Off Road Training

[whoa]

I heard that Total Rider offers off road training "Hit the dirt!". Has anybody taken their course, or any off road class for that matter? If so, what was covered in the class and how dirty does it get? I'm obviously not looking for a motocross class on this Tiger.

I might want to catch one of those rides out of Huntsville one of these days. And it doesn't look like they have any paved roads out that way based on some of the ride reports.

[Squeaky]

I say we get a beginners group together and see if Scott will give us some pointers. He knows which roads are easier than others, he knows what it takes to learn to ride dirt on a big bike, and he has a motive - when we get good at it, we can go out on those roads with him more often!

[Tourmeister]

:tab The first and most important thing to learn about dirt riding is that you WILL fall down. Even the best dirt riders on the planet still fall down on occasion. So you have to get over that aspect pretty quick, otherwise, you will just be wasting your time.

:tab After you get over the falling down thing, the rest is just like street riding in that the key is proper body positioning and throttle control. Dirt riding is all about dealing with limited traction. This is done with the throttle and weight transfer from side to side and front to back. Just as on a street bike, if you relax, the bike will do it's job. If you fight it, you will usually lose and shortly fall down ;-)

:tab What a dirt riding class will teach you is how to use the throttle and your body to affect the weight distribution on the bike and how to use those skills in different situations: mud, sand, gravel, etc,... Just like street riding, there are many aspects of dirt riding that are counter intuitive. It helps to have someone point out those things so you don't have to learn the hard way. Also like street riding, learning on a small bike first is easier than learning on a big fat behemoth with lots of power :lol: But once you understand the basics, things are pretty much the same on big or small bikes, with a few exceptions...

:tab I am FAR from being an expert on dirt riding. I would really like to take Jimmy Lewis's class. He has raced the Dakar Rally a few times, won too many other races to mention, and is pretty much the all round guru for such matters.

http://www.jimmylewisoffroad.com/

Adios,

[STrider]

MSF has a dirt bike class, as well, and it is set up for a person who has never put a leg over a bike. I haven't taken it, but heres a few things I learned dirt riding:

0.5. Look ahead. Now, look farther ahead. Go where you look, not look where you go.
1. Stand up
2. When in doubt, gas it
3. A hill is made at the bottom, not the top
3.5 Don't charge up a singletrack hill until you are sure the guy before you made it.
4. You can jump an xr600 like a supercross bike
4.5 You cannot land a supercross jump uphill

[buck000]

whoa: I called Jon at T.R.I.C. a few moons ago, and I think it was about 80-90 dollars for a 1/2 day or so class. I believe there's a park off of 290 east of Elgin that he likes to go to. IIRC, Jon likes to hold the class / private lesson on Mondays, though he's often out at that park on Sundays.

I really need to hook up with Jon and get some use out of my DR. I just ordered replacement brake and clutch pedals, so I'm ready for the falls... :-D

[whoa]

I believe there's a park off of 290 east of Elgin that he likes to go to.

Thanks, I'll run out there and see if I can find the park. He may be doing real offroad work and my ability on the Tiger will be pretty tame. I've sent them an email for more info.

Did not know MSF had an offroad class. Took mine from Moto Fun so thats my practical knowledge of MSF.

[STCPO]

It's very basic, but Honda offers a one day class here at their training center in Irving. I think you can find info about it on the Honda website.

Pete

[dower]

Has anyone read "Pro motocross and off-road motorcycle riding techniques" by Donnie Bales and Gary Semics?

Judging by the preview of the book on Amazon it appears to start out with the basics and builds upon it.

:chug:

[WoodButcher]

whoa: I called Jon at T.R.I.C. a few moons ago, and I think it was about 80-90 dollars for a 1/2 day or so class. I believe there's a park off of 290 east of Elgin that he likes to go to. IIRC, Jon likes to hold the class / private lesson on Mondays, though he's often out at that park on Sundays.

I really need to hook up with Jon and get some use out of my DR. I just ordered replacement brake and clutch pedals, so I'm ready for the falls... :-D

The park is Cross Creek Cycle park and it is in Page, TX just off 290 on 21. The website is: http://www.crosscreekcp.com

They have several tracks there, a full motocross, a supercross like, a beginner, and a kid's track. They also have a trail, but it has been raced on a little too much lately and you really need to be on a real dirt bike to ride it. It's rutted and whooped out.

Back to the other thread about Crooked Creek up in Waco though, that has trails that are rideable by the bigger dual sport bikes.

[irondawg]

Funny y'all should be talking about this but soon...very soon, I'll be teaching the little missus to ride and it will be in the dirt. This is how I learned to ride and have encouraged newbies to learn on a dualsport first then street bike. The things you learn on the dirt will definitely make you a better street rider.

I have decided one of the better places to learn is out in Bastrop. I think this is the one Buck000 is talking about. It's relatively flat, not so rocky and somewhat softer ground cover so when you biff, it won't hurt so much.

If y'all want to tag along, that'd be cool. I'm thinking March 26/27 weekend.

I'll be riding my DR350 and she'll be on a Yamaha GT80.

[Sleepy Weasel]

I'm glad somebody brought this up. Though I passed on the idea of getting a DS, it still holds some interest for me. For example, I'd much rather tour Big Bend on a DS than a street bike, just because there are so many more places to go when you're not limited to pavement.

For a while I'd thought "I can just rent a baby GS or something" but then I realized it's not just about being on the bike, but involves knowing how to ride it, too. I've given some thought to finding a used "beater" dirtbike, but I don't know enough about them to be able to determine what to look for, specifically in regards to engine size and seat height.

txcpl, I may just have to look into that Honda class. Gracias.

[Tx Rider]

Well IMO you can't go wrong with about a 350cc sized 4 stroke for a nice dirt bike. They aren't so hot for long highway rides but the size weight is great for tromping around on trails.

