I rode QR for about 2 hours this morning. It's my first real experience riding it. Last summer I was out there for the first time with my family and didn't know the trails or what was (or was not) appropriate for them and wasn't able to go for it on my own.
I cleared the ramps on the new TTF first try, but because of how I came off the bumps ran wide off the bridge. I did a graceful recovery, jumped off the obstacle and rode away.
Second time I cleaned it through.
Third time I stalled on top and bailed.
Fourth time I cleaned it.
I have to say, had I not read these reviews I would not have known how to ride it. It looks like rollers where you get up speed and pump through. That would not work on this obstacle -- it would be disasterous.
When the front wheel goes down into the valley you have to kind of lift the front wheel up and hop the bike forward. It's a challenging feature which I can ride, but interrupts the bridge ride, which IMHO is the focal point of the obstacle.
I would suggest more of an easy double roller with two options at the end. One wide bridge and one narrow bridge. I'd like a 6" bridge off of one side with a wider one on the other.
I had fun riding it, but wouldn't see my kids or family trying it. If it was a more easy roller, it would be more inviting to moderately skilled riders and still allow for an optional skinny bridge off to one side.
I don't think that dialing down this TTF would impact the area b/c it's in a pretty docile area of the park (a straight singletrack) and there are plenty of other advanced areas to ride on. In fact a nice easy roller would a good addition for moderate riders. There are plenty of advanced opportunities at QR. And I say that after having ridden (and loved) Ray's a couple of months ago. I wish we had a Ray's here. I love advanced TTF's.
Two questions.
1. How is that vertical drop between the new trail we cut and the sand play area ridden? Ride the front wheel over the edge and ride it out or do a drop jump? I was out there alone today and wasn't going to ride things that might require someone else to make a 911 call on my behalf.
2. Did I miss some TTF's? I saw last years map that showed 3-4 TTF's between the tops and bottom of the loop but couldn't find them today. Are they gone or did I just miss them?
I wish I had been able to ride the old (large) 3 sisters drop. I'm cool with drops but haven't ever done any large gap jumps like is currently there. I just need to work up the stones to hit it. 8)
I had a fun morning! Next time I think I'm running flat pedals and street shoes though to get more out of the freeride sections though.
Has my metamorphasis from Cross Country to Freerider finally take place...?
Corey
