2 Stroke Rocket

After the ride a couple of weeks ago in Thorpe on the little 100, it didn’t take long to find another bike – a much bigger bike.

To get it, I had to head to Rick’s place at 7 Springs where the bike was being sold by a friend of his. Conveniently there’s lots of riding out there, so Craig and I loaded up on Friday and headed out.

Jim, who we also rode with in Thorpe, showed up as well.

Up early Saturday morning to pick up the bike, then get everything ready for our ride(s).

The plan was to do two different rides with two different groups. The first was meant to be the more advanced ride, while the second was supposed to be easier.

They were both hard.

The bike I got was a 2010 KTM XC 250 two stroke. It’s a rocket. Probably too much rocket. As if that wasn’t enough, I had new gear issues as well.

New bike (really fast bike), new gear (neck brace, knee pads that were very uncomfortable, and super slippery leaves everywhere made for some tough times. Then there were mechanicals.

That’s me digging through the bag looking for a wrench. My shifter came loose and needed tightening.

So for most of the ride it was about survival. Dropping the bike I had long stopped worrying about. Throwing myself into a tree or over the side of the trail was another story.

I spent all my time at the back of the group trying to get acclimated. The morning ride was impossible. Nothing felt right about the bike. The further forward I sat, the harder it was to steer. The rear end had a mind of its own. The tires had too much air or the suspension was too tight. I was thrown around like a pin ball.

After much convincing (The group wanted to keep riding, but after 2 hours I needed a break.), we got to head in for a quick lunch. I ran a few things by Jim (long time trails rider), and he gave me some pointers. The afternoon ride was better. I somewhat started to get a feel for the bike. I could steer it better (not well, just better) and just gave up trying to control the rear end.

Luckily it wasn’t just me. Though Craig was able to keep up with the group on the trails, he too was starting to feel the effects of 3 hours of riding. Neither one of us could climb the big hills, and just couldn’t take dropping and picking the bikes back up if/when we failed.

On the way out he fell and dropped the bike on his ankle. My bike quit running. After being told I fouled the plug (because I suck), and replacing said plug, we decided I was probably just down to the reserve (ran out of gas from the main tank).

Finally back to Rick’s, we loaded up to head home.

We were beat, broken, and exhausted. I couldn’t figure out what I’d gotten myself into. Thorpe a few weeks ago was so much fun. Why did this hurt so bad?

New (really big) bike

New gear

Really hard trails

Whatever. After a nights sleep, I felt better about things.

I cleaned up the bike in preparation for a trip to the shop. I’ll either make it mine or make it gone and get something more appropriate.

Stay tuned.

– b