Agreed, technical sections with multiple line choices show who the better rider is by how they interpret the options and play with them.
You don't gain speed over others in the air.
You don't gain speed over others in the air.
Hardline Wales 2024
- Thread starter trib
- Start date
So was the canyon jump removed?
Enjoyed that whole final. Dropped kebab being the highlight!
Ronan Dunne is like phenomenal. Mondraker seems to have a good bike going too.
Ronan Dunne is like phenomenal. Mondraker seems to have a good bike going too.
those big jumps in the bottom half were impressive, but the top section had me wincing more than a few times. It is ludicrously fast, and there were so many speed wobbles where injuries like the ones Gee sustained filming there a few years ago seem guaranteed rather than a possibility... It felt more like luck than controlled chaos that they all made it down in one piece... I was actually breathing a sigh of relief when they got to the big jumps.
I dont even think people mind technical, I just think the track wasn't even enjoyable. You've nailed what it really needs, need sot go back to about 03 ish tracks when shit was new and technical. even fort william was better then than it is now!
The main problem with Fort William has always been what there is there to work with… both gradient and sustainable terrain. You can only do so much bringing in materials up top and there’s not a lot more you could build really except that motorway when you have such a long distance with very little gradient from the good stuff to the finish. Do you remember the OG track which finished at the other side of the car park?
Unpopular opinion but I’ve been saying for well over a decade Ft Bill shouldn’t have been chosen as a WC venue every single year. Not unless the WC was to increase the No of rounds to double figures and become a truly international series.#Nevergonnahappen
Unpopular opinion but I’ve been saying for well over a decade Ft Bill shouldn’t have been chosen as a WC venue every single year. Not unless the WC was to increase the No of rounds to double figures and become a truly international series.#Nevergonnahappen
I’ve always liked the “technicality” of the proper DH track at Glencoe and actually do find it a fun track to ride. I’ve never raced it though. And honestly wouldn’t ever have wanted to.
at the first SDAs held there I was runner for the timing. And during practice I’d never seen so many folk back in civvies before lunch time. Plenty of them decent enough riders. At the time it confused me.but looking back now I can kinda understand it a little more. Not exactly a forgiving place.
at the first SDAs held there I was runner for the timing. And during practice I’d never seen so many folk back in civvies before lunch time. Plenty of them decent enough riders. At the time it confused me.but looking back now I can kinda understand it a little more. Not exactly a forgiving place.
just build more chair lifts in the uk
the super techgnar upper section was rad. some eye opening full sends down a couple of those faces. would love to see wcdh with more stuff like this. the 90' gaps, as insane as they sound on paper, get a bit meh after a while, and given they have to be hit at pretty much a set speed, the actual racing takes place in the gnurrr.
also - impressive result from juanfer (who i've never heard of previously). kid needs to hit the wc circuit.
also - impressive result from juanfer (who i've never heard of previously). kid needs to hit the wc circuit.
Warner said he was in the top 20 in one of the WC races. The South American riders do not get the same support as the Euro-Mericans.
Last year Wynn gave Roger Viera 500 bucks to see If he could make Snowshoe/MSA race then offered Theo Erlanger 5000 for the same, but Theo wanted to go hang out at the beach instead.
I'm actually surprised how much of a time difference can be made on the "boring" bits like the Ft Bill and Leogang motorways. It just looks like they're all doing the same thing but there's a surprising difference. Still boring though.
That top bit of Hardline with the sketchy chute into that effin SLAP of the a left hander was so good to watch. Sketchy as all hell. I'd much rather watch fast sketchy stuff than even the biggest sillyest jumps over and over, but I guess its all about having variety in things for everyone. Plus its definitely easier for them to film the open motorway bits so even if they're only a small % of the course length we end up thinking thats the whole course based on the coverage.
That first year tho, there was a ton of mud on the track and no grip then throw in the steep and mud on the rocks and you got it.
Was defo hard to ride never mind race!
