a question to the DHers [Archive]

MMelissa

14-04-2007, 05:27 PM

I have a question for the female downhillers.

I have recently bought a downhill bike. I have been riding cross-country for a year and a half non-competitively. Obviously the disciplines are a lot different, but I make the point that I have some riding skills.

I've noticed a distinct lack of females competing in downhill events in the south-east queensland district (compared to males particularly). I am wanting to start racing and basically to give it a go even though I don't have much experience or skill at downhilling yet. At this stage, I am pretty crap and pretty slow compared to the boys!

What are the minimum skills you think you should have before you compete in a downhill comp? Ie - what are the minimum sized gaps/drops/obstacles you think someone should be able to clear before competing? Or can you give me an idea of your opinions with respect to skill sets you think I should have acquired before I try to make my way down a competition course. I am kinda worried that being slow I am going to get in the way of the faster guys when we're doing our runs. Its pretty nerve wracking for me thinking about it.

This really isn't a question involving my ego... just that I don't want to axe myself or look like an idiot for entering before I'm ready. Your thoughts are appreciated :)

Lizardskin

16-04-2007, 12:52 PM

Yeah there arent many girls out there doing DH but I think there are getting more and more.

I dont think there is any easy way to get a checklist together to say whether or not you are ready to race. Even if you can't do a jump or a gap I dont think it is really a prerequisite to race.

I would say it important that you can make it down the track:) . Even if you cant get through a section, there is no shame in walking down it. Lots of the young kids and beginners do it in races. I saw the u15 girls at Mt Beauty walking down a section and they actually did it faster than some people were riding it!!

I dont think anyone will look at you and think you are an idiot for entering. I think it would be the opposite. Guys love to see chicks out there having a crack !

The club that organises the races should be smart enough to clear the track before a faster grade starts their races, so then no one will catch you.

But for practise sessions it is a bit different. Try going later on in the day when most people have gone home, so there is less traffic. When you start your run, try to go at the back of the pack or just let the guys know behind you to wait at least 1 min (and that really means 1 minute guys!) before they start. If someone comes up behind you in practise it can be a little daunting, but just remember, it is just PRACTISE, the faster guys can wait!

So I say get out there and have a go. Racing is a great way to meet new people, ride new tracks and have fun. :) It also really improves your skills.

Let us know how you go!

roxy12

16-04-2007, 01:42 PM

jaynes on the money there! dont be worried about being slow or walking a section! there is no shame in it.

if guys are giveing you a hard time then there just wankers, there arnt alot like this but there always seems to be one:rolleyes: just ignorethem.

When i was learning i alwys told the males behind me to wait a MINUTE. Its common courtesy realy.

good luck!

Venciferus

16-04-2007, 07:54 PM

Ok I know this is girls only section but I was just lurking in "New Posts".

A great way to get some good practise in is to ride behind a rider that is a little quicker than you, it pushes you to ride harder and builds your skills up because you're riding at a new level. It really helps.

Just backing up things. Don't be worried if you have to walk a section or go reaaally slow (lots of riders would have done this when they were new) people don't judge or anything like that, most of the guys will love seeing a new rider, (for lack of better words) let alone a girl riding DH, there's the chance that you get some wanker that gets fired up but who cares so long as YOU are having a ripper time.

It's a bit of a shame that you don't live in Vic, Kristina (roxy12) shows up lots of guys (including me) and I reckon she would be itching to help you out.

Now go Pin It!!! yeeeeeeeew

Techno Destructo

16-04-2007, 09:50 PM

Another boy posting, but my wife Penny rides DH a bit, and has been thinking about competing (or was, anyway, before we became parents...:o ).

The absolute best idea is to just get out there and DO IT. Ride as fast as you feel comfortable, and go out there to ENJOY yourself... not to win. Ride as fast as you feel comfortable with, walk what you need to, and believe me... you'll learn and develop simply by being there.

And yeah... I'm one of those guys who LOVES to see girls and young kids giving it a go... no matter how good they are! The fact they've gone to the trouble of entering a race, means that they're probably giving it their all. I think you're LEGENDS!:cool:

Seeing another guy in his late teens or early 20's entering DH? Pffffft. Who cares. A dime a dozen.:rolleyes:

Seeing a new girl getting into it? Now that's cool. Get out there and have fun!!!:cool:

roxy12

16-04-2007, 09:53 PM

Another boy posting, but my wife Penny rides DH a bit, and has been thinking about competing (or was, anyway, before we became parents...:o ).
:

You destroyed her! so not cool, pffft who needs to be parents, its called adoption by pass the pain and ride!:p

Techno Destructo

17-04-2007, 07:03 AM

You destroyed her! so not cool, pffft who needs to be parents, its called adoption by pass the pain and ride!:p

Hey!!! It was HER idea! Not mine!:(

Anyway, I CHALLENGE you to block out that "ticking" that's going to grow ever louder as you go on....;)

We weren't into the idea, but we're in our mid-30's now... and your mindset about things change....

scblack

17-04-2007, 08:34 AM

Another guy posting here.;)

As Techno says Just Do It.

