Who likes the dirt?

[Corny]

I don't have a real dirt bike now but I have my little XR50 that has been seriously modded :)

[Vivace]

I'm a dirt newbie - just started a couple of months ago and already know I'm not a fan of wet adobe... Having a blast though, I'm learning on a TTR125. They tell me I have to pay my dues - the first 8 months I should be covered in bruises. Yay.

Anyone out there tried any of the various dirt camps offered? American Supercamp? Rich Oliver's Mystery School? What did you think of it?

[ersigh]

I've been dirt riding twice. Once was at a track in Lake Elsinore, I rode the outside of the track on a Yamaha 400 4 stroke, it was a lot of bike. I couldn't kickstart it myself which made me feel incredibly dumbtarded. The second time was last year, I went on an old school 100cc honda. I ended up fatiguing my upper leg muscles to the point I couldn't barely walk and needed help to get up and downstairs because the bike was too small so I couldn't stand up over bumps without being over the bars quite a bit and couldn't sit on bumps because the rear shock had broken (doh) and the bike would bottom out really badly (the rear locked up going downhills so I had to sit on the lil tank), so I basically squatted all day. After all that, I still had tons of fun and would like to do it again on a slightly larger bike. :)

[Nikki]

I use to ride dirt several years ago on a YZ80 then a XR200. It's been a while but seeing all the new women specific gear (chest protectors) and helmets out there I really want a CRF230 :D

[ro-monster]

I've ridden in dirt 3 or 4 times. Lots of fun, but I am amazingly bad at it.

[racerxgirl]

I've been riding dirt off an on now for a few years. Started out on an XR 100 (that thing was such a pile) and have an RM100. That two smoker's fun, but holy hell that thing can get away from you really fast! Looking now at either getting a CRF 150 or maybe a TTR 125.

Motogrrl - How do you like yours?

[Nikki]

I've been riding dirt off an on now for a few years. Started out on an XR 100 (that thing was such a pile) and have an RM100. That two smoker's fun, but holy hell that thing can get away from you really fast! Looking now at either getting a CRF 150 or maybe a TTR 125.

Motogrrl - How do you like yours?

I have a girl who works with me and she has the CRF150 as her first dirtbike and had it a year and wishes she got the CRF230. Just a thought.

[Vivace]

I've been riding dirt off an on now for a few years. Started out on an XR 100 (that thing was such a pile) and have an RM100. That two smoker's fun, but holy hell that thing can get away from you really fast! Looking now at either getting a CRF 150 or maybe a TTR 125.

Motogrrl - How do you like yours?

Well its pretty much my beginners bike. For the moment its good - its light and I can pick it up easily which really important right now... :tongue
Ultimately though, its too small for me. I can't stand easily on it because I have long legs and I'm gripping the tank with my calves instead of my knees (I'm 5'8"). (Of course that may just be because I don't have a clue about what I'm doing). The other thing is that with the tiny wheels and low power its not really suitable for desert riding - the folks I ride with regularly bomb around at 60/70+ down the washes. There is no way I'll be able to keep up.

The bike is still a lot of fun but I'm gonna borrow a friends CRF 230 next time to try it out.

[racerxgirl]

Thanks for the info both of ya :) I'm 5'1 so dunno if the 230 is going to be too tall for me:(

[Carri]

This is my first post!! :blush:

Anyway- I've been riding dirt for a while now. I ride a CRF250 and I couldn't have picked a better bike!! I'm 5'10", though, so I don't have a problem touching the ground. I just mailed in an application for my AMA and D37 cards and should do my first race on the 8th.
Motorgrrl- What you hear is sooooo true!! Be prepared to fall a lot! But it is so worth it once you get into the grove. And when you start smoking the guys, all the pain will be worth it, TRUST ME! :happy
Ersigh- I feel sorry for you... trying to ride Elsi on those bikes! You poor thing. You'd probably have a lot more fun on a bike better suited for you.
Here's a pic of Wes, my hubby Ken and I at Dove Springs.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/cbrown15/P1010243.jpg

[Vivace]

This is my first post!! :blush:

Anyway- I've been riding dirt for a while now. I ride a CRF250 and I couldn't have picked a better bike!! I'm 5'10", though, so I don't have a problem touching the ground. I just mailed in an application for my AMA and D37 cards and should do my first race on the 8th.
Motorgrrl- What you hear is sooooo true!! Be prepared to fall a lot! But it is so worth it once you get into the grove. And when you start smoking the guys, all the pain will be worth it, TRUST ME! :happy
Ersigh- I feel sorry for you... trying to ride Elsi on those bikes! You poor thing. You'd probably have a lot more fun on a bike better suited for you.
Here's a pic of Wes, my hubby Ken and I at Dove Springs.

Welcome!
The racing thing sounds fun - you'll have to post a report in the racing forum after the 8th for us.

Yeah - I've heard that you have to pay a lot of dues, black and blue ones, before the groove starts happening. I'm game, I bounce well :)

Here's a picture of me after my first discovery of why everyone hates wet adobe mud. (This was the first day - day 2, which I didn't get a picture of, was much messier...)

[Carri]

:confused: Did you have fun washing that bike and gear, or WHAT?? LOL

[Vivace]

:confused: Did you have fun washing that bike and gear, or WHAT?? LOL

OMG! I had noooo idea! It took hours and that adobe crap is just sticky. It doesn't spray off, you have to scrape it and dig it out of every nook and cranny. Bleah. I need to find some neighbors with money starved kids that I can pay to do this :lol

Of course I was a total moron and waited until I had the bike at home... after it had started to dry off from the drive. Next time I WILL use the hose at the park!

[Merzidotes]

I like the dirt.....

but water is even more fun!!!

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb92/merziedotes/KLRinSL021.jpg

[ridingAK]

That picture is priceless!

I'm ok with dirt, but I prefer mud. :D:
Sadly, no new pictures to demonstrate that feeling. :cry1:

[Merzidotes]

That picture is priceless!

I'm ok with dirt, but I prefer mud. :D:
Sadly, no new pictures to demonstrate that feeling. :cry1:

maybe its my tires, but the mud just yanks me down everytime.:nono:

I can't even start to describe the various injuires I have done to myself in the past few months in the mud and harsh off road stuff.

[ridingAK]

My bike, even with street tires handles surprisingly well. I feel it getting a little shaky, give it a little gas and all is better. Nut's bike seems to be less stable. :shrug:

[Astir]

I love dirt!

See my broken light? :redface1:

http://astir.smugmug.com/photos/245520649_2AuDc-M.jpg



However, I really really DONT like sand...

(This is me and some dualsport heroes helping me get the beast off its side)

http://astir.smugmug.com/photos/238202594_DDLcf-M.jpg

[ridingAK]

I'm afraid of sand. I've only ridden in sand a very little bit, and that was mostly wet. I'm more comfortable in mud than dirt, so I assume I would also prefer wet sand.

[DaBrit]

I don't have a dirt bike, but I've got an ATV, a Polaris Sportsman 700. Love to tear it up in the dirt, make it buck like a mule! :wootrock:

[ridingAK]

I've never ridden an ATV. They look fun.

[Merzidotes]

I've been on ATV's and thery are a lot of fun. Wide though. The benefit of a dirtbike in the woods or dirt is being able to swivel your way through tight areas. :riding:

Although, as I think about it....I've not ever gotten as hurt on an ATV as much as my bike!!! :roflmao:

[Bonnie Abbzug]

I like the dirt.....

but water is even more fun!!!

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb92/merziedotes/KLRinSL021.jpg



:ecstasy:Great shot!!!

I'm a big fan of the dirt and water too!!

http://hayduke.smugmug.com/photos/160124302_Utxjk-L-3.jpg


Sand on the other hand, kicks my butt!!! :lol:

http://www.hayduke.smugmug.com/photos/148693359_PRxdj-M-1.jpg

[Charla]

Sand on the other hand, kicks my butt!!! :lol:




Just go faster.




:rofl:




She's soooooo gonna kick my butt!

[Charla]

I love dirt!