I may be partial though as my first bike was a 350 twin enduro I rode everywhere, including I-10 from Houston to Port Arthur many a time and a fair bit of Houston freeways as well.

The modern singles are a lot lighter and have much better suspensions.

There's a lot to learn about dirt riding if you want to ride MX and run fast and jump high. If all your going to ride is trails it's a bit simpler.

[gotdurt]

I've given some thought to finding a used "beater" dirtbike, but I don't know enough about them to be able to determine what to look for, specifically in regards to engine size and seat height.
Find an older 400 or smaller 4 stroke. XR400's, XR250's, KLX300's, DR350's, etc. are all good, friendly trail bikes. Whatever yo do, stay away from 2strokes, at least in the beginning. If you're looking for a bargain bike that is still trail worthy, wait for an early 80's XR350; great bikes from what I've read, and I've seen them well under $1k.

[Sleepy Weasel]

Maybe it's a dumb question, but why avoid 2 strokes? I mean, I know the whole power per CC comparison to a 4 stroke, but why avoid a smaller (displacement) and presumably lighter 2 stroke bike?
:scratch

[Sleepy Weasel]

It's very basic, but Honda offers a one day class here at their training center in Irving. I think you can find info about it on the Honda website.

Pete

Doh...

Is this the Honda place you mean? I'm at work and don't have time to look around their site right now, but if it's the one, I'll hit it from home later.

http://www.allambsdallashonda.com

Gracias.

[STCPO]

Nope...this one. It's Honda's own facility. They were setup at the MC show this year.

Honda Training Site (http://powersports.honda.com/the_ride/rider_education/?Resource=Honda+Rider+Training)

Pete

[Squidward]

5 Magics MX school is good for anyone that wants to do any motocross, arenacross, or supercross riding. The skills developed in this class can be useful in trail riding as well. Unfortunately, I don't think it's a class that the BMW guys would want to subject their bikes too, but there were a few guys there on XR650's and DRZ650's that did rather well.

[gotdurt]

Maybe it's a dumb question, but why avoid 2 strokes? I mean, I know the whole power per CC comparison to a 4 stroke, but why avoid a smaller (displacement) and presumably lighter 2 stroke bike?
:scratch
Imagine riding a 'Busa with an on/off switch instead of a throttle. Now, throw some trees into the mix... :shock: Maybe that's stretching it slightly... but close. Riding a 2-stroke on tight trails is tricky, especially if you are accustomed to a 4, the power is close to all or nothing, so you basically use the clutch for a throttle. You also have to keep your revs up at all times or you'll have to deal with fouled plugs on the trails. 4-strokes have torque, which requires less gear-shifting, and the power delivery is much more variable. They also require much less maintenance. The weight difference between a 230lb bike and a 260lb bike is negligable for a beginner who's going to be riding at lower speeds, and believe me, an XR250R can be ridden PLENTY fast. I would just suggest you learn to ride off-road on a friendly bike, then learn to ride a 2-stroke, which is a whole new lesson in itself.

I prefer 4-strokes for trail riding myself, regardless experience. I've never had a problem keeping up with my 2-stroke buddies on my 300lb 600+cc bikes, in fact it was often the other way around. I learned to trail ride on a '84 KLR600. On a MX track it's a different story...

Hey Squidward, did you once live in Florida? There's a 'Squidward' on 'Thumper Talk' forums...

[Tx Rider]

Yup get a 350 4 stroke and learn to thrash it, then go ride someone elses 2 stroke and see if ya like it. I never did and won't have a 2 stroke.

A 350 is also usually better for tight trails than say my 620 which can be a little big for some tight technical trails.

[Squidward]

Maybe it's a dumb question, but why avoid 2 strokes? I mean, I know the whole power per CC comparison to a 4 stroke, but why avoid a smaller (displacement) and presumably lighter 2 stroke bike?
:scratch
Imagine riding a 'Busa with an on/off switch instead of a throttle. Now, throw some trees into the mix... :shock: Maybe that's stretching it slightly... but close. Riding a 2-stroke on tight trails is tricky, especially if you are accustomed to a 4, the power is close to all or nothing, so you basically use the clutch for a throttle. You also have to keep your revs up at all times or you'll have to deal with fouled plugs on the trails. 4-strokes have torque, which requires less gear-shifting, and the power delivery is much more variable. They also require much less maintenance. The weight difference between a 230lb bike and a 260lb bike is negligable for a beginner who's going to be riding at lower speeds, and believe me, an XR250R can be ridden PLENTY fast. I would just suggest you learn to ride off-road on a friendly bike, then learn to ride a 2-stroke, which is a whole new lesson in itself.

I prefer 4-strokes for trail riding myself, regardless experience. I've never had a problem keeping up with my 2-stroke buddies on my 300lb 600+cc bikes, in fact it was often the other way around. I learned to trail ride on a '84 KLR600. On a MX track it's a different story...

Hey Squidward, did you once live in Florida? There's a 'Squidward' on 'Thumper Talk' forums...

A properly setup 250 is a little better than an on/off switch for a powerband(a 125 on the other hand......gotta keep it on the pipe), but it's nowhere near as easy to trail ride as a 4-stroke. Your clutch hand will definitely get a workout on a 2-stroke(my preferred dirt eater ;-) )

Nope.....that is a different squidward....but I did live in Florida for a year. :chug:

[fastraveller]

:tab The first and most important thing to learn about dirt riding is that you WILL fall down. Even the best dirt riders on the planet still fall down on occasion. So you have to get over that aspect pretty quick, otherwise, you will just be wasting your time.

