What a great day at Marysville!!. Arrived at about 8:20 with the clouds threatening rain and delivering a few drops as we unloaded with the rest of the crew arriving (about 22 in total). Unloaded the bike and geared up with the talk of 2 groups going out. Phil gave the corner man talk and divided the group into 2 with Phil taking one group and Paul taking the second group.
Last time Paul took us out at Marysville it was one of the best days I had had as far as improving my riding level so I thought joining the ride with Paul was the way to go. The look ChrisM gave me should have been an warning
Paul gave me the cornerman jacket and first-aid bumbag which in hindsight was a blessing and a curse but on reflection it meant probably the biggest leap in my lowly (5 months riding), confidence level.
Phil's group headed off and we were set to go and Paul was off.. First thought: oh my god these guys are damn fast riders... (Hope I didn't hold you guys up to much!)
Not exactly sure where we went but i did recognise some of the tracks from previous Marysville rides (the usual hills and clay).
This was my first experience as corner man. I really enjoyed it but didn't realise that most of the time its like your out on a ride by yourself. You see people now and then at corners but basically its just you to get up hills out off trouble etc. Which was in hindsight f'n awesome.
Some lessons Ive learn t from watching the faster guys:
- standup.. often.. (also learn to brake standing properly)
- sitting on the seat up steep rocky hills doesn't work (thanks Kelvyn for the help on that section)
- picking a better line into corners makes the corner easier (duh)
Some new experiences:
- going at 90 degrees to the trail (uphill)
- going at 90 degress to the trail (downhill)
- tiny logs at 45 degrees to the trail can cause a superman effect
- riding into a bog hole up to the seat (and getting out without flooding the bike -kill switch-)
- seeing just how damn fast a motorbike can go over terrain
All done. Thanks again Paul and Phil (and the other guys.)
edit: One of the guys in our group hurt his hip. Hope your ok!
