[beardedstealth]

As is my custom when I break a cherry of some sort or another, I like to announce it to all the MTBR world.

Well, today is no different and I must say that my first trip to Sunrise was about as much fun as I have had on a bike to-date.

Did 5 runs on Saturday covering Fungus, Cartoon Forest and a host of other trails whose names I do not know. On Sunday I got one run on Sticks and Stones and one run down Shoots and Ladders before my hands gave out on me.

Was able to get down everything although I can admit that Sticks and Stones was pretty tough.

Only one very mild crash that happened on Sunday and for which I totally blame on my wimpy hands.

On that note, what do you guys do to get your hands in shape? Sounds weird to ask, but it was really my only downfall this weekend. They started to seize up really bad and I would have to stop several times while coming down a run. Each time I would stop it would be very difficult to get the hand to open (and quite painful). Is this normal for an infrequent DHer? Or do I have some crazy mutant hand disorder that requires CDC intervention??

As always, thanks for reading and see you out on the mountain (or at the pump track).

 

[clockwork]

lots of runs down gerionimo at mach chicken and those long high speed runs in globe help also.

But there are other contributions such as suspension setup, too much braking and body too stiff .

 

[grizzlyplumber]

lots of runs down gerionimo at mach chicken and those long high speed runs in globe help also.

But there are other contributions such as suspension setup, too much braking and body too stiff .

I just bought me some Ergon grips, have only ridden with them a couple times but they have been great so far, definitely can tell a difference.

 

['size]

if you currently brake with 2 fingers, move your levers in for 1 finger braking and give that a shot.

 

[kenbentit]

Sunrise is a pretty rough ride and has plenty of steep stuff so your hands are gonna get a workout no matter what. Ibuprofen works wonders though

 

[DankyCass]

lots of runs down gerionimo at mach chicken and those long high speed runs in globe help also.

But there are other contributions such as suspension setup, too much braking and body too stiff .

What he said, really. After doing geronimo while clutching the breaks a few times down, followed by globe 3k + downhill... and your arms will be in shape. I don't really have grip problems anymore though I will have to say my first half dozen times down geronimo I would have to stop half way to get a hand break lol.

 

[clockwork]

I used to get arm/hand pump so bad.Now I am good to go unless I happen to have a brake happy day or riding stiff then I feel it.

 

[Maadjurguer]

I've recently noted that after going with a larger diameter grip that I'm experiencing more hand fatigue while braking on long descents (note.....not as long as the DH crowd). However......it's a significant enough change that I'm certain that what is happening is that it's tougher for me to get positive grip on the....grips....due to their larger diameter which causes me to squeeze harder.

Long story short...I'm going to go back to a smaller diameter grip to alleviate this. YMMV.

 

[Blatant]

And, sorta stating the obvious, make sure you're properly hydrated and have some nutrients floating about. Cramping from dehydration/not enough food could be party to blame.

 

[EZSHUM_331]

Busted my Sunrise cherry on Saturday as well. We also managed to get in 5 runs, would have been more, but lightning had the lifts shut down for a bit. I did all runs with sub 5 inches of travel, so needless to say I am in the market for a big bike now. :thumbsup:
If anyone has something for sale feel free to send a PM.

 

[latedropbob]

the key to beating arm pump is to visualize yourself holding your grips as if you were holding an egg. nice and gentle. you will tighten up when you brake but loosen up on the open stuff. also selective braking helps. watch the fluidride video "like a pro" for tips on selective braking. no need to be on them 100% of the time.

 

[suvlako]

one run down Shoots and Ladders before my hands gave out on me.

Chutes and Ladderrs was opened? Was there and didn't even think to check it out. Last time I rode it, it was littered with fallen trees. You rode it top to bottom?

 

[DankyCass]

Chutes and Ladderrs was opened? Was there and didn't even think to check it out. Last time I rode it, it was littered with fallen trees. You rode it top to bottom?

People kept mentioning that it was closed, yet I rode it top to bottom twice and didn't notice any sort of closure...

 

[flOw dOwn]

On that note, what do you guys do to get your hands in shape? Sounds weird to ask, but it was really my only downfall this weekend. They started to seize up really bad and I would have to stop several times while coming down a run. Each time I would stop it would be very difficult to get the hand to open (and quite painful). Is this normal for an infrequent DHer? Or do I have some crazy mutant hand disorder that requires CDC intervention??

Try pointing your elbows out more and position your hands so the grips run from your pointer finger knuckle to the outside heal of your palm. Hold the grips lightly, use selective one finger braking, and make sure your lever contact point isn't set really far out from your grips.

 

[Guest]

People kept mentioning that it was closed, yet I rode it top to bottom twice and didn't notice any sort of closure...

You're talking about the "real" Chutes and Ladders? The one with the 2 big ladder bridges? Unless someone got motivated and rebuilt that entire 50 foot ladder on the log that collapsed 2 years ago, I doubt you were on the proper Chutes and Ladders.

Otherwise the section above that is called "Slippery Rock" with the big rock roller.

 

[Guest]

nope, the real chutes and ladders is open. I rode it top to bottom 2-3 weekends ago

You're talking about the "real" Chutes and Ladders? The one with the 2 big ladder bridges? Unless someone got motivated and rebuilt that entire 50 foot ladder on the log that collapsed 2 years ago, I doubt you were on the proper Chutes and Ladders.

Otherwise the section above that is called "Slippery Rock" with the big rock roller.

 

[kubo]

nope, the real chutes and ladders is open. I rode it top to bottom 2-3 weekends ago

How to get to the *real* chutes and ladders... take slippery rock down, take the 50ft log ride (or the ride around right after it), and right before you hit the berm/ hip that James built take a left.

 

[Guest]

theres a section above that to...

How to get to the *real* chutes and ladders... take slippery rock down, take the 50ft log ride (or the ride around right after it), and right before you hit the berm/ hip that James built take a left.

 

[Guest]

nope, the real chutes and ladders is open. I rode it top to bottom 2-3 weekends ago

Really? Is that ladder fixed?

 

[Guest]

its at a bit of an angle but still totally ridable, the broken planks got fixed to. I love all the whining about sunrise this year.... again, I was skeptical about it before they opened but after riding up there several times I have more fun every time I go. Yeah the trails are not in the best shape and everythings not perfect but the ruts, rocks, roots and everything else just makes it tougher and way more fun! Does everyone want groomed trails you can ride rigid bikes down or what?! and yeah the people are not the friendliest but who really cares? You can not beat $20 for a lift all day

Really? Is that ladder fixed?