Want to do some off road riding, need to know where to start

[chocobo_ff]

I've been thinking I need to do something fun and not as crazy as riding in the stupid Auckland traffic :argh:, and so been looking at doing some off road riding for a while. I am struggling to find some good, beginner-friendly info on this though. There's tons of info on things like how to maintain bikes etc, but I think I need something a bit more basic... heck, I don't really know what questions to ask, so be good if someone can point me in the right direction (e.g. a website or something). I know how to ride on the road (not going to claim I'd the best rider in the world but hey...), just never been off the road before.

I'm thinking of going to the Sandpit sometime seeing as they have bikes for rent, although not sure how suitable that would be for a complete beginner? And does anyone know if I can rent gear there as well or would I need to prepare my own?

Oh and I'm about 90 (towards the end of the week) to 95kg (after a good weekend), so thinking maybe a 250? Or maybe a KDX200 as many have already recommended on KB... :D

Thanks!

[flyingcr250]

I've been thinking I need to do something fun and not as crazy as riding in the stupid Auckland traffic :argh:, and so been looking at doing some off road riding for a while. I am struggling to find some good, beginner-friendly info on this though. There's tons of info on things like how to maintain bikes etc, but I think I need something a bit more basic... heck, I don't really know what questions to ask, so be good if someone can point me in the right direction (e.g. a website or something). I know how to ride on the road (not going to claim I'd the best rider in the world but hey...), just never been off the road before.

I'm thinking of going to the Sandpit sometime seeing as they have bikes for rent, although not sure how suitable that would be for a complete beginner? And does anyone know if I can rent gear there as well or would I need to prepare my own?

Oh and I'm about 90 (towards the end of the week) to 95kg (after a good weekend), so thinking maybe a 250? Or maybe a KDX200 as many have already recommended on KB... :D

Thanks!

if i was going to rent a bike and ride for the very first time i would give james at thunder park a call theres a kiddies track and a not so difficult b-loop thats lots of fun. does anyone have his number???? im pretty sure hes opening up this weekend too.......

[xen]

if i was going to rent a bike and ride for the very first time i would give james at thunder park a call theres a kiddies track and a not so difficult b-loop thats lots of fun. does anyone have his number???? im pretty sure hes opening up this weekend too.......


+1 will be easier than sand to learn on although won't be fully dry yet??
No. is 233 3117, will be there this weekend :rockon:

Can recommend the kdx, was my first bike and was good to learn on

[chocobo_ff]

+1 will be easier than sand to learn on although won't be fully dry yet??
No. is 233 3117, will be there this weekend :rockon:

Can recommend the kdx, was my first bike and was good to learn on

Thought part of the fun is to get wet/dirty? :lol: (don't think that'll help with the learning process though)

[flyingcr250]

Thought part of the fun is to get wet/dirty? :lol: (don't think that'll help with the learning process though)

it should be sweet this weekend, the metservice says its ment to be mint weather till monday, so most of the track would be damp/dry with the usual bog holes.......

[L Rider]

Thunder is a good place to learn - i went around & around the keds/learners track - so much easier than bloody sand which finally i'm now starting to enjoy riding in.

How much of the B Loop is actually left? I had heard it had gone but you could still do half of it by going through some gate somewhere???
Does anyone know?
There's no way i could do the A loop yet & no way wud i attempt the mx track & think now i'd get bored spending all day on the learners.

[chocobo_ff]

Cool will give James at thunder park a call sometime then - does anyone know how much it is to rent bike/gear etc there?

[Reckless]

if i was going to rent a bike and ride for the very first time i would give james at thunder park a call theres a kiddies track and a not so difficult b-loop thats lots of fun. does anyone have his number???? im pretty sure hes opening up this weekend too.......

Last time I was there the New MX track has taken the B loop out.
Although we still got to it by opening and closing the gate at the bottom of the drive up to the learners track. And riding the B till it got back to the Learners track. I'm not sure if we where allowed but it was a great little loop for the learners we had. So there is options.

PS Thunder is good to learn at and he has good bikes and all the gear!

[Reckless]

oh by the way just called and it opens today!!!
And you are allowed to do the B loop I described.
His boy said its still pretty wet down there though!!

Cheers all!

