Saturday morning I headed off to join 40 other riders and the Northern Gravel riders club for an explore around the threstricted access into River Head forest. It was wee bit chilly, but with the linings in the paints and jacket, the heated gloves on, and wearing two pairs of thermals it felt just like summer in Oregon.....(Sorry Brad and Brandy, couldn't resist, besides I needed to pick on some one else besides Geoff for a change)
First I meet Andy at that classic American icon of gourmet food "McDonalds". Fellow IAM rider, mate, and serious nutcase on a dirt bike, who after much encouragement from me has got himself a great little DRZ 400, which he rides with the same finesse as his K1200! He has just added the larger tank and slip on, as well as other farkles to it, so it was a good opportunity to get together on our own and talk about....umm.....bikes.
 |
| Very nice slip on. |
Then we headed down the road to the meeting point. From their it was only a short ride to the entrance of the forest. There were a lot of challenge sections organised for this ride and a lot of pure trail riders were in attendance on KTMs and small dirt bikes. I did one challenge section, other wise stuck to the gravel roads and tracks. Now that I have had the GS for 9 months I am beginning to realise the type of riding that I really enjoy.
Apart from the fact the GS is a we bit big for hardcore trail riding, it is not something I feel very confident at anyway. I am sure a more skilled rider than myself would have no trouble taking it through trails but not for me. I do very much enjoy the gravel roads and where they take us.
 |
| Andy ripping it up. |
 |
| Allan puttig his 1200GSa through the mud. |
 |
| ME! |
 |
| Riding through this was fun. |
The last challenge section proved to be the most tricky with many of the bikes having to turn around due to the mud, narrowness and challenge of it. Unfortunately one of the guys had a we incident and broke his ankle. This held up our exit a we bit from the forest, but the guys got him and his bike out OK.
 |
| The exit from one of the challenge sections, it was very steep and slippery. |
After we left the forest we headed to Cycle Spot Euro for a lunch they had organised which was excellent. They also sponsor the club as well.
It was a very enjoyable day with great company. In a few weeks time they will be having a training day in the forest which I am looking forward to attending very much.
Hey Rog!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cracker-looking day mate. Hope you aren't trying to emulate Andy, that guy will lead you seriously astray on the dirt ;-).
Makes me feel like getting a small off-roader to play on a bit further north up the Peninsula (subject to executive permission). I probably wouldn't bounce all that well though although I'd probably cut a better figure skinny dipping than you, hehe.
Geoff mate, will never try to emulate him, he keeps saying he is learning...cough cough, he is very skilled on the dirt, more so than the road.
DeleteWhen it comes to a small dirt bike, remember it is easier to ask for forgivness than permission. ( Let me know if you need some where to crash for a few nights untill Jenni calms down)
Hi Roger, Cool bike. Sounds like a fun time. Great photos. From Sharon and Rod.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys, great to hear from you. Hoping to come down your way in October for a catch up.
DeleteMud! Gravel! Drool...
ReplyDeleteI know!
DeleteCall that mud?
ReplyDeleteThey also call the current weather 'winter' down there ;-)
DeleteStop it you too......I will have you know I had to wear a wolly hat yesterday at my daughters game to keep my ears warm!
DeleteRog, what a fantastic little adventure. So much enthusiasm.
ReplyDeleteHow many cookies did you have to bake for that event? Terry must be gaining lots of weight by now... ;-)
No cookies this time, might have to whip up a roast lamb on Saturday night though.
DeleteIt's all good Roger. If you can't tease your friends who can you tease right? Nothing wrong with a little good natured ribbing. And in this case with our weather, it rings true.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to believe you've had the GS for 9 months now. It doesn't seem like that long ago when you bought it. I am glad you are enjoying it. It sure looks like fun for the gravel road adventures. How is it for road riding? Do you find the single vibrates quite a bit?
Hope the gentleman with the broken ankle heals quick. That's gotta hurt.
Brandy: Not sure what the exact diagnosis was on Steve's ankle, I think a couple of fractures. Nine months has certainly gone fast and i still love the bike!
DeleteYou mean wearing two pairs of thermals isn't normal? Nobody told me.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you found a great group to ride with, something for everyone. There are a couple guys around here that do adventure rides but nothing organized like this. My bike is much too big to do anything much more than gravel, thanks to Chris I need to look for a WR250R.
Dirt bike...........cool, welcome to the darkside!
DeleteThe DRZ looks great. Oilburner was talking that we might need to end up with a couple 600's...someday. To stick near the forest paths like you. :)
ReplyDeleteHow does one gain access to the restricted forest? Is it by permit?
Sorry to hear about your mate. Hope he is feeling better soon.
Permit only to enter the forest, doesnt cost much by all accounts I am going do some investigating of my own.
Delete'Kin hell! that guy Allan looks pretty hardcore putting a big GS through that mud. Does he run knobblie tyres? My tourances would have zero traction in that stuff. I'd get to the food though......
ReplyDeleteEspecially if there was black pudding......
Delete