One of the Joys of Tracklocross
The joy of tracklocross is riding trails I haven’t ridden before. They either looked “too boring” for my mountain bike or “too gnarly” for my road bike. Now I get to ride those in-between trails and feel like I’m having the most fun I’ve had in years.
As we’re in a lockdown, and the UK’s NHS is stressed I feel that when I’m out riding, I shouldn’t be risking a trip to A&E. I’m not saying that when we’re not dealing with a global pandemic that I try and end up in hospital by riding my bike. I don’t, but I’ve quite often seen the inside of an A&E department.
I know I might not be the only person who feels this way, though.
I’m not going to get into the ins and outs of why this kind of thing shouldn’t be done when our hospitals are stretched. Just don’t do it, and there is also a point here that this guy is obviously desperate for sponsors and attention (so don’t follow the link). What they should all do is ignore him now. That’ll help to stop people from being stupid during a pandemic.
I will quote Danny MacAskill on how we should all be riding at the moment.
“I’m not a huge risk taker and I’m very calculated“
Which might seem pretty two faced, given this came out this week.
It was also pretty obviously not filmed this week though. There is also an excellent article on Red Bull, where Danny explains how they set up the shoot. I could also be accused of not believing that the chap on Instagram, planned everything. He has had an interview in Singletrack, and it does seem the whole thing was rushed and not well prepared. Feel free to read it and tell me I’m harsh if you want.
You’ve only talked about mountain biking not tracklocross
The reason is, the first guy is taking risks, and Danny is being calculated. At the moment, riding tracklocross on easier single track feels like a calculated risk. I’m not risking it all on black style runs. I’m skidding around more flow style green/blue trails. Think of it as the risk play of hide and seek, it’s risky but not really.
What it does do though, is it puts a big smile on my face. The UK is a pretty crappy place at the moment, and being able to escape from all its issues and just pull skids in the woods is great. Honestly, build up a fixed gear and go and skid through your local woods.
You can thank me later.