hi all. i am thinking of trying DH for the first time but i am unsure if i will be capable of the courses. i have rode all the 7 stanes red routes and do most of the black options on them. the nearest DH tracks to where i live are hamsterly, Ae, and inners. Are the course's similar to the downhills on the xc routes? also will you be allowed on with a normal trail bike and no full face helmet etc?
You will be fine if you take your time.
I would recommend Inners, there you can start on Make or Break and work your way up.
Most uplift weekends there are riders on non specific DH rigs, and at the Winter series DH event at the weekend there were guys competing on hardtails so your bike should cope.
It's great fun! 😀
Most DH are doable on a trail type bike. I'd recommend a slack fork with about 140mm travel. DH courses are much steeper over all than any red or black trail. they are great fun if a little daunting at first. Have fun.
Inners is a good bet IMO. Some of the DH trails there are just like XC trails that have been tipped over a bit so they're steeper. I hate Make or Brake though. Relax and enjoy it.
Innerleithen would definitely be a better bet than Ae, much greater variety of tracks there, Hamsterly isn't too bad either, the top section isn't steep at all, just got a big jump in it!
hamsterley top half is pretty easy going at the moment. the bottom half isnt- its very muddy and slippy and steep....
thanks alot for the advice people. can't wait!
still a cheapo full face may save your teeth if you go over the bars
Ya ineers is your best bet, and if you can get a cheap full face, it maybe the best invest you make.
Don't worry too much about the bike but its worth setting it up for DH if possible. Fat, tough, grippy tyres and a lowered saddle are obvious. If you're doing an uplift then some of them can be tough on bikes so watch out there.
Its always a good idea to walk the track or at least make sure you aren't in for any unpleasant surprises, unlike a red or black trail there may be bits that can't be rolled though there should be an alternative route (but you need to know).
If you do stop on the track, get off to one side so anyone coming down can still ride, when you start again make sure you're not going to cut up someone coming down from above (if you get caught when riding don't panic, the uphill rider [i]should[/i] wait until until its safe to pass although its good manners to get out of the way as soon as reasonably possible).
Don't forget to smile.
If you do stop on the track, get off to one side so anyone coming down can still ride, when you start again make sure you're not going to cut up someone coming down from above (if you get caught when riding don't panic, the uphill rider should wait until until its safe to pass although its good manners to get out of the way as soon as reasonably possible).Don't forget to smile.
thats true wherever you are, its good manners.