Yeah. I know. I probably did more runs than anyone else there that weekend. By the last few runs on race day I was so tired (mentally as well as physically) I left the track multiple times. Nearly taking out spectators, a marshal and a photographer a a few times. Being timing runner for many years meant I’d generally ride well within my comfort zone because on certain tracks I’d often be doing up to 12 full runs on race day. It was easily possible to do that many at Ae, Aberfeldy, Glencoe and Ft bill as I didn’t need to wait in line like everyone else and uplift was so efficient at those tracks.
Young(er) and more reckless. On race days at the end of each each run after dropping off the timing roll. I’d also pick up a free can of energy drink from the guys /girls who were handing it out in the finish area to any rider who made the hot seat . Then I’d neck it on the way to or on the uplift on my way back up. Didn’t really think anything of it at the time but mentioned it a few years ago to a Dr riding buddy and he couldn’t believe I hadn’t died ! hahaha
Media has evolved into dissecting every story so the average Joe feels he's able to mimic it, or at least "live the experience".
This is detrimental in many ways, but especially when someone learns the most efficient way of murdering someone and then disposing the body by just watching the news.
Gary,I too thought Jm’s post was stupid. However,”faster lines out of the bag” happen way more than rarely my Brother. Time and Time again I have seen this. Not sure what you are talking about here?
As for all of this Track Talk. I think we have to look at the Glorious Track that the Family has put together and I am Greatful for one. It is Unreal what they have put their Monies,Sweat and Bodies for all of us to enjoy. G himself getting No Love for what He has done? Because he is Hurt? Pushing it too Far? Shut Up and give um Love! Fuck off I say! The whole Lot of You.
It is Not a UCI Track Brother’s. It is a RedBull HardLine Track. By the look’s of it,Avy say’s it Fucking Hard.
Avy
Defo doesnt happen when you've got the shit tracks that they ride year in year out now.
Of course I did,dont know why you say this? Would you like a SubPrime Breakdown?
Kerr was lookin like he was late for work.
Hatton was the Smoothest,only tobe out Smoothed by you’re Boy.
Velez is a Serious Matter
Jones Flatted in the Left hand Berm after the Step Down.
Shall I keep going?
Tell Avy,who was the Only rider to Jump the Rock at the Top?
Avy
asking tons of @Avy questions post race in WC race threads having clearly not watched.
If I understood your second question properly. Adam Brayton. Do I win a prize?
In all honesty Hardline Wales doesn't really hold my interest like a WC race does. Probably because I don't really see it as legit racing with its odd choice of invited riders. I only really watched this one because I miss Warner's DH commentary.
I would have been in Shock if you did not answer that correct. I knew you would,but just letting you know that Avy was on it.
Yes,you do get a prize. Perhaps Avy should Knight you? Yes,now that the Queen is dead,Long Live the Queen,Avy can Knight you. As a Man will now be the Only one who Knights anyone here forward.
Avy will here by call you, SirGary. Unless you do not like,then dis regard this comment.
Forgive me on the Post Race questions,I shall work on that.
You always say that Gary, “I’m really not that into this”, but you are Brother. Or,as they say in America, “But ya are Blanch”. You are on it,like a Bonnet Brother. No worries.
I was scrambled with thoughts. Track,UCI,Riders etc,could not connect them all.
This Track,save for the Death Jump,is Pure Cream. Now it is has grown to other locations. All because of the Atherton’s IMHO regarding our Nitch. Red Bull was a big help,but they got that Sponsor for a Reason,Respect.
Shit UCI should Hire them for UCI Tracks!
Avy
Not always. But definitely far more regularly since the new WC DH management stepped in.
Hardline to me has become more of a spectacle than a proper race. And one off spectacle events (Rampage for instance) have never held my attention like WC racing used to. There’s simply not the investment as a spectator.
What would you call it when the type of sporting event/show you’ve looked forward tuning in to watch regularly each year for over half changes your life drastically changes format and no longer manages to hold your attention?
Brayton was first rider down. And a known madman. I hadn’t lost interest quite that soon.
I didn’t even notice the dude who came 3rd’s run. Or in fact his name.
