IS KARA STILL A BEGINNER RIDER??// PROGRESSION COMPARISON

[@simoneastwood2099]

Hi guys totally agree with Tom's summery Kara has progressed fantastically . My wife , my son who's 9 and myself (56yrs) took up mountain biking 2yrs ago and have used Kara's progression an inspiration that's pushed us to tackle the same trails and jumps . We are now members at Chicksands and can complete the small gap line all thanks to you guys.

[@nosreuter]

That's so awesome!!

[@JenkinsB]

There is no way she can handle those features and be classified as a beginner. Hell, 90% of viewers cannot do them. I agree with Tom, intermediate, but the sky is the limit. Well done Kara, it has been cool to watch the progression!

[@EstevenHeartlove]

If I saw Kara out on the trails there is no way I would classify her as a beginner. I've been watching her progression for a while and recently it seems to have been growing exponentially. It's awesome that you two are able to enjoy the journey together!

[@thecakeisalie7070]

Absolutely amazing progression! Kara has such a solid foundation of confidence and the skills are simply building up higher and higher. Congrats to both of you over these years and many more!

[@wilsarno]

Well done KB, your jump progression has been an amazing journey to follow along with. As long as you’re having fun it makes no difference what you are!

[@davesmtbadventures5712]

Kara is not even close to being a beginner now, huge progression which has come from such a good teacher. Well done Kara 🤘🏼

[@agrsk8r]

I've only been watching you two for about a year and even in that short amount of time, I've noticed significant progression in her riding. I started seriously riding 3 years ago and I would consider her a better rider than I am by far. I've always been cautious with my progression, even in my younger fruit booter days.

[@jam2junkie339]

Hey Tom and Kara,I agree Kara is no longer a beginner and the progression I’ve seen on your journey together has been amazing and so nice to witness.Confidence and listening to your intuition when your not comfortable with certain situations I think is key for progression.I think the slow mo of Kara jumping the table top @4:20 says it all so much confidence and enjoyment at in that moment 🤙🏻Well done to you both and I enjoy looking forward to Kara ticking of some bigger things off her list.✌🏼😎

[@ma_rin_49]

Well done Kara, what progression from when you actually were a beginner, and well done Tom chronicling her progress, never give up!

[@chriscordova2680]

Kara, it been a blast watching ur progression!!! Keep up the hard work...and thanks Tom for sharing this journey.

[@ericm8811]

Hey Kara Beal and Tom Cardy! Definitely intermediate rider status has been achieved! It's been great to follow your journey! Thanks for sharing! Ride ride ride

[@estherfriesen2175]

Definitely not a beginner anymore!! She's progressed so much and it's been a huge encouragement to me! Due to health issues and a messed up front brake, I can't ride anymore for now, but once I'm able to again, I'll be watching y'alls videos again for motivation and inspiration.

[@malikridesmtb]

Contrasts Kara!!!! your progression is way beyond words... you actually do more things than many of the viewers here still cannot do... Way to Go!!!!!!

[@teaking-gv6st]

Girlfriend loved this as she is learning. Great to see a realistic progression. Thanks! More! 🥺

[@ttracknwolf8791]

So much progression and confidence. Great job pushing forward past fear!

[@brettyallop6018]

I haven't been to find most of the early videos, learning to ride slow and track stand is the most crucial skill that newbies need to master. Kara may not have known it at the time, but you set her up for success back then! Well done too both of you.

[@pandadundee6430]

Definitely not a beginner! You have shown great growth in both skill and confidence! Been so awesome watching your journey! Can't wait to see how far you take it! Go Girl!!!!!

