Lifestyle or “Bike-style”

[Beratna]

Hello there everyone.  I’m looking for some advice re off roading... I’ve always been very much an on road biker, and into 1000cc size heavyish tourers... Anyway, I did some research, watched some clips on U Tube, saw some eye-watering dismounts, and folk churning up the countryside and upsetting other folk out in the country... I began to wonder if it’s perhaps better to stick to paddle boarding and surfing....  At least when you fall off it doesn’t hurt, and your equipment doesn’t get dinged... Plus I’m a few years the wrong side of 50, so perhaps not the best time in life to take up off-roading.  Has anyone here of a similar age taken up up any off-roading and stuck with it?  I figure it would be interesting not having to stick to tarmac, and trying something a bit different?  I don’t envisage hard core jumping over fallen trees and hedges, but rather some straight forward trails...  I’ve recently moved to Yorkshire, in  UK so figure that there must be some good places to try...  Not necessarily on a crosstourer as I still have to buy one yet!  It seems there are a fair few bikers with more than one bike, including a lighter off roader or dual purpose...  any thoughts anyone?

[__Ray__]

Maybe you find this useful ride4life.nl?
It's my blog and i'm 48.
I hope to finish editing the video from last Sunday for a new blog about the TET south Netherlands.
On my YouTube channel (you can get there via one of the video's in the blogs) is also some raw footage from the TET south NL on my Crosstourer.

[Hartley]

Hi Beratna.

I’d never done any off-road riding so to prepare for a trip to the Himalayas i did an off road day at the Mick Extance place in Wales, I loved it.

 After the trip I found myself having an interest in doing a bit more light off-road riding. Nothing serious, just a few trails, gravel roads etc.
The idea of travelling to an area, pitching a tent and the exploring really appealed to me. So I wanted something I could stick luggage on, ride to my destination, then have a little fun on.

January last year I bought a Royal Enfield Himalayan, I’d seen what these little bikes could do on my trip and it seemed just the ticket.  Basic, not too big and intimidating for a novice and pretty affordable.

12 months on and I absolutely love this little bike.  I took it to Wales for a Himalayan off-road weekend at the Sweetlamb complex and had an absolutely ball.  Theres a great scene around this bike.
I’ve also explored a few local byways. I don’t go if it’s really wet or cut up generally stick to pretty easy stuff but it’s so much fun and has really added another level of enjoyment to motorcycling.
Ive only had one encounter with a walker who was so out of order I think he’d have had a go at anyone that didn’t conform to his exact way of thinking.  I’ve met horse riders and dog walkers and I’ll turn the bike off and say hello and they’ve mostly been fine and pleasant.

I don’t ride fast and I’ve kept the stock exhaust. Last thing I want to do is upset anyone. I do ensure I’m allowed to be there and don’t ride on foot paths and bridleways.

What I wasn’t quite expecting is how this bike would change my road riding. As I’m prepared to take if off-road I’m happy to take it down tiny muddy and wet country lanes that I wouldn’t ride on my other bikes. I’ve discovered places just a few miles from my home I never knew existed. I spent all day riding last year and at no point was I more than 25 miles from my house.

It’s only got 24 BHP so it’s by no means quick but it’ll do about 75 top whack,  it’ll happily plod along all day loaded upon at 60-65 on a roads and is surprisingly nimble.

I still have the CT but the little Himalayan has become my go to bike.

I’d say, get on a training/experience day and see how you go. 
Oh and I turned 50 last year.

All the best

Paul.

[bazza950]

thought provoking- I went and did the BMW off road weekend in Brecon a few years back -took a mate as well who started biking after a mid life crisis! Basicly i was crap at it-as i expected -but Simon Povey was very patient.My thought was if i learnt just ONE skill then it was worth it. Best part was you were on one of their bikes -a choice of 650,800 or 1250 bmws -we went for 800's. The most important thing we were told was seriously protective boots -those with about 6 sets of straps. And you didnt worry about breaking the bike!
Anyway weather wise it was 30o and we all had a good time-even me at the back with the wimps! i think its one of those skills best learnt when you are 6-8 years old fearless and green bones that bend,not snap!  Every now and again i think about another off roader - like a KLR650 which is a good dual purpose biie .my mate became MUCH better and really valued the experience when on those Enfield tours in India -when the road / hillside falls down he can use the skills he learnt.
so do a weekend with all inc and best of luck!

[andyrob]

I'd like a CRF300 Rally and ... beamed down to Spain!

Otherwise its all a bit naughtie up here. 

Sorry, great excuse to get another bike. Got to be good!?

I'll point you here:
https://www.adventurebikerider.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=23

[Beratna]

Originally Posted by __Ray__

Maybe you find this useful ride4life.nl?
It's my blog and i'm 48.
I hope to finish editing the video from last Sunday for a new blog about the TET south Netherlands.
On my YouTube channel (you can get there via one of the video's in the blogs) is also some raw footage from the TET south NL on my Crosstourer.

Hi Ray....  I have enjoyed your blog and watching the video!  Thanks for sharing, Looking forward to seeing more.... and I’ve learned about the TET, didn’t realise part of it goes through the Netherlands...

[Beratna]

Hi Guys thanks for the replies, It has given me hope I’m not past it and some food for thought... will definitely have to check out some off road training centres...  also had a look at adventure rider forum, looks interesting and a good place to read up on off roading....  Now if only this Covid thing would go away..

[Fastvan61]

Hi Beratna. Along with road riding me and a few pals got into trail riding. I was the old man in my 40s but loved it. I had a couple of ktm400exc and a GasGas 400 over 10 years. Rode in north wales, friendly, Derbyshire, not so friendly and for my 50th birthday did a weekend on the Isle of Man with a guide. Fantastic trails over there and being bike friendly it's definitely worth a go. Tipped off a few times but speeds are relatively slow and scenery soft, most of the time. Fortunately the worst I got was a wrenched thumb and a badly twisted ankle. Decent gear is essential. Get in touch with your local TRF group they're invaluable for knowledge on legal trails. And often have ride outs. Give it a go you'll love it. Go for a smaller bike, as after pulling it out of the mud a few times you'll be grateful you did. I'm 6ft 16stone and the 400 was ample. The new Honda 300s look useful but there's plenty of used decent trail bikes around. Finally electric start helps when you're buried that deep you can't see your pegs