Aspiring to a Downhill Rig

I am hoping in the foreseeable future to acquire a proper Gravity Sled for participating in Downhill events. I would like to enter in as much events as possible next season. I have narrowed my wish list down to 4 machines and now just need to save up enough capital to make it a reality. My GT Ruckus Flowta will for the time being still be doing full time duty as my do-it-all bike.

And of course my firm favourite the all new GT DHi 2007 Downhill rig. Having 2 GT's in my quiver already (Ruckus Flowta and DJ) along with my wife (GT Avalanche 1.0) and my 3 boys (GT Compe) I am biased towards this machine. 

Going back to my BMX roots the Mongoose brand stands out and backed by Eric Carter, you can't really go wrong. 

Recently on my list is the new Cannondale Judge, inspired by the 2000AD Judge Dredd series (a chilhood favourite of mine).

This has been a long time favourite of mine the Santa Cruz V10. A pure race machine always on the world podiums. 

Gareth at The Farm getting huge air! 

Making progress with my hand and shoulder, but am SOOOO frustrated at not getting on my bike to start practicing my jumping. Hmmmm guess I'll just have to take it easy and heal up properly. 

Saw the Physio

Just finished at the physio, she is pleased with the progress I am making. The swelling in my hand has virtualy disappeared leaving only bruising. I am able to lift magazines and keys with the hand, still can't grip the handlebars though. My shoulder is more mobile but still painful. Just feeling very frustrated at not being able to ride my bike yet.

Recovery update

Starting to feel much better today, the swelling in my hand has started to subside at last. My shoulder is still a bit sore though. I see the orthopedic surgeon in two weeks time and hopefully I'll have some good news.

Scaphoid (wrist bone) Fracture
Description The scaphoid is one of the small bones in the wrist (carpal bones), and the one that is most likely to break. The scaphoid is located on the thumb side of the wrist, in the area where the wrist bends (see Figure 1).When you hold your thumb in a "hitch hiking" position, the scaphoid is at the base of the depression made by your thumb tendons. Pain or tenderness in this area can be a sign that the scaphoid is injured

 

Had a splint put on today, not going to be riding for a while. 

Roastie closeup. 

A nice roastie! 

My swollen hand, really painful! 

Late afternoon at Gum Trails 

Cased a jump at Gum Trails

Went riding at Gum Trails yesterday, met up with Brad and continued practicing my Tabletop. Was making good progress and am finally clearing the jump. I have learnt that speed isn’t as important as technique and by pumping the face of the jump I carry my distance better as well as giving me a bit more room to maneuver. Anyways our session was coming to an end and we decided to hit the rollers before leaving. There is a small double after the rollers which I reckon I would clear easily, the run-up is dodgy though as you have to navigate a small drop-in to a right handed berm followed by six rollers immediately into a left hand berm over a large roller and you are then immediately presented with the double. I have being eyeing out the double for some time now and felt confident that I could do it. On my run-up I didn’t carry enough speed and my back wheel slammed into the peak of the landing pitching me forward and viola my first proper face plant. I stuffed my hand and shoulder up pretty bad and had a slight concussion (thanks to Bell helmets for saving my skull). Had X-Rays today which proved clear, thank goodness and am off to the Physio in a few minutes for my shoulder.

Paarl Downhill Course

Went to Paarl today. Gareth and Brad were there. Took a couple of runs down the course and spent some time on "The Playground". There is just so much to do at Paarl and I'm sure it will get my skill level up.

Big Air!

Down at Gum Trails

My first dirt jump

Red Bull Urban Assault

My first tabletop