Keeping it simple

beigebomber · 05-16-2008, 02:20 AM

Downhill sessions seem to have turned into a logistical nightmare. Don't seem to get out unless I can get a bunch of riders, cars, wakietalkies, etc. Anybody got any good ideas for getting the whole deal done without so much hassle? Bus to the top and go down alone, for example. Just gotta simplify. Ideas?

Gecko · 05-16-2008, 04:13 AM

I live where there are no hills and no other longboarders.
It's simple, but your hassles sound fun.

Pricey · 05-16-2008, 05:01 AM

Just go skate some hill where your not in crazy danger and there's no cars.

Simple.

Its more intense in a massive crew because as a group your less agile and more exposed to traffic. Just skate with like 4 mates max. Easy

beigebomber · 05-16-2008, 09:35 AM

Yeah, I realise my problem is a bit whiney. What I neglected to mention was that the organisation needed leads to DH sessions being really rare for me. It´s really difficult getting everything to come together and I really want to DH more often. Going out for a quick carve session is easy, but anything more significant takes loads of effort. There´s a bus service here in Madrid that takes you way up a lovely road, but I´ve never had the balls to give it a go alone. A bit scary without backup, but I guess it´s the way forward if I want to get out there more. Frightened of traffic and police, but I guess if I went early enough...

As for crowds - I´ve never DH´d with more than five anyway. Riding in a bunch looks really terrifying, especially in a race situation where braking etiquette might get overlooked. Hopefully get a chance sometime soon though.

Gecko · 05-16-2008, 09:59 AM

It sounds like you have answered your own question.
Grab 1 or 2 friends and take the bus up and ride down.
Just keep it simple. If you have a friend or two, you have someone to look out for you and vise versa.

beigebomber · 05-20-2008, 02:04 AM

If anyone is interested - here's how it went.
Bus driver wouldn't let me on with all the gear. Scumbag. Anyway, I took the car to a nice quiet hill and just did the ride down, walk back up thing instead. Went well, but short runs only. A bit scary going around blind bends without someone to tell me it was clear on the other side. Actually, the problem turned out to be random cows crossing the road, as it was a pretty rural spot. Luckily the cows were more scared of me than I was of htem, and gave me a wide berth. I didn't break any personal speed reords or anything, but at least I got a downhill session.

Next idea: going to take the car up to the top of a hill at dawn, ride down, stash all my busdriver-intimidating gear somewhere and take the bus back up, grab the car and drive home.

Sorry if all this stuff is all old and obvious to those of you who have been doing it for years, but I'm a noob who's trying to get more time on the hill, and reduce my carbon footpring/fuel bill if possible too.