First steps

[nmendell]

Hey guys,

I usually post over in the Pit Area about racing at Loudon, but I'm looking to learn about riding off-road this summer and fall. I'm interested in trail riding and maybe enduro racing (way) down the line. I've got a DR400 ('04) and MX boots. That's about as far as I've gotten. Any suggestions for what to do and where to go? Thanks,

Nate
Cambridge, MA

[OreoGaborio]

I say just keep an eye out on this forum & come along on a group ride.

For gear, I just stumbled upon this site a few minutes ago, it looks like they've got a TON of dirt gear on blow-out sale

MotorcycleCloseouts.com

[nmendell]

Will do -- and thanks for the link.

[x2468]

Hey guys,

I usually post over in the Pit Area about racing at Loudon, but I'm looking to learn about riding off-road this summer and fall. I'm interested in trail riding and maybe enduro racing (way) down the line. I've got a DR400 ('04) and MX boots. That's about as far as I've gotten. Any suggestions for what to do and where to go? Thanks,

Nate
Cambridge, MA

helmet will protect from the whole dieing thing.

[x2468]

oh, and look into the videos and books by Gary Semics. and the video "Dirt Wise" by Shane Watts.

[Awesome]

It just takes a little getting used to and a lot of practice. I'm sure we'll get some big rides going this summer.

Some tips:

Stand up and absorb bumps with your knees
The faster you go the smoother the ride, and the less it takes out of you
You can ride over huge obsticles without a problem
If you go off the trail, you're still in the woods, so it's no big deal
Lay the bike down and hang off opposite street riding, stay centered over it and let the bike do the turning.

someone may correct me, but that's what I've learned so far.

[TheIglu]

Newenoughmx.com got me a sweet deal on my Oneil/Bell hemlet/boots/gloves/jersey/pants/protector combo. CHEAP.

Two things I try to remember when dirt riding:

Don't overthink. If you overthink, you don't have enough time to pick your lines correctly. It's easier to pick a less ideal line than to decide when it's too late. Don't overthink anything. If you can't seem to get into a ryth/groove/zone/whatever, then stop, take a breather and try again. It may take you a few hours, but once you get into your comfort range, fast seems slow.

To touch upon what Jay said, don't worry about mistakes. If you don't crash from it, then don't think about it. Move on right away. There isn't time to revel on what you did wrong, just enough time to move on and keep riding.

[Ken C]

The best skills advice I can give is to keep your eyes up. It's easier said than done. You know you're riding over your head if your eyes continually end up in front of your front tire. Slow it down a bit and force your eyes to scan well ahead to pick the best line.

The other thing you'll need to embrace is momentum. With little traction on some of the New England rocks, you don't have traction to push you up the hill, so get on th gas to prevent too much wheelspin.

Finally, the throttle is your friend. You'll lose the front unless you are on the gas.

[Awesome]

If you do crash pick up the bike before it stalls. Kickstarting bikes can tire you out quick!

[Ken C]

I love my e-start DRz.