Auckland - Dualsport day at the sandpit.

[paddy]

Ok, so this saturday, who is coming?

Ahhh... bother. That was yesterday.

[rogerh]

Was good. Many thanks to Chris for showing us how it all works. Would have been a bit painful for a beginner with out him.

It is a great bunch of tracks though. Took my 11 year old son, and he had a great time. I have to say it is an excellent place to improve technical riding skills. When we both left at about 4:30 we were two very knackered campers! And I have been reminded about muscles I have not used in some time. The 640 was fine on most tracks and by the end of the day, my son on an older YZ80 had picked up the pace to the point where keeping up on the 640 was pretty exciting.

Highly recommended for skills practice, and although I do not really like riding in sand myself I still enjoyed it heaps, but going with someone who knows the tracks and the place in general the first time is very worthwhile. Bit of a haul from Hamilton, but certainly worth it, particularly for my son.

The easy tracks are not really that easy for a beginner rider, or for heavier bikes, as they are mostly pretty deep sand. The enduro ones are actually easier, as they are a bit firmer surface, but the contour is a bit more challenging, and there are a few ruts and roots to contend with, but nothing too bad if you pick your line and keep the speed down until you get the hang of it.

Recommended. Son wants to plan the next trip already.

[.chris]

Was good. Many thanks to Chris for showing us how it all works. Would have been a bit painful for a beginner with out him.

It is a great bunch of tracks though. Took my 11 year old son, and he had a great time. I have to say it is an excellent place to improve technical riding skills. When we both left at about 4:30 we were two very knackered campers! And I have been reminded about muscles I have not used in some time. The 640 was fine on most tracks and by the end of the day, my son on an older YZ80 had picked up the pace to the point where keeping up on the 640 was pretty exciting.

Highly recommended for skills practice, and although I do not really like riding in sand myself I still enjoyed it heaps, but going with someone who knows the tracks and the place in general the first time is very worthwhile. Bit of a haul from Hamilton, but certainly worth it, particularly for my son.

The easy tracks are not really that easy for a beginner rider, or for heavier bikes, as they are mostly pretty deep sand. The enduro ones are actually easier, as they are a bit firmer surface, but the contour is a bit more challenging, and there are a few ruts and roots to contend with, but nothing too bad if you pick your line and keep the speed down until you get the hang of it.

Recommended. Son wants to plan the next trip already.

Glad you and you son enjoyed it. He sure seemed to enjoy that 2nd loop.

Will have to organise another DS day at the sandpit sometime when there are a few more people around.

Feeling the pain myself, my shoulders are pretty sore today, was partly from the ride, and part from pulling the bike apart to put the new rack on.

[rogerh]

Feeling the pain myself, my shoulders are pretty sore today, was partly from the ride, and part from pulling the bike apart to put the new rack on.

It was the ride! Better be, or I am a very sad case.

5th time round the loop Alex was getting pretty quick. Not sure he was fully in control, but he was moving! He also liked some of the tracks further north. We ended up doing quite a few k's during the day.

I would be along for the next one if I can, and again thanks heaps.