One thing I will GUARANTEE. It WILL improve your riding, even if you feel way off the pace. I started racing about four/five years ago, and THAT was when my riding really took a step up. You look at sections differently - how to do it quick, rather than just lolling along. Sections or drops you would have walked around before, just HAVE to be done, so you get on with the job.

You WILL crash more, but the sense of satisfaction in doing a good hard run is unbeatable.

Also watching the better riders will help a huge amount also. How to do things, but also with motivation.

roxy12

17-04-2007, 12:28 PM

Hey!!! It was HER idea! Not mine!:(

Anyway, I CHALLENGE you to block out that "ticking" that's going to grow ever louder as you go on....;)

We weren't into the idea, but we're in our mid-30's now... and your mindset about things change....

ticking? im kind of one of those unfortuante people who cant:( , but im all for adoption!:)

cam-o

17-04-2007, 12:50 PM

(another boy poster, but have many female racing friends)

I think a good way to know you are ready is to go ride some of the tracks that will be used for your local races. If you can get from top to bottom without freaking out then I say go for it.
Most tracks should have a couple of spots that are a bit scary, but you should feel comfy enough on the track that for say 60-80% of the run you can concentrate about doing a section smooth or fast, rather than just surviving.

Regarding looking like an idiot, if you are having a red hot crack then I don't think that's possible. Here in Canberra we are lucky enough to have quite a few regular female racers and I honestly can't remember the last time any of them got any grief about being female or their performance.

Things change too fast in this sport, the person you sledge today might just hand you your ass on a platter next week. :)

roxy12

17-04-2007, 12:54 PM

yakinAway

17-04-2007, 02:54 PM

Im with u on the still freaking out Roxy... man Ive had some amazing crashes

Just get out there and give it a go that what Im going to do... in fact Im racing the next two weeks over here in NZ on tracks I have not seen before.

As the guys have already said Ive been told by the chicks here just to get into it my riding will improve the more I race as will my line choice and then theres the just got to do it factor of race day....

have found following another chick down the track who's a bit faster than me really helpful for feeling the fear letting go of the brakes and doing it anyway....

all the best let us know how it goes

MMelissa

17-04-2007, 09:16 PM

Thanks girls (and guys!)

I am really blown away by the response and the encouragement!

I'm going to bite the bullet and give it a shot, crap or not! You're right, its the only way to get better and I am sure that once I've gone and done it I am going to feel good for pushing myself out of my confort zone and challenging myself. I may even become a better rider (lots of room for improvement!)

Falling off doesn't really phase me. Hell, I'm covered in cuts and bruises from the past few week's riding (learning to jump and do drop offs haha) and I've even learnt how not to cry so much like a girl in the process. Respect!

I like the 1 minute rule! I'm going to use that. I am not really too concerned about guys giving me a hard time. Karma works in wonderful ways, and its certainly not the sport to be playing around with karma!

Will update you! Promise.

SCF

18-04-2007, 10:52 AM

Kingswood

18-04-2007, 09:00 PM

What are the minimum skills you think you should have before you compete in a downhill comp? Ie - what are the minimum sized gaps/drops/obstacles you think someone should be able to clear before competing? Or can you give me an idea of your opinions with respect to skill sets you think I should have acquired before I try to make my way down a competition course.

I think you should totally get comfy on some rock sections. All race tracks should have b-lines around jumps and such, but sometimes some rock gardens are un-avoidable.

So yeah, my advise would be to try and get some practice in on some rocks.

I wouldn't worry about speed, or holding people up, maybe in practice just just pull over a couple of times and check if anyone has their head up your arse.

p.s I am a boy, I know you asked for advice from female DH'ers but just trying to help out and get you keen.

p.p.s I just realised how in-appropriate my avatar is for the girls section. woops.

BrumbyJack

18-04-2007, 09:20 PM

Just get out and have a go.... if you have to get off for a section, so be it. As long as you are enjoying it then go for it.... if it gets that scarey that it isn't fun any more, then it's time to walk.

If any guys give you shit, they aren't worth knowing.

BTW, I'm female and I have raced.... very slowly and got my arse kicked by my then 11 year old daughter.

She copped shit from some guys on this forum a few years ago, but it didn't put her off, it actually spurred her on to ride more, harder and faster.

