Technical does not mean the same to everyone either. Men tend to generalize that risk is skill. So generalizing technical without actual specifics may be misinterpreted. Adding specifics like unramped big logs, steep rollovers, tight and twisty, rock gardens, high risk stunts etc. may still be helpful. Someone can be fit, get off and walk a log and still keep up and have fun.
To me what is more important is the pace/flow of the ride. Is it a training ride with a strict minimum pace, or a social ride with tolerance of varied pace. I think someone mentioned social in the other thread, and I just asssumed that everone knew that meant, if you can't keep up with the pace, the group can socialize while waiting, and that's ok.
than what would you consider an A+?
I think the confusion comes because there is a difference between a beginner racer pace and a beginner mountain biker pace.At this point I would tend to classify a ride as expert/sport/beginner pace. I understand that not everyone races so some people have no idea what that means. ....
...
I also think the TM efforts suffer in this regard. For a few weeks now I have been trying to get the JORBA chapter leaders to give me descriptions of what the TM effort in any given week will entail. And I have asked some people to post pics and follow up summaries of how the session went. I have been met with almost deafening silence on this front. People need information....
Here, with the emphasis clearly on racing, I've become apprehensive again.
Case in point the allamuchy redux. I wanted to do the actual race before it was canceled and thought it was a great idea to get together and do a group ride in its place. From reading the posts in the thread I got the distinct impression I would be holding people up and was glad I didn't jump in on that ride after reading the recap.
Here's a good example of what you're talking about.
http://www.dieselbikes.com/trails/lyw/lyw_trail_work.htm
Man, I miss Lynn.
At this point I would tend to classify a ride as expert/sport/beginner pace. I understand that not everyone races so some people have no idea what that means. But I think it helps to have a pace for a posted ride.
I also think the TM efforts suffer in this regard. For a few weeks now I have been trying to get the JORBA chapter leaders to give me descriptions of what the TM effort in any given week will entail. And I have asked some people to post pics and follow up summaries of how the session went. I have been met with almost deafening silence on this front. People need information. People like pictures. If you show people more they get more excited. The more I get involved the more I appreciate what Mergs is doing in this state.
I think the race scene is finally well-covered. We have race promoters posting and some solid race recaps being posted. If we could only follow that pettern with group rides and TM sessions that would go a long way to truly promoting the sport in the state, which is one of the stated aims of this website.
I think as the great once bearded wonder previously mentioned, people ride out of their ability which tends to throw a big ol wrench in things.
i chase the fast "core" riders all the time and feel they are the nicest and most accomodating group. A basic drop/no drop descrip is fine cause if you're not sure you just ask somebody who's ridden w/ somebody and you get an idea of pace etc. I am lucky though cause my trail knowledge gives me the option to tapout anywhere anytime i'm in trouble and see myself back to the car. I also pay attention to will not skill in ride posts. If a rider is whining about start time they usually lack the will to get outta bed let alone ride a bike offroad and i make choices accordingly.I kinda think that road ride system that was posted somewhere was easily transferrable to xc and seemed easy to follow
I think Sean's suggested classifications are excellent and cover the key elements well, without being overly complicated.