How to attack rocky downhills
 

I've been riding all my life and for the last few years I've encountered an obstacle I can't seem to get over. About four years ago I crashed hard on a downhill with a bunch of loose rocks and cracked a few ribs. It took about six months to recover and I still have trouble with this type of terrain.
I realize it's probably 99% mental, but how can I get back to riding and (I'm not kidding) not walking down some sections that intimidate me.
The typical section is about 30-40 degrees with baseball sized rocks, has no real traction and unless I just let off the brakes and go out of control there is really no conservative/safe way to get through it.
Has anyone else been through this? Is it a matter of starting from the beginning and review tire pressure, weight placement, etc.? My bike (K2 Razorback 4.0, FS, Hayes discs, etc.) and components are in good shape so I'm thinking it's in my head.
Either way, I need to get over it.
Thanks for any help.

get a pair and pin it

I agree. Especially if there is a good run off area after the rock garden.
The faster you hit this, the smoother the ride.
Get your weight back and let the bike move around. If you use the brakes to much after entering the rocks it can upset the bike.
You could also invest in some body armor.
Sometimes you just fall. Even when doing it properly. Its part of the sport.

get all the top dollar body armor. get a back protector

and then pin it (as said above)

you can't do it slow. slow is how you wreck. look 20 feet ahead
of you and forget what you are actually rolling over. your brain
knows what is under the wheel, your eyes need to scan ahead.

+1

I can't even count how many times this has gotten me...


also +11ty to growing a pair...the bike will usually do whatever your brain lets it do...

I will agree with the "pin it" statement as well, weight back and float the front tire.

The other option that will depend on the "garden", on your skills and the size of your cojones. Go into it fast and try and clear as much of it in the air. There are a few other parts to the technique but that is the gist of it.

Oh yeah, as the others have said, some armor is a good thing when in the rocks even if you are not Mr DH. :D

DBD

http://www.paradigmhosting.net/images/hkg.jpg
Pete, how did you take this pic? Or is it an edit of two images?

stay loose, lose the death grip on the bar, put your butt behind the seat and go faster.... IF you break dont use the front break, it could lock in between rocks and send you over the bars.

Not another "never use the rear brake" debate... this is not good advice if controlling your bike is important.

The technique I would use would probably include carrying some momentum over it.

But, personally, I like Pete's approach. As an added thought, I'd say place a second six pack at the bottom so that there is a goal to be met when reaching the end of the slope.

Don't forget the short term goal as well....say somewere around half way down.

dude what do you do for a living and how the frick do you have the time to go all the places I see on the site?

Man -- a six pack at the top, a six pack at the bottom -- the guy's not going to make it out of the trail! A couple of tall boys though...

Look 20 feet ahead,forget about what's under you, is great advise. Also have someone video tape you. If you don't make it, it looks cool on U-Tube.

I'll agree on floating the front wheel over the loose stuff than will try to turn you. Will a camelbak with a spine protector work well enough for back protection?

No, but neither is advising someone to avoid using the front brake, as snakehunter suggested.

Bravo.......well said my good man!

Pete,stoopid mad skillz on the pic.

LOL

Growing Balls is cheaper and easier if u have medical insurance.

Or if ur afraid of the rocks, learn to bunnyhop over them. it is more fun.

No, not a rock, a rockgarden.

The whole state of Missouri is a rock garden.
If you don't believe me, come visit, I'll let you dig a hole in my yard........if you can.......better bring a carbon tiped shovel..........dynamite may help.

that's pretty much the best mtb picture evar taken. I seen them all, in zines and whatnot.

U r lucky

just hit it and see what happens. You may be supprised what you can do

Fast and out of control baby.

Balls to the Wall.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph8kGPXOoUw

Udo Rock the hizzle.......