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having been absent from dirt so long ...
my head still knows what to do, but my rosette sometimes closes the throttle
last weekend at Oakey Mountain
some pretty twisty, steep defiles, the map says up to 35%, sandy soil, rocks up to the size of a big cooler, some 6-10 inch steps in there
first I rode like a beheaded chicken, on the gas as long as I dared, bouncing around, spinning my backwheel at some boulder and digging ditches, or pull the clutch and catch some bruises
after a while I guess I found the 'on' button for my brains and looked at the section first, trying to find a line I thought I could ride and then tried to stick with exactly this line - worked a lot better, hurt a lot less
even worked with the castiron DRZ
but still ... like a mantra I have to keep telling me 'gas it'
how do I keep from closing the throttle or even worse pulling the clutch when the 'trail' gets scary?

ev...mental commitment is all i can suggest. when i get into some tough stuff i have to do a gut check and just decide if i'm going for it or not...if i am i have to be totally commited or it's better to just say no way. mostly because being half way committed could get myself injured.

i'm a believer however in only doing things that are within reach...it's ok to stretch your abilities some but not to try something that is well beyond your skill level.

once you find something that's a stretch but doable then do it again and again and again until what was difficult becomes easier. practice specific skills each time that are transferable to other similar obstacles.

lastly, i've crashed so many times that i've actually got pretty good at it...minimizing injury as much as possible. i can usually tell when i'm not going to save it and i have 'exit strategies' that get me off the bike.

at my age and situation (others relying on me being healthy) i have to approach things with a "ride another day" mentality.

ken

if you look further down the trail,not at any one rock or obstacle you will go where you are looking.if you watch the rock hit the front wheel youre likely to see it close up.look as far ahead as you can, pick a line that is smoothest for a longer time and keep youre speed up, the faster you go the more stable you are

I agree with all. Hansie is right, it is important to look down the trail and find your line, this help you keep your balance and you will float over many of the obstacles underneath you that you are actually worrying about! (Even if your'e tempted to look down at them) Hug the seat and tank with your legs more as the trail gets sticky, this gives you more control and balance as well.

Welcome back!