Dual Sport Riding/Training Class

[Coolhand]

Gaah... wrong siders scare me, on dirt or pavement.

I need to learn how to corner confidently on the loose stuff like Scott said. I can do it at slow to mediocre speeds with plenty of counter steer and weight on the outside peg, but any more than that and I'm spooked of the washout. I wanna corner like Ken.

I'd also like to learn how to ride sand and powdery dust better... I know some of the words, I just haven't had a chance to practice.

Finally I'd like to put it all together and do some singletrack. I used to ride (make my own) singletrack constantly when I was a kid and I still do on my mountainbike, but I don't think I could do it on my DR. Maybe it's just too big of a pig, but I think it's pilot error.

[Tourmeister]

Sand is all about keeping up your speed and standing up. If you slow or drop the outriggers, you are screwed... By speed, I don't mean going fast, but just keeping the bike moving. It makes the bike FAR more stable. If you want to practice sand/powder, come on over here to East Texas, there is no shortage of it!

[tjrockit]

Standing on the bike for stability seems to be a common thing. I've been working on building up my quads to be able to stand up for longer periods of time.

[STCPO]

Hmmm...I'd love to see a training weekend for DS riders. I really like the Big Bend idea, but anyplace in Texas would work. With enough notice I should be able to make it.

Cheers,
Pete

[Chowdown]

i'd love some cornering training. on the KLR i could lock the back wheel, slide, and gun it when pointing in the right direction. on the last Junction run i quickly discovered how super fun ABS is in the dirt, no more locking the back wheel which made for some exciting moments initially. there was a time or two when Rusty didnt know how close he came to wearing a Wee as a bumper sticker.

[tjrockit]

I'd definitely would like to do the training on my own bike since that's what I ride everyday and that's what I want to improve on.

[je2000]

Log clearing. Definitely large log and rock clearing. I mean, I guess I understand it. Dump the clutch and go. Even with the bash plate I worry about bashing it a little too much.

[KAM]

Originally Posted by je2000

Log clearing. Definitely large log and rock clearing. I mean, I guess I understand it. Dump the clutch and go. Even with the bash plate I worry about bashing it a little too much.

Not exactly the desired techinque.

[Coolhand]

Hahaha!

My kid and I watched Rusty's copy of "Advanced Dual Sport Riding" multiple times over the weekend. I'd love to have a place where I could practice sidehill figure 8s but more importantly I'd like to try their technique of a little back brake just before the turn to settle the front end and get it on the desired line. A bigger dirt figure 8 or a few cones on dirt to practice this would be bueno in my book.

J

[tjrockit]

Originally Posted by Coolhand

Hahaha!

My kid and I watched Rusty's copy of "Advanced Dual Sport Riding" multiple times over the weekend. I'd love to have a place where I could practice sidehill figure 8s but more importantly I'd like to try their technique of a little back brake just before the turn to settle the front end and get it on the desired line. A bigger dirt figure 8 or a few cones on dirt to practice this would be bueno in my book.

J

Funny thing is I have cones that I bought right after I took the motorcycle safety training class that I've used in a school parking lot to practice my street cornering when I was just a few weeks into riding. There are some open dirt lots close to my office that we could probably go practice on once I see the video and understand the drills.

[Coolhand]

Dirt lots near NI??

[WoodButcher]

I have some cones around too, I think. Tom, did you get my voice message about the DVD? We need to get our buddy Clayton to host a DS day at the farm. Do a little BBQ and riding. Too bad he is in a cast for a couple more weeks.

[tjrockit]

Originally Posted by WoodButcher

I have some cones around too, I think. Tom, did you get my voice message about the DVD? We need to get our buddy Clayton to host a DS day at the farm. Do a little BBQ and riding. Too bad he is in a cast for a couple more weeks.

I did get your voice mail. Sorry I didn't get back to you. Family is in town until Thursday. I'll try to pick it up another time. - thanks!!

[thumper]

Originally Posted by Tourmeister

Sand is all about keeping up your speed and standing up. If you slow or drop the outriggers, you are screwed... By speed, I don't mean going fast, but just keeping the bike moving. It makes the bike FAR more stable. If you want to practice sand/powder, come on over here to East Texas, there is no shortage of it!

I really prefer to sit slightly back or be in a low crouch position when dealing with sand. Scott really offered up some good advice in post #20. So if your just getting into DSing, I would read that post very closely.

Something else about sand....While carrying enough speed to stay on top, I'll spot an obstacle [ ie..super deep section, shell pile, etc..] that's going to slow my speed somewhat. Rather than wait till I'm right on top of it, I'll gently lessen my speed before the obstacle. Then I'm back on the gas through the trouble spot. The acceleration keeps the bike upright and pointed in the right direction. Just be careful when getting off the gas in the sand. If you let the front dive too much you'll lose momentum and become unstable. This technique applies to more than just sand. It can be used when dealing with almost any type of trouble spot...ie rocky water crossings, rough uphills, mud and so on. Your just adjusting your speed a little early so you'll be back on the gas through the tough spot.

Just my .02 cents.

[DrBlackbird]

Originally Posted by thumper

This technique applies to more than just sand. It can be used when dealing with almost any type of trouble spot...ie LOCKED GATES.....and so on. Your just adjusting your speed a little early so you'll be back on the gas through the tough spot.

Just my .02 cents.

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Tim,....I couldn't agree with you more
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[thumper]

Originally Posted by DrBlackbird

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Tim,....I couldn't agree with you more
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Hah, hah that's funny but not as funny as your nite at the bar I'm still one up on ya. Yes, it was a very painful lesson in not getting caught up in anything but looking ahead.

[Tourmeister]

I don't do mud well at all.

I too have had some locked gate experience, but at nowhere near the speed at which Tim has...

[KAM]

I am just going to throw something in here. Some probably already know this but I will share this at the risk of "teaching" outside of a class, LOL.

You can buy all the videos you want and go practice for hours but..

Unless you have a riding buddy watch you whjo has in fact watched the same video and knows what you are trying to accomplish, you are just burning gas.

I have rode hours of practice doing something wrong and if no one sees it and tells you you are not going to improve.

Option 2 is set up a video camera so you can go back and look at it. We will be adding this too our C.R.E. soon. This will also help us get class pictures for our students and free up staff hands.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[tjrockit]

Originally Posted by KAM

Unless you have a riding buddy watch you whjo has in fact watched the same video and knows what you are trying to accomplish, you are just burning gas.

Hence the interest in a class.

I would like someone very experienced watch how I am handling bike. That's why I'd like to do the training on my own bike so I can get the right feel and touch with what I ride all the time. - thanks!!

[Tourmeister]

Originally Posted by KAM

Unless you have a riding buddy watch you whjo has in fact watched the same video and knows what you are trying to accomplish, you are just burning gas.

I have rode hours of practice doing something wrong and if no one sees it and tells you you are not going to improve.

Amen!

Practice does not make perfect, it makes permanent, even if it is not the thing you want made permanent Making sure you are practicing the right thing is paramount!