North Carolina Dual Sport Ride

[jb44]

RBrider hosted a dual sport ride at his place in Topton, NC.

I left the BMW at home for this one, and took the Yamaha.

Three KTM’s, a 950, 640, and 525, 2 KLR 650’s, a Suzuki 400 and 350, a R1200GS, and my TW200.

There were excellent riders in the group. Thanks to them all for letting an amateur tag along.








We stopped at NC Hillbilly’s most excellent home along the way;




One of the two times a mud hole threw me to the ground. Thanks to Rick for pulling the bike off. I later found out that I was supposed to go around the mud holes, not through them.



I think this is Dave doing a water crossing:



And playing around.



The TW resting midstream. Not the bike’s fault, rider error, let the engine lug until it stalled. Thankfully, it restarted. I also found out my Oxtar boots are waterproof.



A late lunch at Mountain Man BBQ in Dillard.





Thanks to RBrider for planning the ride, and to AdvRider Mark (NC Hillbillly) on his KTM 950 for his local knowledge and leading the way.

A most enjoyable day.

jb

[Buckster]

Looks like fun! Glad you had a good time. Thanks for sharing.

[Boxer]

JB, it looks like you dirty guys had a blast. I wish I could have made it, but I still wouldn't have been riding those muddy trails I don't think.

[GypsyRR]

Now THAT looks like a lot of fun. I would rather had been there then where I was!!! Thank you for posting the pictures JB44. Any more?

[wncbmw]

Threads like this are a curse to me right now! After MikeCam maliciously infected me with the dual sport bug, my shopping for a 2nd bike has been put on an economic hold for a while. So I see the pictures of you guys having such a good time and I get the urge to do something drastic!

Thoughts of trading the Roadster are too painful. Better to wait and get the 2nd bike later! But JB and RB, maybe by next year I can do the DS ride with you!

[jb44]

Buckster, Thanks for lookin'.

Boxer, a number of the guys asked about you. Your 650 would have done fine. Everyone rode their own ride. A couple of guys, that felt uncomfortable on a trail or two, waited at a trail junction and joined up later. No problem.

... Thank you for posting the pictures JB44. Any more?

Gypsy, If I had your photographic and narrative talent, I would post them all. As it is, the other pics are just trees and dirt.

...Thoughts of trading the Roadster are too painful. Better to wait and get the 2nd bike later! ...

Vann, Keep the 1150 if you can. I still have regrets over parting with mine. Something about the vibrations of the boxer engine that can't be duplicated. Pick up a used KLR, DR, DRZ, or the like at the end of the season. No need getting a new one. If you don't fall over a few times, you're not doing it right.

jb

[wncbmw]

A used DR650 is what I am looking for! A friend and neighbor has one is quite expert at suspension mods and service issues. I hope to be looking seriously before long!