Whoops There It Is, Take 2
Recommended for more advanced riders, this method of involves "rear-weighting" your motorcycle's suspension.
1. Accelerate through the bumps while standing on your footpegs and keeping your weight toward the rear. This allows the front wheel to skim over the bumps, smoothing out an otherwise rough ride.
2. To avoid excessive jarring, remember to stand on the footpegs with your knees and arms slightly bent.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Whoops, riding them
Whoops There It Is
Whoops, or whoop-de-doos as they're known in old school parlance, are closely spaced bumps usually found in heavily used sections of a trail. (If you're a skier, think of a mogul run. Same idea.) Creating a roller-coaster effect when riding up one bump and down the next, whoops can be approached in one of two ways. Both should be done while standing on the bike's footpegs. This is the first and more basic method:
1. Ride at a slow or moderate pace, keeping both wheels on the ground.
2. Use your legs and arms as shock absorbers while keeping your weight directly over the center of the motorcycle.
3. Establish an appropriate and comfortable speed and rhythm over the bumps. (There's a reason a set of whoops is often called a "rhythm section" in off-road racing.)
Read more about MX
Whoops, or whoop-de-doos as they're known in old school parlance, are closely spaced bumps usually found in heavily used sections of a trail. (If you're a skier, think of a mogul run. Same idea.) Creating a roller-coaster effect when riding up one bump and down the next, whoops can be approached in one of two ways. Both should be done while standing on the bike's footpegs. This is the first and more basic method:
1. Ride at a slow or moderate pace, keeping both wheels on the ground.
2. Use your legs and arms as shock absorbers while keeping your weight directly over the center of the motorcycle.
3. Establish an appropriate and comfortable speed and rhythm over the bumps. (There's a reason a set of whoops is often called a "rhythm section" in off-road racing.)
Read more about MX
School Days
School Days
One of the best tips we can give new riders? Take an off-road riding class. Honda and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offer great programs that are as fun as they are invaluable. Check out where to go in Rider Education.
One of the best tips we can give new riders? Take an off-road riding class. Honda and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offer great programs that are as fun as they are invaluable. Check out where to go in Rider Education.
Tires, tires, tires...
Pressure Check
Always check your tires before heading out on the trail, since proper air pressure is essential to your tires providing the best traction possible while improving resistance to punctures and flats. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct psi specifications (these can also be found embossed on each tire's sidewalls).
Read more about MX
Always check your tires before heading out on the trail, since proper air pressure is essential to your tires providing the best traction possible while improving resistance to punctures and flats. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct psi specifications (these can also be found embossed on each tire's sidewalls).
Read more about MX
Find places to ride...
Where to ride
There are plenty of places throughout the United States (and Mexico and Canada too) to ride a dirtbike, offering a variety of terrain types and trails suited to all levels of riders.
First, however, you need to find out where you’re allowed to ride. Start by asking your friends who ride. Maybe look into joining an off-road club. Another good idea is to check out the U.S. Forestry Service Web site, as well as other sites dedicated to off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation. Or, simply use our handy Trail Finder tool on this page to help steer you to your region’s closest OHV-legal riding area.
Learning where to ride is one of the first steps to spending more time on your new CRF. So start looking—and get riding!
There are plenty of places throughout the United States (and Mexico and Canada too) to ride a dirtbike, offering a variety of terrain types and trails suited to all levels of riders.
First, however, you need to find out where you’re allowed to ride. Start by asking your friends who ride. Maybe look into joining an off-road club. Another good idea is to check out the U.S. Forestry Service Web site, as well as other sites dedicated to off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation. Or, simply use our handy Trail Finder tool on this page to help steer you to your region’s closest OHV-legal riding area.
Learning where to ride is one of the first steps to spending more time on your new CRF. So start looking—and get riding!
Know your trail type - Riding MX Trails
Trail type recognizing the terrain
Wide-open deserts. Tight, root-twisted woods. Rock-strewn hills. Dry river sand washes and endless dunes. You name it, there’s a terrain for every type of off-road riding. Here are four of the most common you’ll find as you break in your new CRF.
Dirt
Given the wide variety of dirt trails available across the U.S., this is probably the most common terrain type you’ll find when searching for a local riding area. From loose silt and hardpack to dry lakes and gooey (really) clay, there’s a “species” of dirt for pretty much every region in the country.
