Freeride Idyllwild Crashfest, or Art is a S.T.U.P.I.D.A.S.S. (A Cautionary Tale)

When I drove out towards Idyllwild to meet my friend Ken for some riding and witnessed a high-speed chase, complete with sirens, a helicopter, a crash, and numerous cops with guns drawn, I should have known this would be an interesting day.

Some here have expressed an interest in learning to do drops. There's no secret, really... just do it (start out small and gradually go bigger). Bear in mind though, that with any risky activity done repeatedly, one will eventually pay their dues. My tale of woe herein is an example of this.

This particular drop is somewhat difficult: short lead-in thru loose dirt, across a rock, small launch area, tricky landing, steep/loose run-out. I've done it twice before, sticking the landing, but laying it down on the run-out. I wanted to hit it cleanly this time. My problem was that I brake-checked on each attempt, and landed nose heavy each time. In essence, I tried it three times, and ate dirt hard three times... progressively worse each time #-o. Now I know: next time, no braking until landing. When my buddy Ken (who wasn't 'feeling' this feature on this day) finally told me "this isn't even fun watching anymore", I knew it was time to give up.

I've learned here to be able to laugh at myself, and i'm giving you the opportunity to laugh at me too . Unfortunately there's not video... that would be very amusing, I suppose. The moral of the story? Stubborness isn't always a good thing? If you want to play, you gotta pay? Who knows. I will tell you (and this drop) this much: I'll be back!

On the fire road connector to the lower trail we rode (on which we actually had a great run), I got something caught in the rear derailleur and destroyed it. We were able to tweek it enough to have a few usable gears. The day's tally: 1 saddle ruined, 1 derailleur ruined, knee injured to some degree.

Some days you're the windshield, some days you're the fly! :lol:

Attempt #1 - Take-off: looking good. Landing: FAIL


Attempt #2- Take-off: looking good. Landing: FAIL


Attempt #3 - Take-off: looking good. Landing: FAIL


The aftermath #-o

 

We've all been there. I will give you your :lol:

 

"The moral of the story?" Dont forget a video camera next time you feel like Evil Kneivel.:lol:

 

If it makes you feel any better, I've crashed going round that drop:lol:.

 

More speed...?

 

I crashed reading your cr (crash report).

 

Maybe you need more spandex? Just a thought.

<---- (spandex weenie)

 

The dirt is my windsheild, and I AM the bug! :bang:

Knock it off, there can be only ONE!!

That drop looks cool. Way to give it a go!
And yes, you'll get it next time around you S.T.U.P.I.D.A.S.S. :clap::clap::clap:

 

...I had the pleasure of watching some of you crazies pwn sycamore early this year. I'm a s.t.u.p.i.d.a.s.s. groupie.:bang:

 

Definitely more speed.

 

Grasshopper... you will never grow old repeatedly trying to do this... Clint said it best..."A man's got to know his own limitations"....

I've got the name of a good nuerosurgeon....

 

I'm saying this in my best "Kung Fu" voice.........

"But teacher, I've found from my experiences, that some loose screws cannot be tightened."

 

If you didn't get seriously injured, I would call it a good day. Parts can be replaced.

 

Nice job on trying and trying again Art. The rut at the bottom has taken me out twice!:lol:

 

Broken bones heal, chicks dig scars, and the United States of America has the best doctor to rider ratio in the whole world. There's always NEXT time...

 

what trail? pm me if you need to. thanks!

 

New to the post, good job on trying!!.