Toni11

19-04-2007, 08:38 AM

Hi Melissa
Are you going to race round 2 of the sunshine series DH at Toowoomba?.
Would be great to see some more girls out there having a go.
I'll be there for my third DH race ever, should be fun!.
Emms

Hi Emms

I went to round 1 of the sunshine series and saw you race... I thought it was great to see a girl out there giving it a go. I am going to watch round 2 at Toowoomba. I am also looking at getting into downhill sometime after I buy a new bike... which will hopefully be soon. Are there many girls that enter the Toowoomba race?

Toni

SCF

19-04-2007, 09:35 AM

Hi Emms

I went to round 1 of the sunshine series and saw you race... I thought it was great to see a girl out there giving it a go. I am going to watch round 2 at Toowoomba. I am also looking at getting into downhill sometime after I buy a new bike... which will hopefully be soon. Are there many girls that enter the Toowoomba race?

Toni

Hey Toni

If you do make it out to the Toowoomba race you should come and say hi (I ride an IH sunday), I love to chat about bikes:) .

There were three girls at the last race so hopefully we'll all be at Toowoomba as well.

When you get your new bike we might be able to hook up for a ride sometime.

Cheers

Emms

Toni11

20-04-2007, 02:32 PM

Hey Toni

If you do make it out to the Toowoomba race you should come and say hi (I ride an IH sunday), I love to chat about bikes:) .

There were three girls at the last race so hopefully we'll all be at Toowoomba as well.

When you get your new bike we might be able to hook up for a ride sometime.

Cheers

Emms

Yeah definitely. I currently ride out at Daisy Hill and Gap Ck a bit so if your ever out there we should go for a ride. Thinking about getting the new santa cruz bullit but they wont be released until around September... That's ok though I have lots to improve on before giving downhill a go.

SCF

20-04-2007, 04:12 PM

Yeah definitely. I currently ride out at Daisy Hill and Gap Ck a bit so if your ever out there we should go for a ride. Thinking about getting the new santa cruz bullit but they wont be released until around September... That's ok though I have lots to improve on before giving downhill a go.

Oh very nice, the Bullit is a great bike, quite versatile.

I had my heart set on a vpfree originally but the pricetag was a bit scary.... one day though!.

Leese

20-04-2007, 06:04 PM

I have a question for the female downhillers.

What are the minimum skills you think you should have before you compete in a downhill comp? Ie - what are the minimum sized gaps/drops/obstacles you think someone should be able to clear before competing? Or can you give me an idea of your opinions with respect to skill sets you think I should have acquired before I try to make my way down a competition course.

Hi girls

I also have a similar questions to Melissa regarding MTX. I got a GT jump bike just after Christmas and have been practicing down at the local BMX track. I can do some small doubles but cannot manual at all. Does any girls out there race mtx and does anyone have any tips about manualling? My boyfriend has tried to explain it to me but I just don't get it.

Cheers
Leese

ruthlessgirl

25-04-2007, 10:01 AM

Don't compare yourself to the boys... you're not racing them and you don't have to impress them. Being a girl and showing at a DH race does that pretty much instantly!

Race yourself. Master a section or master the course. Talk to the other girls when you're there, no matter what country i've been in I've never found the female DH'ers to be unhelpful. They're always looking for more girls to join up.

Techno Destructo

27-04-2007, 09:55 PM

Don't compare yourself to the boys... you're not racing them and you don't have to impress them. Being a girl and showing at a DH race does that pretty much instantly!

Perfectly said.

MMelissa

30-04-2007, 11:24 AM

SCF

01-05-2007, 09:44 AM

I'll be at Toowoomba when its eventually on. My goal - to get down the mountain and to leave a better rider... having fun will depend on the extent of the injuries lol :)

I hope you'll be there too Em!

Toni, can't wait for you to join us!

Great news Melissa and good luck with it.

Just get out there and have fun, I'm sure you'll be fine.

Sadly I can't make the race now because I'm entered in an enduro race in NSW next weekend.

It sucks because I was really looking forward to the Toowoomba race, but that's life i guess!.

Emms

Toni11

01-05-2007, 10:23 AM

I'll be at Toowoomba when its eventually on. My goal - to get down the mountain and to leave a better rider... having fun will depend on the extent of the injuries lol :)

I hope you'll be there too Em!

Toni, can't wait for you to join us!

I'm going to watch the Toowoomba race this Sunday... if it's not cancelled :rolleyes:

How many races have you entered?
I have a bit to learn before I can join... but am really looking forward to it.

I will keep my eye out for you both...

We should organise a fun ride sometime around daisy or gap...

MMelissa

04-05-2007, 04:50 PM

Far out! Now I'M NOT GOING EITHER!!! lol

Its my bf's 30th b'day on Monday and he wants to make sure he's in good order to party on Sunday night. He doesn't want to drive to Toowoomba 3 weeks in a row.

Anti-climax :(

I guess there's the next round... which gives me some time in between. I might check out the Cross Country fun day at Illanbah this weekend instead.

Best wishes in your enduro race Em. You're a machine girl!!!