pipenfresh

And bring some of that loam.

When a 'secret' unsanctioned trail gets discovered by non-riders and subsequently gets shut down, that just pisses everyone off. When an unsanctioned trail is shared, at least there is more support and a stronger reason to advocate for the trail to be made legal. I think the best option is to actually seek permission to build a trail from the relevant land owner and even get government support/funding assistance. The more we can show authorities that mountain biking is good for a community, the more trails we can build. More trails = less people per trail.

I was thinking Lifecycles rip off. Very similar music and lots of the same camera angles and ideas (e.g. puddles, season changes, looking up at the canopy of colourful trees, etc).

Let me get this right: The 2015 model will go back to a normal width bar and standard grips. So it's a 5010 with a women's saddle (easy to put on any bike) and triple chain rings (which no one really wants these days)? I don't get it.

Actually Smuggly, I am Australian, an educated Australian like you claim to be. Without making reference to this incidence (which seems to be a lot of speculation about the circumstances), the Aussie 'loose and fun' attitude has changed to be more irresponsible and egotistical. As I said, I'm not calling this guy either of those things because I don't know the real story. My point is that incidents like this result in new rules and procedures and if that prevents someone from breaking their neck, then that's a good thing. (And I'm not going to be drawn into an argument about medical costs.)

I should hope that the procedures for returning bikes to the pits are reviewed for future races. It would make sense to me that if you're on the course in any way - as a rider or official - you are covered by some sort of insurance. Insurance comes with procedures and regulations. That means an official returns the bike by walking it down the course or to an exit point. Yeah lots of rules and regulations suck, but they exist for a reason.

Why do I learn more about these bikes from the comments than the reviews? What exactly is 'personality' in a bike? What exactly is a freaking 'superbike'? It's certainly not aluminium. It seems every bike is amazing in the reviews but that's impossible. I want critical reviews that tell me exactly what is done well or not, the trails it works on and doesn't and what riders it suits and who should look elsewhere. I want comparisons. To bring it up again, do all bike manufacturers provide incentives for good reviews. It seems that way.

I lift but then I get too sore to ride. So conflicted!

You've always been an inspiration to me and my mates down under Martyn. And please get better and don't ever leave our sport, we need you.

That stunned and captivated expression on her face is the same one I have when I look at that photo.