:tab After you get over the falling down thing, the rest is just like street riding in that the key is proper body positioning and throttle control. Dirt riding is all about dealing with limited traction. This is done with the throttle and weight transfer from side to side and front to back. Just as on a street bike, if you relax, the bike will do it's job. If you fight it, you will usually lose and shortly fall down ;-)

:tab What a dirt riding class will teach you is how to use the throttle and your body to affect the weight distribution on the bike and how to use those skills in different situations: mud, sand, gravel, etc,... Just like street riding, there are many aspects of dirt riding that are counter intuitive. It helps to have someone point out those things so you don't have to learn the hard way. Also like street riding, learning on a small bike first is easier than learning on a big fat behemoth with lots of power :lol: But once you understand the basics, things are pretty much the same on big or small bikes, with a few exceptions...

:tab I am FAR from being an expert on dirt riding. I would really like to take Jimmy Lewis's class. He has raced the Dakar Rally a few times, won too many other races to mention, and is pretty much the all round guru for such matters.

http://www.jimmylewisoffroad.com/

Adios,


Add to all this info from Scott, a VERY significant difference in how to use your brakes properly. You will definitely use your back brake riding off-road, in ways you wouldn't even consider on a road bike. You even use your back brake (and throttle) to steer the bike in a lot of conditions. I would bet that most people fall for the first time on a dirt bike because they grab too much front brake, without realizing it, while entering a turn. The great thing is, that most of the time, you won't get seriously hurt on a dirt bike and you'll probably be able to get right back on and take off.

If a person is somewhat smaller in stature, don't exclude one of the new 4-stroke 125's. KLX, TT-R, DRZ's, and the CRF100's and 150's must be a hoot.

[Jack Giesecke]

I'm too old and weak for MX. Jumping's not my thing, though I've gotten my air over the years. 250 mxers, even 125s have gotten to the point that they can hurt you if you think they're toys. LOL I've got a little TTR clone that's really fun off road and a couple of XR100s that I flat track. Flat track is big fun! You get sideways, but don't have to jump, and the speed is generally higher than on the tighter parts of your average MX course. Flat track will teach you throttle control and how to back it in. I run the mad dog class for up to 150cc four strokes. It's quite competitive locally and a ton of fun.

Now, the SCHOOL I've ALWAYS thought would be fun is the American Supercamp. I'm going to do that someday.

[bluedogok]

Add to all this info from Scott, a VERY significant difference in how to use your brakes properly. You will definitely use your back brake riding off-road, in ways you wouldn't even consider on a road bike. You even use your back brake (and throttle) to steer the bike in a lot of conditions. I would bet that most people fall for the first time on a dirt bike because they grab too much front brake, without realizing it, while entering a turn. The great thing is, that most of the time, you won't get seriously hurt on a dirt bike and you'll probably be able to get right back on and take off.

This is the same thing going from dirt to street, I still revert back to some of my old dirt bike habits from time to time on the street. I started dirt and trail riding at age 9 on bikes with grabby drum brakes in the days before 4-stroke dirt bikes were common. I got used to using the rear brake a whole bunch, I still catch myself at times using more rear brake than I should just because of all of those years of conditioning. It doesn't hapen as often anymore, but I still have some laspes.

[Squeaky]

The whole "relax and the bike will do the work" theory is a little difficult to grasp - any time my rear tire (or front, for that matter) has had even minimal slippage, it makes my heart race and I feel like I am going to end up laying on the ground.

This is where the "get over it, you are going to end up on the ground" part comes in - I am not afraid of the bike getting hurt (after I get the crash bars) because dirt os softer than pavement, but I AM afraid of ending up under the bike, hurt by the bike on its way down, etc. I guess I have to learn to push off and get away from it before it hits the ground. :oops:

[Squidward]

Now, the SCHOOL I've ALWAYS thought would be fun is the American Supercamp. I'm going to do that someday.

I've heard lots of good things from people that have gone. Most of them are MX'ers that swear that their riding improved tenfold with a better understanding of throttle control and learning to "feel the slide" I hope to go sometime in the near future.

[Tourmeister]

Squeaky, if you relax and let the bike do what it is supposed to do, the odds of a drop are much much less. It is when you get all stiff and try to fight the bike that things generally go bad. Somewhere there has to be a book called Zen and the Art of Riding...

Getting hurt by the bike falling on you is a serious concern, same as on the street. My falls have all be low sides where the backend just slides out and the bike slid away from me, leaving me sitting there on my knees laughing. However, just as on the street, things can go from great to crap in a heartbeat. This is one big reason why speeds are MUCH lower in the dirt, at least for me anyway ;-)

+1 to what was said about use of the front and rear brakes. However, this does not mean you cannot use the front brake. If done carefully, I have found you can still generate a large amount of stopping power using the front brake. It is the "carefully" part that might bite you ;-)

Adios,

[Tx Rider]

Yup a lot more back brake on the dirt. One of the most fun things to do on a dirt bike is kick the back tire out in a turn and slide through on the throttle.

It'll relieve most fear of locking or sliding a back wheel on the street too.

I don't use the front much at all offroad.

As for letting the bike do it's thing, it's more important offroad than on IMO, where you can hit stuff that'll really throw you if your all stiff legged and clenching the bike.

Just think of your arms and legs like shock absorbers so your body doesn't move while the bike just hops around under you. If your stiff you'll hit things in the trails that will throw you right off the bike.

Then again that's mostly on trails that not that many stroms or gs's ever see. For just gravel roads and such you mostly just need to watch the front brake and you might want to practice sliding it around corners cause you'll need to put a foot down and slide it sooner or later. :shock:

[gotdurt]

any time my rear tire (or front, for that matter) has had even minimal slippage, it makes my heart race and I feel like I am going to end up laying on the ground.
This is actually where I begin to feel more confident. Look at it this way, when you're on pavement, and the tire begins to break traction, it's because you've pushed it to the threshhold of the limit of traction, and it takes a lot to get it there. At this point there's a fine line between major silde and no slide; very difficult to get a feel for. If you reach this point, you're either leaned way over and on your way down, or you're going really fast for that scenario, or a combo of both, which scares me because the fall at those points will likely be bad.

