The prequel to the first round of the EWS features riders from around the world entering into Rotorua and onto the vast trail network for a full day of hard and technical racing! It was all in good fun with everyone stoked on the long and intense stages.
You may not have rocks, but for a minimal loss of comfort you get to ride and smash your knees without care, in my opinion that's more than a fair trade
Plenty of roots that open up a knee or elbow. I didn't think I needed pads until I had one of those stupid, slow front wheel washouts on a steep trail. Fell off and my forearm was opened up from wrist to elbow and packed full of dirt & gravel. 2 staph infections, 2 operations, blood clots and a week in hospital has convinced me that pads every ride is worth it.
you have to stick a little plastic thing in a hole at the start and finish of each run... it works ok but you can easily lose a second or two if you come into the finish of a stage too hot and miss the hole thingy.
I didn't think I needed pads until I had one of those stupid, slow front wheel washouts on a steep trail. Fell off and my forearm was opened up from wrist to elbow and packed full of dirt & gravel. 2 staph infections, 2 operations, blood clots and a week in hospital has convinced me that pads every ride is worth it.