See my broken light? :redface1:

http://astir.smugmug.com/photos/245520649_2AuDc-M.jpg



Astir -

My husband Ben rides a big red pig like yours. He mounted Continental TKC-80 tires on it and said it turned into a whole different bike. If you are riding a lot of dirt you might want to consider them for your next tire. :thumbup:

http://charla.smugmug.com/photos/166098245_iNTkK-L.jpg (http://charla.smugmug.com/gallery/3051004_m99do#166098245_iNTkK)

[ridingAK]

We just got TKC 80's for our bikes so we can do the Haul Road up to Prudhoe Bay in July. I am excited, nervous, etc. I hear so many stories about the Haul Road that I wonder whether I am good enough to make it, but then I hear stories about the Alcan and the Cassiar and those are easy! I love mud and have been afraid of dirt. After this summer's ride I will either hate dirt or be competent in it. Wish me luck!

[Charla]

We just got TKC 80's for our bikes so we can do the Haul Road up to Prudhoe Bay in July. I am excited, nervous, etc. I hear so many stories about the Haul Road that I wonder whether I am good enough to make it, but then I hear stories about the Alcan and the Cassiar and those are easy! I love mud and have been afraid of dirt. After this summer's ride I will either hate dirt or be competent in it. Wish me luck!

I hear the haul road is mostly pretty deep gravel, is that right?

Gravel can be pretty tough. The best thing to do is stand up and get your weight over the front end to keep it from wandering around too much. :thumbup:

Have you seen the Dual Sport Riding Techniques DVD?

[ridingAK]

We have the DVD. The problem with the haul road is that conditions can change super quick with little to indicate the change. From what I know, as long as it is dry, we shouldn't have much trouble. I'm more concerned about the calcium chloride if it is wet. It is supposed to be super slippery, but pretty much invisible as you are driving.

[SheRidesABeemer]

These baby's don't like dirt. But when you take road less traveled sometimes you find yourself on dirt. This one was in great shape, and only a couple of miles to the main road.

Got Dirt?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2645123335_db2677110b.jpg

[Astir]

I very nearly went with TKC 80's. If (when?) I pick up another street bike I probably will go with them on the 650. Patiently waiting for rAK and Nut to report on them.

[ridingAK]

We leave for Fairbanks tomorrow, and hit the Haul Road Saturday morning! :ecstasy::yahoo::ecstasy: Nut is looking at the forecast now. Looks like it will be cloudy, but not raining!

[Kaylr]

Well, being I ride the big pig-KLR 650-I like dirt ,rocks, water, and don't mind gravel----but MUD is the Devils soup!!! A 650 is too much to waller in it for very long without wearing yourself out--the big thing is to find a bike that is smaller and you can flog around easily---the one girls remark about her bike being too small is right on--being too small is as bad as being too big. Even the guys that I ride with (ex racers-gncc-one is even in the Motorcyle Hall of Fame-most excellent riders) ride smaller bikes than mine when they want to do off road stuff. My hubby is ready to buy me a smaller 250 --all I have to do is say the word-he's like that!! Bought me a strom last year to go with the KLR. My issue is that I am gonna be 50 this weekend and have a first grandchild as of last week and my self preservation level is higher than his and I just really don't want to do all that single track stuff let alone mud anymore..I will back road to the ends of the earth with him but I don't feel the need to do something I really don't enjoy anymore...but you younger girls --go for it!!!!

[Merzidotes]

but MUD is the Devils soup!!!

I will back road to the ends of the earth with him but I don't feel the need to do something I really don't enjoy anymore...but you younger girls --go for it!!!!

RIGHT ON KayLR! :thumbup:

Esp about the mud! :gaah:

[KansasKawboy]

but MUD is the Devils soup!!!


So true


My issue is that I am gonna be 50 this weekend and have a first grandchild as of last week and my self preservation level is higher than his and I just really don't want to do all that single track stuff let alone mud anymore..I will back road to the ends of the earth with him but I don't feel the need to do something I really don't enjoy anymore...but you younger girls --go for it!!!!


I've been on the wrong side of 50 for a few years and I know it takes longer to heal and in a few years the hurt parts will get a bout of arthritis.

