Everything to help you ride stronger and better.
My friend Jason Smith is a 40-something high-level moto hare scramble/enduro racer. Last year he placed 3rd in his class in the national series, and he’s an invitee at the Red Bull Last Man Standing. He works 40-50 hours per week and commutes 100 miles per day, and he has a family. This man is busy — here’s how he trains to succeed in his sport.
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Hey, Lee-dude
I’m entered in the Sea Otter Classic, XC, Beginner 50-54. The course looks grand — how should I train?
Best,
Scott
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Hi Lee,
I race 4-cross in the beginner men category, I’m having trouble jumping, like I have the speed and everything, but I just can’t clear anything big… At local dirtjumps in my town I can jump well because somethings not pulling me back…the jumps are rather large too. So I was just needing some tips on how to jump the doubles and and getting the right speed and timing.
thanks, Dustin
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Dear Lee,
First let me start off by saying how sorry I am to hear about your recent family trouble. My heart goes out to you.
Now onto less pressing albeit still important issues. I’m in the market for a new frame and have been checking out the Transition Gran Mal. My issue comes from deciding what size frame to get, Gran Mal is offered in 2 sizes. The difference between the sizes are Short = 22.5 eff.Toptube/ 45.75 wheelbase or a Long = 24″ eff. toptube/47.25 wheelbase. I’m 6’4″ and currently ride a large 03 Big Hit, which feels somewhat unstable on straight choppy fast trails (ala: Reaper at Bootleg Canyon), but doesn’t seem to corner all that well on tight sweeper (probably my bad technique). Anyhow looking for some insight from someone with more knowledge than I’m able to muster.
BTW, I tend to ride Bootleg alot, race at Fontucky and ride alot of different SoCal areas (telonix, san juan, etc.) Thanks for your time and keep your head up, our prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
David
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In the comments for “Can big riders jump?” someone asked about the effect of body weight on landing force. You know I love this stuff, so …
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Maybe you’ve heard that the faster you ride through rock gardens, the less you drop down between the rocks, and the faster and easier you can ride. That idea makes some sense, but the question is: How fast do you have to go?
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Lee,
hey if i master a trick on a smaller bike, say a dirt jumper , will i be able to do the same trick on a long travel full suspension bike?
peace
rory
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Hey Lee,
First, I’d like to thank you for putting together a great book and website. I consider myself an intermediate dh rider, riding a couple of times a week and entering a few races a year. I know you get a lot of questions on jumping but I would like to know what effect rider weight has on jumping?
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hey lee!
i read your short article about that selfmade gate. here is another great gate everybody can make with a bit of wood and a piece of string… in bmx and (since a coupla years in 4x here in europe too) people build themselves stumpy gates for practicing.
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Lee,
Since you did the clinic with the “Mere Mortals” riders in Silicon Valley, we’ve all been working hard on cornering by leaning the bike like you taught us, and in general, we’re getting pretty good at it. Some of us are wondering, however, if that technique applies to sharp switchbacks. Should we try to lean the bike in a switchback or keep it fairly upright (since the bike is going fairly slow compared to, say, a sweeping downhill turn)? Thanks, and we’re looking forward to doing another clinic with you in the spring.
Ray
mere-mortals.org
BMW tracks can be hard to get to, and practice gates tend to be pretty expensive. Last season one of my guys, Evan “Wolverine” Powell, employed a creative solution.
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hey Lee, i have two questions. the first is, is there a specific way to ride skinnies? i try and try and i just end up having to hop off the side. so do i need technique or do i just need more practice? the second is about drops. there is this drop that is about 3 feet. i havent really done drops before, and the landing is pretty wide open. there is just some gravel mixed in with the dirt. should i suck it up and take it? any advice?
peace
rory
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