Off Road Motorcycle riding fun – the dirt speaks for itself!

Yesterday I headed up North to enjoy my other favourite form of motorcycling, off-roading! It's as simple as that, getting off the street and riding on trails, off the road. Riding through the woods, sliding around loose dirt corners and accelerating over jumps is incredible fun! And it's the jumps I personally can't get enough of! It's the kind of motorcycling which is full of fearless fun and gettin' dirty!

Off road riding never requires good weather or roads; in fact the worst conditions are usually sought accenting the - challenge! The bike gives you lots of feedback as it shakes and wiggles beneath you. The handlebars move around constantly from the terrain and sometimes, as is in my case, the seat comes up behind you and whacks you a good one on the rear!(riding over a log for example) You relax your grip and let go of all that mental jibber-jabber visualizing that it's you, you are the "being" with the knobby tyres riding over those chunky rocks!

It was when I moved to the Caribbean I started riding duo sport and off road motorcycles. There really was no other choice as a paved road was a challenge to find. The island of St. Maarten was accessed namely by gravel roads or dirt - not conducive to the usual fun sought on a sport bike. On the French side of the island, St. Martin, the motorcycle club built a track on the beach it was all sand- deep sand! I tried it often but seemed to always get buried - too challenging and heavy for my abilities- then. There was a lot of local rider talent to be found on that island! I recall the president of the bike club (I was also a member) could literally ride the entire island on the back wheel of his Honda XLR500 – the longest wheelie I've seen- to date!

It’s a given in dirt riding that you fall, pick yourself up and do it again. And here's where I like to bring into play “guy” mentality -minimal thinking, more doing. It's that mindset of fearing a fall that creates a mental set back. Of course the bike can get out from underneath you and yes you are not free from danger. It was two years ago now I fell wrong and the handlebar went into my ribs resulting in two small fractures. But it's the spills which are great fodder for laughs and après off road stories! The bikes are designed to take abuse as is the special moto-gear required - you'll not see a rider without full gear. It’s a rough and tumble sport that’s super fun, physical and totally skill enhancing! I've always likened motorcycling to skiing-and off road riding even more so. As in skiing (or snowboarding), when you fall, you learn. I’ve had some days though, where I fell so repeatedly, it was exhausting! It's hard work especially as the day moves on-  picking up that motorcycle!

Getting dirty is such a fun part of it –so I challenged the women riding with me with a prize for the rider who ended up being the dirtiest! Stipulating language didn't count!  The prize went to Nancy who lost it in a corner and in the midst of a huge puddle! In my case, the day was evident when I removed my helmet - a dirt brown moustache! (Sweeping in back of the group ensures eating a lot of dust!)

Ah yes, my moustache, mud covered boots and a few bruises - the proud souvenirs of an exhilarating day where not just riding through challenging terrain and improving 'trick riding' skills is enough -  it's the fact of getting dirty- the proud tell-tale signs of a day spent off-roading! Come join us next time!

Field Full of Girls on Motorcycles

Field Full of Girls on Motorcycles

It rained most of the day but did that stop the fun had by all during the SCORRA Ladies Only off road training day--absolutely not! In fact, that's one of the great things about riding off road the weather doesn't really matter.

SCORRA (Simcoe County off Road Riders Association) invited me to assist with their first ever “Women's only training day”. It was about a month ago (already!) and I was one of five female instructors bringing this new program to women of the Simcoe off road region. The other female instructors were members of SCORRA and also talented riders extraordinaire with championships to their names in hare scrambles, trials and mountain biking—yes I picked up a few “tricks of the trade” for myself.

Nearly 30 women of all ages participated in this carefully planned curriculum-- an entire day of challenging activities all intended to improve rider ability. But more importantly-- build confidence. Layouts weaving riders through pylons, rear wheel lock up braking manoeuvres to manage rear wheel slides, riding over “table tops”, hopping over logs and getting through slippery dirt corners in full stand up stance--it was a total training package, all for the fee of $40. lunch included!

You really couldn't have asked for more.

At the wrap up of the day, women concluded; they wanted more—so there's talk of a follow up in September. SCORRA is intent on affecting an increase of the number of women riders participating in off roading and making the activity more inviting [to women] by offering up skills.

Have you tried off road riding yet?
If not I've got to warn you—you will …fall in love.

WOMEN BLAZING TRAILS FOR A CAUSE

Already a few weeks ago, 4 October (I really don’t know where time goes), early Ontario Saturday morning—I joined up with about twenty other enthusiastic women trail riders and their motorcycles. We gathered for our riders meeting which would set off the fifth annual fundraiser--“Megs Ride”.