[ridingAK]

I can now authoritatively say I don't hate mud. As slick and squishy as it got on the Dalton, I enjoyed riding the mud. As long as I could stand up it was really fun. I have a harder time in the deep gravel, though it is manageable too as long as I can beat back my brain's inclination to slow down and keep the speed up.

[kjfreeman]

I like the dirt.....

but water is even more fun!!!

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb92/merziedotes/KLRinSL021.jpg
LOVE IT!!!!!

[kjfreeman]

this is the only H2O experience so far...i'm sure there will be many to come:)

[Calif Girl]

I ride dirt....and when I am on this bike I get paid to ride....:ecstasy:


2314


I also ride dirt off duty....

[Luna Tique]

:chin:Getting paid to :riding:

I REALLY like that idea :thumbup:


Are you a Park Ranger Calif Girl ?

[ridingAK]

Getting paid to ride would SWEET. Not anywhere close to what you are doing, but I have visited the WA msf site a few times now. I would love to become an msf instructor within the next year or two.

[Calif Girl]

:chin:Getting paid to :riding:





I REALLY like that idea :thumbup:


Are you a Park Ranger Calif Girl ?




Nope, I am a Sgt for Los Angeles County Sheriff..Right now I work normal patrol and am on the off road motorcycle enforcement team. We go ride the dual purpose bikes in addition to our normal responsiblities...

When I was a deputy I rode motors- the regular street bikes- I am the only female that has ridden motors for LASD.

[Astir]

...
I used to ride motors- the regular street bikes- I am the only female that has ridden motors for LASD.


:thumbsup:

Never thought about the Sheriff dept having dual sport. How lucky you are!

[Calif Girl]

:thumbsup:

How lucky you are!

Gotta agree with that....:wootrock:

[waterlilly]

Nope, I am a Sgt for Los Angeles County Sheriff..Right now I work normal patrol and am on the off road motorcycle enforcement team. We go ride the dual purpose bikes in addition to our normal responsiblities...

When I was a deputy I rode motors- the regular street bikes- I am the only female that has ridden motors for LASD.


Amen Sister
good for you. now as wise poet said we need more:LT:
I think it is a illegal to leave us hanging eh!!!!
:thumbsup:

[Luna Tique]

Yeah.......... we have those :LT::rules: :lol:

[waterlilly]

Yeah.......... we have those :LT::rules: :lol:

See the wise poet has spoken again :rofl:

[kjfreeman]

that is an awesome job:yahoo:!!!! lucky you!:cloud9: yes more pics please:)

[Calif Girl]

I don't have alot of pictures, but here are a few...

Bikes DRZ 400

2317

2318

playing in the dirt training Dr 650

2319

eating it at training DR 650

2320

[ridingAK]

Very cool! I really like that last picture. Do you guys normally ride in pairs, or do you patrol on the bikes alone?

[Calif Girl]

We try to go out as a team, but there needs to be at least two if us to go...

[ridingAK]

That's good. Too many things can go wrong when you are alone and without backup.

[Calif Girl]

Isn't That the truth..

[KansasKawboy]

Thats cool! :riding: I think our Sheriffs department only has street bikes. I'll have to ask about that next week. :thumbsup:

[waterlilly]

I don't have alot of pictures, but here are a few...










eating it at training DR 650

2320
I hope that is not you eating dirt :D:

[Calif Girl]

I hope that is not you eating dirt :D:

Yep, that one is me....:clapping: but it is typical. Dirt school is tough/tiring class.

[ridingAK]

Yep, that one is me....:clapping: but it is typical. Dirt school is tough/tiring class.

And a rewarding one when you learn that you CAN ride seemingly impossible track...

[Calif Girl]

I think everyone dropped a bike at sometime during class. It kinda comes with the territory. Actually dirt school was wayyy easier than motor school...

