes on gravel roads and adjust to trails very quickly. The reality is that a few basic skills are required to negotiate the trails safely. For this it is worthwhile trying the "B-fever" pump track, at Bloemendal, early in the morning. During the day this track is used by the 5 to 15 year old kids. After two laps of this pump track you will have a decent idea of how "beginner" you are. Please dont head into the trails if this pump track is "difficult". ALL you need are a few BASIC SKILLS. If you are uncomfortable in this pump track, I respectfully suggest you have a 2 hour session with any of the following:- Veloworld - Marcel - 082 577 1080- Julien Louw - https://mtbskillsclinics.co.za/about/- Granny gear - http://www.grannygear.co.za/ For a true novice I would recommend Julien Louw, he simply has a knack for this ! And he CAN train you the seriously advanced skills as well !! TRAILS - Personally I would take a first timer to do a short section of Meerendal first, do a few runs of the mini-burms ... nice way to repeat the basics, without too much time in the saddle. Bloemendal would be the second ride. The start (100m after the start) has an elevated section, with an interesting climb, and a more exciting drop at the end .... these are considered "very basic", but you best know the "attack position", and when to use which brakes .... Once you get past this, ENJOY the journey !!! CLOTHING -No helmet - NO ride, this is a standard rule at all trailsWhat pedals will you get ? Often bikes are sold with "plastic pedals" ... you need more grip when going off road. Maybe consider a set of "Giant flat pedals" of about R500. Ideally use flat soft tekkies, that can grip into the pedals .... if the bug bites you can get better pedals (the Giant pedals can last you years!) and shoes later.Gloves and glasses .... I would say a bit later, sure many will comment "as early as possible""Pants" ... DONT go buy a "padded saddle" ... YES, we all know what your behind will feel like by Sunday .... Stay with the original saddle, and buy a "padded pants" .... lycra vs baggy is a fashion war .... Value for money - I get damn good use out of my CapeStorm pants (bought at Marks Workshop in Bellville) DISCLAIMER - I dont know your skill level, and this post may not apply to you at all .... That said, I have seen newbies on the trails that were totally out of their depth ..... Stay safe out there and ENJOY the many many trails we have ! ChrisF 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted May 24, 2019 Share I personally think a lot of people underestimate the ability of newcomers to the sport, and don't see that there's no shame in walking something if they feel it's beyond their purview. I'd see no issue with taking a rank beginner on the conters blue route, supertubes, meerendal or hoogekraal excl cobra. Coach them through the bits they may be uncomfortable with, help them understand the basics and then ensure they have a good time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisF Posted May 24, 2019 Share I personally think a lot of people underestimate the ability of newcomers to the sport, and don't see that there's no shame in walking something if they feel it's beyond their purview. I'd see no issue with taking a rank beginner on the conters blue route, supertubes, meerendal or hoogekraal excl cobra. Coach them through the bits they may be uncomfortable with, help them understand the basics and then ensure they have a good time. Jip I have a good friend that have coached many adults. Some "newbies", but also adults that have not ridden for many years, and even more so, many that have had a bad fall and just wanted somebody to help them get their confidence back. GOOD to see how these people gain their confidence ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grebel Posted May 24, 2019 Share [emoji1787][emoji1787][emoji1787][emoji1787] I end myself on green trails.You are not alone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duane_Bosch Posted May 25, 2019 Share Which brings a whole new problem to the table"I rode the black graded Cobra so I'm sure I will be able to launch down DH0 without an issue"...Trail gradings are such a subjective thing. Even in internationally acclaimed bike parks within the same riding area there are differences. The key to riding safely is you don't "launch down" anything blind no matter what color the sign at the top. Edited May 25, 2019 by Duane_Bosch ChrisF and Captain Fastbastard Mayhem 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted May 25, 2019 Share Trail gradings are such a subjective thing. Even in internationally acclaimed bike parks within the same riding area there are differences. The key to riding safely is you don't "launch down" anything blind no matter what color the sign at the top.What he said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now