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Yes I agree Gary that Hardline is not the same as UCI. However,It Hold’s Avy’s interest. The Riders are Top Notch,the whole Gang. A Mix that they have done very well on picking.
My only worry was the UCI riders racing this during the season? I have no comment? I mean, who am I to say Jackson made a mistake racing Hardline getting hurt for the season? It is his choice,monies,I don’t know? As a Fan I’m like what the fuck? You are on Fire and you want to take a chance? Yes! Ok,so it shall be.
I Really admire the Old Dogs like Bulldog who have been here for a long time and not winning much. I Love to watch him ride and know it will end soon. Would Love yto see him just crack one off!
Redbull is Racing Gary,no doubt. Full on Balls out. It is just different Racing.
UCI is really shit with the same Track’s and no thought outside the small box.
You can make time though. Like when Gwin was in USA,what was it? Made that Left turn and Bunnyhopped the rest at Warp speed to win by 8 seconds? Kerr had a perfect YT on that exact turn. It was beautiful. Sam,Palmer,Fabian won Mammoth by 10 seconds.
These to me,are Lines they made up on the Same Course.
Avy
see. Here we’re going to have to disagree.
Is it a race? Or just a spectacle? Because some of those “top notch” riders simply aren’t even elite level racers. And who’s “picked”
The women’s “race” even more so. Clue: There isn’t actually a woman's race at all. Just a PC media PR stunt!
Are you not entertained?
Who cares how you define it? Why does it need to fix into some neat category? This may be blasphemy (particularly here in the DH forum), but UCI DH racing is also a made-up spectacle for our entertainment.
Not as much as I’d have liked. No. I did already explain this…and why. *sigh*
defining it simply allowed me to explain to @Avy why I personally find Hardline less entertaining than (pre discovery) UCI DH races. If pushed I’d probably liken Hardline to the South American street DH races. Which I also find less entertaining to watch. But no. I’m not really that bothered how you’d define those either.
Don’t get me wrong here. The riding and riders are obviously extremely high level and highly impressive. But really. Was there anything new to see on race day? Oh… yeah. Brayton (who placed a fair way off the winning time) did a rock huck.
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It's easy to be reductive, isn't it? I didn't see anything new at recent DH races either. Oh...yeah, some people went fast down a hill.
I agree with ol @Gary here - handpicking the "race" field so that half of it is free-riders, slopestyle riders, YouTube celebrities etc really means you can't call it a true world level event.
Obviously they're all bloody fast riders and its awesome to watch, but the limited entry and the timing of it in the middle of the WC season casts a little bit of doubt about its credentials.
Not saying it isn't fiercely fought or that the riders aren't bloody amazing. I'm sure they'd like the field opened up as well, but the event seems like it would struggle to manage a bigger field
Obviously they're all bloody fast riders and its awesome to watch, but the limited entry and the timing of it in the middle of the WC season casts a little bit of doubt about its credentials.
Not saying it isn't fiercely fought or that the riders aren't bloody amazing. I'm sure they'd like the field opened up as well, but the event seems like it would struggle to manage a bigger field
Well this last page of the thread is fuckin mad, Avy why do you refer to yourself in 3rd person?
And I agree with Gary, the hand picked nature of Hardline kills it and also it was a bit of a novelty to begin with and it worked now they are trying to make it a series it doesnt work the same.
And I agree with Gary, the hand picked nature of Hardline kills it and also it was a bit of a novelty to begin with and it worked now they are trying to make it a series it doesnt work the same.
Split personality?
And he signs off every post like Liam Gallacher does on twitter.
As you were, Konastab01
I actually quite enjoy reading Avy’s quirky often incoherent typings. The third person thing just kinda adds to the eccentricity . Sometimes I’m honestly not sure if I’ve just stumbled upon the old early hours Chinese spammers back again but with ai translation software from wish.com
Until I see the reassuring
Avy
At the foot of the reply.
Don’t poke too hard @konastab01 AvyRage is a sight to behold
Until I see the reassuring
Avy
At the foot of the reply.
Don’t poke too hard @konastab01 AvyRage is a sight to behold