Author: Valerie Pretzel

I have realized that the activity of trail bike riding is actually only made up of 50% actual riding – it is 15% bike and gear maintenance (Pretz would argue that I wouldn’t know much about the bike maintenance part!) – but the other 35% is time spent researching, reading, watching and talking about “so what will the next bike be”.

When we go away for a weekend or a week of riding with our riding crew, most nights are spent pondering the next bike, pros and cons of 2 stroke versus 4 stroke; a 250, 350 or a 450? are Husabergs just blue and yellow KTMS? What do the new models have? and the value of steering dampners, recluse clutches, pivot pegs and dozens of add-ons. Then for additional value you can have the same conversation about your child’s bike and which bike they should have next.

There is also the ride planning, trail mapping, bench racing and whilst I am personally not that into it – I am reliably informed by a number of riding mates, much excitement over the Ballards catalogue.

So the trail biking is far greater than the riding activity itself. There is a trail bike culture that provides an interest and a hobby even when you are not on the bike.

So what will you be doing this week – the riding, the maintenance, the ride planning or the dreaming about the next bike?....or if you are really lucky, all of the above.

Author: Brett Grandin

Having two grandsons (five and three) I am keen to give them the opportunity to ride dirt bikes. Or am I hoping that they will be interested? They are keen to help in the shed when I am working on my bike, don’t mind having a dink on the front of big bikes, although a bit reserved about of the noise of the exhaust (legal of course).

The opportunity came about so I purchased a second hand PW 50, then ensured that it was up to scratch and fitted a set training wheels. I explained to the boys that this was their bike and that the little red fox helmet was for use on the motor bike. Well we all know that the helmet gets used for all activities including the push bike.

The time came for the intro to the bike running, well this did take some getting use to but once you see your poppy riding YOUR bike it is surely game on. I get the eldest boy to get onto the bike and under supervision explain the concept on turning the throttle (thank goodness for the screw that enables limited throttle). So here I am chasing the grandson around the back yard hanging onto the rear of the bike. This is good exercise and I sure knew I had been at a large portion on my half acre block.

When to do the solo run? We are lucky enough to have a 10 acre location that the boys can use to ride the bike (and the great grandparents are grateful for the visits).  I decided that the preliminary training had been completed and it was time for the SOLO run.

Gear on ….. ran through the throttle on / throttle off exercise. Lets do it

Well the kid is off … I am running behind the bike ….. throttle off! …….THROTTLE OFF!!   I can not keep up …….. poppy gives up….. the fence will stop him!  Yep. (I am so glad that I am yet to screw out the throttle stop)

I am sure that the look on his face was “what the ………….you have tried to kill me”. Well the younger of the two young ones decides that it his turn. Nanna sitting on the rear ….as you could probably understand poppy has just had to do the 100 yard dash to save the other child and is a bit under the weather.

Well this went a lot better and this bloke understands the consequences of not doing the throttle off routine. Broom broom …….purrrr…..broom purrrrrr and his is turning the bike in circles by himself. Circle work at a young age …… the kid shows promise.

Rider number one looking on with interest and contempt.  I could see the square-up he was planning for his little brother showing him up.

So training continues. My question still is have I started too early?  Is three and five a good place to start?

Author: Tadhg MacCarthy

July 7th was an opportunity for RTRA members to sample some Hills'n'Thrills courtesy of the crew at Westcoast Trailbike Safaris.  

This tour was pitched at the more experienced rider after the RTRA/Westcoast Intro tour run earlier in the year. Further on I'll dispense some invaluable trail tips for the inexperienced riders amongst you.

A motley crew turned up to a sold out tour - we had all types of bikes from KTM two-smokers to a go anywhere Suzuki DR650. Same bill for the riders - from new to dirt, or returning after many years to a few Bear Grylls on Bikes and a lone female Tania amongst a sea of testosterone.
The conditions were no less than perfect, and as usual Staino tailored the tour to cater for all.

Pommy Pete was having his last Westcoast ride as trusty sweep - before heading over to Melbourne to further his career as an international poet - so it was a bittersweet farewell for the bard from Essex.

The customary pre-ride talk was dispensed with, followed by a quick word from RTRA prez Pretz. We then waited the customary five minutes for the bike of a certain colour to be kicked a hundred times to re-fire into life and we were off.

Out the gate - and immediately into some hilly single track to blow out the cobwebs and pre-ride jitters. From there we were served with a smorgasboard of the finest trails in the Blackwood - before rolling into Tathra Winery for some hearty soup & rolls to prep for the afternoon.

The hills were tailored back a bit to cater for all the group.
One memorable one was Stig Hill.

Tip #1: When tackling a difficult hill; stand up and well forward - select the right gear. Keep the revs smooth and pick your line - and remember momentum is your friend.

I know this tip because that's exactly what Tania was doing as she passed me as I lay under my bike having speared off into the pine trees half way up the hill.

Tip #2: While climbing a hill remember to be ready to change lines quickly if required.

Tania learned this when Pat did a swan dive off his bike into her line on the next section of Stig Hill. Pat is available for lessons if required - contact his agent.

The afternoon brought out the rain with a nice shower as we traversed the rocky mountain trail.

Tip #3: Carry a spare pair of gloves on a ride so you can have dry & warm hands once the rain passes.

Remember to bring a left and right glove - unlike me who had a left and another left glove. Mmmm .. super toasty left hand.

The afternoon had us tackling some nice water crossings.

Tip #4: Water crossings are deemed nice when you don't fall in.

All too soon we were rolling back into Westcoast base for the trek back to reality.

Many thanks to the RTRA and the Westcoast crew for an(other) awesome day on the trails. Let's make next year a two (or three!) dayer.

Author: David Bylund

Just a quick one this week - been too busy with life to even get on my Bomber for a ‘quiet’ ride in my local patch!

I have been following the progress of the new KTM Freeride. Looks like it will arrive in Australia in about two months. No news on the Freeride E, but one can only hope. The question is, will these bikes fall by the wayside as a unique experiment in an enduro/trails hybrid or will they create a whole new subclass that that gets the other manufactures scrambling to compete?

A recent trip to NZ made me drool. Awesome riding country, seemingly limitless mountain trails. Snow, bush and surf all within one or two hours drive!

I did get to try some exciting electric go karts while in Auckland. They go like a bat out of hell and definitely must be experienced to believe. Given my penchant for electric power, these guys definitely fill the bill. If you're in NZ sometime, go check them out -  FormulaE, five minutes from the Auckland International Airport.