On the dirt, it's different. You begin to slide much sooner at any speed, and the line between no slide and major slide is much broader, once you get the feel for it. When I ride hard off road my back tire is nearly always slipping in someway, and once you are used to it, it's easy to adjust with slight input from body english, throttle, clutch and holding your mouth just right. About the only thing that screws it up for me is using brakes; once a wheel stops spinning (especially the front!), you've basically lost control. So, roll, don't stop. If you are relaxed and working with the bike, then you are less likely to panic, which is what causes you to grab the brakes or do something else stupid that will make you go down. Make sense? :brainsnap

[Tourmeister]

Then again that's mostly on trails that not that many stroms or gs's ever see. For just gravel roads and such you mostly just need...

While it is true that many of the little roads are smooth two track affairs, many are also massively rutted with HUGE potholes and other fun stuff. The big difference is that the roads are wider so I don't have to worry as much about hitting a tree with a cylinder jug or handlebar ;-) Also, the roads often have a really nasty crown which can make keeping the bike tracking straight a challenge if things get loose.

Casey, hit the nail on the head with his rear tire traction comments regarding street versus dirt.

Adios,

[Jack Giesecke]

I sorta went the other way, asphalt to dirt rather than the other way around. I road some flat track as a kid, but have been road racing since 1975. I built a little KX80 motard in 2000 and have ridden that since in CMRA, RPM, and TMGP. I've gotten so used to sliding the slicks around at Katy, sliding is just natural. It's a hoot coming around the front sweepers at katy with both ends out of shape and your knee as the outrigger all the while banging and slamming with Logan or Joe. :lol: When I got to Waller the first time, no steel shoe, just tape a knee puck to your boot, I felt like I'd been there forever. :lol: Sliding on dirt was NOTHING! Katy on a motard is a great trainer.

Now, for Squeaky and all you 1000cc motocrossers, get a real dirt bike. Learn to ride it. Your adventure tourer is REALLY a neat bike and I want one bad for its versatility, not only dirt roads, but capable of long haul comfort AND carving those mountain roads when I get there. BUT, it ain't no dirt bike! Get yourself a TTR125 and get out to an off road park or riding area and play on it! Find yourself a vacant lot, any sort of round-y-round can be quite fun and teach and if it falls on you, hey, it's only 180 lbs! It's built to crash!

Besides, they're cheap and wouldn't you like to have another bike in the garage? JMHO, of course. :-D But, all your faster local guys have such a bike for practice and play. Logan Young has a TTR, Colin's got TWO TTRs gratis from Yamaha (factory rider, ya know) for his personal practice track, John Haner has a CRF150, I have my XRs, but also a neat little TTR clone bike, Joe Prussiano has a collection of XR100s. Joe is an XR100 collector, has a garage full of 'em. Casley has a TTR, etc, etc, etc. These guys dirt ride, flat track, road race, and parking lot race these bikes. When they're not on a big liter bike at speed at Road America or Mid Ohio or somewhere or pushing a Yamaha motoGP bike around Jerez, they're on those little dirt play bikes practicing. There's a reason for that. ;-)

A for instance is Logan's TTR. He has the suspension set up for RR/flat track, running Bridgestone trail wing tires. He takes it to Waller, to katy for the mini races, to the parking lots, to the trails. It rides in his van most everywhere cause he's always looking to ride. You don't need a MXer for street practice and the kind of dirt riding you guys are talking about. Logan's TTR would be the ideal practice/trainer for you IMHO.

[dower]

The whole "relax and the bike will do the work" theory is a little difficult to grasp

:tab It was also difficult for me to grasp when I first started riding. Two years ago TODAY, and a little over 30,000 miles. Wish me a happy two year anniversary. :lol: I accept cash gifts. Anyway, when it finally snapped and I started to relax everything got smoother and faster. I still have my moments when my breathing is off or I'm just feeling off, which leads to OS moments. Those moments are farther apart now. But all in all relaxing and letting the bike work seems to be the key. Well that and looking where you want to go.

:chug:

[WoodButcher]

I haven't really chimed in on this. I learned on the road and in the dirt at about the same time...same bike too. I've got a lot more hours in the dirt than on the street and agree with a lot of the comments here.

I'd like to volunteer some help to those that want to try the dirt on a smaller bike, or just want to have someone work with them. I have a CRF230f that is my son's, but he only gets out with me every other month. I am quite willing to haul it along for someone else to ride, kick the tires, test the dirt. That sort of thing. It is a good learning bike, low seat height and e-start. Not too heavy either.

I'm really tightly scheduled for the next few weekends (plus the rain has the good trails pretty muddy), but by mid march if we want to meet out by Elgin at Cross Creek I'd be up to do some basic teaching.

Or maybe better would be to wait for the next public day up at Crooked Creek by Waco. More trails to try and more variety in trail difficulty.

Both places have open fields. I hear the trails at Sam Houston Nation forest are nice too, but they get closed when it is wet to protect them.

Maybe we should do a poll about a basic dirt day?

[gotdurt]

I'd like to volunteer some help to those that want to try the dirt on a smaller bike, or just want to have someone work with them. I have a CRF230f that is my son's, but he only gets out with me every other month. I am quite willing to haul it along for someone else to ride, kick the tires, test the dirt. That sort of thing. It is a good learning bike, low seat height and e-start. Not too heavy either.

I'm really tightly scheduled for the next few weekends (plus the rain has the good trails pretty muddy), but by mid march if we want to meet out by Elgin at Cross Creek I'd be up to do some basic teaching.
Or maybe we can just go play? :-P I'll be a friend to anyone with an extra dirt bike :mrgreen:

[Tx Rider]

One of things I think is good to start off on is a big open dirt field with little or no grass, plenty of room to slide, do donuts etc.

