Posts
9
Joined
2/3/2015
Location
Lake Charles, LA, USA
Edited Date/Time
2/4/2015 5:37am
Hey guys long time reader, first time poster, been riding for quite sometime, last year was first year to ride track, and really enjoy it, only thing is, at first I was progressing like crazy everytime I would go out, but now, im stuck in a rut, and i cant seem to ever clear any jumps. Im just wondering if my weight is going to keep me from ever going quick, all I'm trying to do is be a C-class level rider. I added new springs in my suspension but it still hurts to land flat, I am not sure if my fear of hitting the jump hard is for good reason or not, im not fat, Im 6,4 and I've been bodybuilding for the past 6 years, im just heavy like a fat guy. I want to hear about other people that are clearing every tabletop, and putting in some good times even though they are a little heavier, thanks guys..
I used to ride a 125 and I'm 6'2", 190 lbs. Not a huge guy but big for the bike. On hard packed I didn't have too many issues clearing jumps all the way but at Cycle Ranch we have deep red sandy loam with some nice elevation changes and I would have ride like I was trying to blow the bike up just to barely clear some of the jumps. That being said, a better rider of the same weight could take that 125 and rip around no problem.
You're doing the right thing by asking about what you can do to get better, and there are guys on here that can give you great riding tips. I would keep those tips in mind and talk to some faster local guys that can give you tips that are more specific to the track you're riding at.
I have always been a big guy even with working out, etc. I got pro card in 2002 and was able to get down to around 200 and that's the lightest I ever was since probably 9-10th grade.
I just seem to have no metabolism on top of not eating the best most the time but I do work out 4-5 days week and ride a lot and still ride A / Pro class in MX.
I am 5'11" tall.
Its all about skill I have people lose it all the time watching me ride haha, but just keep practicing watch training videos maybe try to go to a MX school somewhere around you it takes time even if you have the born skill for it to get decent.
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I'm 6'3" and 210 lbs and feel like it's an ideal weight for my height. When I bulk and go above 225 I don't feel as "agile" on the bike. I love weight lifting and getting stronger, for cardio I do HIIT which makes it easy to retain muscle while increasing endurance.
Valving and springs won't magically help you huck a double if you can't do it now, that comes with confidence through practice. Get your valving done, get it working good, get some confidence in yourself and your bike and it will come.
Every rider gains speed and thrn plateaus out and then gains again, just like body building. Get on your bike, work on your riding technique and it will flow better and better and you'll be jumping soon enough. The secret is confidence.
6'4" 215 its going to take a little bit more to clear jumps.
I'm not saying stop riding to get faster, but I would really try to get some help from a riding buddy that's faster than you that may be able to help you avoid or correct bad habits.
Also, you have a great place to ride at 3 Palms. I was doing some promo work out there for the Houston Holeshot Series race a couple weeks back. If you ever head to the San Antonio area feel free to hit me up. I'm the Venue Director at Cycle Ranch and I'm sure we could give you some pointers. Our track prep guy is a pro card holder and super nice guy, and we have lots of regulars that are great guys and gals that would love to make new friends and help out their fellow riders. We also have 5 different tracks that include jumps for all different skill levels and a couple different corner tracks.
Best of luck to you sir and we hope to see you out at the track sometime
You can work on your technique and bike setup and that will go a long way. Springs should be good enough for now, it's silly to get into revalving when you aren't really even doing any jumps yet and are still a beginner. A good MX school would be a great investment.
Ultimately, you will have a hugely easier time if you give up the bodybuilding and lose some weight. I was bigger with a lot of heavy muscle for a long time - all of that is completely counterproductive for MX. Once you get under 200 lbs it's like a completely different sport.
I'm not saying you need to go all out on an expensive suspension package - because you don't. A simple valving job is all that's needed for your speed and skill level. Once that's complete, you shouldn't need to worry about suspension again until you start improving your speed.
Nonetheless, props to you! I know a lot of guys who make up excuses saying they are too big to ride! Keep having fun with it man
Now my new Honda has air forks and have had my stuff already revalved with stiffer rear spring but have been messing with fork air psi here and there to try get it how I want it and obviously can change that easily enough.
Pit Row
Find a weekend class..shouldn't cost a ton and you will get a lot out of it.
Most importantly....have fun.
but properly set up suspension does help when you come up short or over jump.
you want that last bit of bottoming to really work for your weight
can save your ass, particularly for bigger guys
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