Pendulum: Progression, Huge Jumps, and Ageing Gracefully on a Black Diamond
Pendulum is the newest Black Diamond jump trail at Ride Omeo MTB Park, and it is quickly earning a reputation as one of the most committing lines in Victoria. This trail is not messing around; it’s an aggressive, high-speed descent built for riders who are comfortable with big air and serious consequences. It features steep grades, large gaps, and drops that demand total conviction.
This was only my second top-to-bottom run, and the sheer scale of the trail’s features meant I was still focused on progression rather than perfection. While the huge jumps were still a little beyond my current skill level, I opted to roll them safely, which is always the right call on a black-rated trail. The reward came when I managed to string a few of the smaller and medium jumps together with flow—a moment that was hugely satisfying and a clear indicator of how far I have come.
I definitely credit the time spent dialling in the speed and rhythm on the Flomeo flow line with helping me prepare for this. Flomeo is the perfect progression platform, training your eye to see jump take-offs and landings, skills that are absolutely essential when you step up to a trail as committing as Pendulum.
We had a brief but fun pause halfway down when Dan spotted a challenging side-line—a large drop off a narrow, technical feature. Stopping to film and encourage him was a great break and shows the kind of challenging, hidden features you can find across the Omeo network.
Riding a trail this challenging and progressive at 54 years old is something I am incredibly proud of. It proves that you can continue to push your boundaries and enjoy serious gravity riding regardless of age. If you are looking for a trail to truly test your commitment, Pendulum is your answer. It is one of our new favourites and a must-ride destination for any serious gravity enthusiast.
