Proper passing?

[mainline]

I think you pretty much nailed it there Geoff.

If you're genuinely faster than the guy in front, you should be able to get past cleanly.

If you're racing with someone who's actually up to the challenge ie. you're swapping back and forth every lap with someone of similar speed and skill, then a bit of elbow or whatever shouldn't be a prob.

If you feel the need to take out the front wheel of some poor guy who's toodling around the track, or yell at him as you pass, then you're a friggin idiot.

As far as "block-passing" is concerned, from what I understand, the idea is to take away the oponent's line and make them slow/stop, not take out their front wheel.

[mc 61]

People can change attitude once they get behind the bars, i have seen "Dr Jeckle" turn into "Mr Hyde" many times when the adrenaline flows. i agree that this should not happen at a ride day, unfortunately it does and always will. thankfully its only a minority.

at CD7 i took the Suzuki's for test rides. almost immediately after Belly gave the talk about taking it easy out there and being courteous to others, its not a race, etc, etc i was out riding the suzuki and heard some drop punt yelling and screaming from behind me for 3 or 4 corners on the tight section over the back.

he finally passed me (cleanly i might add) and i thought who is that forkwit only to find out it was well known ex high level pro rider. i lost a lot of respect for him then and there, in fact i was so pissed by his attitude i want to confront him about it, once back in the pits i cooled down and brushed it off as adrenaline fuelled bullshit and not worth the time.

could see the smoke coming out of your ears hoony.

[GMC]

If you feel the need to take out the front wheel of some poor guy who's toodling around the track, or yell at him as you pass, then you're a friggin idiot.

As far as "block-passing" is concerned, from what I understand, the idea is to take away the oponent's line and make them slow/stop, not take out their front wheel.

Totally agree,
Except….
Sometimes the yelling is to make the guy in front aware that your there.
I remember being stuck behind a guy in an Enduro once, yelled at him for miles on end so I could get past.
Found out later he was deaf

[Lozza]

TRACK DAYS 

[TeeBone]

...  behind a guy in an Enduro once, yelled at him for miles on end so I could get past.
Found out later he was deaf

"Deaf" Ken???

[All Things 414]

As far as "block-passing" is concerned, from what I understand, the idea is to take away the oponent's line and make them slow/stop, not take out their front wheel.

That's exactly what it's about. Not taking out their front wheel. Just being in their way when they come out of the corner. They either have to a: slow down or b: change their line.
There's not a lot of other avenues to pass someone who's only going a fraction slower than you! You'll never pass on a straight. If he's braking as well as you he can't be out-braked and you're never gunna get under/around him without a good chance of collecting him. 
"It's not in the spirit of VMX!" I hear you wail.
No.
It's in the spirit of racing.......

[Marc.com]

Hey Rossco, look forward to some more of that "rubbing is racing" at Wandering and Narrogin, if you can keep up that is!!!

I guess there is always a difference between passing some guy slower, which will happen soon enough and having some prick blocking you out on purpose in a misguided idea that is within the rules of engagement.

Seems like the moderns will do a lot of blocking for no special reason, then it is all on if they know you are there.

[Nathan S]

TRACK DAYS 

Om man, that's brilliant.

[firko]

Richard Alistair....legend. 

[Marc.com]

he finally passed me (cleanly i might add) and i thought who is that forkwit only to find out it was well known ex high level pro rider. i lost a lot of respect for him then and there,

Ah just some has been trying to relive his glory years, did he end up winning CD7. ?

The road race circuit track days are worse and far more entertaining because of it. Nothing like the grind of shredded carbon fibre and the pretty sparks off the Titanium as this years Hyper sports goes down. 

[Lozza]

TRACK DAYS 

Om man, that's brilliant.

Just for you Nathan

DESMOSEDICI

[Rossvickicampbell]

Mike - just for my benefit - what was that you were saying about keeping up at Narrogin???

 

[Mike52]

...  behind a guy in an Enduro once, yelled at him for miles on end so I could get past.
Found out later he was deaf

"Deaf" Ken???

Had a mate at Redcliffe who used to trail ride with us and did a few enduro,s too.
He was deaf and his name was KEN and he moved to Vic. I wonder    We could never understand how he rode without hearing the motor but he did. You could hear him coming for miles.
All credit to him but he was hard to pass too.
Mike