Riding Courses

[thumper]

Anyone aware of any "off road' motorcycle courses here in WA? (In an effort to remind my old body what my brain once knew)

[old betsy]

I think they call it the Border Run
Honestly I'm not aware of any but will try to find out more info if there is one.

Old Betsy

[thumper]

Thanks for that. I know there are a couple of companies that do courses on the east coast but I seem to remember one being organised over here a couple of years back - I think it was a group effort and they flew the instructors in???

[Istanman]

Thumper, don't knock yourself as you probably still have all the skills - perhaps you are a bit rusty - it happens to everyone. There are plenty of riders in the club of varying abilities and ambition both on and off road. I suggest that you catch up with a couple of them and ride your arse off. You'll pick up so much in a short space of time. I have learnt a lot from riding with very competent riders in the past and my skills quickly improved. Did I mention ride your arse off ? There is no substitute for spending time in the saddle. (says he who's bike has only accumulated 80 km's in three weeks)

I agree there are very specific courses on the East Coast. I have been advised that West Coast Safaris are an accommodating bunch and you'd probably pick up a heap from one of their organized rides also (better crashing someone else's machine than your own )

Cheers,
Istanman

[2volts]

Thanks for that. I know there are a couple of companies that do courses on the east coast but I seem to remember one being organised over here a couple of years back - I think it was a group effort and they flew the instructors in???

I organised the above mentioned course (for "adventure/big trail bikes') in 2007 with the Stephen Gall / Yamaha Academy of Off Road Riding. They flew an instructor over for the weekend, Yamaha shipped a over and back bike for nix. A huge amount of work for an estimated 20 participants which turned into 8 in reality. We had a grand old time and learnt heaps. Was it worth the effort? Well I'm pretty sure the Academy didn't cover their costs and a big hassle at this end was finding a venue. Anyway, enough of the sob story. And we got absolutely soaked riding back from Beverley in a big mid winter thunderstorm. Sorry, had to throw that in too.

This year I have been on a couple of rides with West Coast Trailbike Safari's. As well as trail rides they also do one day "Introduction to Technical Skills" rides, aimed at trail/dirt bikes. John Staines is really working hard to develop their business and this year they have opened a 1200Ha ride park down at Kirup. It would be an ideal location for a specific course aimed at adventure bikes / big trail bikes. I have thought previously about approaching him to run an adventure riding course, as there seems to be some interest, I will do so and report back in due course.

regards

Pete

[thumper]

Thanks for all the comments - my arse is fairly well padded so it could do with some extra riding.
Pete, I for one would be interested if you get something together - I think it wouldnt hurt to bring the idea up at a club meeting. If sponsership is an issue perhaps Auto Classic could be approached - I believe they have mentioned an interest in developing a closer relationship with the club and have mentioned 'club' days at the race track. Perhaps one of the commitee members could comment?

[old betsy]

I've had a look around, there is nothing around WA that I can find.
I have spoken with Auto Classic about this before. It is some time off.
If anyone is interested maybe we could get loan of another Clubs Motocross Track.
Once upon a time I did race serious Motocross and enduros, as did other members in our club.
I have no problem sharing tips and ideas to help anyone improve their riding skills.
Not that I'm any good by looking at the photos of old betsy on her side all the time. I call this testing the limits of the bike, they is nothing wrong with the rider of course.
Old Betsy

[2volts]

OK, I have been in touch with John and Georgina Staines who run West Coast Trailbike Safaris. and they are keen to set something up.

I suggested the following:
> Now that you have the ride park up and running it would be an ideal location for an adventure bike version of the Introduction to Technical
> Skills aimed at the BMW GS and Yamaha Tenere type bikes. Lot's of those riders have plenty motorbike experience but not necessarily the off road
> confidence and are looking for help in developing their skills.
>
> Could make a weekend of it at the trail bike park with rider training > from mid morning on a Saturday to say lunchtime on the Sunday with > camping overnight.
>

Their reply:
Yes, we would love to do something like you suggest below. If you have a date in mind for 2011, let me know and we can get the ball rolling.
Regards Georgina Staines

So the next question is, when is a good time of year to do it? I suggest April - May, after the first rains. Their base is down at Kirup.

regards

Pete

[KoosWA]

Pete

I would be keen to do a more technical riding course.......have someone provide some guidance / refreshing knowledge, try it out in practice and the have someone observe and correcting / helping.

I think I have seen photos the set up with dirt track on the web somewhere. Could eb a nice overnight camp as well..

Cheers

Koos

[2volts]

Proposed date is 9-10 April at the West Coast Trailbike Safaris Ride Park at Kirup.

This is two weeks before Easter and eight weeks before Desert Raid 2011.

Format would be rider training from mid late morning on a Saturday to say early afternoon on the Sunday with camping overnight.

Training would be based around guidance / demonstration by John Staines and riders trying it out in practice and having Staino observing / correcting / helping.

Costs and final details such as how many riders is practicable are still to sorted but it will be a fun weekend and you will learn and improve your skills.

Note it won't be a solely BMWMCCWA weekend, it will be aimed at anybody riding dual sport bikes.

regards

Pete

[toni]

Well done, Pete, for organising. Will be interested to attend and look forward to more details from you as they become available.

[reklaw]

I will pencil that one in my diary.
Its been 20 years since any sort of off road riding for me, and then it was all too brief, so any tuition at all would be welcome.
Been practicing on the gravel around Perth (F650GS), after the 4WD's and 'crossers have been through its a bit rough.

[Dean]

Hi Pete

As discussed I'm keen.

PS thanks for organising

Cheers
Dean

[gsrider]

Sounds good Pete. If am i Perth will be interested.

[jono]

Count me in Pete

Thanks
JonO