Out west in the dry, desert areas of California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and such, you’ll usually find a mixture of hardpacked dirt and sand; whereas in the damper Pacific Northwest and Northeast states, trails will tend to be wetter, muddier and often situated in forests and woods. Dry lakes, of course, will offer up flatter, faster surfaces; while in the deep South and Hawaii, clay—rich, loamy, bright orange-red clay—is king.
So you see, finding a dirt trail for your CRF to stretch its legs on won’t be difficult. The type of dirt, however, will naturally depend on where you live and/or where you plan to ride. They are all fun and present different challenges; and the greater the variety you choose to ride, the better all-around rider you will be.
Sand
When you stop to think about it, it’s possible to encounter sand almost anywhere you go riding; most often you’ll find it in dry river washes and dunes scattered across the Southwestern U.S. and up into Utah, Colorado and southern Wyoming and Idaho. One of the most popular and famous places to go sand dune riding are the Central California Coastal town of Pismo Beach, and Glamis, which is farther down southeast in California's Imperial Valley.
And while riding in sand is a blast, it also requires a certain amount of finesse and technique best summed up in this rule of thumb: Accelerate sooner and brake later than you would on surfaces with greater traction. Your bike will naturally “track,” or waver, in its path when riding in sand (don’t worry, this is normal if a little disconcerting at first), so keep the throttle on and shift to a higher gear if possible. You want to keep your speed up, which will then allow the bike to rise on top of, or “plane,” the sand. Also remember that your bike will stop much more quickly in sand than on harder surfaces, so adjust your braking accordingly.
If you happen to be riding in dunes or similar large areas of barren sand, be wary of hills or dropoffs that might be “hidden” by a lack of shadows. There’s nothing like a midday desert sun to mess with depth perception by making hills, holes and cliffs all appear the same color.
Rocks
When you stop to think about it, it’s possible to encounter sand almost anywhere you go riding; most often you’ll find it in dry river washes and dunes scattered across the Southwestern U.S. and up into Utah, Colorado and southern Wyoming and Idaho. One of the most popular and famous places to go sand dune riding are the Central California Coastal town of Pismo Beach, and Glamis, which is farther down southeast in California's Imperial Valley.
And while riding in sand is a blast, it also requires a certain amount of finesse and technique best summed up in this rule of thumb: Accelerate sooner and brake later than you would on surfaces with greater traction. Your bike will naturally “track,” or waver, in its path when riding in sand (don’t worry, this is normal if a little disconcerting at first), so keep the throttle on and shift to a higher gear if possible. You want to keep your speed up, which will then allow the bike to rise on top of, or “plane,” the sand. Also remember that your bike will stop much more quickly in sand than on harder surfaces, so adjust your braking accordingly.
If you happen to be riding in dunes or similar large areas of barren sand, be wary of hills or dropoffs that might be “hidden” by a lack of shadows. There’s nothing like a midday desert sun to mess with depth perception by making hills, holes and cliffs all appear the same color.
Woods
There’s something especially exciting about working your way through the woods. Maybe it’s the tight, twisty trails this type of terrain offers, with its demand for precision and quick, side-to-side transitions. Or maybe it’s just the idea of enjoying the best of both worlds: a great trail ride in a postcard-like setting.
Whatever the reason, woods riding is one of the best “classrooms” for honing your technical riding skills. It’s also great for practicing obstacle (roots, stumps, rocks, branches, fallen trees, you name it) avoidance.
Some of the best off-road racers grew up riding in the woods, and we highly recommend taking your CRF out on this type of terrain. It’s great fun, and an even better learning tool.
Learn More at GoMotocross.com
Wide-open deserts. Tight, root-twisted woods. Rock-strewn hills. Dry river sand washes and endless dunes. You name it, there’s a terrain for every type of off-road riding. Here are four of the most common you’ll find as you break in your new CRF.
Dirt
Given the wide variety of dirt trails available across the U.S., this is probably the most common terrain type you’ll find when searching for a local riding area. From loose silt and hardpack to dry lakes and gooey (really) clay, there’s a “species” of dirt for pretty much every region in the country.
Out west in the dry, desert areas of California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and such, you’ll usually find a mixture of hardpacked dirt and sand; whereas in the damper Pacific Northwest and Northeast states, trails will tend to be wetter, muddier and often situated in forests and woods. Dry lakes, of course, will offer up flatter, faster surfaces; while in the deep South and Hawaii, clay—rich, loamy, bright orange-red clay—is king.
