Ride Report Santiago Oaks

[Chaos]

RR: Santiago Oaks

Man I am really beginning to heart this place. Met up with Leo [leeboy] Saturday morning for another quick hit. Conditions are great. Dusty and loose in some parts but nothing terrible. As some of you know I broke my collarbone up top last Sept on a sunday morning Path ride.

Photo by Winston

Photo by Winston

Photo by Winston

Photo by Winston
The collarbone didn't actually break on the wreck but later while heading over to Zips. This was the perfect excuse for me to get another bike, though I know the 5Spot is more than capable of doing this drop.
It's been almost 10 months to the day of that unforgetfull event, with a healed collarbone, a grip of money invested in a new bike to help boost my confinence and about 10 extra pounds around my gut, I've returned to the Oaks. Though I have been itching to make this drop... it wasn't until this past Saturday that I was able to muster up enough guts to do it. I've been going to the Oaks now 2x week for 2weeks. I have rolled up to the drop countless times now only to pull up and squeeze the brakes in a panic. So with camera in tow and the same outfit [Turner jersey and all] and some new plastic courage, I finally rolled up to the edge and dropped into the tranny with success .

Damn that was fun! Like I said before I know my 5Spot could handle this drop but doing it on the HL with the extra cush is so confidence inspiring. This drop is really NBD for most people, but after having broken a 2nd collarbone because of it [2 breaks in 2yrs] I was always questioning my confidence and technique. Anyways... i'm now over that hump :bang:
-Rodel

 

[Winston]

Nice job conquering the drop Rodel!

Even better job climbing the Highline up the Bitches during the day. SIZZLE!

 

[LBmtb]

Nice job, eh! I had to think long and hard before I tried that drop and luckily I landed it ok. Does look scary from the top on the first try though. Matt took a picture but cut me off.

 

[i am dino]

nice!

nice job on overcoming your fear and doing the drop!

i'll hop on the pic bandwagon...here i am doing it, i like this angle because it was taken from far away. (makes the drop look bigger than it is, lol).

 

[TURNERob]

Way to go back and conquer that drop Rodel! I broke my wrist on that drop a few years ago so your story is all too familiar. Basically I had no business attempting that drop the 1st time I tried, now that huck is just 2nd nature to me. It definately feels good to come back and do a drop that bit you in the ass before. I'll throw in a pic of me doing it since we're all doing it now

 

[Sprockethead]

That's fantastic Chaos! Congrats on conquering your fear, it's tough man. I'm pretty comfortable taking that drop on my Truth. The first time I attempted it on my Nomad, I landed with one foot on the pedal (not used to flats). I didn't crash per say, more like run into the big ass bush and sat hard on my hammy. The next time I went out there on my Nomad, I was clipped in and jumped it pretty easily. However, I'd be lying if I didn't say my legs were shaking before I took off.

 

[Chaos]

Thanks guys! It's been a real mental battle the past couple of weeks. I had this notion in my head that the Highline was all I needed. But let me just say that the first time that I rolled up to the drop with the new bike I was overcome by fear and panic. It feels really really good to finally win that battle. It's definitely not second nature yet but hopefully soon enough I won't have to think long and hard during the approach.

So now I'm looking forward to riding with you guys in LCWP and having a look at those drops

 

[TURNERob]

So now I'm looking forward to riding with you guys in LCWP and having a look at those drops

Indeed, perhaps this weekend even since I'll be itchin to test out my Push'd DHX on the 6 Pack. We'll keep you posted

 

[CalEpic]

Atta Boy R - I'm going to use your explanation on my wife after my next crash. "Honey I need a bigger bike. I wouldn't have crashed if I had the right tool for the job".

C

 

[Von-Skipp]

Atta Boy R - I'm going to use your explanation on my wife after my next crash. "Honey I need a bigger bike. I wouldn't have crashed if I had the right tool for the job".

C

Did you also tell her you suck at climbing, so you bought a Flux!

 

[TURNERob]

Did you also tell her you suck at climbing, so you bought a Flux!

OUCH!

 

[i am dino]

Did you also tell her you suck at climbing, so you bought a Flux!

oh snap!!!

 

[CalEpic]

Wow - that was painful to read. I guess I had that coming after the 24 hours smack talk thread(s). It's really none of my business if Steve says you ride like an old lady.

Now I need an RFX but the trouble is figuring out how to justify it without breaking my clavicle.

C

 

[Chaos]

Wow - that was painful to read. I guess I had that coming after the 24 hours smack talk thread(s). It's really none of my business if Steve says you ride like an old lady.

Now I need an RFX but the trouble is figuring out how to justify it without breaking my clavicle.

C

C... Won't any excuse do?:?: The Mammoth trip comes to mind

I must, before I forget to thank my buddy Leo [leeboy]. He's been riding with me at the Oaks and has been nothing but encouraging w/o being pushy. Thanks bro! :beer:
Here's a shot of him on his 5Pack.

 

[Pain Freak]

Damn, whose cheerios did you pee in, Craig?
Brutal thread.

So let me get this straight....

If I buy a Flux, I'll be able to climb like Steve or Matt?

Really good story, Rodel. There's something about tackling a nemesis out on the trail that has got to you a couple of times. Good job!

 

[TURNERob]

So let me get this straight....

If I buy a Flux, I'll be able to climb like Steve or Matt?

No, if you were 18 again you'd be able to climb like them #-o

 

[Pain Freak]

No, if you were 18 again you'd be able to climb like them #-o

Damn!

 

[kentonn]

Atta Boy R - I'm going to use your explanation on my wife after my next crash. "Honey I need a bigger bike. I wouldn't have crashed if I had the right tool for the job".

C

My wife said that if I had the right tool for the job, I could have a bigger bike.

 

[Ladd Jasper]

According to my wife, I am a tool. Bikes seldom enter the conversation.

Nicely done, Rodel. I took a pretty good digger recently, and the usual drops all seem to look a bit higher/sketchier/you-name-it-ier than they used to. Next trip down T&A should be interesting. Hopefully I'll find the sack and exorcise that particular demon, as you did.

 

[kentonn]

Face those demons

Great job on tackling the drop... Most of us know how hard it is to ride off something that has hurt you before. Furthermore, it is always much harder when so much time has gone by. That drop can become a giant in your mind. Nice!