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DH Newbie
Hey guys
Been riding xc for a couple of years now and just recently my mates encouraged me to go out and get a DH bike, so the purchase was made ('Goose Boot'r Foreman) plus all the riding the kit and now the guys who i was supposed are ride with are all out with injuries! So i was wondering if anyone has some time over the Christmas break to show round some local DH trails and maybe give a little bit of tuition so i can try and avoid ending up like my mates! (sorry squid)
Cheers, Nick
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I'd suggest an AMBC skills course like "Learning to Fly" to get you started. I found their course very helpful for the intermediate XC stuff, their DH into course would be equally helpful.
And maybe a properly adjusted Leatt neck brace
Maybe have a look here first before booking an AMBC course.
http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/showthread.php?2....
My advice would be to simply get out and ride and build up your confidence. But do so on a DH track as opposed to somewhere like Oxford Falls which is more freeride. Maybe even try a DH type section of a XC track that you know and ride it on your DH bike to see the difference. The section on Manly Dam from the dam wall back up towards almost where the track cuts through the kids play park is nearly all DH or flat with some rough sections. Try a few push runs to see the difference in handling. This would also be a good chance to experiment with the various settings on your suspension.
Yeah, i read that rotorburn forum earlier, not looking good...
I'll probably give manly dam a crack tomorrow, probably just do a full lap and work on my cardio lol. hoping to check out warrimoo in the next couple of days. Cheers for your advice matt
Wow, that's damaging stuff
... and fair enough, too, if what is said is true (no reason to doubt it).
Reading between the lines on that thread it looks like there might been a change of ownership? The owner at the time I did the course was female.
Does anyone know of any other skills training companies?
I was just about to book a course with a couple of other lads on here, now I'm having second thoughts. When I called AMB, the bloke I spoke to seemed very knowledgeable and helpfull.
I did this course some years ago and it was excellent. It was a previous owner/operator however.
My advice is this.
1. Go to Thredbo. Do the introductory course. Ride the track until you vomit. Then, pay for a course with an instructor. The group one is better and cheaper than one on one. Better because you can bond with the others and share tips which is a good thing as you're all in the same place.
2. If you can, go to Whistler. You read that right. Pay for a group instruction/guide around the lift accessed park and the valley trails too. I like T2RWHISTLER. This will make you a better rider. In all facets of your riding, dh and otherwise.
3. Continue to ride Whistler. Until you have to come home.
4. Return to Whistler as often as possible...Hint; they're open each year, mid May to mid October. September is the best in terms of value and quiet trails when one can stop and practice bits. July & August is the best in terms of busy trails and pubs and outright atmosphere.
Please note; A trip to Whistler will cost you far less than expected.
If you keen to ride DH go to Thredbo and talk to Danny at Sth East MTB Co. they do courses!!!!!!!!!