muddy, steep hill climbs at WEC race

[MattR]

Some good, muddy, steep hill climbing video recorded at 2006 WEC race in Gernika. Total video is about 50 minutes long (all recorded at same location).

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-46378275303349921&q=world+enduro

I found it interesting that the 2T bikes appeared to make it up easier than 4T bikes. I would have thought 4T bikes would have an advantage with the low end torque. Maybe too much torque is not a good thing in mud.

 

[jeffd]

Actually, I think being 30 pounds lighter and having alot of wheelspin is sometimes a "good thing".

If you spin the tire in "gumbo" mud (the kind that is sticky) - it "clears" the tire of mud and gives you better traction.

jeff

 

[flybars]

I love watching stuff like this. Still in the learning mode. Shifting your weight and body position, throttle technique, and momentum. Good to see all the different ways to get turned around too. The more it gets churned up the more difficult it is for me on the steep stuff. These guys make it look easy. Wish I could get my feet down like some of the riders. That could help.

 

[MrSmooth]

I found it interesting that the 2T bikes appeared to make it up easier than 4T bikes. I would have thought 4T bikes would have an advantage with the low end torque. Maybe too much torque is not a good thing in mud.

It's the rider, not the type of bike.

 

[MattR]

It's the rider, not the type of bike.

I agree the rider is 90% of the equation, but having the right tool for the job can correct simple mistakes much easier.

I thought that I seen David Knight miss the righthand line and had to turn around. Then, he made it up the lefthand line. I could be mistaken but I thought I seen his 4T KTM with a #1 plate miss the hill... maybe I was wrong.

 

[MrSmooth]

I know, I saw that too! I thought Knight would make that right side look flat.

 

[Metalefty]

I found it interesting that the 2T bikes appeared to make it up easier than 4T bikes. I would have thought 4T bikes would have an advantage with the low end torque. Maybe too much torque is not a good thing in mud.

It did seem that way but on occasion you would see a 4t go up just as easily. Don't they run some kind of eco freindly tire at WEC races that are not full knobbies? If that was true then maybe that's why it seemed the heavier 4t was having a harder time on that steep slick hill.