[@gillesdefago9208]

Hi guys! Definitely not a beginner anymore! So much progression in so little time!! Well done 👍 looking forward for what’s coming up this year😀

[@benfireman1]

I’ve been watching this channel on off since the beginning almost. To see the progression Kara’s made is so awesome it takes a lot of practice .drops are a mind screw …gaining the confidence to do them makes me really excited for you. I’ve got friends that raced bmx since they were kids an are still to nervous to hit a 4ft drops. Learning to drop into transitions is huge. Confidence is key no matter how big any drop is I think of em all as if was hoping off a curb. Then you just have to determine how you wanta land

[@suesheane3671]

Very cool Kara, its really impressive to see how much you improved and how your confidence has grown 👏

[@robr3939]

Kara's progression is incredible, I remember watching her tackling runs at FOD in the early days and now she's hitting gaps, she's made huge progress, way beyond beginner level!

[@deanpetterson1664]

True that! I am inspired to hit gaps more frequently with just her inspiration! Remember a ride fixes everything!!!

[@wharfedalelocksmiths5430]

Sweet cherry pie KB doing ace you can ride how looking at old video so much better ya can ride with the best and do lucky you 😀 I'm 52 be riding from the 80's still got BMX'S + old 247 DARK ANGEL jump bike you lot keep me going so kool seeing you lot having so much fun as I still do when get out on my bike thanks KB and tom , friends keep it in the air it's so much fun 😎

[@linework11]

She is rocking it with all your help and Sam's as well keep it up

[@bulentergun7258]

In so many ways she is still a beginner but she has improved a lot for sure

[@deanwoods8647]

Finally the first honest comment on here, the others are all begging for likes making out she’s a pro rider which she certainly is not. She has however improved greatly, and she will continue to do so I think.

[@carlbaker5880]

@@deanwoods8647 they have said she has improved and is no longer a beginner, this is true she isn’t anymore . A beginner wouldn’t just drop in or go along a beam or be able to balance just standing up. Jeez

[@narrowboatbrewer8823]

Something has changed in how Kara is when the camera is on her, levelled up on both the riding and presenting. Nice one you two 👍🏼🍻🏴‍☠️

[@ShadLife]

I think the question is, what is considered mountain biking to most people? Pretty much everything we have seen in this video is part of the more advanced aspects of mountain biking. We always have to keep in mind that 85% of mountain biking and even riders never even get their wheels off the ground. Our perspective as people who participate in riding bike parks such as this, oftentimes call freeriding, is that Kara would be intermediate. But when I think of mountain biking as a whole I would consider what she can do as advanced skills. So then, what do we measure against when it comes to this type of riding? Clearly, Tom is a high-level rider and way beyond Kara's skillset and even most of our skills. If we just say mountain biking, Kara is an advanced rider. If we want to ask what her freeriding skill level is, then maybe we can call her an intermediate in that case.

[@goodjadiksa]

Keep up the good work Kara 👍👌

[@TCK71]

Beginner? no way! Kara's better than probably most riders out there. Brilliant to watch and follow.

[@MTBTrailRider]

Not only has Kara's skill improved, but she looks so pro compared to those early sessions from a couple years ago. haha :)

[@martinschwartz7342]

Kara, you have progressed way past a beginner. Your hard work has paid off and as a long-time fan of yours, I am very proud of you.

[@hoff482]

Great video. You guys inspire me to keep progressing my skills. Kara you are defenitly a better rider than me, you and Tom do a great job breaking down skills. At 49 I am a beginner but progressing. 😀

[@davidmiller2050]

In my opinion definitely not a beginner with the features that Kara sends! Admittedly I've only been watching your videos for 2 years, but the progress has been solid. I wouldn't class myself as a beginner for trails, but I'm still learning jumping and don't tackle big drops. Keep up the great videos and progression!

[@shanewhite4227]

Kara has come along way she is a shredder now and has a great teacher Tom 😀 cheers 🍻

[@chucklesm.t.b5850]

Kara is definately not a beginner any more lol, but she is definately an insperation, you both are. I'm a beginner and have a major issue with jumping 🤔 , but after watching her videos Kara's insperation puts you in the right mind set and gives you that determination not to give but get it right (not got it right yet but getting better lol). Thank you guys, And keep up the good work Kara. Have fun 🤘

[@danielimpett1277]

Oh she's not been beginner for ages now, proud of her 💜

[@dankrafted]

Kara stopped being a beginner quite some time ago, the bike control is so much better. well done Kara (and Tom for the teaching!)