So you see, finding a dirt trail for your CRF to stretch its legs on won’t be difficult. The type of dirt, however, will naturally depend on where you live and/or where you plan to ride. They are all fun and present different challenges; and the greater the variety you choose to ride, the better all-around rider you will be.
Sand
When you stop to think about it, it’s possible to encounter sand almost anywhere you go riding; most often you’ll find it in dry river washes and dunes scattered across the Southwestern U.S. and up into Utah, Colorado and southern Wyoming and Idaho. One of the most popular and famous places to go sand dune riding are the Central California Coastal town of Pismo Beach, and Glamis, which is farther down southeast in California's Imperial Valley.
And while riding in sand is a blast, it also requires a certain amount of finesse and technique best summed up in this rule of thumb: Accelerate sooner and brake later than you would on surfaces with greater traction. Your bike will naturally “track,” or waver, in its path when riding in sand (don’t worry, this is normal if a little disconcerting at first), so keep the throttle on and shift to a higher gear if possible. You want to keep your speed up, which will then allow the bike to rise on top of, or “plane,” the sand. Also remember that your bike will stop much more quickly in sand than on harder surfaces, so adjust your braking accordingly.
If you happen to be riding in dunes or similar large areas of barren sand, be wary of hills or dropoffs that might be “hidden” by a lack of shadows. There’s nothing like a midday desert sun to mess with depth perception by making hills, holes and cliffs all appear the same color.
Rocks
When you stop to think about it, it’s possible to encounter sand almost anywhere you go riding; most often you’ll find it in dry river washes and dunes scattered across the Southwestern U.S. and up into Utah, Colorado and southern Wyoming and Idaho. One of the most popular and famous places to go sand dune riding are the Central California Coastal town of Pismo Beach, and Glamis, which is farther down southeast in California's Imperial Valley.
And while riding in sand is a blast, it also requires a certain amount of finesse and technique best summed up in this rule of thumb: Accelerate sooner and brake later than you would on surfaces with greater traction. Your bike will naturally “track,” or waver, in its path when riding in sand (don’t worry, this is normal if a little disconcerting at first), so keep the throttle on and shift to a higher gear if possible. You want to keep your speed up, which will then allow the bike to rise on top of, or “plane,” the sand. Also remember that your bike will stop much more quickly in sand than on harder surfaces, so adjust your braking accordingly.
If you happen to be riding in dunes or similar large areas of barren sand, be wary of hills or dropoffs that might be “hidden” by a lack of shadows. There’s nothing like a midday desert sun to mess with depth perception by making hills, holes and cliffs all appear the same color.
Woods
There’s something especially exciting about working your way through the woods. Maybe it’s the tight, twisty trails this type of terrain offers, with its demand for precision and quick, side-to-side transitions. Or maybe it’s just the idea of enjoying the best of both worlds: a great trail ride in a postcard-like setting.
Whatever the reason, woods riding is one of the best “classrooms” for honing your technical riding skills. It’s also great for practicing obstacle (roots, stumps, rocks, branches, fallen trees, you name it) avoidance.
Some of the best off-road racers grew up riding in the woods, and we highly recommend taking your CRF out on this type of terrain. It’s great fun, and an even better learning tool.
Learn More at GoMotocross.com
MX Schools
MX Schools
Whether or not your goal is to be the next Kevin Windham or Johnny Campbell, racing schools are a great way for experienced riders of all types to continue developing riding skills and increasing confidence that can then be applied to both the trail and the track. There are several programs available across the U.S., each teaching techniques specific to different types of riding, ranging from motocross and enduro to flat track and trials. We highly recommend the two below, both of which offer discounts to Honda Rider’s Club of America (HRCA) members.
Whether or not your goal is to be the next Kevin Windham or Johnny Campbell, racing schools are a great way for experienced riders of all types to continue developing riding skills and increasing confidence that can then be applied to both the trail and the track. There are several programs available across the U.S., each teaching techniques specific to different types of riding, ranging from motocross and enduro to flat track and trials. We highly recommend the two below, both of which offer discounts to Honda Rider’s Club of America (HRCA) members.
2008 Rockstar US Open SX Results
2008 Rockstar US Open SX Results
10/12/2008
L&M San Manuel Yamaha's James Stewart, of Haines City, Fla., won the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, taking home the $100,000 winner's pay check.
Stewart set the stage coming into tonight's main event, winning the superpole, which put him two steps away from claiming the $250,000 Trifecta bonus award. Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Chad Reed, of Dade City, Fla., stopped Stewart from winning the $250,000 when he won the holeshot award. Yamaha's Broc Hepler, of Kittanning, Pa., followed Reed through turn one and Stewart started in fourth.