Kind of like practicing a street bike in a parking lot, get the feel of leaning over with a foot down and learning to slide the back end out with the throttle and keep it there without having to worry about which direction you end up going. Or stand on one leg and lay the bike down and donut it around to get the feel of the dirt.

That's how I learned a lot anyway, there was a nice field of open dirt close to my house I used to do this at when I first got my bike.

I'll be starting off with that type of practice next week out at Marshall Creek by Grapevine. Especially with the new flat slide pumper carb I ordered for it.

I'll let folks ride the KTM, but it's a pretty tall bike with a good deal of power, probably only good for folks 6' or more with a long inseam. :)

I don't have a lot of issues with taking a break and letting someone else ride for a while as long they won't sue me if they crash. ;-)

[Sleepy Weasel]

One of things I think is good to start off on is a big open dirt field with little or no grass, plenty of room to slide, do donuts etc.


Lacking any dirt experience, I can still see the logic in that. Start with one new skill at a time, the obvious one being traction control, and then add in terrain variables, etc. later on.

[WoodButcher]

I'd like to volunteer some help to those that want to try the dirt on a smaller bike, or just want to have someone work with them. I have a CRF230f that is my son's, but he only gets out with me every other month. I am quite willing to haul it along for someone else to ride, kick the tires, test the dirt. That sort of thing. It is a good learning bike, low seat height and e-start. Not too heavy either.

I'm really tightly scheduled for the next few weekends (plus the rain has the good trails pretty muddy), but by mid march if we want to meet out by Elgin at Cross Creek I'd be up to do some basic teaching.
Or maybe we can just go play? :-P I'll be a friend to anyone with an extra dirt bike :mrgreen:

Sure, I have one friend I ride with, but his wife only lets him out once a month. My son always seems to be busy (high school junior) so sometimes I just want someone along to call 911...only semi serious on that.

[kurt]

Sure, I have one friend I ride with, but his wife only lets him out once a month.

I never undestood that. I guess I better go kiss the wife again. :roll:

[tsflstb]

I'd like to vouch for the American Supercamp here. I took the class a couple of years ago in McKinney, TX. It was incredible. I have never ridden off road, but the class was more about bike control than anything else. We rode XR100's with street tires around a rodeo arena. It's a very low speed, low traction environment, so you can ride at and above the limits and not get hurt. They encourage crashing as a way to find those limits. Danny Walker gives excellent advice to all skill levels, and you'll ride so much you can't walk the next day.

You also never know which racer will show up to be a guest instructor. To date, the highlight of my motorcycling existance was getting sideways and showing a wheel to Nicky Hayden...as he lapped me for the 14th time...

Anyway, the class is expensive and you could probably find an old dirtbike for the same price, but you will get some great experience in just a couple days with these guys.

[WoodButcher]

Sure, I have one friend I ride with, but his wife only lets him out once a month.

I never undestood that. I guess I better go kiss the wife again. :roll:

Sorry, better clarify that. He only gets one day for getting out on the dirt bike. We make a full day of it. He has some open area near him that he can go to anytime. He doesn't ride on the street at all. Just the dirt. It actually makes sense to me. They also have a young one at home.

[bluedogok]

One of things I think is good to start off on is a big open dirt field with little or no grass, plenty of room to slide, do donuts etc.

Kind of like practicing a street bike in a parking lot, get the feel of leaning over with a foot down and learning to slide the back end out with the throttle and keep it there without having to worry about which direction you end up going. Or stand on one leg and lay the bike down and donut it around to get the feel of the dirt.

That's how I learned a lot anyway, there was a nice field of open dirt close to my house I used to do this at when I first got my bike.
I started out on a Yamaha Mini-Enduro on the open railroad right-of-way behind my parents house. It was a spur line up to a lumber yard, one train up in the morning and and back in the afternoon. The whole neighborhood spent a lot of time riding back there. We would go out to riding spots on the weekends, but we would ride up and down that area everyday during the week.

I'll let folks ride the KTM, but it's a pretty tall bike with a good deal of power, probably only good for folks 6' or more with a long inseam. :)

I don't have a lot of issues with taking a break and letting someone else ride for a while as long they won't sue me if they crash. ;-)
I might consider taking you up on that sometime, and I do believe in personal responsibility and I despise those who don't. I would like to get another (couple) bike(s) (dual sport/dirt, track) sometime in the future (for myself) after we get the wife a bike. Sorry, I had to do my clarifications there :mrgreen:

Sure, I have one friend I ride with, but his wife only lets him out once a month.
I never undestood that. I guess I better go kiss the wife again. :roll:
I don't have that problem either :scratch
For the most part it's "I'm going riding (I'll give her the location is there is a specific one) and I'll be back later :mrgreen:

[Tx Rider]

It sure sounds like we need to get a date set for a meet at one of the good places and get dirty, I know Red river rocks, I hear barnwell mountain in Gilmer rocks as well.

There's another spot out west of Ft. Worth.

Or there's the places down south of DFW like Waco I haven't been to. Maybe a weekend meet around one of the central Texas parks or up at Red River??

[gotdurt]

Sure, I have one friend I ride with, but his wife only lets him out once a month. My son always seems to be busy (high school junior) so sometimes I just want someone along to call 911...only semi serious on that.
Well I was half way kidding, but, okay :-D . Hopefully I won't slow you down, I've been off the dirt bike for over 2 years now, not sure how the wrist is going to work (built-in governor :tears: ), plus I might be a bit timid, at least at first. Any place around here other than Cross Creek have trails (other than a MX track)? Might be fun if a bunch of us get together in the SHNF, maybe Scott could get Bagwell to bring up the KLX (assuming he still has it), we could spend a day hanging out in the woods.

[Jack Giesecke]

I've been wanting to try this place http://www.holeshotmxpark.com/

It'd have to be on a weekend I'm not racing. It's local to me. It takes me all day to get to Dallas. :lol:

[gotdurt]

I've been wanting to try this place http://www.holeshotmxpark.com/

It'd have to be on a weekend I'm not racing. It's local to me. It takes me all day to get to Dallas. :lol:
That's why I think the Sam Houston Nat. Forest ('SHNF') would be good. It's pretty central to everyone (within 2-3 hrs of Austin, DFW, Houston), cheap, and has 5 times as many miles of trails than any offroad or MX park. You can also camp for free.

The banner showing right now is a picture of my XR... :tears:

[STrider]

Casey, your killin me with that big-bore XR talk :tears: I feel like I'm at an AA meeting in a bar.

Hopefully, this disgusting state of affairs will be rectified this summer...

[Jack Giesecke]

I could do a day in the forest. Just need a time/day and directions. :chug:

[Sleepy Weasel]

It sure sounds like we need to get a date set for a meet at one of the good places and get dirty, I know Red river rocks, I hear barnwell mountain in Gilmer rocks as well.

There's another spot out west of Ft. Worth.

Or there's the places down south of DFW like Waco I haven't been to. Maybe a weekend meet around one of the central Texas parks or up at Red River??

I can at least partially vouch for Barnwell. I've only run the Jeep trails out there, though. What I can definitely say is that the owner/operator, Texas Motorized Trails Coalition, is doing work that should be of interest to anyone who wants to get out on a patch of Texas dirt. With the state being 90% private land, it's getting harder and harder to find places to go. TMTC's mission is to find and acquire suitable pieces of land, and keep them open to the public. If you like dirt, you should take a look at their site...

http://texasmotorizedtrails.com

I'm wondering if maybe Mineral Wells is the place west of Ft Worth you mean... It's also a popular spot for day trips in the Jeep.

[Sleepy Weasel]

Doh! Are you Houston folks going to let somebody from out of state kidnap this bike?

Long friggin' link (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50027&item=4529344 721&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW)

[whoa]

I think the Sam Houston Nat. Forest ('SHNF') would be good.

Googling around a bit doesn't show anything. Anybody have a link about this area?

[Tx Rider]

I don't know SHF at all, someone who does would need to organize a weekend, I wouldn't mind trailering down on Friday night anywher within range and camping and going home on a Sunday most any weekend.

I don't know if they have any open ground to fool around on at SHF though for letting folks learn by fooling around, but I'm ready for some unknown trails.

Whatever I'm game, I should be street legal again by next weekend if the austrian parts gods are merciful and I'll be towing out somewhere for sure if the weather is decent ;-)

I need to get some seat time on my bike more than anything, and see what I can break before I take it on some serious rides and get in a little better shape on it before the temps get up in the 90's.

[Tourmeister]

There are some other topics in the Getting Dirty forum about the SHNF areas and trails.

Adios,

[Tx Rider]

LOL, yeah this one should probably be in there as well. ;-)

[Jack Giesecke]

I don't know SHF at all, someone who does would need to organize a weekend, I wouldn't mind trailering down on Friday night anywher within range and camping and going home on a Sunday most any weekend.

I don't know if they have any open ground to fool around on at SHF though for letting folks learn by fooling around, but I'm ready for some unknown trails.

Whatever I'm game, I should be street legal again by next weekend if the austrian parts gods are merciful and I'll be towing out somewhere for sure if the weather is decent ;-)

I need to get some seat time on my bike more than anything, and see what I can break before I take it on some serious rides and get in a little better shape on it before the temps get up in the 90's.

Ditto, I'd probably stay over and come home Sunday or something, though I'm only 31/2 hours from the lake Conroe area. I bypass Houston and go around the west up to Navasota and over to Conroe. Not sure where the trails are so I'd need directions. If it's on a race weekend, I'm out. I don't think they require street legal bikes in the forest, but I'm pretty sure they require spark arresters. I have a DP, but would really rather take my TTR clone. It's a much better bike off road. It's not street legal, but it's got the stock spark arrestor/muffler on it and is very quiet to appease the ecoterrorists about.

[gotdurt]

They don't need to be street legal on the trails, but they do on the forest roads. Spark arrestors are required.

[Sleepy Weasel]

LOL, yeah this one should probably be in there as well. ;-)

Ah, ok... so I'm not crazy, and this WAS in General earlier...

[Hoop]

Info on Sam Houston NF:
www.trh-cycle.org
www.texasoffroad.net then go to the TRH forum

My 2 cents. Sam Houston NF gets a lot of use, and the trails stay pretty well whooped-up. That means hard-packed sand/clay humps that go on for in some case, hundreds of yards. All of the creeks have been bridged to avoid causing erosion. The Forest Service will close the place when it's wet, so call before you go. Sounds like I'm being negative, but it's still a good place to get a bike dusty. Probably more suited for "real" dirt bikes versus heavier adventure bikes (KLR's and GS's). There is some loose sand which will make you wish you had a lighter bike.

[Hemibee]

If you want a good place to learn to ride a dirt bike, SHNF is one of the best. The trails are like freeways in most places but there is a few bottlenecks, just like the freeways. Another area good for beginners, that is if the ATV's with the built in beer coolers don't show up is at Lake Somerville's Corp of Engineers OHV riding area. SHNF does close for rain/wet conditions and the Forest Rangers do enforce the rule. Lake Somerville ride any time as long as it is daylight. SHNF, stay on the marked trail.......Lake Somerville open range.

I would be willing to work with someone if they are wanting to learn to ride a dirt bike. I have an extra one that is getting ready to have a for sale sign put on it. It could use a little riding time and I'd be willing to bring it out with me. 2003 Yamaha TTR 225 with electric start and is pretty much user friendly. I just have not really decided to sale it yet so it is available for a loaner/learner bike.

