Riding gravel roads, what am I missing???

[jajpko]

When I was younger I rode in the dirt. Really enjoyed myself. Now I am looking at people riding on gravel roads and saying this is just so great. What is so great about riding on gravel roads, and eating someones dust all day? I understand dirt and everything that goes with it, but this is something I really don't get...

What's up????

 

[Combo]

When I was younger I rode in the dirt. Really enjoyed myself. Now I am looking at people riding on gravel roads and saying this is just so great. What is so great about riding on gravel roads, and eating someones dust all day? I understand dirt and everything that goes with it, but this is something I really don't get...

What's up????

Space out between each other to avoid the dust and enjoy the country most people don't see.

For a long time for me it was a big blur. Lots of things to see now, I guess I am smelling the roses for the first time. It's not a bad thing, Its just another kind of fun, like riding ATV's.

It floats my boat now that I have done all the fast dirt and racing stuff for many years. Now I am right back where I started.......... on bikes that are street / dirt (COMBO)!

I don't know why I ever left it for so many years? My friends and I had such a great time riding back dirt roads all over the place when we were kids.
I suppose it was racing, girls, cars and stuff that made me get away from the dual sport side of motorcycles. Heck, I won my first race on my stripped down 1972 TS-250 Suzuki that in that same year went with me on a 7 state 9 day trip. I am very glad to be back to my roots now and riding with some of the same friends I started with before we went to racing.

 

[Maxified]

Now I am right back where I started.......... on bikes that are street / dirt (COMBO)!

Yeah, I have come around as well. I remember "upgrading" to a Yamaha DT3 & thought that I'd arrived at Nirvana being able to legally ride the road & jump off into the dirt at will. Back then the term dual sport had not yet been marketed...

 

[spklbuk]

 

[jajpko]

I guess I should be more clear. I'm not knocking riding on gravel roads at all. I do understand seeing things that you would not normally see from the blacktop.
I'll have to give it a go again and see if it can change my mind.. ::025::

 

[cbrunsw]

Anybody got a story about hitting the front brake hard while cornering on gravel. Just wonder how good the ABS is.

 

[jajpko]

Anybody got a story about hitting the front brake hard while cornering on gravel. Just wonder how good the ABS is.

That is one reason why I started this thread. On my first gravel road ride, both wheels started to slide out in a turn. Big pucker factor.. If that had happened on blacktop......

 

[snuffcityrider]

Practice, practice, I probably stand 90% of the time I'm on gravel cause I feel more in control. I usaully have the county roads all to myself except for an occasional passer by. I kinda feel like a kid exploring places he's not suppost to be seeing; old farm houses, wooded bridges etc. Kinda like hiking on a motorcycle. It's the main reason I got this bike.

 

[maddog5150]

I kinda feel like a kid exploring places he's not supposed to be seeing: old farm houses, wooded bridges etc. Kinda like hiking on a motorcycle.

I love this quote! I think that sums it up well for me!

 

[Camshft]

[Anybody got a story about hitting the front brake hard while cornering on gravel. Just wonder how good the ABS is.]

Yup, a handful of front brake going into a corner is awesome. Full-on throttle coming out of the corner....bike kicks, then corrects...then your off to the next corner!!! Practice this braking first in a straight line, on gravel, at speed to get a feel for it. Works perfect.

I have found S2 works the best on gravel. Right, RedCat?

CammyB'hammy

 

[Don in Lodi]

I kinda feel like a kid exploring places he's not supposed to be seeing;
old farm houses,
wooded bridges etc.
Kinda like hiking on a motorcycle.

Wow, perfect. ::008::


Unless our friend doesn't 'get' hiking either. )

 

[tomatocity]

When I was 16 my first hard crash was on a gravel levee road so I have bad memories. Riding gravel to explore is a definite must. On a recent return trip from Paso Robles I chose to take this route http://g.co/maps/cn2pr Between F and G is uphill on hardpack with gravel. If I wanted to get over the Parkfield Grade I had to ride the gravel. Rode slow in 1st and 2nd and enjoyed the scenery. I was concerned about the downhill side and was VERY happy to find smooth asphalt.

I usually ride alone but prefer to ride with others when off-road. This is a problem so I have been practicing in areas I know and use a SPOT. Always try to let someone know where I am going.

Ride with confidence. Confidence comes from what you know. What you know comes from experience. Experience comes from practice. Practice involves risk. Ride safe.