Day 1 in the Dirt

Alex · August 25th, 2013, 06:22 PM

crossposted from here:

I tried to pack some things last night, but as usual, most of the hard work has to happen in the morning. My thought was to try to get to Metcalf Motorcycle Park by 9 or so, but seeing how we were still futzing around at home at 10 AM, I was glad that we weren't on too firm a schedule.

Yesterday I had purchased a few more tie-downs to make the job a little easier, as they were the ratcheting style. They did make loading up the bikes a bit easier and more stable, and towing was easy. The ride up the mountain near Metcalf is quite twisty, but the bikes didn't move a bit.

Here's what the park looks like:

But here's where we were going to spend our day:

After paying $200 - $300 per day for a trackday, paying $6 for the whole car to get into the park is an almost guilty pleasure. I unloaded the bikes in the parking lot, and we got Kyle suited up. I started all of the motors, with no issues on my CRF or Ann's 125, but Kyle's 50 was a bit of a pain. It needed just the right amount of choke and throttle to run cleanly, and kept having to be restarted. It's known for being very cold-blooded, so I was expecting it to be a bit annoying until it warmed up. I suited up, and plopped Kyle on the bike. The plan was for him to do circles in the parking lot before venturing into the park. This was more exciting than it should have been, as he was quite tentative, and had a few tipovers while both starting and stopping. I think I had left him a little too much throttle available on the bike, so I dialed it back a smidge to make things a little smoother.

After 30 - 45 minutes of that, it was time for a break, with some food & drink before going at it again. I rode into the park to see how far it would be to get Kyle to the newbie oval, and as shown above, it's really close. There's a little hill to get into it, but once in it's just a dirt oval; perfect for newbies to learn. There were a few other kids playing on 50's and some small ATV's, so it was a good atmosphere. Kyle was still a bit tentative here, and was hoping that this track was laid out exactly like the one he enjoyed at MotoGP, with haybales all around and in the middle to make the track obvious. After convincing him that he could either ride this area or not ride at all, he got his courage up and started zipping around. And we were dirt riding!

Time went by pretty quickly, and it doesn't take much to tire out a 5-year old, so after a bunch of laps it was about time again. I rode both the CRF for a bit, and took Annie's 125 around the small hills nearby, and they both felt great. Even at the crawling speeds I was going, it is a new feeling to have the front end be moving around so much when the dirt gets a little deeper. From what just about everyone shares; it's a feel that once gained, helps on all surfaces, so I'm looking forward to it.

We were so pre-occupied keeping Kyle on track, that we took a total of zero pictures while at the park. So that means we'll have to go back soon; hopefully next weekend!

csmith12 · August 25th, 2013, 06:36 PM

but not a single pic? FAIL!

Sounds like a good time was had.

subxero · August 25th, 2013, 06:39 PM

The park looks awesome, is there a lot of people there? Crowds tend to turn me off of riding parks which is unfortunate for me cuz some are really nice.

I know what you mean with the pictures. I think every time my wife and i go somewhere we are to busy and it tuns out to be a PITA to break out the camera and take some photos.

Sounds like a great day, it is always nice when everyone can go out and enjoy something like this together. I guess i kind of dragged my wife into dirt riding so i didn't have to feel guilty about leaving her at home when i would go riding

but she loves it.

We were at her families farm today and that is currently where the KLX125 is at so i popped on it and got the blood flowing in it ripping around the farm. Those little bikes are sooo much fun!

Keep us updated on your dirt progress, pretty soon you will be hanging off drifting the turns.

Alex · August 25th, 2013, 07:01 PM

Wait, @subxero, you're from Johnstown? That Inclined Plane was one of my favorite bonus locations in the entire IBR. Would have been more fun if it wasn't in a thunderstorm, but we can't have everything.

subxero · August 25th, 2013, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

Wait, @subxero, you're from Johnstown? That Inclined Plane was one of my favorite bonus locations in the entire IBR. Would have been more fun if it wasn't in a thunderstorm, but we can't have everything.

Yeah the incline plane here is decent, it is i think the steepest angled incline plane in the state, to bad the city isn't much to look at. And yeah it rains like crazy here in Johnstown, we get more rain than Seattle WA /yr

Alex · August 25th, 2013, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subxero

The park looks awesome, is there a lot of people there? Crowds tend to turn me off of riding parks which is unfortunate for me cuz some are really nice.

Crowds were quite light today, and it's a nice day on a Sunday. I have no more information to go on other than that, but today was great!