Reed led the first 16 laps before suffering a major crash that allowed Stewart to move into the lead. Red Bull Honda's Andrew Short, of Smithville, Texas, moved into second place, where he finished. Reed finished third.
In the overall, Red Bull Honda's Ivan Tedesco, of Tallahassee, Fla., finished second and Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Ryan Dungey, of Belle, Plaine, Minn., finished third.
"I wanted to come here and do good for the team," said Stewart. "I was lucky that Chad made a mistake for me. It was a great night and I am glad that we put on a great race for the fans."
Jesse Nelson bounced back from a rough ride Friday night to win the Alpinestars 85cc Mini Invitational. While trailing Nelson, Joe Savatgy, who finished second last night, crashed the timing section, giving up his chase for the lead. Austin Politelli, who won last night's main event, finished second place tonight and won the overall.
Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open Overall Results
1. James Stewart, Yamaha (1-1)
2. Ivan Tedesco, Honda (2-5)
3. Ryan Dungey, Suzuki (5-4)
4. Andrew Short, Honda (9-2)
5. Justin Brayton, KTM (4-9)
6. Josh Hill, Yamaha (3-12)
7. Michael Byrne, Suzuki (7-6)
8. Chad Reed, Suzuki (14-3)
9. Thomas Hahn, Kawasaki (8-13)
10. Broc Hepler, Yamaha (6-11)
Alpinestars 85cc Mini Invitational Overall Results
1. A. Politelli, Suzuki
2. K. Kamm, KTM
3. J. Savatgy, Honda
4. J. Nelson, Honda
5. J. Owen, Suzuki
6. M. Maze, Suzuki
7. D. Epstein, Yamaha
8. M. Bisceglia, Yamaha
9. T. Stewart, Yamaha
10. C. Alldredge, Yamaha
Legends Rematch Race, Saturday Night Results
1. Damon Bradshaw, Yamaha
2. Jeff Matiasevich, Kawasaki
10/12/2008
L&M San Manuel Yamaha's James Stewart, of Haines City, Fla., won the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, taking home the $100,000 winner's pay check.
Stewart set the stage coming into tonight's main event, winning the superpole, which put him two steps away from claiming the $250,000 Trifecta bonus award. Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Chad Reed, of Dade City, Fla., stopped Stewart from winning the $250,000 when he won the holeshot award. Yamaha's Broc Hepler, of Kittanning, Pa., followed Reed through turn one and Stewart started in fourth.
Reed led the first 16 laps before suffering a major crash that allowed Stewart to move into the lead. Red Bull Honda's Andrew Short, of Smithville, Texas, moved into second place, where he finished. Reed finished third.
In the overall, Red Bull Honda's Ivan Tedesco, of Tallahassee, Fla., finished second and Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Ryan Dungey, of Belle, Plaine, Minn., finished third.
"I wanted to come here and do good for the team," said Stewart. "I was lucky that Chad made a mistake for me. It was a great night and I am glad that we put on a great race for the fans."
Jesse Nelson bounced back from a rough ride Friday night to win the Alpinestars 85cc Mini Invitational. While trailing Nelson, Joe Savatgy, who finished second last night, crashed the timing section, giving up his chase for the lead. Austin Politelli, who won last night's main event, finished second place tonight and won the overall.
Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open Overall Results
1. James Stewart, Yamaha (1-1)
2. Ivan Tedesco, Honda (2-5)
3. Ryan Dungey, Suzuki (5-4)
4. Andrew Short, Honda (9-2)
5. Justin Brayton, KTM (4-9)
6. Josh Hill, Yamaha (3-12)
7. Michael Byrne, Suzuki (7-6)
8. Chad Reed, Suzuki (14-3)
9. Thomas Hahn, Kawasaki (8-13)
10. Broc Hepler, Yamaha (6-11)
Alpinestars 85cc Mini Invitational Overall Results
1. A. Politelli, Suzuki
2. K. Kamm, KTM
3. J. Savatgy, Honda
4. J. Nelson, Honda
5. J. Owen, Suzuki
6. M. Maze, Suzuki
7. D. Epstein, Yamaha
8. M. Bisceglia, Yamaha
9. T. Stewart, Yamaha
10. C. Alldredge, Yamaha
Legends Rematch Race, Saturday Night Results
1. Damon Bradshaw, Yamaha
2. Jeff Matiasevich, Kawasaki
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