THANK YOU MOTORESS SUPPORTERS —your contributions helped MEGS RIDE exceed goals! This “women’s only” event is hosted by Ontario’s Northumberland Trail Riders Club (NTR) with the purpose of raising funds for the Northumberland Chemo Clinic in honour of their member, Meg Thorburn. Meg’s been battling a rare form of cancer called leiomyosarcoma (currently in remission). This year the club had to finance the ride themselves as previous sponsors couldn't assist—but still succeeded in doubling the amount raised in 2007, exceeding their grand total goal of $35,000.

The trails were laid out by NTR members throughout the Northumberland Forest just outside of Centreton Ontario—the men are usually busy with the logistics supporting the women for this ride. A big “shout out” to the fine fellows in attendance (though not allowed to ride) —great to make your acquaintance! The route took us through nearly 90 kilometres, a full morning and afternoon of terrain that off road riders dream about. The routes were shown by either orange (basic experience level) or pink (more challenging level) arrows, taking riders up hills, and down again, through open space bush lined gravel trails. We rode over fallen trees, stacked logs, rocks and washed out ground as a result of this season’s record breaking rainfall. Lunch was served mid day at a clearing halfway through the woods—indeed that warm soup went down well, it was only 13 degrees, only felt when stopped of course.

BMW Motorrad Canada provided me with a 2009 “just out of the crate” BMW G450X—their enduro /motocross model which was awesome to ride. Light handling, smooth and plenty torque---"oh la la" reminding me it had been two seasons since my last true off road adventure. The G450X was a wee bit on the high side for me, some management required to climb aboard, but really a non-issue especially after making suspension adjustments. And you know, off-road riding has really no traffic pressure worries, so having both feet on the ground isn't so relevant to your riding control. You don’t have to remain between lines or stop at designated markings--your usual road riding concerns disappear. It’s just you, the woods--oh yes, and scurrying chipmunks along with the occasional rabbit and fellow riders. Initially I thought the bikes weight to be no trouble, its only 120 kg (dry weight) or 265 lbs. But later discovered I did need help getting out of a few falls especially the manner in which the bike ended up on the ground-super fun-ny! Admittedly, I’m still taking care of the broken back that occurred last year, so wasn’t going to take any chances where’s that concerned.

We could not have asked for a better day--a perfect sunny Canadian Autumn ride staged amidst a colourful forest backdrop; accompanied by the fabulous camaraderie of the NTR club riders/members. Hope you’ll join us next year!

Special thanks to Kevin Virag for being there and capturing us in his lens.

TODAY’S RED RIDING HOOD—WOMEN MOTORCYCLE TRAIL RIDERS

Yesterday I had the pleasure of enjoying a visit with the Northumberland Trail Rider’s Club (the name taken after their location) annual general meeting upon their invitation. It was an informal gathering which allowed me to become more acquainted with the members and meet more women off road riders or trail riders, the term used in this case. Canada being such a vast land is as you can imagine, is amazing to explore via an off road motorcycle. This club, like other off road clubs, ensures these opportunities continue to exist for enthusiasts and host many events.

The meeting and discussions of upcoming events got my dirt riding and trail riding desires all a flowing--off roading is such a blast. Sadly I left my divine Husqvarna 2stroke 250 behind in NL--actually sold it to the importer because it was one that was originally from Sweden. I believe he wanted it for his collection. I loved the thing—bit noisy but certainly spunky and light.

We also discussed more methods of enticing additional interest by women to off roading—the renowned fund raiser ride the club initiated called MEG’S Ride has certainly added much awareness for women trail riders over its past near 6 years of activity.

During RaceGirl days in The Netherlands I hosted and coached off road days inclusive lessons, bike, gear and dirt on your face to wear home--these were a big hit. Once you learn the skills of riding on varied terrain and their affects on the motorcycle, the sliding of the back wheel for dirt turns, going airborne after throttling over small hills, etc. your street riding and road racing skills increase greatly not failing to mention the “fall off get back on factor”—it ain’t as bad as it seems! That’s why I originally started riding off road--not only for increased motorcycling pleasure but to enhance my racing abilities—plus its great for off season training. Off roading/trail riding is a great work out and for any motorcycle enthusiast, a super fun activity to keep you in shape!

A well known avid enthusiast at the meeting Sue Cannell, involved in numerous trail and off road clubs, informed me of a two day trail ride bordering the edge of Ontario’s most famous parks, Algonquin—one of my most favourite Northern Toronto wilderness locations from way back. Am pretty sure I’ll be joining in on this one! And some of the Northumberland events too!

Yes, the trip to grandmother’s house nowadays is done by women motorcycle trail riders of the forests—no chance for the big bad wolf!