[B0000M]

Thought part of the fun is to get wet/dirty? :lol: (don't think that'll help with the learning process though)

yea, it is part of the fun, however on your first go, wet & dirty = a day of falling off and picking a bike up whilst slipping over at the same time.

your best to go out a few times to get the hang of the off road terrain before trying in the wet. you might as well forget the majority of what you know about riding road bikes on the dirt.

most importantly - HAVE FUN!!

[K6K]

I've been thinking I need to do something fun and not as crazy as riding in the stupid Auckland traffic :argh:, and so been looking at doing some off road riding for a while. I am struggling to find some good, beginner-friendly info on this though. There's tons of info on things like how to maintain bikes etc, but I think I need something a bit more basic... heck, I don't really know what questions to ask, so be good if someone can point me in the right direction (e.g. a website or something). I know how to ride on the road (not going to claim I'd the best rider in the world but hey...), just never been off the road before.

I'm thinking of going to the Sandpit sometime seeing as they have bikes for rent, although not sure how suitable that would be for a complete beginner? And does anyone know if I can rent gear there as well or would I need to prepare my own?

Oh and I'm about 90 (towards the end of the week) to 95kg (after a good weekend), so thinking maybe a 250? Or maybe a KDX200 as many have already recommended on KB... :D

Thanks!

I don't think you will regret trying the dirt...I was on road bikes for years and since starting on the dirt 18 months ago I have hardly had the time to be on the road as I am on the dirt every chance I get! I have just sold off my GSXR to by a new dirt bike so I won't be on the road anymore either. Give me a PM if you want any advice on transitioning from road to dirt. Good luck!


+1 will be easier than sand to learn on although won't be fully dry yet??
No. is 233 3117, will be there this weekend :rockon:

Can recommend the kdx, was my first bike and was good to learn on

I still have not been down to thunder..been meaning to for ages. Supposed to be at the sandpit one day this weekend but that does leave one day spare... What day are you down there Xen?

[chocobo_ff]

I don't think you will regret trying the dirt...I was on road bikes for years and since starting on the dirt 18 months ago I have hardly had the time to be on the road as I am on the dirt every chance I get! I have just sold off my GSXR to by a new dirt bike so I won't be on the road anymore either. Give me a PM if you want any advice on transitioning from road to dirt. Good luck!

Where did you learn to ride K6K?

Will have to find a day to go down to Thundercross Valley sometime... busy this weekend so hopefully it stays dry next week, can't wait :rockon:

Thanks for the suggestions guys!

[xen]

I still have not been down to thunder..been meaning to for ages. Supposed to be at the sandpit one day this weekend but that does leave one day spare... What day are you down there Xen?

Will be there sunday with tom & jt

[Midget200]

I've been thinking I need to do something fun and not as crazy as riding in the stupid Auckland traffic :argh:, and so been looking at doing some off road riding for a while. I am struggling to find some good, beginner-friendly info on this though. There's tons of info on things like how to maintain bikes etc, but I think I need something a bit more basic... heck, I don't really know what questions to ask, so be good if someone can point me in the right direction (e.g. a website or something). I know how to ride on the road (not going to claim I'd the best rider in the world but hey...), just never been off the road before.

I'm thinking of going to the Sandpit sometime seeing as they have bikes for rent, although not sure how suitable that would be for a complete beginner? And does anyone know if I can rent gear there as well or would I need to prepare my own?

Oh and I'm about 90 (towards the end of the week) to 95kg (after a good weekend), so thinking maybe a 250? Or maybe a KDX200 as many have already recommended on KB... :D

Thanks!

Yeah the Sandpit is another option with the hire bike! There's a small track by the carpark which is cool to learn on! If you Google The Kawasaki Sandpit, or talk on here to KTM Boy I'm sure he'd be happy giving you a few pointers! The sand is okay at the moment. Went out there today and there's huge puddles around, the sand is still wet! It would be great to learn there. How many times I've been told if you can ride sand you can ride anything! Lots of friendly people out there on Saturdays and Sundays as well. I think Tony has some spare boots and gear as well!

[Rupe]

Yeah the Sandpit is another option with the hire bike! There's a small track by the carpark which is cool to learn on! If you Google The Kawasaki Sandpit, or talk on here to KTM Boy I'm sure he'd be happy giving you a few pointers! The sand is okay at the moment. Went out there today and there's huge puddles around, the sand is still wet! It would be great to learn there. How many times I've been told if you can ride sand you can ride anything! Lots of friendly people out there on Saturdays and Sundays as well. I think Tony has some spare boots and gear as well!

