Went to give downhill biking a try with two friends, long story short... we all went to the ER. Nothing too serious though and only one broken bone between us three.
I was the first to fall, left the bike and landed about 5-6 feet ahead and from about as much in the air... rough landing I must say, took a few minutes to remember where I was and why Nothing crazy, sprained shoulder and just banged up from the knees to the ribs thanks to the great availability of rocks on the trail... thank you helmet, knee pads, elbow pads... though my shins took a few bumps even through the guards. Also almost injured something very dear to me, but got away with just some bruising on the groin. So I basically got away pretty lucky aside from some cuts and bruises.
Coming down the mountain to get checked out, my two buddies picked up some speed... nothing but gravel and rocks down. I was barely moving and couldn't really function all that well yet. They didn't hear all the helpful riders we passed tell us to walk down, or even walk the trail instead of said rocky road. They were not barely moving... One fractured his clavicle and is missing half his skin on his back, one got away with a couple of bumps and bruises.
Yes, we don't know how to ride, but it was a hell of an experience... try again next year. I'll just stick to my xc for now.
Two hour drive to the park, 30 minutes on the trail, 2 hours in the ER, lunch + beer, 2 hours drive back. Fun
I was the first to fall, left the bike and landed about 5-6 feet ahead and from about as much in the air... rough landing I must say, took a few minutes to remember where I was and why Nothing crazy, sprained shoulder and just banged up from the knees to the ribs thanks to the great availability of rocks on the trail... thank you helmet, knee pads, elbow pads... though my shins took a few bumps even through the guards. Also almost injured something very dear to me, but got away with just some bruising on the groin. So I basically got away pretty lucky aside from some cuts and bruises.
Coming down the mountain to get checked out, my two buddies picked up some speed... nothing but gravel and rocks down. I was barely moving and couldn't really function all that well yet. They didn't hear all the helpful riders we passed tell us to walk down, or even walk the trail instead of said rocky road. They were not barely moving... One fractured his clavicle and is missing half his skin on his back, one got away with a couple of bumps and bruises.
Yes, we don't know how to ride, but it was a hell of an experience... try again next year. I'll just stick to my xc for now.
Two hour drive to the park, 30 minutes on the trail, 2 hours in the ER, lunch + beer, 2 hours drive back. Fun