I need a lot of advice

[dougjc]

I am 41 and want to start riding enduro. I have been a street rider for a long time and have not rid'n dirt since high school. I intend to join 1 of the ECEA clubs and AMA. I'm looking for advice on a bunch of issues. I'm in preety good shape (run and lift weights) but when I think about having to ride 60-80 tough offroad miles, it blows me away. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of practice areas for me to put in that kind of mileage where I live.

Frankly, this is going to be on-the-job training at my first event. What are the chances of me successfully finishing a race as a new dirt rider? Any advice?

Here are my plans so far:

I've been convinced that I'm better off buying a lightweight bike rather than a heavier 400cc. I think the KDX200 is the best bike for me right now.

What other - must have - gear do I need for the bike?

I also need to get all the safety gear. I have no idea what brand to look for. I'm about 5' 11" 185lbs if that matters. Are there any recommended stores in the Washington DC, Frederick, MD, Baltimore area?

Well thats a start. Thanks!

Doug

 

[Y2Z]

ok for the bike, i would highly reccomend an XR 250 or a WR250(higher perforance than an XR), these are pretty easy bikes to ride, and are great for the enduros your looking to do.

Equipment: your going to need a good pair of boots, something to keep you dry, kevlar pants,chest protector, good helmet, goggles, also one of those water back pack things (forget what they are called), there are alot of other things you can buy, ex. knee braces, extra padding ect.
im just sorta thinking this stuff up and im sure im missing some things
and for riding do as many trails as you can to get a feel for the bike, get used to starting it, and and when its flodded.

there are so many things to learn when before you ride a big enduro like you want to, but ide say just practice as much as you can

 

[gxdragon]

Doug I just rode my first enduro (Sandy lane in NJ). I also rode street, got my bike about 3 weeks ago (KLX/DRZ400) had a chance to take it out once before the race. I had never ridden trails before and put in only about 3-4 hours on this new bike. I work out three to four days a week, lift weights jog on the tread mill 30-45 minutes each time. Thinking I'm in ok shape (a few extra pounds).

My god was I wrong! The first section tons of whoops = forearm pump in the first half hour. Begining of the second section mud, twice I got stuck in almost two feet of mud. By the time I got my bike out the first time I was exhausted the second time I just leaned against a tree and rested. Next came lots of tight trails, thank god for bark busters you'll definitely need them. At one point I was soo tired I got pinballed off of about three trees. And Sandy Lane is supposed to be an easy enduro. At the time I thought what the hell am I doing and how do I get outa here? I made it to the gas stop about 50 miles before I quite. I had leg cramps, my hands, forearms and shoulders were sore I could barely hold on. I was so tired that if I continued I was gonna get hurt. But now I think I had a good time and I would do it again. After I get more experience riding. There's nothing like some suffering to find out what you're made of.

In the tight trails I banged my elbows and knees a couple of times, my foot got knocked of the peg. I had and you will need elbow/forearm gaurds, shin/knee gaurds good boots, chest protector, kidney belt (I found out where they are during those whoops) Helmet, goggles and a camel back (I went through 70oz plus I had two bottles in my fanny pack). For your bike a skid plate, bark busters and brush gaurds.

 

[AKCPlumb]

Just to add to what Y2Z and GX listed, look at the XCR gear made by Moose @ Mooseracing.com or MSR's. I have found that most of the pants and jersey that are targeted towards the MX crowd don't hold up real well to the woods abuse or are designed with little room for protective gear like knee and elbow pads. Moose , SixSixone and I think EVS all make good knee and elbow pads that will last and provide more protection. I will go run an MX track for hours without stopping to get in some distance training when getting to the woods is not an option, it also gives you a chance to work on being smooth in the corners. Good Luck

 

[Timr]

Some helpful reading:

http://sera.dirtrider.net/EBMenu.html

http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcdirt/trailrider/2time1.html

http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcdirt/trailrider/3time2.html

http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcdirt/trailrider/4time3.html

http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcdirt/trailrider/5time-4.html

http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcdirt/trailrider/endurosecrets.html

Good luck.

 

[limitless]

I suggest doing some Hare Scrambles before enduros. They are basicaly the same type of riding except you do laps. You can do 2-3 laps and then quit or you can go for the entire thing. The laps are generaly between 5-12miles depending on the series.

The KDX is an awseome woods bike! The 400cc (exluding CRF's YZF's and WRF's) bikes are a bit heavy for a new rider to be racing (IMO), but they are very reliable (as the KDX is).

First thing to do when you get the bike is too take it apart and greese all the bearings and check the torque on all the bolts! The factory has a tendancy to undertighten and under greese things! Make sure you break it in properly!

You will need to jet the bike ASAP. The factory always sets the bikes up rich for waranty concerns. If you don't know how to jet carbs., then learn. Jetting is a VERY good thing to know! Take the time to read some articles (www.eric-gorr.com for starters) about the subject.

You will probably want to get a good ride-along tool kit (20-70$) for any trail problems/breakes that may arise (especially on enduro's). There are a few threads on this site that discuss the tools that people carry with them while riding/racing, you may want to check those out.

