echo_four_romeo
New Member
First a little background...I've been riding for the past 4 years, I was a late bloomer. About to turn 30...yup I'm a youngin'. Started with a beat up old dirt bike, moved to a Harley sportster and hated every minute of that. Finally traded up to my dream bike, the Tenere. I have loved riding it for that last 2 years. I have done a little over 32k miles in those 2 years. Everything from pavement to dirt roads to off road trails...and the big girl took it all in stride.
Now on to my dilemma, I went riding with a friend on his KLR this past weekend. Two days of local riding near home, mixed pavement and trails. It has rained a decent amount lately so there was mud. I have been testing out the Shinko 804/805, so I had plenty of traction. First day out was pretty good. Only dropped the bike twice, both bonehead mistakes. Loose footing and just being tired at the end of the day. Second day was kinda rough. I felt sluggish all day. Nothing worked right. I couldn't choose the right lines and both of us suffered because of my choices. He has only been riding dirt for about 4 months, so I was taking point on the trails. I ended up dropping the big bike about 6 or 7 times that day. Three times on the same hill, one of which sandwiched me between the bike and a big oak tree. Have some bruises down my back and ribs. He seemed to fair better. After the day was over and I was home with my feet propped up and a glass of whiskey in my hand, I began thinking about the day's events. Where did I go wrong? Is this what I really want to do? Should I take a break from riding? Or just a break from off road riding?
I love riding. It has given me the solitude, peace and focus I need to deal with a crazy work schedule and some issues left over from my time in the Marines. I love being able to pack up the bike and point her in a direction, then go. Not having to worry about work or people or anything except what is right in front of me. Has anyone else gone through this? Is this the beginning of the end for me riding? Or maybe just part of the experience of riding? Or am I just whining too much and need to ::021::
Now on to my dilemma, I went riding with a friend on his KLR this past weekend. Two days of local riding near home, mixed pavement and trails. It has rained a decent amount lately so there was mud. I have been testing out the Shinko 804/805, so I had plenty of traction. First day out was pretty good. Only dropped the bike twice, both bonehead mistakes. Loose footing and just being tired at the end of the day. Second day was kinda rough. I felt sluggish all day. Nothing worked right. I couldn't choose the right lines and both of us suffered because of my choices. He has only been riding dirt for about 4 months, so I was taking point on the trails. I ended up dropping the big bike about 6 or 7 times that day. Three times on the same hill, one of which sandwiched me between the bike and a big oak tree. Have some bruises down my back and ribs. He seemed to fair better. After the day was over and I was home with my feet propped up and a glass of whiskey in my hand, I began thinking about the day's events. Where did I go wrong? Is this what I really want to do? Should I take a break from riding? Or just a break from off road riding?
I love riding. It has given me the solitude, peace and focus I need to deal with a crazy work schedule and some issues left over from my time in the Marines. I love being able to pack up the bike and point her in a direction, then go. Not having to worry about work or people or anything except what is right in front of me. Has anyone else gone through this? Is this the beginning of the end for me riding? Or maybe just part of the experience of riding? Or am I just whining too much and need to ::021::