Decent BMX Gate Vid Applys to 4x gates

[Rockinthecasbah]

Slingshot Vs Snap
http://www.bmxaction.net/item/sling-shot-vs-power-snap

[2wheel_lee]

Too bad SouthridgeUSA (aka SRC) won't get their crap together and actually install a gate as they said they would. They could have a worthwhile 4X program if they gave it a little more than a half-assed effort.

Go to oldschoolbmx.com in the BMX Racing forum (on the second page), and you'll find plenty of debate between these two starting techniques.

[BobBurnes]

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

Too bad SouthridgeUSA (aka SRC) won't get their crap together and actually install a gate as they said they would. They could have a worthwhile 4X program if they gave it a little more than a half-assed effort.

Go to oldschoolbmx.com in the BMX Racing forum (on the second page), and you'll find plenty of debate between these two starting techniques.

Actually, that's why I won't be attending anymore SRC events. I'm going to attend the Sandhills events in Santa Clara. They've got proper gates on both the dual slalom and 4X tracks. Really gets you ready for the nationals.

It's too bad too. I really enjoy the company, but the lack of a gate really...disappointed me.

I think the whole SRC 4X event needs to be handled better.

Good link, Ricky! The random gates were supposed to prevent the sling-shot, but it's just as easy to time.

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by BobBurnes

Actually, that's why I won't be attending anymore SRC events. I'm going to attend the Sandhills events in Santa Clara. They've got proper gates on both the dual slalom and 4X tracks. Really gets you ready for the nationals.

It's too bad too. I really enjoy the company, but the lack of a gate really...disappointed me.

I think the whole SRC 4X event needs to be handled better.

Good link, Ricky! The random gates were supposed to prevent the sling-shot, but it's just as easy to time.

Agreed. If I didn't know, I'd swear this was their first year putting on events. I've heard from several other experienced racers who were there this year who likely won't be going back. Too bad for SRC. But you know what? They don't care, anyway. Oh well. Perhaps another promoter will take over and show how to do it right.

Santa Clara huh? hmm... Tell me more!

[BobBurnes]

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

Agreed. If I didn't know, I'd swear this was their first year putting on events. I've heard from several other experienced racers who were there this year who likely won't be going back. Too bad for SRC. But you know what? They don't care, anyway. Oh well. Perhaps another promoter will take over and show how to do it right.

Santa Clara huh? hmm... Tell me more!

I spoke with Donny at Deer Valley and some other folks. He's not going to change the 4X format.

The track needs some changing (And I know Ricky's dieing to get a piece of that sweet action!) the race needs to be run better, and for the love of everything awesome-there needs to be a gate.

Sandhills went into rebuilding mode this year, but should be on this fall and winter. You can check 'em out at:
www.sandhillracing.com

And it looks like it's near Livermore, CA.

If anybody in the socal area is heading up, you can always stop at my place, drop your vehicle off there, we'll load my truck up then head up to the track. Save on some gas! I easily seat 6 and easily fit 6 bikes plus gear in the bed.


I've been told it's got a great atmosphere and the track is great for racing.

Anybody?

[Rockinthecasbah]

I love that southridge is local and I will continue to ride/race there how can I not its 2 minutes from my dads house which mean good mexican food, I look up the santa clara stuff and see what I can do work wise if I know ahead of time i can get people to cover me for the whole series.

As for the track I was talking to lee and a few other people, I want to add some small step down drops with alternate lines like you see at big moutain events, also change up some of the jumps to make them more MTB ish and less giant downhill ungroomed bmx track. That track has no room to pass and that needs to change.

This year even if we didnt get gates I would love to at least have permenant numbers and the same type of qualifiing for the whole series. Either ABA style winner or top 2 qualify or total points type races.

[BobBurnes]

I can't justify driving from Monterey to Fontucky for more of what I experienced this past year. I made some great friends, and I'm very thankful for that (Not to mention the Mexican food.....oooooo.....), but the only way I can see Donny changing things up and making things better is to get his attention. And if I've learned anything in life it's this; if you want a man like Donny's attention, you've got to speak to his wallet.

He'll continue to run 4X the way it is unless we the riders back out and either attend other events or start creating them ourselves.