[@ThomasFlorimonte]

No matter how much riding we do, aren't we all still beginners? :) Love the videos.

[@01FozzyS]

Definitely not a beginner anymore! Since first watching her a few years ago to now, big step-up. Well done Kara!

[@patrolmaverick]

Definitely not a beginner any more! You can see a clear difference from the early videos. Not just the riding skills and confidence, but also the thought process that goes into conquering each obstacle/ trail feature. Great job Kara.

[@martynwindle]

Not a beginner after the 1st place podium today. Well done kara. Been tracking the progress. Keep it up. Tom beat me today in class just about 😜

[@junka1975]

She's definitely upgraded to intermediate Tom. Let's check the list; Jumps Shredding the corners The skinny Track stand, Definitely intermediate, can we expect side by side formation manuals soon? Well done Kara, you put in the effort and you can see the results. 😎👍

[@nicholasduck9663]

Solid progress Kara! 🤟🏻

[@jeremyharris4415]

Hey Tom your partner Kara she Rocks she has turned out to be a fantastic rider she definitely can put away the L plate and now she can call her self a Intermediate rider . I have enjoyed every video that you both have put out keep up the fantastic videos

[@andy5786]

Hay Kara you past you definitely intermediate now super riding fantastic videos from both of you 👍

[@evanwilliams8908]

Kara is a big like a cannonball. Her moment carries her but she lacks a deeper understanding of what is actually going on because she hasn’t taken the time to really master the fundamentals and will one day be badly injured because this. We saw an example of this at Sam pilgrims house.

[@mikefordham3240]

You missed the point of the video. It was about progression not completion. A comment like this is pure ego. A video of a pro crashing, it is almost always rider error. The progression shown over the last few months is pretty incredible. Fear and Confidence are such a fine line when learning. Being sensible and reasonable about your level of skill is paramount, which I think is something that is pretty evident in this video.

[@Lozzie_14]

Definitely such a great rider now - well done Kara!

[@scdetailingandvalet]

100% not a beginner - one of the last videos said that and I raised my eye-brow. Definitely an intermediate at least!!! Well done Kara!!! 👏

[@MTBTrailRider]

Nice job Kara! Been fun to watch your progress over the years. Curious Tom... Do you compete? Maybe I've missed it because I only focus on your riding, but where does your income come from? haha Maybe being too personal, but always curious if you/other content creators get paid salaries from their sponsors or if its just from ad revenue and/or payouts from competitions, etc. Someone whos hoping to build a bigger KZbin channel and get to where I can travel/ride full time with my family. Curious how some others make it happen.

[@leonbond9275]

Agree with Tom - Intermediate. I'm looking forward to seeing Kara progress further as her confidence in herself increases.

[@KillaMTB]

I've loved watching your progression kara you have a great teacher after all. I say you defo ay no beginner anymore keep on shredding love the videos 👌🏻

[@nhung7592]

Totally beyond beginner status and holding intermediate grounds! All from hard work, practice and a great coach! Bravo Kara.

[@satchelle]

Intermediate! Definitely not a beginner. I've been waiting for a video on Kara's progression and this was a great one. So proud of Kara!

[@mmoreno509]

Movin' on up to Intermediate!! If only the Orchrad (Sam's dream garden) was still around, Kara could give it a go at the skinny of doom and see if she could finally get past that middle bit. 🤣 (sorry Kara but the way you fell that time was pretty funny, glad you didn't get hurt though!)

[@winchestertonfieldville8973]

So inspiring! Pretty clear you love riding, and all your practice shows! Def not a beginner 😀

[@jokermtb]

amazing what confidence and experience can do....seen it happen since the start

[@tristanlucnel3276]

Love the vids mate

[@glitchman3194]

Kara is progressing greatly. I believe that the best level of rider is someone who has fun on the bike. How is her manual coming along? Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the ride

[@AbrahamBarberi]

Great job!

