The object of mountain biking is to have the maximum amount of fun while remaining upright. Several variables dictate the severity of outcomes in crashes like velocity, level of protective gear and terrain. Risk management is key to coming home in one piece and something mountain bikers are acutely familiar with.
Bikers will occasionally come upon instances called “no fall zones”, where even a minor bobble can lead to almost certain catastrophic consequences. Such was the case for Italian mountain biker Marco Bassot who rolled the dice on this knife edge ridge line in The Dolomites. The mountain range is world famous for its grotesque geological structures highlighted by jagged pinnacles and thin ridges formed by erosion of dolomitic limestone, a carbonate rock that is known for its brittleness.
Marco describes this zone as “the most breathtaking ridge of the Dolomites” and place where “no mistakes are allowed.” This is the textbook definition of a no fall zone and we are glad Marco rode it clean.
Riding to own abilities while making incremental improvement is the key to success in mountain biking. You might not ever ride risky lines like one the Dolomites but leveling up and implementing new skills to catch a thrill at your local spot is more than enough for most of us.
Be safe, have fun, wear a helmet.