Yep, I really don't see what the bid deal is with sand. It's easy to ride at the moment and if you go in the week it's near empty. Thave a kdx to hire which is fine to learn on, and the staff can tell you some great, safe, easy tracks to cruise round on. Thunder is great to, but if you go on your own and get a bit lost you can easily end up in a bog or slippery hill which will just piss you off if you are trying to get to grips with it.

[K6K]

Will be there sunday with tom & jt

Ok hopefully make it down, I'll see how I go on Sat at the Sandpit....I struggled fitness wise at the two man last weekend so getting some 'sand' time in is a must.


Where did you learn to ride K6K?

Will have to find a day to go down to Thundercross Valley sometime... busy this weekend so hopefully it stays dry next week, can't wait :rockon:

Thanks for the suggestions guys!

I had a go on a friends bike at the sandpit first and got my own bike a week or so later. My first real ride was at Kimmys on the enduro loop which is probably not the best for a first ride. After that I just went to charity farm trail rides for a while which are very friendly to beginners. Because you are coming from a road background you will have an advantage in that you will have the mechanics of riding a bike down. The problem will be that there will be a lot of road riding habits that you will really need to avoid on the dirt. I probably left it way too late but earlier this year I got some coaching from Chris Birch. The improvement in my riding from just a 2 hour session was huge. I would recommend riding for at least 3 or 4 weekends (get confident on the bike) then booking in for a session with Chris.

[SpikedPunch]

For serious off roading what you really want is a golden chocobo, it'll take you over over any terrain, might wanna practise on a green or black one first.:sunny:

(Sorry, couldn't help it...KEWH!:Oops:)

Thunder and the Sandpit are both really good! Sandpit has a KDX to hire so if you're seriously looking at that bike would be a good op to give it a proper test ride.

[L Rider]

oh by the way just called and it opens today!!!
And you are allowed to do the B loop I described.
His boy said its still pretty wet down there though!!

Cheers all!

Awesum thanks for that - least there are options for us learners still:woohoo:

[chocobo_ff]

...
I would recommend riding for at least 3 or 4 weekends (get confident on the bike) then booking in for a session with Chris.
Sounds like a good plan, I thought about contacting him but wasn't sure whether it's worth the money/time without going for a few rides first, something on the to-do list then :D


For serious off roading what you really want is a golden chocobo, it'll take you over over any terrain, might wanna practise on a green or black one first.:sunny:

Lol, don't even get me started on that :laugh:



Thunder and the Sandpit are both really good! Sandpit has a KDX to hire so if you're seriously looking at that bike would be a good op to give it a proper test ride.

I was looking at the Sandpit because it's slightly closer and had more info that I could look up on the net, but will do some calling around in the next few days and go from there I guess!

[Ktmboy]

Yep, I really don't see what the bid deal is with sand. It's easy to ride at the moment and if you go in the week it's near empty. Thave a kdx to hire which is fine to learn on, and the staff can tell you some great, safe, easy tracks to cruise round on. Thunder is great to, but if you go on your own and get a bit lost you can easily end up in a bog or slippery hill which will just piss you off if you are trying to get to grips with it.

Ahhh, thanks for that Rupe. Saved me story, but I'll tell it anyway.

Its like anything, wrong place, wrong time, wrong bike, wrong gear and wrong information.

Most who have trouble learning to ride sand tend to try when its summertime and the sand is dry and deep. At this time of year, winter,its easier to ride sand than to be skating on your butt every 2 minutes in the mud, hence wrong time and place.

Some use a friends bike or are wrongfully advised and buy their first bike
which is often not set up correctly(add, dunga) for the type of riding they are going to be doing e.g the set up for sand is quite different to hard packed clay. Hence wrong bike and gear.

Lastly a few words of advice for a beginner goes a long way. If someone(chop, myself) was to spend 2 hours with you on your first day I bet that we would advance your skill level within that day to that of someone that has been riding sand for a month or 3.

Our KDX is set up for Woodhill and I'm quite happy to arrange for someone, if not myself, time permitting, to spend a bit of time teaching the basics of off road riding. We literally have a few hundred that learn to ride sand every year.

[chocobo_ff]

Ahhh, thanks for that Rupe. Saved me story, but I'll tell it anyway.