Motofool · August 25th, 2013, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

Crowds were quite light today, and it's a nice day on a Sunday. I have no more information to go on other than that, but today was great!

That park looks amazing !!!

It seems that the little 50 could use a touch of enrichment of the mix.

How high was the temperature there?

Alex · August 25th, 2013, 08:12 PM

It was in the 80's.

CycleCam303 · August 25th, 2013, 10:18 PM

Sounds like a good day. Yea dirt riding is sooo much cheaper. Wait till you start buying tires and the like. I spent $80 I think for a set of mx51s.

The nice thing about riding during green sticker season is that the crowds will be small. No one really likes riding during the hot months. No traction, dust, and it gets really hot.

Winter is when getting to the parks early is pretty imperative. You'll meet a whole new type of moto squid at the beginning of red sticker season. At metcalf the parking lots jam up in the late morning because $6 gets you open practice at an mx track. Versus $25 408 mx days with 20 min motos and a solid chance to see someone go home in an ambulance.

Alex · September 2nd, 2013, 08:40 PM

We headed out to Metcalf again yesterday morning. Kyle had a great time!

alex.s · September 2nd, 2013, 10:44 PM

when does he start moto3?

Alex · September 2nd, 2013, 10:47 PM

He already believes he's faster than mommy & daddy, so I'd give him a year or two.

csmith12 · September 3rd, 2013, 04:20 AM

sharky nrk · September 3rd, 2013, 05:21 AM

That is GREAT!!!!

subxero · September 3rd, 2013, 06:19 AM

awesome!

subxero · October 7th, 2013, 11:45 AM

@Alex how is the off roading coming along?

Alex · October 7th, 2013, 11:51 AM

It's going pretty well! He's more comfortable now, and able to zip around in 2nd gear. The added speed makes it easier to go up that larger hill, and provides a little more stability. I'm amazed at the low speed balance that he seems to have; every time I think he's going too slow to keep moving, he somehow chugs along and keeps the bike upright, without ever even putting his feet down.

I've only explored two trails at that place, but hope to get more adventurous over the winter.

JohnnyBravo · October 7th, 2013, 01:50 PM

Looks like fun

my niece needs a new dirtbike, maybe ill get me a little one she can grow into soon

August 25th, 2013, 06:22 PM	#1
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Day 1 in the Dirt crossposted from here: I tried to pack some things last night, but as usual, most of the hard work has to happen in the morning. My thought was to try to get to Metcalf Motorcycle Park by 9 or so, but seeing how we were still futzing around at home at 10 AM, I was glad that we weren't on too firm a schedule. Yesterday I had purchased a few more tie-downs to make the job a little easier, as they were the ratcheting style. They did make loading up the bikes a bit easier and more stable, and towing was easy. The ride up the mountain near Metcalf is quite twisty, but the bikes didn't move a bit. Here's what the park looks like: But here's where we were going to spend our day: After paying $200 - $300 per day for a trackday, paying $6 for the whole car to get into the park is an almost guilty pleasure. I unloaded the bikes in the parking lot, and we got Kyle suited up. I started all of the motors, with no issues on my CRF or Ann's 125, but Kyle's 50 was a bit of a pain. It needed just the right amount of choke and throttle to run cleanly, and kept having to be restarted. It's known for being very cold-blooded, so I was expecting it to be a bit annoying until it warmed up. I suited up, and plopped Kyle on the bike. The plan was for him to do circles in the parking lot before venturing into the park. This was more exciting than it should have been, as he was quite tentative, and had a few tipovers while both starting and stopping. I think I had left him a little too much throttle available on the bike, so I dialed it back a smidge to make things a little smoother. After 30 - 45 minutes of that, it was time for a break, with some food & drink before going at it again. I rode into the park to see how far it would be to get Kyle to the newbie oval, and as shown above, it's really close. There's a little hill to get into it, but once in it's just a dirt oval; perfect for newbies to learn. There were a few other kids playing on 50's and some small ATV's, so it was a good atmosphere. Kyle was still a bit tentative here, and was hoping that this track was laid out exactly like the one he enjoyed at MotoGP, with haybales all around and in the middle to make the track obvious. After convincing him that he could either ride this area or not ride at all, he got his courage up and started zipping around. And we were dirt riding! Time went by pretty quickly, and it doesn't take much to tire out a 5-year old, so after a bunch of laps it was about time again. I rode both the CRF for a bit, and took Annie's 125 around the small hills nearby, and they both felt great. Even at the crawling speeds I was going, it is a new feeling to have the front end be moving around so much when the dirt gets a little deeper. From what just about everyone shares; it's a feel that once gained, helps on all surfaces, so I'm looking forward to it. We were so pre-occupied keeping Kyle on track, that we took a total of zero pictures while at the park. So that means we'll have to go back soon; hopefully next weekend! __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)
	2 out of 2 members found this post helpful.

