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Doesn't strictly work like that, Rockape63, because it isn't purely about looking for things. There are many reasons to keep your head up and your eyes level. I think I'm letting my enthusiasm get the better of me though - if I go through it all on these threads I won't have anything left over to sell!
[i]Bushwacked - Member
David_r - can I just spray mine red - will it be faster then? [/i]
Yes. Needs to be a proper job though costing you loads, not some half assed home respray job - that will just make you slower.
Hay, Bushwacked, you do realise that its is a year to the day, that I took that photo of you doing The Chute..
someone once told me to count thrins through in 3's.
so look ahead, say theres a dip, a serction of roots and a corner.
Then think pump, lift, brake.
The logic being 3 is an easy number of instructions to remember, and it helps learn tracks quicker. I know for a fact that it sped me up on one local run, as the more you do, the more you think about each instruction and make mental notes like rather than jsut pedal, i need 3 cranks in 7th gear.
It now starts with 3 cranks (flat bit) , pump lift pump (steep chute with some roots halfway down) , 5 cranks (straight bit).
then......
left, right crank
then......
brake, get into the rut, right.
etc etc etc
And huge tires help (2.4's here) run low.
Keep weight verticaly over the BB
Hump the stem in corners
Fit tiny disk rotors, it saves weight and you'll go faster.
Realise there are exceptions to rules, like cornering isnt always possible wit the outside foot down, it may even me quicker to pump it if theres enough grip with the cranks level.
I know I'm new around here Thisisnotasspoon, so I assume the above is some kind of in-house joke??? 😯
Don't drag the back brake, brake with the front brake just before corners.
Wow, I've been doing that for years and people usually tell me I'm "wrong". First time I've heard anyone else say it.
Really interesting thread, some things I'm definitely going to try. That counting to three tip sounds like a recipe for disaster with my rubbish old brain.
Graham - Really - its still one of my favorite photos.
GlenP - I suppose what I was on about was I found looking further ahead than normal I went loads faster. The stuff I'd normally worry about (Braking bumps, roots and drops / jumps) didn't really cause much of an issue. I thought they would if I didn't give them the death stare as I got near to / went over them.
Rockape63, joke or not, thisisnotaspoon is on the button there...... some great ideas, pointers on this thread worth catching as a list, but knowing it does not mean you (especially I) can do it!
my spelling - yea, im mildly dyslexic and type too quickly
the advice is all stuff people have told me, and most of it works! Counting things through in threes simplifies it, and means your already thinking of linking bits together that ther than mu old way of getting through the same section was......
pedal like a maniac, get out of shape down the chute as a reuslt, attempt to brake for the next two corners (no need no im actualy on the right line getting into them), miss the quick pedal out the second as im out of shape, forget which line to take into the right hander, pop out the rut and bounce into hedge.
Much simplified if i only have to remember three distinct instructions to get me though any given section.
my bestest dh tip is put the mtb away on saturday and grab the 20 and head to corby for the customriders 25th aniverasy sesh 🙂
Indeed, ride 4X or BMX, or even your MTB on a BMX/4X or pump track and you will deffo improve your Dh skilz
If I wasn't at a wedding I'd be there - Enjoy!!!
Should see you Tues though - Wanna get over the big Spine!!
😉
if in doubt...flat out
Keep the pisspot helmet... it's a must! If you buy a fullfacer you're only going to put yourself in the 'I might crash' mental zone. In terms of armour, if you're really committed skins and speedos is where the hardcore fraternity are at these days.
I never knew Singletrack had so many Peat-a-likes... felt like flicking through MBUK reading this post 😀
Isn't 'heels down' one of the basics?
tuesday is in fact spine o'clock
Good to see your watch is fixed 🙂
Actually. I take my advice back.
My new advice is 'Don't ask DH questions on Singletrackworld' 🙂
GlenP - I suppose what I was on about was I found looking further ahead than normal I went loads faster. The stuff I'd normally worry about (Braking bumps, roots and drops / jumps) didn't really cause much of an issue. I thought they would if I didn't give them the death stare as I got near to / went over them.
Yes. That's exactly what I'm talking about. It is the very first most basic rule of mtb technique. We learn to ride bikes not long after we learn to walk, so we do the looking like we're walking - checking for divots and trip hazards for our little feet, despite having 26" round and squishy/grippy "feet" (wheels). Whereas we should do the looking more like we're driving a car.
Just been out again and fillowed some advice which I thought I saw in this thread - looking back though I can't see it!!!
Anyway, was switching my vision from just in front of me to mid distance to long distance and kept repeating this, allowed me to really focus on what I was going over, coming up to and had to get myself ready for!!
Now I just need to improve my cornering technique!!! 😉
corner like you pumping the bowl
Nice one Bushwacked. And the progress so far is just with looking further ahead, which is in itself just a small part of "looking", which is a basic skill component. There is more - maybe see you down Surrey Hills some time for the bigger picture, including lots of cornering. (Actually, the way that you put various "looking" skills into cornering is very important - but you'll have to come and see us to find out more!)
Why has no one mentioned the art of exiting the bike if need be?? There are times when it is wise to dismount your trusty steed to avoid a bigger thrashing several yards later, or if the grip has gone beyond the point of no return!! P.s stepping off in mid air cos you've decided you're gonna die is a bad option, ride it out you, you WILL land, you may fall off. But if you bail you're definately crashing!! For me its all about finding a way to bypass the personal survival instinct on/off switch.
Pretend you meant to fall off