You will definetly want to take off the stock hand gaurds(KDX) and put on some barkbusters (they have a metal rod so you don't break fingers when you hit trees). The stock bars will also have to go (80-130$ for pro-taper and renthal), but don't worry about that until you tweak the stock bars real good. The front springs will also have to go ASAP (80--90$ new). While your changing the springs you will want to change the preload spacer (1inch 40schedule PVC pipe or cut stock metal spacer) to suit your weight and springs. Set the race sag on both the shock and forks too (FREE)(don't forget, this can make a big difference in your ride). Also a oil adjustment may be required. Definetly get the skid plate too (around 60$?).

As for boots I would recommend getting the tech 8's from alpinestars (280-325$). Yeah, They are the most expensive, but they're also the most comfortable and durable IMHO. Well, worth the investment. For the helmet I would go with shoei or Arei (500+$). These are expensive helmets , but the strength and comfort can't be matched (you can get the discountes upto 250$ for last year models). If you don't want to spend that kind of money for a helmet I would consider the Thor helmets (SVR2 or something like that) as an option. No matter what I would get a helmet that is on the high-end (I know my head is worth the extra cash!) A good riding outfit would also be good. You can find pants, shirt and glove combo's for 90-150 bucks(last year discounts). Thor phase 4 or oneal gear wouldn't be a bad way to go. I have a phase 4 outfit and it has held up well, I would buy the new core 5 or AC 5 if I could afford it! If I was going to get any braces I would go with EVS, though they can be expensive. For the goggles I would go with spy or pro grip (I use pro grip right now) light sensitive goggles. You will want to get a good gear bag too. You COULD buy a big school bag from walmart but I would go with one designed specificaly for the sport (70-150$ depending on size and brand)... it just makes life easier! I use a no fear bag, but I am not real impressed with the storage in this particular model. They do make great bags though. I've had it for more than a year and a half and it looks brand new. I just wish I had gone a little bigger (and with wheels)!

You should probably look into getting all the protection you can on your bike (IE pipe gaurd (40), caliper gaurds(20$), brake disc gaurds(25$) ect.) You will most definetly break stuff anyways, but the more protection the better!

My estimate is about 5-6000 to start off with a KDX and more for the more expensive bikes. It is expensive to start this sport, especially racing, but most of these things last a long time so the biggest price tag is getting started.

It will probably take AT LEAST a year to get your bike set-up just the way you want it (based on money and testing time), but there is nothing sweeter than having your bike set-up perfect for the way YOU ride (power and egronomics).

Good Luck,
Tom

edit**
A uni-air filter or twin air filter is a must. do the airbox mod too (you can remove the lid or drill it to get more flow and add to low-end response/power)

All the prices I've listed are average list prices some can and will be cheaper or more exphensive.

 

[Jim G]

Check out "click link">Distric 7 enduros for alot of good info. Also shoot me an email, I can help get you started with the
D-7/ECEA enduros.

 

[dirtfreak]

dougjc-

If you're looking for some good bike shops in MD, here are a few:

JT Motorsports in Frederick-- don't know exactly where in Frederick, could anybody tell him the address? (by the way, they're a Kawasaki dealer)

C&L Cycle Shop-- 1526 Liberty Rd., Eldersburg (410)-795-3780

Dutrow's Honda-- in Frederick somewhere, could somebody tell him the address if they know it??

D&D Cycles-- 838 Main St., Hampstead (410)-374-0910

Fredericktown Yamaha-- Grove Rd. & Rt.355, Frederick (301)-663-8333

JP Motorsports-- 121A Old Bachmans Valley Rd., Westminster
(410)-876-0800

Pete's Cycle-- 7511 Belair Rd., Baltimore (410)-663-8556
344 Belair Rd., Bel Air (410)-879-3586
800 Ritchie Hwy., Severna Park (410)-647-5880

All these are in Md.

Hope This Helps-- dirtfreak

 

[skabeeb]

Welcome to the fun and extreme life of enduro riding!!
I started riding enduros last year when I turned 41 and started on an XR400 (now it's a wr426).

The most imprtant thing is to get hooked up with some guys who are experienced riders. From them you will learn proper riding positions, how to pace yourself and most importantly you will need these freinds to motivate you when the going gets tough!
I can't say enough about the guys I ride enduros with here in Florida. If it weren't for them I would have never made it this far and I'm having the most fun of my life!!
You will want to ride on the same row with someone who has a computer so all you have to do is remember not to pass them and you'll be OK. But don't worry about that because you are probably a long way from that issue.

At your (and my) age it's very imprtant to have yourself properly hydrated and ventiled or you could be severly injured with heat stroke (or worse).
Get a subscription to Trail Rider and read, read, read.

 

[Nevada Sixx]

dont forget that going riding is more than riding around,, i'd be sure to have stuff at your truck to make life enjoyable, like a your lawn chair, a cooler, something to shade you like a pop up tent, wet cloth to wipe mud off your face and neck and clean off hands, maybe even a bicycle to take you to other parts of the pits. You may not have to ride a whole 60 miles before you get back to camp as you may go around and around the same trails and can just stop on a givin lap,,,,but be ready for sore thighs, lower back, and hands,,so maybe you can work those out a bit more. alot of riders take asprin before the race,, anyway,, good luck.

 

[YZ250Guy]

One place to check is www.nvtr.org They are an organization that has club events in the area. For example there is a Spring trail ride http://www.nvtr.org/trailride/index.html that sound like what you are looking for. I am also new at this (I just bought a YZ250 that I am getting ready to ride in the woods with). NVTR has a place to ride 10 miles west of Winchester so it is not too far from you. If you get a bike before the event or just want someone to ride with then just send me an e-mail. John [email protected]