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Hi all
I'm going to be doing my 1st up-lift day next week at FoD and was wondering if there are a few pointers to take into account?
I'll be riding my Intense 6.6, running Maxxis Minion DHF front tyre. Will be running tubeless so I guess fairly low pressure for more grip?
Any things I should be thinking about doing? Flats or SPD's? I run SPD's for normal trail riding but would flats be better?
Any tips gratefully received..
Cheers
Steve
Just ride what you're comfortable on, and have fun 🙂
Very rooty at FOD so if its wet low pressures are definitely good. If you're not used to flats it might be best to stick with what you've got. I prefer flats for DH though.
The tracks there aren't too intimidating and the uplift guy is helpful and friendly, so I'm sure you'll have a great time.
what Tom said............enjoy.
looking forward to doing some more myself.
would flats be better?
Probably not if you're not used to them. It's pretty pedally and not steep.
low pressure for more grip?
Not my approach - you may end up hitting bumpy bits faster/harder than usual and lower pressure could lead to dinged rims etc. Grip will be taken care of by your tyres/suspension and technique - e.g.not breaking in the wrong place.
I'd recommend sticking with what thou know and are comfortable with. Trying to make the switch to flats on your first uplift day is likely to be too much to contend with. Maybe you'll feel the need/desire to try flats later, if so great but its not something you necessarily have to do.
Take it easy and above all else don't feel under any pressure to justify yourself being there. Youre there to have fun. Don't be shy of asking for tips or pointers from others that may be more experienced than you either. A truly good rider will be the one who is able to help you in a relaxed and confident manner.
If you have a full face helmet it will help give you just a little more confidence which will make you more relaxed. The more relaxed you are the more fun you will have and the safer and better you will ride.
Enjoy. FoD is the best place to try your first uplift day.
FOD is a great place to start, the uplift is quick and there is nothing on the trails that is too difficult. Start slow, get your eye in and build up speed on successive runs, you've got all day after all
Enjoy. FoD is the best place to try your first uplift day.
+1, I did my first uplift there and think it really got me into DH riding properly. Really friendly service and very quick, especially with the 2 buses now 🙂 Usually a great atmosphere in the minibus as well.
btw if you take the fire road right after Flatlands you can join onto the last section of the blue XC route which is so much fun.
Take it easy on the first few runs and get to know the track, don't be afraid to stop to look at some of the tricky bits.
As others have said build up the speed slowly and try and keep of the brakes in the slippery corners.
By the end of the day you will be riding faster and buzzing !
Good luck
Cheers guys.
Really looking forwards to this. Will stick with the SPD's as I've ridden with them for 20+ years so do feel confident (may chuck some flats in too, just in case!).
Sounds like it should be a blast and the guy I'm going with knows the area really well/done the mini DH races there so knows it all well. I just won't try and keep up with him to start with..