Evomo Winter Training Day 2
by Sedrik Vomir on February 7th, 2008
Evomo Winter Training Day 1 was a day spent training out doors with lots of explosions and weapons. Its not like we are big fans of violence, but it does have some serious entertainment value. Besides there is nothing like live ammunition fire to accurately simulate the pressure of racing.
Day 2 moves us indoors which is quite sad considering its sunny and 68 degrees F. Perfect weather for riding. Inside we are using some more virtual training techniques. One of which the Evomo Team riders are required to pass is a full 5 hour session of GTA: San Andreas. This particular game does an excellent job of simulating the real world of Southern California/Urban cycling… specificaly BMX, Mountain Bike, urban culture, graffiti, cars and of course our favorite - automatic weapons. Its quite a good cross trainer since a significant amount of time is spent running on foot.
Did you just say “mountain bike”, in Grand Theft Auto? Yes. For those of you who may not realize, GTA has a mountain bike vehicle located at the top and bottom of Mt. Chilliad. As far as we know there are no known spawn locations. Off the record, word has it that this is a Turner Nitrous (prototype - hardtail). In the game we run them with Crank Brothers Malets cause when you are shooting or getting shot at, its best to be able to ditch the bike and run on foot and nobody likes running in Sidi clipless shoes.
The guys who like to get their BMX on can pin it street style as well. We do a 1 hour primer to get everyone up to speed on handling skills while dodging in and out of traffic. Pass requirements for this phase of training require a wheelie ride for 1 minute minimum. In this stage its wise to switch out the crappy stock tires for some premium Kenda El Moco’s (a Brian Lopes favorite).
At one point through out our GTA San Andreas session of training comes the sequence in which you have to search out the master of all off road biking Billy Savage (Off road bike pioneer and recently created the documentary Knunkerz). Savage is like the jedi Knight of biking and you must listen closely and learn from him much like Mr. Miyagi.
After stopping to see Billy Savage and getting some upgrades like XO Sram shifters and derailuers, its time to bust out the HID lights and hit the night ride training session. At some points this can go all to hell. Most of the time the cops bring out the chopper and track your every move with their night sun. Inevitalbley, bust out the MP5s and go to town.
So as you can see Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a useful tool for virtual training here at Evomo. Check back tomorrow for DAY 3 of Evomo Winter Training.
February 7th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
I to have found it difficult to carry my “boomstick” as I ride, but then again I ride a Nitrous so I keep it close to fend off the haters from jackin my ride.
February 7th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Day two was tough again. After all of this I am sure I will get extra NORBA points for B#@%$ slapping fellow riders in the race.
February 8th, 2008 at 8:34 am
This virtual training actually helps alot, case in point. My best move is getting the whole shot and pistol whipping the competition when they try passing. “On your left…Wrong”
Just ask Clint what happens to mouthy teenagers when they get bout-it with an angry bald biker.
February 8th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
ooooo I know….. Clint yells ” You betta check yaself befo ya wreck yaself”
February 8th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
The only problem is you cant get hookers on a bicycle in GTA,
that is a major integral part of training