On this recent BDR trip I was thinking about hosting a ride/practice session for driving over obstacles. I’ve benefitted over the last couple of years from a comprehensive training plan that I call “driving over stuff.”
It’s pretty simple! Our bikes are always more capable than we are. It is fun to buy parts and modify things, but at the end of the day our riding skills are almost always the missing link between where we are now and where we would like to be. The benefit of practicing technical skills on a big bike is that it allows us to travel and explore on a big bike with confidence.
Suggested ride/practice structure would be to take easy pavement or smooth gravel roads to one of several practice areas. There we would be able to practice low speed obstacle skills with group support and encouragement. I believe this can be accessible for any rider who is competent enough to ride to the practice area, since the challenge can easily be adjusted according to the rider. I’d like to encourage anyone who feels new or intimidated by the size and weight of their bike to attend.
I am not an expert by any means, just an enthusiastic learner. I’d like to create a cooperative skill share environment for this event where we can aid and assist one another in improving. The hope is that this allows people to assume some engagement and responsibility in their own skill progression, which I believe translates to well founded self-awareness and confidence on the trail.
First question, is there group interest in an event like this?
Hey Michael - definitely interested and would love to join. Any opportunity for a newbie like me to be on the bike and learning is a win. Learned a ton from everyone on the trip and this would be a good continuation of it. Thanks for putting this out there!
Alright! We’ll call that critical mass since it helps to have at least 4 people for picking up big bikes without getting immediately exhausted, and as spotters.
Any preference for Sunday afternoon on the 14th or Saturday morning on the 20th?
Location will be Rampart range. Yes it’s a madhouse sometimes but we’ll mostly be in single areas close to the road not bombing around on trails having near head-ons with ATVs.
Good points all around. Let’s table the date for the moment, I’ll pick something further out in Oct/ early Nov for less conflicts.
Haven’t been to IMI yet but have wanted to look. I do really like the natural rock area and the new enduro skills areas at Rampart. Will try to get over to IMI in the near future to scope.
I’d be down. IMI is a great option, not sure how they’d feel about us rearranging their crap pile but it has rocks, logs, small tires, etc. I need to practice slow speed maneuvers as well.
As of now - works for me and I’m in. IMI does have an ‘obstacle’ section - small but has some logs, rocks, etc. Guessing Rich would know if that’s open to all or you would need permission? It’s hidden, but I rode it with an instructor there and can’t see anyone stopping you for accessing it.
There’s also a bunch of log obstacles and other stuff at Thunder Valley. I’ve done several coaching sessions there with Brett from Enduro Ranch there, and could ask him what’s available specifically. Let me know.
Date wise, I will be in Moab that week, so bummer!
