That's too cool Sarah ! You give me inspiration to push myself also! I love the "dirtbike yoga" comment.

What a great write up! I tackled T 14 a few weeks ago. My first, and so far, only 5 D. I could picture all the sections you wrote about in my mind's eye - Especially the long uphill and the section with the steps. Thankfully my riding buddies didn't mind helping me push a bit! After the 5D experience I was so inspired I trade my KX 125 for a KDX. Can't wait to tackle 14 again on the new-to-me bike.

LOL I had the opposite reaction. By the end of the trail , I was so glad I had such a small light bike that I could toss around and pick up and toss around some more. Dan mentioned something about a tight corner, but I didn't notice. LOL it's going to be quite awhile before I give up my little KX. It may make certain areas more difficult, but it also makes certain areas easier. Plus, It fits me just right (aka I can touch on it)

Well you did skip that tight corner in your "flip down the hill shortcut" LOL.

Basically the trail goes straight out, makes a very sharp off camber down hill turn and then comes back right were you landed. That was the turn I was actually worried about and you falling down the hill, but you did it a bit earlier then I thought!

Ahhh, I think l remember that one now, makes the hard right, off camber turn, kinda around a stump? I got off and walked it around that. I cut that out of the video that I made.

Some of this should look familiar:
http://vimeo.com/7709008

That is just AWESOME! You have bigger.... ovaries than me! I'm still cussing about the beating I took on 15 and until I can conquer all 3D's (which I haven't yet) and all 4D's (which I've yet to even try 1) I won't be going anywhere near a 5D

Yep, that's the turn. There's a log or stump right there that you have to turn 180 degrees around and then head the other way.

Its hard to tell in your vid if its the same spot, but where everyone is getting stuck on that root might be where the hill incident occurred. Only now, a bunch of people have made a lower pass around a tree to miss the root that leaves you trying to get over it.

Sarah made it to about the same spot you did on her first try up the big hill.

Congratulations on "surviving the 5"! That is awesome!!! I'm impressed that you had the nerve to try.

I'm of the same opinion as Snicki...still gotta' master the 3's...then begin tackling the 4's...I haven't even put a 5D in my goal list yet!!!

LOL I don't really "master" the trails, If I can get through enough of them without wrecking too many times, then I'm ready to move on to the next.Heck, I think I go down every time I ride 28 and that's just a 2D. But I can ride 29 which is a 4D and be just fine. Some trails just have one or two more difficult sections and then the rest of the trail is not so bad. And I LOVE exploring the new terrain of an unfamiliar trail.

Plus, I've become comfortable with the fact that I just crash alot and if I go a day without crashing, then I must not be pushing myself hard enough.

I heard from a little birdie that you are ready for trail 29! 4D!!! If you don't take it on before I get my dirt legs back I would love to watch you tear it up!!!



+1 - I have ridden a few 4's and 5's but I haven't mastered any of them either. I still get caught on hazards I have ridden through many times before and sometimes drop the bike at the entrance I love the challenge and scenery too!!

It is funny because I hated the tight single track stuff at first, but now I really like it as long as I don't have the A class behind me in an enduro!

We still need to have a 4D - 5D trail challenge on a Spa Day, or on another day at HP! Maybe it could be the dreaded 10 or just a section of it? Maybe not.....

WOW! You are the woman!!! That is simply awesome that you went for it with gusto!

I'll be with you in spirit on your next attempt.