Sept 23rd anyone want to ride with a newb in or around Cass?

[DonG]

I finally have time to go for a proper ride this Sunday, and I was wondering if any one wanted to go. I'm in Cass County, so anyone in or around the area want to go, or know of some good routes I could take? This will be my first time out doing much off pavement riding, so I may badger you with lots of stupid questions. I have a stock DR650 with a stock fuel tank, which is good for about 80miles on blacktop. I was thinking maybe a few hour ride, starting out at some yet to be determined time in the morning at a yet to be determined location.

Also, any suggestions on any items I need to take with me. I am guessing at a minimum water and some snacks. I don't have any storage to speak of. So it will be a backpack and a small tool tube.

Thanks
Don

[katbeanz]

Sorry, I'm headed in the other direction this weekend. I carry tire fixing tools, spare tubes, 12v pump, tool roll, cell phone and a can of fix a flat.
Following along creeks and rivers usually means interesting curves and elevation changes. ajayhawkfan has a gps file of interesting waypoints he's collected over the years. One of the guys in the ADV kcphototag thread has compiled the same for previous tags.
You might watch for round 2 of the Rusty Jug ride, and there may be an ADV mini rally in Medicine Lodge KS in a few weeks.

[Foster]

DonG: First of all, welcome to the world of dual sport motorcycle riding! I think that between the items you listed and Katbeanz suggestions you have a decent kit for everyday riding. If you need some good routes go to dualsportmaps.com There are some routes up there to give you some areas to explore. Almost everything up there, at least in our area, is beginner friendly.

[troy]

Hey, DonG. Sorry for the late reply--I meant to follow-up sooner. Yeah...what these guys said.

In short--no worries! Go ride. For basic gravel road riding, the only supplies you really need are water to drink and gas in the tank. As far as protective gear, helmet is minimum of course. Guys worry about having all the right gear, but I'm pretty sure you can dualsport in jeans and be just fine. I mean I would not dare do it, but some guys might.

I like to have a couple granola bars as snacks, but definitely won't starve to death in 16 hours without them! For tools on both dirt and dualsport, I carry:

• Pliar multi-tool
• This MotionPro toolkit, plus I added a few items to it.
• Set of small open end wrenches: 6,8,10,11,12,13,14mm
• A large combo wrench that fits my rear and front axle bolts.
• A bolt & nut kit -- You can buy generic motorcycle bolt kits from any moto supplier. Cycle Gear has them in the local store. I just select out a few of the common sizes for my bike for my trail kit. I've used these MANY, MANY time to fix my bike or a buddy's.
• About 10 zip-ties
• Black tape

Tip: When wrenching on your bike at home, use your trail kit. You'll figure out what important items are missing.

On a local dualsport ride, I don't worry too much about tubes. Personally, I carry a 21" tube because you can use it in the front or rear. I carry 2 small tire-irons, A CO2 inflator, and a couple of CO2 cartridges. However, on a local dualsport, you are usually not that far from a repair shop or at least an automotive supply or walmart. I've ridden many miles on a flat tire--just take it easy, and as long as the tire does not break free from the rim, you can roll on.

On more gnarly rides that go deeper into the woods, guys like to carry extra chain master links and a few links of chain.

But seriously, just ride. So your bike breaks down 50 miles from home on a gravel road and you don't have proper tools to fix it. What is worst case? Of course I too was thinking of hillbilly rape, but that rarely happens! What's the 2nd worst thing that could happen? You have to phone a friend? A local stops by and offers you some tools? Not exactly a life & death situation.

Or be like Eddie--he only carries tools because he hopes someone else will know how to use them in the event his bike breaks.

[stimmer6253472]

Don I also live in Cass county (south of Belton) and I might be up for a Sunday ride. Won't know until tomorrow but I can post back then.
Jim

[DonG]

But seriously, just ride. So your bike breaks down 50 miles from home on a gravel road and you don't have proper tools to fix it. What is worst case? Of course I too was thinking of hillbilly rape, but that rarely happens!

I'm glad I had already sat my coffee down before I read that.

Thanks for all the replies! I'm not too worried about having all the gear for Sunday, I just didn't know where to start.

Don I also live in Cass county (south of Belton) and I might be up for a Sunday ride. Won't know until tomorrow but I can post back then.
Jim

Sounds good. I have to be in lees summit by 4pm for a birthday party, so from 0DarkWhenever till about 3pm I'll be free.


Thanks!
D.

[DonG]

One last question. Tire pressure for a 60/40 (Not knobby) tire for gravel? I believe I have have read 18 to 15 psi?

[ajayhawkfan]

One last question. Tire pressure for a 60/40 (Not knobby) tire for gravel? I believe I have have read 18 to 15 psi?

Put in what is recommended on the tire. I have only lowered my pressure once in very sandy condition.

[DonG]

One last question. Tire pressure for a 60/40 (Not knobby) tire for gravel? I believe I have have read 18 to 15 psi?

Put in what is recommended on the tire. I have only lowered my pressure once in very sandy condition.

Thanks. I left the pressures where they were, I'll have to check to see how low they are (They were at 15psi hot when I checked them).

I went for a couple hour ride today, didn't find anything spectacular, mostly gravel, but had fun. There was one stretch of "road" that was mostly grown over with grass / dirt that was a fun to ride. I managed to to drop the bike when turning around at a dead end in that stretch. When I dropped it, my clutch / mirror assembly broke loose. It didn't snap off, thank god, but it wouldn't stay in place, especially at speed. Overall, I had a good time out riding. Once again, Thanks for the tips!

[Savage]

Looks like you're rocking the 705's. I run ~ 19-20psi when doing DS riding. If I'm just road riding I air them up into the 30's.

[troy]

DonG, thanks for posting up about your ride and the photos. What a great day to ride! Just road riding--I like to put closer to 30 PSI in--especially if a lot of pavement. Your tires will last a lot longer at higher PSI. When off-road (not gravel roads--OFF-road), I like about 15 and no more than 20 in my tires. I'll tend to put about 20 in the front--less chance of pinch flat from hitting sharp rocks. I like closer to 15 in the rear for more traction in the nasty stuff. There is a reason the trials competition guys have about 5 PSI in the tires.

That said, I don't have the skills to discern the difference between 15 and 20 PSI in the tires. My problems are more about the extra 5 pounds in my gut than the extra 5 psi in my tires.