The clipless pedals, clearly, take some time. I'm glad I decided to learn them on Demo. I've read where it's important to figure out the clipless in a place where you'll have to clip in an out a lot. I can say that while it resulted in at least one large, bleeding quad contusion for me, it was worth it. I had practiced around my neighborhood, and it was frankly, really easy, but there's no substitute for having to do it on the trail.
Whether it's coming up to a sudden vertical wall, losing it on a technical section, or having to execute a hard stop after a jump so you can get out of the way for the next jumper, the stakes are higher, and clipping out needs to happen more quickly, more automatically.
I think things improved over the course of our 14 miles, but it was a painful day, with more than one flip over the handles bars, a few minor and one major spill, and of course, a world class cramp in my left quad which actually caused me to scream... all of which was exacerbated by an intense cough and congestion, which of course, leaves only one question:
"When's the next ride?"
3 comments:
I've got to give Russ some props for his perseverance and courage on Sunday's ride. I witnessed one of his spills and saw the aftermath of another. Each fall would have left most riders pretty shaken up and I would have totally understood if he rode extremely cautiously the rest of the way. Instead, he continued to charge and challenge himself, ripping down the trail and hitting all the stunts.
Since I started riding a few month ago, I haven't taken a bad spill yet (knocking on wood), just a few low speed tip overs. I hope that if and when it does happen to me, I can get up, brush off, and keep pushing like Russ did.
thanks, josh.
i'll get good at this.
I wonder how the guy in the pic felt after all that? I bet the girls were impressed with his great skill!
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