Mountain Biking by 198 - Latest Comments in Conquering Technical Trail Obstacles and Features

Re: Conquering Technical Trail Obstacles and Features

198 — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:30:49 -0000

Its always a mind game...your body and your bike have far more abilities than your head!

Re: Conquering Technical Trail Obstacles and Features

michaels — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 14:19:00 -0000

So true your mind says caution but you know you can do it its all in looking ahead and where you want to go not where you don't want to go which is my bigest challenge lay off the brakes

Re: Conquering Technical Trail Obstacles and Features

Tenbroeck — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:25:33 -0000

That was a good. I like the follow the leader idea, I've ridden new stuff that way by accident, but now I can make that a part of the arsenal.

Sometimes I will look at a TTF for a while, to figure out the line I'm gonna take. After that, I try to focus on positive thoughts, if I can't do that, I don't ride it. Basically, if all I'm doing is worrying about crashing, I won't ride a TTF.

Re: Conquering Technical Trail Obstacles and Features

198 — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 06:19:24 -0000

@ Robert House

Absolutely! Strengthening up your core will do wonders for you riding.

Re: Conquering Technical Trail Obstacles and Features

Robert House — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 23:21:30 -0000

Totally agree, with you. I'd also recommend core training.

I spent some time working on climbing inclines with rock ledges -- losing a few pounds from my midsection and some time spent in the gym strengthening up my core really made a difference. Getting over tall rock ledges is no problem anymore.

Abs and other core muscles are so important to balance and control on the bike.

Re: Conquering Technical Trail Obstacles and Features

paul — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:22:09 -0000

South Loop at Blankets is a great example, you can work those bike-handling skills all day. There's always a new challenge and it's not too long. Set a goal to no-dab that baby, it's tough...

Re: Conquering Technical Trail Obstacles and Features

Tweety — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:57:52 -0000

Can't wait to nail that damn rock garden....

Re: Conquering Technical Trail Obstacles and Features

198 — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:42:42 -0000

@ Lonestar

The conversation got the ball rolling in my head...but it's something I have been meaning to post for awhile.

@ Paulo

Thanks man! 95% of riding is our heads! Condition them to expand what you consider normal riding, and over time...amazing things happen.

@ Erik

Armor up when you go back. That will get rid of the "back on the horse" jitters. Once you clear it...it will be like it was nothing!

Re: Conquering Technical Trail Obstacles and Features

Erik — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:21:39 -0000

Oh man, do I know this one. There's a trail I ride in Santa Cruz with a crazy rocky waterfall section. When I have tried to ride it, I ended up with a stick puncturing my arm and sliding down a hill 20 or 30 feet. I know I can ride it but haven't tried it in a while. Maybe if I can armor up again.

But this is good advice!

Re: Conquering Technical Trail Obstacles and Features

Paulo — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:53:52 -0000

Oh yeah, I remember spots that used to freeze me up but once done they stoke me up every time I ride up to them. So much of the challenge to riding is your own thinking. That's why I like your articles, you incorporate mind tuning along with rig tuning! Success on the trail opens you up to success in other areas where your mind has been fighting you.

Re: Conquering Technical Trail Obstacles and Features

LoneStar — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:49:59 -0000

Somehow I feel like I had a little help in the inspiration for this entry! I should have just turned around and tried that section again yesterday!