To help you understand the finer points of dirt riding, I'm adding the following links. A lot can be learned from good riders and the videos of their skills.............I have no idea what you may want to learn from these

The Art of Dirt (http://www.videowow.com/bgbtrailer.wmv)

[Tx Rider]

Bikes gone bad, I love it!

Somerville sounds ok, what kind of trails do they have there?

[Tourmeister]

That was a cool vid, lots of pain... :shock: I don't think I am up for competition riding, just some fun putzing around in the woods ;-)

Adios,

[Hemibee]

Somerville sounds ok, what kind of trails do they have there?

No real trails as in the national forest, area is mostly open range ie ride anywhere within the iron fence. It reminds me of an old gravel pit that has had a bunch of the trees grow back and had trails set up thru the trees. Sand, hard pack, mud and some gravel for riding surface. ATV, dirt bike, dual sport, trials bike or go-cart friendly riding area. Not very large of an area, the perimeter is about a mile around the edge of the fence. Can be fun, especially for someone learning to ride. It is where my oldest learned to ride.

[Hemibee]

Here's another video, turn up the volume and kick back for an excellent soundtrack and video.

Trent Cannon (http://www.mxrevelation.com/videos/2005/V-Trent.Cannon.wmv)

[Tourmeister]

Awesome soundtrack :rofl

It reminds me of that vid clip of the little green guy doing his two stroke imitation. "Ring ding ding ding, baaaah baaaah baaaahhh... ding ding ding... and on and on...." Can't seem to find that vid anywhere :scratch

Adios,

[Hemibee]

"Ring ding ding ding, baaaah baaaah baaaahhh... ding ding ding... and on and on...." Can't seem to find that vid anywhere :scratch

Adios,

Ask and you shall receive............The Annoying Thing (http://www.amsaclub.org/the_annoying_thing_320x256.mpeg)

[Tourmeister]

:tab doh... I was searching for "The weird thing..." All I found were tons of links to people complaining about stuff not working when it should have been :lol: They all had the same format, "I did all this stuff, and the weird thing is..."

Adios,

[Sleepy Weasel]

"Ring ding ding ding, baaaah baaaah baaaahhh... ding ding ding... and on and on...." Can't seem to find that vid anywhere :scratch

Adios,

Ask and you shall receive............The Annoying Thing (http://www.amsaclub.org/the_annoying_thing_320x256.mpeg)

Or this one if you just want longer sound effects...
http://mysite.verizon.net/sleepy.weasel/flash/insane.swf

[Tx Rider]

LOL, so who's gonna pick up the ball and call a dirt meet?

Or are ya'll gonna wait for me to get my bike legal and make me do it?

[gotdurt]

LOL, so who's gonna pick up the ball and call a dirt meet?

Or are ya'll gonna wait for me to get my bike legal and make me do it?
:mrgreen:

That should give me time to get my own bike :roll:

[WoodButcher]

LOL, so who's gonna pick up the ball and call a dirt meet?

Or are ya'll gonna wait for me to get my bike legal and make me do it?

I'm stalling waiting for the ground to dry up some. I've done enough mud riding in the last year.

Actually after this Sunday my weekends free up again. My son has his last swim meet that I can attend on Sunday in College Station. I'm hoping to get out during the kid's spring break some, plus whenever I can find someone to ride with.

[Squidward]

LOL, so who's gonna pick up the ball and call a dirt meet?

Or are ya'll gonna wait for me to get my bike legal and make me do it?

Won't be me.....my dirt eater is limited to offroad only.

[buck000]

I'm hoping to get out during the kid's spring break some, plus whenever I can find someone to ride with.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/images/smilies/wave.gif -- that is, if you feel like going slow and maybe showing a newbie DSer some basics... :oops:

[Tx Rider]

LOL, so who's gonna pick up the ball and call a dirt meet?

Or are ya'll gonna wait for me to get my bike legal and make me do it?
:mrgreen:

That should give me time to get my own bike :roll:

Won't be that long, new battery, brake light switch and tail rack came in last night and are already on the bike. Inspection will be tommorrow then I'm street legal and spark arrestor legal for anywhere.

If the new carb gets in before Friday I'll probably duck the east Texas ride and finish getting the KTM ready for the season this weekend.

I will give it a month or two before I start going out to Red River or try out Barnwell just to get back in better riding shape though, those places have some pretty extreme riding I'm not in shape to finish their enduro trails.

I was hoping some of you guys more familiar with south or central Texas offroad spots would pick a date down there somewhere in the next couple months that's suitable for beginners with trails tame enough for the beemers.

I only have experience on Private land down south of Houston, and that used to include an occasional offroad run from the sherriff when I did it as a kid. :)

[gotdurt]

LOL, so who's gonna pick up the ball and call a dirt meet?

Or are ya'll gonna wait for me to get my bike legal and make me do it?
:mrgreen:

That should give me time to get my own bike :roll:

Won't be that long, new battery, brake light switch and tail rack came in last night and are already on the bike. Inspection will be tommorrow then I'm street legal and spark arrestor legal for anywhere.

If the new carb gets in before Friday I'll probably duck the east Texas ride and finish getting the KTM ready for the season this weekend.
Quick! Anyone want to buy a wicked one-of-kind Triumph streetfighter?! I've about had all the dirty-talk I can take....

[Tx Rider]

LOL, well I'll be riding somewhere if even on the road. Gotta get a few hundred miles under the bike at least before I can trust it out at Big Bend, prefferably more and there's not an awful lot of time left.

I was thinking if we get a little get together at some dirt park or something I'll let the thing get ridden all day long or till something breaks. Give some folks a chance to try out a big dirt thumper and some of the adventure bike folks a chance to warm up the offroad legs before summer, maybe grill some bbq up or something.

[WoodButcher]

Okay, just to get something on the calendar how about April 2nd at Crooked Creek in Waco? http://www.crookedcreekcyclepark.com That is their next open to the public weekend. Well, except for the weekend, but it will be way too muddy. The BMW event that was scheduled there for last weekend was postponed to March 13th, so anybody doing that should report back on how the bigger bikes do there.