August 25th, 2013, 06:36 PM	#2
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	but not a single pic? FAIL! Sounds like a good time was had. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

August 25th, 2013, 06:39 PM	#3
subxero dirty boy Name: Joe Location: Johnstown, PA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): I don't even know anymore?? Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '14	The park looks awesome, is there a lot of people there? Crowds tend to turn me off of riding parks which is unfortunate for me cuz some are really nice. I know what you mean with the pictures. I think every time my wife and i go somewhere we are to busy and it tuns out to be a PITA to break out the camera and take some photos. Sounds like a great day, it is always nice when everyone can go out and enjoy something like this together. I guess i kind of dragged my wife into dirt riding so i didn't have to feel guilty about leaving her at home when i would go riding but she loves it. We were at her families farm today and that is currently where the KLX125 is at so i popped on it and got the blood flowing in it ripping around the farm. Those little bikes are sooo much fun! Keep us updated on your dirt progress, pretty soon you will be hanging off drifting the turns. __________________________________________________ I love the smell of burning pre-mix in the morning I don't think I'm a lot dumber than you thought that I think that I thought I was once.

August 25th, 2013, 07:01 PM	#4
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Wait, @subxero, you're from Johnstown? That Inclined Plane was one of my favorite bonus locations in the entire IBR. Would have been more fun if it wasn't in a thunderstorm, but we can't have everything. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

August 25th, 2013, 08:12 PM	#8
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	It was in the 80's. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

August 25th, 2013, 10:18 PM	#9
CycleCam303 King Hamfist Name: Cameron Location: NorCal East Bay Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Crf 150R, 2011 Hypermotard 796 Posts: 940	Sounds like a good day. Yea dirt riding is sooo much cheaper. Wait till you start buying tires and the like. I spent $80 I think for a set of mx51s. The nice thing about riding during green sticker season is that the crowds will be small. No one really likes riding during the hot months. No traction, dust, and it gets really hot. Winter is when getting to the parks early is pretty imperative. You'll meet a whole new type of moto squid at the beginning of red sticker season. At metcalf the parking lots jam up in the late morning because $6 gets you open practice at an mx track. Versus $25 408 mx days with 20 min motos and a solid chance to see someone go home in an ambulance.

September 2nd, 2013, 08:40 PM	#10
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	We headed out to Metcalf again yesterday morning. Kyle had a great time! __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

September 2nd, 2013, 10:44 PM	#11
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	when does he start moto3? __________________________________________________

September 2nd, 2013, 10:47 PM	#12
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	He already believes he's faster than mommy & daddy, so I'd give him a year or two. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

September 3rd, 2013, 04:20 AM	#13
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	__________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

September 3rd, 2013, 05:21 AM	#14
sharky nrk Fighting Texas Aggie '05 Name: Neil Location: Hutto, TX Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.	That is GREAT!!!!

September 3rd, 2013, 06:19 AM	#15
subxero dirty boy Name: Joe Location: Johnstown, PA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): I don't even know anymore?? Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '14	awesome! __________________________________________________ I love the smell of burning pre-mix in the morning I don't think I'm a lot dumber than you thought that I think that I thought I was once.

October 7th, 2013, 11:45 AM	#16
subxero dirty boy Name: Joe Location: Johnstown, PA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): I don't even know anymore?? Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '14	@Alex how is the off roading coming along? __________________________________________________ I love the smell of burning pre-mix in the morning I don't think I'm a lot dumber than you thought that I think that I thought I was once.

October 7th, 2013, 11:51 AM	#17
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	It's going pretty well! He's more comfortable now, and able to zip around in 2nd gear. The added speed makes it easier to go up that larger hill, and provides a little more stability. I'm amazed at the low speed balance that he seems to have; every time I think he's going too slow to keep moving, he somehow chugs along and keeps the bike upright, without ever even putting his feet down. I've only explored two trails at that place, but hope to get more adventurous over the winter. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

October 7th, 2013, 01:50 PM	#18
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	Looks like fun my niece needs a new dirtbike, maybe ill get me a little one she can grow into soon __________________________________________________

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