Its like anything, wrong place, wrong time, wrong bike, wrong gear and wrong information.

Most who have trouble learning to ride sand tend to try when its summertime and the sand is dry and deep. At this time of year, winter,its easier to ride sand than to be skating on your butt every 2 minutes in the mud, hence wrong time and place.

Some use a friends bike or are wrongfully advised and buy their first bike
which is often not set up correctly(add, dunga) for the type of riding they are going to be doing e.g the set up for sand is quite different to hard packed clay. Hence wrong bike and gear.

Lastly a few words of advice for a beginner goes a long way. If someone(chop, myself) was to spend 2 hours with you on your first day I bet that we would advance your skill level within that day to that of someone that has been riding sand for a month or 3.

Our KDX is set up for Woodhill and I'm quite happy to arrange for someone, if not myself, time permitting, to spend a bit of time teaching the basics of off road riding. We literally have a few hundred that learn to ride sand every year.

Thanks for the info Ktmboy. At the moment I'm thinking of probably going next Wednesday/Thursday, what's the availability of your KDX like during the week? Reason I'm thinking of going during the week is obviously less people, so I won't get in the way as often and probably easier to get one of you guys to give me some tips :rolleyes:

Oh and do you guys have any protective gear I can rent?

[Rupe]

Thanks for the info Ktmboy. At the moment I'm thinking of probably going next Wednesday/Thursday, what's the availability of your KDX like during the week? Reason I'm thinking of going during the week is obviously less people, so I won't get in the way as often and probably easier to get one of you guys to give me some tips :rolleyes:

Oh and do you guys have any protective gear I can rent?

If you get the chance to get some pointers/help on your first outing fromkymboy or chop it would really help you to have a good day. Take it if it's offered.

[Ktmboy]

Thanks for the info Ktmboy. At the moment I'm thinking of probably going next Wednesday/Thursday, what's the availability of your KDX like during the week? Reason I'm thinking of going during the week is obviously less people, so I won't get in the way as often and probably easier to get one of you guys to give me some tips :rolleyes:

Oh and do you guys have any protective gear I can rent?

Give Louise a ring in the office during the day. basic gear at this stage depending on size. Boots, helmet, goggles and gloves are the main.

Even though there can be more peps there during the weekend its never crowded and you will still feel lonely out on the tracks.

[chocobo_ff]

If you get the chance to get some pointers/help on your first outing fromkymboy or chop it would really help you to have a good day. Take it if it's offered.

Yep, which is why I'm thinking of going during the week when it's a bit quieter, then hopefully they'll have more time to get me started :D

[chocobo_ff]

Give Louise a ring in the office during the day. basic gear at this stage depending on size. Boots, helmet, goggles and gloves are the main.


Thanks, will do that tomorrow sometime. I actually emailed you guys this afternoon but a phone call is probably quicker anyway :done:

[Midget200]

Thanks, will do that tomorrow sometime. I actually emailed you guys this afternoon but a phone call is probably quicker anyway :done:

There's quite a big group of people out at The Sandpit on Wednesdays that can keep you company, it's 'Girl Wednesday'. Yesterday there were quite a few guys as well, and a couple that hadn't ridden much! Maybe we'll see you out there. Yeah pointers from people who know what they're talking about is awesome!

[chocobo_ff]

There's quite a big group of people out at The Sandpit on Wednesdays that can keep you company, it's 'Girl Wednesday'. Yesterday there were quite a few guys as well, and a couple that hadn't ridden much! Maybe we'll see you out there. Yeah pointers from people who know what they're talking about is awesome!

Cool, I plan on going next Wednesday depending on weather, so if you see a chubby-ish Asian guy on a rental bike that keeps falling off, that would be me :doh:

[tommorth]

the sandpit is wicked dureing the week trails are all freshly groomed ready to carve up and theres hardly anyone there . Hardly ever see anyone there on the trails even when the carparks packed though.

[chocobo_ff]

the sandpit is wicked dureing the week trails are all freshly groomed ready to carve up and theres hardly anyone there . Hardly ever see anyone there on the trails even when the carparks packed though.

Went out and bought myself some gear, now I'm covered head to toe, and have booked a KDX200 at the Sandpit for Wednesday, so will be there rain and shine! :rockon:

[SpikedPunch]

Awesome, good luck! And have fun :)

[little.whittle]

Thundercross has drz's for hire and thats a good place but the sand bit the best =]

[Rupe]

Went out and bought myself some gear, now I'm covered head to toe, and have booked a KDX200 at the Sandpit for Wednesday, so will be there rain and shine! :rockon:

how'd it go?

[chocobo_ff]

Great, had lots of fun and met lots of great people (Girl Wednesday). Didn't quite expect it to be THAT much work though... sore all over at the moment :doh:

Probably won't be getting a bike for a few months though, I did JUST get a Hornet not too long ago, so someone won't be happy if I get another bike so soon :sweatdrop plan at the moment is to stick with renting a bike every few weeks while I do some research and see what I want to get in the mean time.

And need to convince my road riding buddy to join me at the Sandpit next time!

[cave weta]

All this talk about Thunder Park ! - he doesnt ever grace our screens on here does he?

and do you know where you can hire a selection of 11 bikes from 150cc to 525cc with hire gear and ride some of the countrys best tracks and explore abandoned gold mines and get free coaching?
Even ride your bike underground?
141808

[jt119]

All this talk about Thunder Park ! - he doesnt ever grace our screens on here does he?

and do you know where you can hire a selection of 11 bikes from 150cc to 525cc with hire gear and ride some of the countrys best tracks and explore abandoned gold mines and get free coaching?
Even ride your bike underground?
141808ya at thunder park lol

[cave weta]

ya at thunder park lol

Duh- think about it before you type it !
And countrys best tracks!- James's place is just a farm with the gates left open!

Go here (www.rankers.co.nz/experiences/1869-Over_The_Top_Adventures?ref=1869-Over_The_Top_Adventures) to read some of the feedback my rides get from people who ride all over the world.

[flyingcr250]

Duh- think about it before you type it !
And countrys best tracks!- James's place is just a farm with the gates left open!

Go here (www.rankers.co.nz/experiences/1869-Over_The_Top_Adventures?ref=1869-Over_The_Top_Adventures) to read some of the feedback my rides get from people who ride all over the world.

i recognise that bridge form neavsville. whens your next tour? id be keen to ride through the old gold mines and tunnels etc...

[cave weta]

i recognise that bridge form neavsville. whens your next tour? id be keen to ride through the old gold mines and tunnels etc...

Ive got some ausies coming on the 25th- its a friday though. Me n Dafyyd will be giving them the full treatment! you are welcome to come along.
bookings are starting to come in almost daily again now the weather is perking up.

141814

[flyingcr250]

Ive got some ausies coming on the 25th- its a friday though. Me n Dafyyd will be giving them the full treatment! you are welcome to come along.
bookings are starting to come in almost daily again now the weather is perking up.

141814

yea id be keen for that. flick me a pm with the details, price etc....

[Midget200]

Great, had lots of fun and met lots of great people (Girl Wednesday). Didn't quite expect it to be THAT much work though... sore all over at the moment :doh:

Probably won't be getting a bike for a few months though, I did JUST get a Hornet not too long ago, so someone won't be happy if I get another bike so soon :sweatdrop plan at the moment is to stick with renting a bike every few weeks while I do some research and see what I want to get in the mean time.

And need to convince my road riding buddy to join me at the Sandpit next time!

Chocobo, you did great, we all thought you rocked! Sell one of the road bikes, go on! I'm sure if you do that your wife won't mind! Bring her along, she'd love it! See the sand wasn't that bad really was it? Now there's been a bit of rain you should go out and see how much fun it is!

[chocobo_ff]

Chocobo, you did great, we all thought you rocked! Sell one of the road bikes, go on! I'm sure if you do that your wife won't mind! Bring her along, she'd love it! See the sand wasn't that bad really was it? Now there's been a bit of rain you should go out and see how much fun it is!

Thanks Midget85, great meeting you guys! We had a good chat about that, and (surprisingly) she seems happy for me to get another bike as long as long as I'm sure we can make ends meet. That said, my dad seems to be keen to take the Yamaha off my hands as he want to get his licence, so one of them *might* go after all.

I see what people mean by the sand can be hard to learn on, but it was great fun, learnt a great deal on Wednesday and definitely don't regret it. Best thing I found out though, because the sand's so soft, it didn't really hurt when I did that superman dive... good thing it was at the learners track so no one saw that :shit:

Now need to do some research on what I want to get!