There is a very easy trail, an open field and a beginner's motocross track that anybody should be able to do. The track has a couple of bumps that are like tall speed humps that you can roll over, the rest is almost flat corners.

The next easiest trail, Bertha, has one interesting creek crossing but is otherwise very nice and should be doable. The problem with the crossing isn't the actual crossing. It is that after you cross the water, you have to turn and climb out of the creek bed and it is a little slick/muddy from water that people carry out of the creek. If it really dries out, then it will only be interesting. If it is still muddy out there, it will be tough on a big bike.

Another easy trail kind of curves alot. My suggestion would be to gather together all the very dirt capable bikes and people try some of the trails on them before they venture too far out on the big dual sports.

Check out the pictures of the place on the website. I do know they were laying out a new trail back in January, but I don't see it on the map yet.

[Tx Rider]

Sounds good to me, gives a month to sort out any problems I find and get some workout done, and two weeks to fix anything I break there before the TWT trip to Big Bend.

[Hemibee]

Okay, just to get something on the calendar how about April 2nd at Crooked Creek in Waco?



Looks like I'm free that weekend provided none of our postponed races are rescheduled. If we can get the date confirmed I may still have my extra bike I could bring along for someone with out a dirt bike or a D/S. I will not confirm if I will or will not have the bike there until the week before the ride.



Looking forward to seeing my old buddy again............. If he hasn't found his way off the "Lost In The Woods" trail yet.





http://216.165.194.66/ktmtalk/photogallery/galleries/members/ACFD904.jpg

[Squidward]

Okay, just to get something on the calendar how about April 2nd at Crooked Creek in Waco? http://www.crookedcreekcyclepark.com That is their next open to the public weekend. Well, except for the weekend, but it will be way too muddy. The BMW event that was scheduled there for last weekend was postponed to March 13th, so anybody doing that should report back on how the bigger bikes do there.

There is a very easy trail, an open field and a beginner's motocross track that anybody should be able to do. The track has a couple of bumps that are like tall speed humps that you can roll over, the rest is almost flat corners.

The next easiest trail, Bertha, has one interesting creek crossing but is otherwise very nice and should be doable. The problem with the crossing isn't the actual crossing. It is that after you cross the water, you have to turn and climb out of the creek bed and it is a little slick/muddy from water that people carry out of the creek. If it really dries out, then it will only be interesting. If it is still muddy out there, it will be tough on a big bike.

Another easy trail kind of curves alot. My suggestion would be to gather together all the very dirt capable bikes and people try some of the trails on them before they venture too far out on the big dual sports.

Check out the pictures of the place on the website. I do know they were laying out a new trail back in January, but I don't see it on the map yet.


I wish I could join you guys and meet some of you. Unfortunately, that is the date of the Dallas Suoercross. I'll be busy watching Carmichael and Reed battle it out.

[Tx Rider]

LOL, looks like I'll need the month after all. The first bugs have been found. Both the hose necks on my aluminum radiators have pinholes coroded in them under the hose clamps from sitting up.

$400 for new radiator halves, hopefully they will get here as fast as the last parts order.

Man, that's $1,100.00 so far to rehabilitate this bike with the racing carb and all. I'm gettin bummed, I hope nothing else expensive need replacing.

[WoodButcher]

I wish I could join you guys and meet some of you. Unfortunately, that is the date of the Dallas Suoercross. I'll be busy watching Carmichael and Reed battle it out.

I've pretty much decided to hit the Houston Supercross at the end of the April.

[buck000]

Quick! Anyone want to buy a wicked one-of-kind Triumph streetfighter?! I've about had all the dirty-talk I can take....

Are you serious? Don't tease me now. Wouldn't this also be a decent track day tool at a decent price? :shock:

[gotdurt]

Quick! Anyone want to buy a wicked one-of-kind Triumph streetfighter?! I've about had all the dirty-talk I can take....

Are you serious? Don't tease me now. Wouldn't this also be a decent track day tool at a decent price? :shock:
I suppose, but why hide such a cool bike at the track when you could be seen/ heard in public? ;-)

[buck000]

Quick! Anyone want to buy a wicked one-of-kind Triumph streetfighter?! I've about had all the dirty-talk I can take....

Are you serious? Don't tease me now. Wouldn't this also be a decent track day tool at a decent price? :shock:
I suppose, but why hide such a cool bike at the track when you could be seen/ heard in public? ;-)

Note the word "also" highlighted above. ;-) 8-) :twisted:

[gotdurt]

Ahh yes. I'm not quite ready to sell it yet (I'd like to enjoy at least a piece of spring :-( ), but if you'r serious, PM me. :chug:

[Bagwell]

I wish I could join you guys and meet some of you. Unfortunately, that is the date of the Dallas Suoercross. I'll be busy watching Carmichael and Reed battle it out.

I've pretty much decided to hit the Houston Supercross at the end of the April.

I wanted to make the supercross here in houston on april 30th, but I will be leaving like a day or two just before it to go to NC to do the yearly ride up there. Yall have fun tho. :) Trail Riders of Houston are doing the flagging for the races as always. If you are a member of TRH, its worth asking about a spot on the floor if they still need more help. Supposed to be pretty neat perspective of the race.

Vaughn

[Hemibee]

Okay, just to get something on the calendar how about April 2nd at Crooked Creek in Waco? http://www.crookedcreekcyclepark.com That is their next open to the public weekend. Well, except for the weekend, but it will be way too muddy.

Anyone still planning on getting dirty with us? :shrug:

[WoodButcher]

[quote="Hemibee
Anyone still planning on getting dirty with us? :shrug:[/quote]

I've got a note posted up in the upcoming rides section with all the info in case anybody is interested. http://www.twtex.com/viewtopic.php?t=3622