Been pining for a GS Adventure for quite sometime. Finally got one and quickly realized I don't know how to ride anything off the pavement! Oh well...time to learn! I came off two touring rigs, the BMW K1200LT and a Honda Goldwing. So, needless to say, this ADV feels SOOO light (yes I know its not light at all in comparison to most dual sports). Anyway, always loved the roads around the mountains of northern South Carolina and into North Carolina. But, now, having the ADV for only about 6 weeks, I'm enjoying getting off the beaten path a little. Today's adventure? A little road simply known as Horsepasture. Part of the fun is in getting there too. Horsepasture Road comes off of another great road, Hwy 178 north of Pickens, SC (except Saturdays, because every other biker knows that too, especially the squids on crotch rockets). I rode on Horsepasture for about 30 minutes before having to turn it around and get back to work. So about an hour total. Fun road...except the recent re-gravelling used some pretty large gravel. With my inexperience, it was intimidating. I realized about 30 minutes in, that I had only covered about a 1/4 of the road and didn't have time to go the rest...therefore turned around and came back down the mountain. There were a few ATV trails off in either direction...maybe someday I'll have the skills to go there too. Still learning and know I've got way more to do. But I think I'll be visiting Horsepasture a lot.
Good for you!!! I am 5'1" tall (almost 1", but I count it for good measure). I found a GSA last year and fell in love. Like you, not comfortable off road in the beginning. Rode 12 hours to the RawHyde adventure school in Castaic, Ca. with my husband (me on my '09 1200 GSA, and he on his '12 1200 GSA). Pulled in, and got a lot of "that's YOUR bike???" It's not a typical bike for a chick, let alone a short one!!! The three day school took me from being a tentative off road rider to a true "lets see where that road goes!" adventurer. If you have the means and desire to really be an excellent rider, find a school and GO! I can't say enough good things about professional training. Congratulations!!!!
Thanks for the encouragement. I've been on the pavement for 20 years or so...and done a few skills courses...so maneuvering on pavement doesn't scare me at all. But being off the pavement, that's still another story. I'm getting better and taking every chance I can to not be on pavement...so that'll help. And I am in contact with two separate schools that have adventure touring classes, or as one calls it, dual sport class. So we'll see where that goes. I'm looking forward to some training in that regard. I've tried to soak up and try as much as I can from online videos.
Being in dirt a LOT will help. The things I loved about the school: 1. I was the only chick on a 1200 GSA! 2. The slow speed maneuvering although difficult, really brought my confidence level up! 3. I never knew I was scared of going down hill until I was forced to do it while accelerating - Now I LOVE it! 4. I dropped my bike a dozen times and really learned that it happens and it is nothing to be scared of!! Definitely look for a school that is endorsed by BMW - they have high standards of training. Also make sure the school focuses on the larger bikes. You do ride differently on a Pig than on a light 650. I found schools that were cheaper, but run by hotshot kids that were racers. Not what I was looking for. Check out RawHyde adventures just to see what is out there as far as training goes. I know its probably too far for you, but it will give you a great idea of what to look for in skills building. http://www.rawhyde-offroad.com/ Good luck and keep riding!!!!
Took a short ride last night. Found this little gem. Keowee Town Launch by 1worshipguy, on Flickr Note the short little mountain in the distance. I think this is the same one a little closer. Known here as Six Mile Mountain I think. Six Mile Mtn 1 by 1worshipguy, on Flickr