Going to MCBP in a few weeks, should I be scared?

[qclabrat]

why I'm petrified?

 

[J-Dro]

Yes, you should be scared. That's a normal brain when you're in a new environment. Most of the early injuries seem to be with guys who didn't respect the challenge and went bigger than they were ready for. Most definitely go. It's a game changer. Just ride within your limits, plan to crash and pad up accordingly, and have a blast.

 

[Ryan.P]

Don't over think it just have fun. I still have days when I get there and I'm not on my A game and just ride blues all day long . And of course post up when you go

 

[rick81721]

 

[oobaa47]

They've made it extremely beginner friendly....top to bottom greens and blues...and a lot of the single diamond blacks they converted to blues...ride within your limits and always eye up the rock gardens and features before blindly hitting them....you'll have a blast....btw, is that a vintage Sam hill scorpian shot?!?!?!

 

[MissJR]

@qclabrat are you going with other people who know the park? I think if you know going into a run, there's XYZ ahead and you can plan for it, that'll help calm some of your nerves at least.

 

[Paul H]

Jk! I'm just being jealous. Have fun!

 

[Magic]

Yes.

 

[Paul H]

Curious... the longest descent i've ever done was coming down white at Ringwood. Just for perspective, how does the mcbp green or blue compare? Am i being an idiot trying to compare apples to oranges here?

 

[Magic]

What bike do you plan on riding? If you’re not going to go often, I would recommend renting a real DH bike for your one trip. The amount of travel is unreal, and they’re super forgiving to mistakes. I went into it with some fear factor, but then I tried airing the first roller and could not stop until I flew off the bike and got a little fucked up. I almost called it quits for the day, but then I had a beer and the courage and want for air came back.

 

[Juggernaut]

Soooo @qclabrat and I have been conversing on the subject on and off all winter. Beginner friendly is a subjective term. I’ve been there 3 times this season so far (well 4 if you count last weekend when I mostly went to watch fast people do amazing things on bicycles). In terms of rocks, drops and stuff on greens and the limited blues I’ve been on, I agree, thought has definitely gone into making it accessible. The one thing I was not prepared for as an old, broken down, mid/life crisis, MTB learn’n XC trail ride’n shlub is the pitch mid-mountain and lower. The mountain lulls ya into a false sense of security on the upper half of the G/B’s and then bang, you’re discovering just how bad your body position really is...right quick. That’s not a bad thing mind you... I’ve identified some serious flaws which I’m now focusing on correcting. I’ve also gained a new appreciation for modulation. You go from in control to catapult projectile instantly if ya tense up too much. Even if I never become an aerial specialist, my time at the DH Park is totally worth it.

 

[Ryan.P]

Curious... the longest descent i've ever done was coming down white at Ringwood. Just for perspective, how does the mcbp green or blue compare? Am i being an idiot trying to compare apples to oranges here?

Not even close . Creek is almost all down with very little flat or ups so if you let go of the brakes you build up speed rapidly and hold it till you break heavily.

 

[Juggernaut]

Curious... the longest descent i've ever done was coming down white at Ringwood. Just for perspective, how does the mcbp green or blue compare? Am i being an idiot trying to compare apples to oranges here?

It wasn’t harder, just different than any trail I’ve been on before..... but you can totally do this Paul.

 

[DownhillR3]

Don't be scared at all. Maybe if it was 2004 again and beginner trails were not available. The beginner trails we've built top to bottom are so easy these days. I've proved it by riding my road bike down the mountain on the trails.

PS< that is one of the best pictures of Sam Hill you posted @qclabrat , he is my DH idol!

If anyone on MTBNJ is hesitant at riding Creek, please feel free to reach out. Hell, i'd love to do a group day with ya'll and show you Downhill ain't scary!

 

[Fat Trout]

Being scared is why its good. I rode way over my head in BC canada. In my mind i almost killed myself on multiple occasions. It was fantastic i want to go back. You'll want to go back.

 

[Piston Honda]

Should we start planning the next beginner ride at MCBP?

 

[Juggernaut]

Yes, yes, yes, YES!!!!!!

 

[knobbyhead]

Should we start planning the next beginner ride at MCBP?

I'm in !!

 

[BPaze]

I would love to go even though I ride a hard tail but don’t want to get all the protective gear

 

[Juggernaut]

I would love to go even though I ride a hard tail but don’t want to get all the protective gear

Fall softly