The off-roading bigginer's trail ride report (video) - Lake

[BusyWeb]

The off-roding biggner's trail ride report.

Well, first of all, enjoyed alot.

And, lessons that I have earned today.
* Proper gearing for the trail/dirt riding, like jacket, pants, helmet, and boots etc.
* Checking tire pressure before start on the dirt.
* Check and prepare trail route map more carefully, GPS absolute for me as novice.
* Weather, temperature, and WATER... ha ha ha

Today's riding route was Lake Huges Truck Trail which started at near the Lake Huges Rock Inn store.
First of few miles climb up was little bit difficult for me.
Some of spur and ruts which made me very very slow speed; and happy scenery views.
Otherwise, road condition is pretty nice if ride slow ^^;

With street version of riding gears, I had enormous sweat and felt some dizze when I riding down pretty twisted road.
I had to rest every shadowed area to get water...whew...

During the ride, I met couple of riders who do really go fast !!! (when could I do ??? never !!!)

My diy chest camera mounting was tested on the dirt today.
It works better than I expected on the trail.
However, camera does not keep steady angle when bike and body moves around.
I might need more tightening using straps.
Results could be seen at the 2:53 of the video, and rest of them after then.


Here is the photos and short video clips of today's riding.

[youtube:15j12tk2]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7EOadgl9nc[/youtube:15j12tk2]


Thanks for watching...
^^

[Water Warrior 2]

What a nice off road area. Glad you had a successful ride.
1st, air down tires when you hit the dirt and carry a bicycle pump to air up when you leave. The lower pressures will not work real well back on hard top and can be dangerous.
2nd, take twice as much water, been there done that. You will need it.
3rd, learn to stand on the pegs and grip the the tank with your legs with knees slightly bent. Great for rougher areas.
4th, an off road helmet and goggles are a must.
5th, Clothing is not a problem, get a bike oriented jersey that will allow air flow. Strap on elbow pads are a very good idea. Same goes for pants and knees. If you spring for off road pants they should have hip pads too.
6th, off road gloves are usually ventilated, tough and washable and have some padding. You will fall eventually, trust me.
7th, Don't try to go as fast as the other guys. Many of them have more sophisticated /off road only machines than you. Your TW is like a GZ. It will always get you there ridden within it's abilities.

[JWR]

Good to see you having fun Busy.

+1 on everything WW said.

[BusyWeb]

Originally Posted by Water Warrior

What a nice off road area. Glad you had a successful ride.
1st, air down tires when you hit the dirt and carry a bicycle pump to air up when you leave. The lower pressures will not work real well back on hard top and can be dangerous.
2nd, take twice as much water, been there done that. You will need it.
3rd, learn to stand on the pegs and grip the the tank with your legs with knees slightly bent. Great for rougher areas.
4th, an off road helmet and goggles are a must.
5th, Clothing is not a problem, get a bike oriented jersey that will allow air flow. Strap on elbow pads are a very good idea. Same goes for pants and knees. If you spring for off road pants they should have hip pads too.
6th, off road gloves are usually ventilated, tough and washable and have some padding. You will fall eventually, trust me.
7th, Don't try to go as fast as the other guys. Many of them have more sophisticated /off road only machines than you. Your TW is like a GZ. It will always get you there ridden within it's abilities.

Thanks alot Mr. WW.
I will print out what you have said here.... ha ha ha
Yes, TW seems could not do like Off-Road bikes, I felt some limitations under couple of rides.
Anyway, my main purpose is not fast or hard jump at all.
Just enjoy some nature environment and taking some photos, that's all I wanted with my new toy.
And seems works for me at least for now.
I don't want to fall off.... ha ha ha, but had couple of moments yesterday...

Thanks again.

[BusyWeb]

Originally Posted by JWR

Good to see you having fun Busy.

+1 on everything WW said.

Thanks Mr. JWR.
I felt that I went to back to childwood.
I had lived for couple of years at the country(mountain) side when I was boy.
And I had many ventures with friends; going over the mountains, small streams, and etc.
I had recalled the old my memories yesterday, and very happy with it.

[blaine]

Looks like lots of fun.Enjoy!

[BusyWeb]

Originally Posted by blaine

Looks like lots of fun.Enjoy!

Thanks...
Hope everybody could enjoy the same fun wether they are on the dirt or street...!!!

[Water Warrior 2]

Busy, start reading dirt bike magazines. You will find a wealth of info and can apply a lot to your riding and bike set-up. Many of the helpful hints are cheap/free with a little thought on your part. A good idea for any bike and especially a dirt oriented bike is to check for any and all loose nuts and bolts. I used to start by stripping the bike of as much plactic and covering as possible for better access. You also learn more by knowing where certain parts are and what they look like clean and undamaged. Lots of fun actually and a sense of accomplishment when all is said and done.

[cayuse]

Beautiful countryside, beautiful movie Busy! Keep it up!

[ncff07]

From a newbies point of view, I like seeing the videos/pictures on here and the hints/pointers that come up in the process helps with the learning process. Don't remember what thread it was on but someone said they had electrical box covers to set the stand on when on asphalt or a soft surface. I went and bought 2 galvanized covers, one in my pack to use and one under the seat as a back up. Along with a couple other things too I picked up on here. :2tup: