Prior to my trip from Oct 31-Nov 4 I had never ridden a Motorcycle before. My friend and an Instructor with Adventure Riders International, http://www.adventureridersinternational.com, not only taught me the ropes of how to ride a Motorcycle but also let me experience some nice trails in northern New Mexico. I can't thank him enough for getting me hooked into Adventure / Enduro Riding (I think my wife is less than thankful) and I'm already looking forward to the next trip out on the trails. This is a great Forum and I'm glad to be a part of it. Thanks to those from whom I've already bought my first riding jacket and riding pants, thanks to future members from whom I buy something, and sorry to at least one person from whom I didn't (yet) buy a bike. I'm enjoying learning this new hobby. Within 1 week of returning home from the trip I acquired my Motorcycle Learner's Permit so I'm on my way. Pics and videos of some of the action at https://dschilberg.smugmug.com/Travel/NewMexico-2012/Trail-Rides. In that gallery there are links to some graphical replays of the trail rides that show speed, elevation, terrain, etc. in case that is useful/helpful to others.
Topo map replays of the trail rides: Trail Ride #1 -- 11/01/2012 -- 20 miles of Beginner trails Trail Ride #2 -- 11/02/2012 -- 90 miles of trails with Intermediate sections Trail Ride #3 -- 11/03/2012 -- 90 miles of Beginner trails Trail Ride #4 -- 11/04/2012 -- 120 miles of trails with Intermediate sections A few photos: My first bike to ride was the Honda XR100R but just a day and a half later I was ready for the Suzuki DR-Z400. Pausing for a photo with the Honda XR100Rs and Ian pauses in one of the rocky dry creek beds. Pausing for a photo along Polvadera Road with the Suzuki DR-Z400 and then with Ghost Ranch in the background (Ian was on his BMW 1100GS this day). Obviously, this was a road/trail perfectly suited for trail bikes (Intersection of Forest Road 133 and US Route 64) and later I encountered my first-ever water crossing. My 1st lengthy rocky descent which is part of about a 2-mile stretch of rock-covered trail and then it was time for lunch. Another rocky section with Ian showing how it is done on a Suzuki DR-Z400. Pausing in front of the Abiquiu Reservoir with Ghost Ranch in the background and some nice weather for gazing at the sky.
Looks and sounds like you got hooked on this sport! It still amazes me how far and how much you can see on a bike in such a little time compared to any other form of ground transportation. What bike are you thinking of purchasing? As a beginner I started on a Suzuki DR350 (electric start) and moved to the DRZ400 after a year. Enjoyed both bikes and they were cheap/easy to maintain.
