Ride date IS WEDNESDAY!
FWIW, here are some notes I worked up for the rider's meeting:
Kickstands up @ 8:30 sharp. Don't hold up everyone because you wanted another cup of coffee.
Fuel; Start with a fuel tank. Don’t hold everyone up because you forgot to top off your tank the night before. You need to know that if you run out of fuel, the going price of “Trail Fuel” is about $25/gal.
I recommend:
You set your Traction Control to #2
You don't disable the ABS; it's better than you are no matter what you think.
Set your tire pressure on the higher side to help prevent flats.
This isn't a race, don’t try to make it one.
DAH (Dumb Ass Hillbillys)…we got ‘em so look out!
Ride within your ability. It’s going to be a long day…pace yourself.
What was "no-problem" at 9:00 am, will be a problem at 4:00 pm.
Turns. Make sure the guy behind you sees you turn.
If you lose contact with the rider in back of you; stop.
Look before you leap. Some areas will be very technical.
Watch where you are going. There are lots of pretty things to look at but you need to focus on what is in front of you.
Leaves are pretty but they can cover bad things like rocks and ruts.
Keep your buddy in view. Watch the rider/bike ahead of you. If he has a problem, you might too.
But don’t tailgate.
Be careful cresting hills. Check the other side before blindly riding over it because sometimes 600lbs is hard to stop.
Pick your line(s) before starting.
Wait for the rider ahead of you to get through a technical area before you start.
Buddy Plan. We may need to team up to get though some areas.
If you need help getting through a technical section, stop and say so before you fall and get hurt.
Hope for a good day but plan for a bad one. If you break down…
Bring tools and cash (a credit card doesn't count in many places around here).
If you get lost or break down: Stay where you are!
If you get hurt…
First, don’t get hurt…
I’m not very good at setting up a triage so I usually just start shooting the wounded.
Second, if you do get hurt…
Say something! Don’t try to be the tuff guy. We can re-route to get you back.
Have fun!