People wonder why people crash on The Snake at Mulholland—specifically on a few turns. Very simple: 1. Its a tricky turn, but The Snake is full of tricky turns. 2. Cameras. People push themselves to be fast on camera or not to appear slow in front of onlookers who are recording them for footage which might make a video. That footage can make them a hero, show them to be a regular rider, or be a piece of crash history. Theres performance anxiety and focused effort. Noob riders may push themselves beyond their limits along with experienced riders putting on a good show, and riding faster than they might ride when riding-alone. 3. Nervous energy. Theres lots of anticipation for a few particular turns due to the cameras there on the weekends. This builds anticipation and nerves are more on-edge. See #2. Its that simple. Anyone who denies the effect of the cameras on the incidence of crashes on these particular turns is simply denying reality. This is why people drag-elbow here (on cam)....but who in their right mind drags elbow on every turn? Similarly, people will bring bikes with slick tires (illegal on public roads) just to put on a good show for the cameras. I am not begrudging RNickey or anyone who shoots there, and I appreciate the videos as much as anyone else. Its our responsibility to ride within our skill-limits, but the presence of cameras does have an effect on what people do. Human nature is predictable in this fashion, which is why security cameras can and do deter theft in problematic-areas. Cameras even affect behavior elsewhere. People who see me filming with a live GoPro act differently in many cases. A news crew gets attention and affects behavior. Someone shooting a movie on a film-cam in-public might also affect behavior. Riding in the presence of cameras can and will affect behavior. I am not saying this is *bad*, just reality.
Posted on: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 00:53:23 +0000
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