I'd rather starve than eat sh*t.

I'll get those dates out to you guys as soon as I can. Be great to throw down on the track with everyone again!

[Rockinthecasbah]

dnag that means I have to put gears back on the black market, may also get it P coated since I have like 4 scratches on the Bottom tube that bug the crap out of me

[BobBurnes]

Originally Posted by Rockinthecasbah

dnag that means I have to put gears back on the black market, may also get it P coated since I have like 4 scratches on the Bottom tube that bug the crap out of me

You have the technology. You can build it faster, stronger....

I'm doing a complete rebuild this fall for the winter series. Can't wait!

You'll need some proper gears for Sandhill.

[Rockinthecasbah]

I'll have to pick up another SS rear derailer but thats not a big deal I just hate Dj'n with gears o well I'll live I dont think I will be clipping in for 4x or DS anytime soon.

[Mudman]

I may be building up a 4x specific bike for next season. Something full suspension to cover my obvious lack of skills and vertical drop outs so my tire stops moving!

Oh and on the subject of Slingshot vs Snap- I can't do either.

[Rockinthecasbah]

I wouldn't mind a full race 4x specific bike like a Transition Double, or yeti, I just dont plan on spending that kind of cash this year I need to cut down on my bike spending. Now if someone wanted to give me a FS 4x bike to race I would be all over it like a fat kid on ice cream. Wait I am eating ice cream ...

as for the drop out issue, hit them with a file so its bare metal where the nuts hit, or get some of these http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...ensioners.aspx and dremel them out to work with the hanger

[BobBurnes]

Originally Posted by Mudman

I may be building up a 4x specific bike for next season. Something full suspension to cover my obvious lack of skills and vertical drop outs so my tire stops moving!

Oh and on the subject of Slingshot vs Snap- I can't do either.

To Keep on Subject:

I can do both, but I prefer the power snap over the sling shot. There's some variables in play that they didn't discuss that you have to take into consideration. Such as: Wet gate with slick face or semi-slick face. Sling shot that and get it just a hair wrong and you won't have to worry about what to wear on the podium!

Great for 4X and dual slalom-in fact everyting BMX is excellent for 4X and dual slalom. Though I've learned the hard way if you sling shot the DS gate you will get a warning from the UCI judge.

[Rockinthecasbah]

I have always been a power snapper but have found that slingshots come more natural and are faster!!! I think a hybrid of the two is best which I kind of always did anyways

[L8 APEKS]

Originally Posted by Rockinthecasbah

I have always been a power snapper but have found that slingshots come more natural and are faster!!! I think a hybrid of the two is best which I kind of always did anyways

Yeah...6 of one, half-dozen of the other. I think if all variables were even, and it was times perfectly, the sling shot may be a hair faster.

But riders don't all have the same leg muscles or the same gearing. So I don't see it being a reliable or consistent advantage over a snap.

It's also kinda cheap, IMHO. The gate is supposed to start everyone from a stand-still. If you roll backwards 3 feet and you're moving forward (ie, already racing) before the light goes green...that should be a DQ in my book.

[denmother]

Originally Posted by BobBurnes

I'm going to attend the Sandhills events in Santa Clara.

Unfortunately, they are not holding any races this year. Here is the update from their website:

Dear Riders,

There are no mountain bike races scheduled at this time. We are temporarily closed for re-building.

We are planning a second benefit race for Tara Llanes ("Race For Tara-2") for sometime in the fall. Exact date TBA.

Thank you for your patience.

************************************************** **** This page updated 5/1/08

[denmother]

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

Too bad SouthridgeUSA (aka SRC) won't get their crap together and actually install a gate as they said they would. They could have a worthwhile 4X program if they gave it a little more than a half-assed effort.

Let's get the facts straight. The reason for the one foot starts is that Donny does not want the BMXers to have an advantage over MTBers who can't track stand without a gate. And even if he did install a gate, he was going to install a backwards gate (moto style) so that you can't jump it.

[bwolmarans]

interesting, at least that's a reason. I don't think it's a valid reason, or a worthwhile reason, but at least it is a reason. Good ol' Donny bless his heart.