Fantastic ride and first experience at the Makara Bike Park. It’s a fantastic initiative and I loved the green trails I rode on. Here are a few thoughts and lessons from the ride:
- As I got fatigued, my head dropped and I didn’t look far enough ahead – I have to practice staying focused.
- I stopped to eat about half way through my hour there, it made a huge difference once it kicked in. This is something I need to keep doing.
- I also rested a few times, more for a mental break than anything else.
- The switchbacks, which were described as easy, were fine on the way up, challenging on the way down. I learned to look through them as much as possible, which made it easier. The second time down I completed them all and coped with all but two reasonably well, I noticed how tense I was, really gripping the handlebars. I need to loosen up.
- The second time on the Lazy Fern was FUN. I can’t wait to get back there.
- The facilities at Makara are amazing, and I can’t wait to explore it more.
- I also need to stop worrying about people behind me, they’ll make themselves known if they need to pass
I also wore the Fox Enduro Pro knee and shin pads I’d got at Burkes for the first time. I thought they’d be really uncomfortable, but in fact they were so comfy I forgot I had them on.