[@abuckcat]

Awesome you have improved greatly

[@ИльяШ-щ6э]

Thanks, very interesting. But what about manual progression? I remember a few videos where Kara learnd manual.

[@carlbarkham3115]

Definitely not a beginner anymore. She has progressed brilliantly over the last year and half. Really pleased to see a novice improve her skills really well, and with your coaching she will doing the Oakley line in the future. I’m getting back into riding after a 10 year break and hope I get as good as her in the same amount of time. I’m going to Phoenix on Friday or Saturday to see I still have any skills left.

[@reverentalexanderchezeley-6367]

Yep she's defiantly intermediate. Bless you both.

[@wertawonka]

I have been watching the progression and i didn't realise how far she's come. I'd day intermediate yeah. Well done Kara

[@Druidwil]

Great progress, time to level up congrats

[@viralshah1983]

Love watching both you and Kara’s videos. Would love to do a session with you two one day 🤙🏽

[@viralshah1983]

Maybe at Danbury common 🙂

[@Goggleberry123]

I categorize riders with my own system beginner stage 1 & 2 intermediate 3 & 4 advanced 5 & 6 elite 7 & 8 pro 9 & 10 sometimes your in a category but maybe the lower end or higher I would say Kara's intermediate 3 love the vids well done

[@THEGOATLAB]

Well done Kara killing it love keep it up

[@dannyfitzmtb]

Yeah absolutely no longer a beginner! Amazing development and great to see it documented. Well done!!

[@der_boy_am_swagen]

Cool video dude

[@deanpetterson1664]

No NOT beginner……definitely intermediate rider ! AND well onto advanced cuz some of the tricks/ rides you perfected are very difficult for most riders to complete. Great ride footage and wish I had a great bike park in our area as good as yours. Remember bikes DO changes peoples lives!!

[@helennicholls4976]

Definitely not a beginner, lots of courage and skill needed to do all those drops and jumps. Love watching your progression 🚴‍♀️

[@campbellclark3458]

Upper intermediate! I'm so impressed

[@MTB4loamer]

legend keep going

[@SasSaga]

Definitely not a beginner anymore! I am a beginner, and she can do way more than me!! Go girl!!

[@melnickharris1177]

It's funny my wife hates cornering down hill but is sort of fine up hill but it just takes time and more riding the better so safe riding and stay up right🤟🤟

[@Paulm622]

Kara has progressed so well in the last year or so, she definitely isn’t a beginner anymore!

[@TubbyMTB]

Don’t be daft Tom of course Kara isn’t a beginner. Guys we know that have been riding 20+ years wouldn’t attempt half of those features, and they consider themselves too riders. Remember you’re a world class Pro and ride with other Pros. Kara has had the highest level coaching and has progressed at a rapid rate. Keep up the great work

[@juliancooney68]

May I ask what ebike that is.

[@petervu9773]

great progression !! I cant even do half of that lol

[@oliver_wooster]

So sick seeing Kara progress and enjoy progressing I would not say she is a beginner I would say she is a amateur or good

[@THEDTSMAN]

Absolutely NOT a beginner. Its good to see progression, it gives us all hope lol

[@bermbossmtb]

I think that is pretty challenging to categorize someone as beginner/intermediate/expert in regards to mountain biking. I think in regards to dirt jumping, Kara has progressed immensely. However dirt jumping is just one discipline of mountain bike riding. Someone that rides XC, their progression would probably be fitness level. Downhill racers, their progression would be speed and ability to ride in extreme downhill grades, etc. Just my opinion, but cool video topic 👍

[@incredible5587]

go kara go

[@xJuiCYxxJaYx]

this is how you determine if you are still a beginner. When you are a nub , someone has to hold your hand and explain everything, the days are long and it feels like work. You come home tired and exhausted and dream at night of your day. When it doesnt feel like work and nobody holds your hand and everyone has a fun day thaats how you know youve progressed

[@islandseaweedsinc452]

defiantly not a beginner i watched the 1hander video well done kara you have come along way in a fairly short period of time

[@jayhow997]

She's improved massively , I reckon she could benefit though from just riding like an idiot on a grassy field getting the bike out of shape , get some lean angles do some big skids ,take the absolute p&ss with the limits of the bike learn what feels like with minor consequences if she falls off which could help with lean angle and being able to tighten the curve if necessary without panicking. Go back to being a kid, who can do the longest skid the best snake skid one foot down U-turn skid stand up drift skid and carry on, Just silly stuff we all did before you built your first ramp from bricks and an a for sale sign in the middle of the pavement. Don't underestimate what we all unknowingly learnt by doing that.

