So when I'm out riding with beginners I never say to them "you can't do that". When we come to a downhill and they start backing up and saying "I can't", I don't tell them "okay, walk down." Instead I point out the line I would take, talk about what's on the trail; rocks or whatever, and tell them about leaning back and keeping low on the bike. Then if they hesitate I tell them there will be other downhills they can try, and we can always come back. Most of the time they want to give it a try. And when they make it, it's great! They're all smiles and happy that they conquered something big.
Yeah, I'm not doing that anymore.
I rode with this beginner girl yesterday who totally ate shit on the trail. I have never seen such a small nose produce such copious amounts of blood. And it wasn't really the blood or anything that bothered me, it was the guilt. "Why did you let her go down that hill? Why didn't you tell her to walk her bike? You're suppose to be the experienced one. She was trusting you."
She was okay mostly. As okay as you can be when you fall off your bike. She got up and walked away, but she's going to be black and blue for awhile. Who knows if she'll ever want to get back on the bike?
And me? I feel like a murderer. Nice job in promoting the sport of mountain biking, pushing little girls down hills.
And for sure, the bikegod is going to be totally pissed at me.
8 comments:
Part of the sport, and part of being a coach/mentor/leader/teacher, is accepting that:
#1 -- nothing will ever go as planned.
#2 -- cycling is a risky sport.
#3 -- accidents will happen.
I remember the first time someone crashed on one of my rides. I was crushed. And then I realized there was nothing I could've done differently to prevent the crash. And, that this person was an adult, understood the risks, and made her own decisions.
Over the years we've had many, many crashes on rides and in clinics and I've spent countless hours in the ER with various women. It's part of the sport, E, and you did the best you could do in assessing BG's GF's skills/fitness, giving her tools & information and helping her make an informed decision about the risk. Don't beat yourself up.
YOU ARE A GREAT RIDE LEADER!
Thank you. :) Still feel guilty, but hopefully it will fade.
Did this happen within the first 20 minutes of the ride? If it did, then you're right, you're completely to blame ;)
reindeer. :P
Sounds like you approach things in the right way: education. Sorry to hear about the fall, but my guess was she had the info she needed and gave it a try.
Think of all the successes you've had!
i really like your advice on showing a good line. I've been doing some mountain biking this week, pretty much for the first time, and find myself to be tentitive. I read this post and wished you were around to push me to give things a try.
Alicat-anytime you want to ride, you let me know. I love being on my bike. :)
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