Getting into dirt biking

[BigDave]

Hi guys & gals,

I've been riding on the roads for a wee while now and I've kind of got the hankering to try some trail riding, etc for something a bit different but not sure where to start.

I've had a quick search & a google but can't seem to find any clubs or much info at all really. Do people generally use designated courses or is it ok to go off on trails in the country side and bush?

I'm in Auckland and any info or club details would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers for now,
Dave

[Fryin Finn]

Check out http://www.silverbullet.co.nzas they list plenty of Charity trail rides going on around the country - perfect events for your trailbiking future

[Crisis management]

Have a look at Woodhill (The Sandpit) as it is just up the road, they have a rental bike available as well if that is usefull and at this time of year its a great place to ride.

Don't go riding off road unless it is on your property or on a designated off road ride, that's how we manage to get kicked out of places to ride, have a look at the sticky "places to ride off road" at the top of the forum.

[K6K]

I started dirt biking last year, I had road bikes for 15 years prior so I was fine on transfering to dirt.. It didn't take long to get hooked! I think it is much more fun than riding on the rode....no cops, its more fun when it's slippery etc.
I got the bike, got the gear and started at Kimmys.
http://www.kimmys.co.nz/
Kimmy's enduro track is not the best place to start i think, one of the charity rides on silverbullet that is described as rolling country/farmland. Most of those rides are designed for families so they are pretty easy.
Once you get a little bit of experience you could try the sandpit at woodhill
http://www.thesandpit.co.nz/map1.html
I am not a fan of sand so I don't recommend it personally...
Good luck

[Midget200]

Definitely head out to the Sandpit for a look. I've been told if you can ride on sand you can ride anywhere! There's a group of us head out on a Wednesday, so you're more than welcome to join us! It's always fun meeting up with a few people to ride with as well! Sunday is another great day out there!

[Reckless]

I am not a fan of sand so I don't recommend it personally...
Good luck

Most people hate sand when they start (including me) but once you get used to it, its good! You could go to Thunder X as well. Good farm type riding! Plenty of trips with KBer's going to Thunder off and on posted on here!

[Taz]

I learn't to ride off road at the woodhill bike park. Once you learn to ride sand you can ride anything.

Waitemata motorcycle club is the one you want if you're going to join a club.

[BigDave]

Cheers for all the info guys, that's great. I've def got to scratch this itch so I'm going to give it a go before too long.

Thanks for the offer Midget, I'll prob take you up on that at some point, but my back went last week, so need to give it a couple of weeks off before jumping on a bike again

[Big Dave]

We try and keep the list of Trail Rides on the KR calender up to date.

http://www.kiwirider.co.nz/calendar.html

[cave weta]

I learn't to ride off road at the woodhill bike park. Once you learn to ride sand you can ride anything.

Ha ha! now that its raining you should all come to the Coromandel and have a dose of slippery wet clay! funny as hell watching someone else do it!

many times I see people on their hands and knees to get up a hill that ive just ridden their bike up!

have a look on my website for trail skills courses. I have days for all levels.
your bike or mine.

[cave weta]

I learn't to ride off road at the woodhill bike park. Once you learn to ride sand you can ride anything.

Ha ha! now that its raining you should all come to the Coromandel and have a dose of slippery wet clay! funny as hell watching someone else do it!

many times I see people on their hands and knees to get up a hill that ive just had to ride their bike up!

have a look on my website for trail skills courses. I have days for all levels.
your bike or mine.

[BM-GS]

Keep an eye on here to see what's coming up, check silverbullet, Waitemata MCC, Rodney MCC and there's always Woodhill, Kimmys, etc.

See DirtRider Downunder (DRD) magazine for stuff coming up, hints & tips, etc.

Getting a bike is the tricky bit, as once you've tried it, you'll be hooked! 2-stroke, or 4-stroke? Is 250cc enough? How much do you have to spend on gear?

Good gear, like on the road, obviously. 2T or 4T is down to personal preference, but 250cc is way enough if you're beginning. All the cc's do actually contribute to weight, and there will be a lot of picking-up going on to start with. Too much bike will put you right off, too.

Good luck!

[JoshCragg]

myself and 2 other guys are learning. having never ridden before i have picked up kx250, and headed up to woodhill.

i agree with every one! woodhill is difficult, but well worth the learning. also a 250 has more than enough power!!

we jumped in at the deep end, took it a bit slow at first but its payed off. after a handfull of trips up there we got the hang of it, now its wicked as!

if your keen to head out with a few begginers then you more than welcome to come with us some time!

[cs363]

Ooh....that's confusing.... two Big Dave's!!


(Some unkind souls would say horrifying!!)