[@benmezuri5514]

Completly agree! Thats why kids progress so fast cuz its all about having fun and pushing boundries 🤘

[@jayhow997]

@@benmezuri5514 I feel she's missed out on that , I guess that happens when you start when your a bit older .

[@corymills9171]

Even in your early 20s injuries are VASTLY worse and more punishing than they are when you're 8-16. There's a reason usually only kids ride like kids. You have to be more focused and intentional with your learning when physics and age are both your enemy.

[@jayhow997]

@@corymills9171 that's the idea behind doing it on grass, testing those physics and learning the boundaries while having fun unknowingly learning. I feel she's more anxious before she starts than she could be, having that bit more of an understanding of how the bike will move a lot an still stay upright and how far it'll lean over before it slides out and leaning what the front sliding feels like. She's got a very upright turn the bars style of riding. get on the grass some figure 8s gradually get faster and lean it further. It might seem pointless an or boring but I think she'll enjoy that more than learning limits on trails.

[@garytyler3017]

Yes

[@markhughes7956]

Better than me, well done

[@DirtDigglerDetecting]

I remember being a little kid and riding my little bike along the curb and bailing onto the grass. HAhahah

[@chargeriderepeat7024]

well past beginner, but tbh I really thought Kara was going to pack it in after your crash, in fact I'm sure its still there holding her back a bit. She did well to keep at it especially after that winding. Ive been biking for 30 years and am about the same level for jumps.

[@melnickharris1177]

I wouldn't say she is a beginner anymore a beginner can't do what she can now keep the hard work up

[@scaber247]

Definitely not a beginner, I'm most impressed with Karla's progression, maybe there's hope for an old codger like me.

[@dman5703]

Where we ride in my area she is a beginner. She would be on blue trails at best so it really depends on your trails and there ratings. She's not a bad rider but she is not amazing so id give her a blue for sure but hey she rides.

[@tonyvaccarelli7950]

Think she is killin it

[@tomquimby8669]

Nice intro, contemplative Kara.

[@adamdonaldson6629]

complete SHREDDERRR!!

[@steezerider1480]

Defo improved loads Kara! I think UR skills are better than UR confidence gives U credit for. U’ve got a natural, balanced fluid style. Why not get a full-face lid & armour/pads 4 knarly stuff. How about tryin tricks @ a foam pit. Where’s the tandem of terror gone? 🇺🇦🚲😎👍

[@carlinman539]

Way to go Kara, your an intermediate mountain biker. You are way better than me for sure. Marry that girl Tom. Stay awesome!

[@eriknash8783]

I think the video idea is great to show her progression. However, the addition of, “please comment on whether she is still a beginner” just seems like your fishing for compliments for you both. You’re a pro rider who has made a job of helping her become a great rider and providing her an opportunity to have her own YT income stream. The idea of asking your viewers to inflate your egos and ask such a daft question is ridiculous. Isn’t enough that so many people follow you, thank you for the entertainment, appreciate the content, and give you props on every video enough for you?

[@tcm2kd5000]

So Tom when are you going to teach her how to crash and what not to do when it happens, like your body comes first and don't worry what happens to the bike. Like don't put your hands out to try and stop your fall, we all know the hard way what happens if you do. Falling the right way lets you get back up to ride again most of the time. I'm sure she has seen lots of crashes, but sometimes telling someone and showing them the right and wrong way helps remove some of the fears. It worked with my wife, now she won't freak out as much and will jump stairs and ride much faster.