New to adventure riding...

**paddy** · 18th March 2009, 14:11

Well, it's been a long time coming - I am positively disorganised, but it's time to actually get posting. I've given up on the old XT400 - I had hoped for a (mechanical) learning bike, but it's just too old for someone of my minimal skillset. Never fear though, I am now the proud owner of the Djebel that has been begging to be purchased whenever I go near Red Baron. It's mine I tell you, all mine.

I am just working on my competancy on the bike (I am only on my learners at the moment), then I am very keen to get onto some "easier" adventure rides (I am quite keen to get out an meet the adventure community). In the mean time, I must get farkling. :-) I am hoping to start a bit of a photographic blog to detail my efforts (having said that, it's taken me a month just to post this).

I think my first project will be a switch for the headlight, followed by some LED running lights. (I have an electrical background so I thought I would start with the easy stuff.) Then I thought I might see if I can form a touring screen out of Lexan. We'll see how that goes...

Hopefully, I can get some photos up here soon. Meanwhile, if I wave to you while I am on the road, I am looking forward to meeting you.

**paddy** · 18th March 2009, 14:13

Anything like this (link below) happen in the Auckland region? Sounds perfect to get me started (minus the ride from Whangaparaoa to Waikato).

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=93835

**.chris** · 18th March 2009, 14:20

Originally Posted by paddy

Anything like this (link below) happen in the Auckland region? Sounds perfect to get me started (minus the ride from Whangaparaoa to Waikato).

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=93835

You should have joined us for our Muriwai ride the other night.
Mini adventure rides are a good start.

This one in April should be a good ride.

**Paladin** · 18th March 2009, 14:36

Paddy, welcome to adventure riding, you won't regret it! I had never even ridden offroad til Oct '08 but you wouldn't get me going back to only riding on the tarmac now!
You'll find this forum really helpful with all kinds of info and the people who go adventure riding to be top people! We do have a bit of a joke around sometimes on here but you'll soon see its all done in good humour.
There's some nice people up your way you should be able to go out adv riding with(like c.h.r.i.s who posted above!) - just get out there and go for it - you'll have a blast!

**Rosie** · 18th March 2009, 14:42

Welcome

Have fun with the new bike!

**paddy** · 18th March 2009, 14:42

Sounds like I should have joined you for your Muriwai ride the othernight. Hang on, where'd I hear that before. The King Country ride is probably a little more than I am looking for right now. I don't feel that confident yet (especially on gravel). It would be good to work up to it and know that I (and the bike) are ready before heading of for a couple of days. :-)

**Paladin** · 18th March 2009, 14:51

Originally Posted by paddy

Sounds like I should have joined you for your Muriwai ride the othernight. Hang on, where'd I hear that before. The King Country ride is probably a little more than I am looking for right now. I don't feel that confident yet (especially on gravel). It would be good to work up to it and know that I (and the bike) are ready before heading of for a couple of days. :-)

You'll learn alot just by doing it paddy. Don't be thinking everyone on these 2 day rides is screaming around at ungodly speeds on gravel, cos they're not! There's people with all levels of experience and comfort zones. I for one am STILL finding my way on gravel and am quite a nana with it yet! It doesn't matter how fast you're going, just that you're having fun and seeing back country NZ! We have regular regroups along the way so you wouldn't ever be left out in the countryside on your own - we look out for one another!

**pampa** · 18th March 2009, 14:53

we don't want any bl00dy new comers here, get your bike and ride elsewhere

Sorry couldn't help, good on you

... I started not long ago as well
mid '07 i believe and its really good fun. There is also good info on advrider.

Cheers,
Pampa

Originally Posted by paddy

Well, it's been a long time coming - I am positively disorganised, but it's time to actually get posting. I've given up on the old XT400 - I had hoped for a (mechanical) learning bike, but it's just too old for someone of my minimal skillset. Never fear though, I am now the proud owner of the Djebel that has been begging to be purchased whenever I go near Red Baron. It's mine I tell you, all mine.

I am just working on my competancy on the bike (I am only on my learners at the moment), then I am very keen to get onto some "easier" adventure rides (I am quite keen to get out an meet the adventure community). In the mean time, I must get farkling. :-) I am hoping to start a bit of a photographic blog to detail my efforts (having said that, it's taken me a month just to post this).

I think my first project will be a switch for the headlight, followed by some LED running lights. (I have an electrical background so I thought I would start with the easy stuff.) Then I thought I might see if I can form a touring screen out of Lexan. We'll see how that goes...

Hopefully, I can get some photos up here soon. Meanwhile, if I wave to you while I am on the road, I am looking forward to meeting you.

**babysteps** · 18th March 2009, 16:13

I just sold my Djebel, miss it already!!!

They're awesome bikes and will take you anywhere!

**buggsubique** · 18th March 2009, 18:08

Welcome to the new world matey! Nothin like starting something new - was a total rush when I first got into it on my old dr250, then the DRZ400 (great bike!) Currently bikeless, but we'll see for how long!

Have fun out there! Buggs

**Paladin** · 18th March 2009, 18:17

Originally Posted by buggsubique

Welcome to the new world matey! Nothin like starting something new - was a total rush when I first got into it on my old dr250, then the DRZ400 (great bike!) Currently bikeless, but we'll see for how long!

Have fun out there! Buggs

(sorry!)

Can't believe you'll be bikeless for long!!!!
So what do ya fancy owning next?

**junkmanjoe** · 18th March 2009, 19:46

Giday mate.

at least you brought a good bike.

you would be ok in the KCR you dont have to do the harder sections, its just a buzz riding in a big group, and we all here to give riding advice, and to help you out.

you will be fine as long as you dont ride like a nana, like some one i know.............

all good mate, respect the road and treat your bike rough...