[Pawprint2104]

I figured if I looked into a post with the word "dirt" in it, I'd find you! :D:

I like the last "eat it" pic. Because I know you, I know you survived without (much/any) injury, so I take liberty with the humor at your expense. It was very funny seeing you @ss over kettle. :lol:

[Calif Girl]

I figured if I looked into a post with the word "dirt" in it, I'd find you! :D:

I like the last "eat it" pic. Because I know you, I know you survived without (much/any) injury, so I take liberty with the humor at your expense. It was very funny seeing you @ss over kettle. :lol:

You are right, I was not hurt at all, .....I can handle you laughing at me.. Especially since you were such a good sport and did so good when we took you in the dirt.:thumbsup:

And if I have to hit the ground I would much rather it be on this bike than any of the others...

[Luna Tique]

:chin: This may be a dumb question Calif Girl ( I ask a lot of questions :D:)

What is the purpose of this division of the county sheriffs?

Are you search and rescue?
Fire patrol?
Chasing bad guys into the desert?
I am not being a smart**s I really don't understand?

We have Motorcycle police on patrol on some of our city streets but I do not believe there are any riding dirt.( I could be wrong)

:chin:I do not think our Forest Rangers ride dirt bikes either ( I could be wrong)

We have the largest Park in the lower 48. The park covers some 6.1 million acres. (About the size of the state of Vermont. )
You could take Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier, and Great Smokey Mountains National Parks and they would fit comfortably inside our Adirondak State Park.

Please enlighten me :D:


PS Now that I know you where not injured that last picture is priceless

[Calif Girl]

:chin: This may be a dumb question Calif Girl ( I ask a lot of questions :D:)

What is the purpose of this division of the county sheriffs?

Are you search and rescue?
Fire patrol?
Chasing bad guys into the desert?
I am not being a smart**s I really don't understand?

We have Motorcycle police on patrol on some of our city streets but I do not believe there are any riding dirt.( I could be wrong)

:chin:I do not think our Forest Rangers ride dirt bikes either ( I could be wrong)

We have the largest Park in the lower 48. The park covers some 6.1 million acres. (About the size of the state of Vermont. )
You could take Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier, and Great Smokey Mountains National Parks and they would fit comfortably inside our Adirondak State Park.

Please enlighten me :D:


PS Now that I know you where not injured that last picture is priceless

Not a dumb question, so I will try my best to answer it.

LASD is a large department. We have 24 Sheriff Stations( plus alot of other divisions). Each Station basically works independently of each other. When the stuff hits the fan we pull personell from other stations and work as a emergency team. (fires, earthquake, riots, and numerous other incidents).

The station I work is a desert area and we have a large problem with off road vehicles and motorcycles. They ride through peoples property, spin out in their driveways/lawns, cut fences to get through, let cattle out, and sometimes have had physical altercations with land owners, just to name a few of the issues.

The team was originally designed to enforce off road laws. Mostly illegal off road motorcycle riding. Basicaly we write off road motorcycle riders tickets. Since its inception the team has also been effective in other ways. We have located missing persons in the desert, helped locate suspects that have run into the desert, helped on large fires, and several other things. But basicaly off road motorcycle enforcement. The motorcycle team is a coleratal duty and is in addition to our regular work hours/responsibilities.

Hope I was able to clear things up.

[KCDakar]

COOL BEANS!!!:wootrock:

[Luna Tique]

Thank you for enlighting me.

What a great job you have:wootrock:( all except the part about having to stop and write tickets and deal with 'bad guys" :shrug:)

[GeoNorskie]

Calif Girl,

Way cool to see pix of your "beat" and training, after hearing your tales. I'm du(a)ly impressed at your definitely dual sport (dirt - street) abilities!

[msyzf2u]

Calif Girl,

Way cool to see pix of your "beat" and training, after hearing your tales. I'm du(a)ly impressed at your definitely dual sport (dirt - street) abilities!


:iagree:

[Calif Girl]

Calif Girl,

Way cool to see pix of your "beat" and training, after hearing your tales. I'm du(a)ly impressed at your definitely dual sport (dirt - street) abilities!

lol
But you never even saw me ride,:):, unless you were using your mirrors alot. All I did was follow you around all day.:roflmao:

[GeoNorskie]

lol
But you never even saw me ride,:):, unless you were using your mirrors alot. All I did was follow you around all day.:roflmao:

You were following, but not because of lack of ability! :D: