Posts
978
Joined
7/13/2016
Location
Saint Marys, PA, USA
Edited Date/Time
11/5/2019 6:51am
How many of you guys ride alone? I recently picked up a brand new '17 Alta Redshift MX and have got to go out on it one time so far (it's getting into winter here). Motocross is basically nonexistent in my area and noone here even rides anymore so if you want to go ride dirt bikes, you're riding by yourself. I do bring a backpack with a cell phone but are there any other good rules of thumb or trackers or anything in case shit goes south? I'd like to minimize the chance of becoming diner for a hungry pack of coyotes if possible.
I broke my femur at a private track...fortunately I had a buddy with me. This was before cell phones. Needless to say, it was 4 hrs before proper help came.
When you're feeling fatigued, don't go out for one last lap/moto as that's when mistakes occur more often than not.
If you're injured but alert, you can send a SOS message to get help. It will send along your GPS coordinates so someone can find you. If you're riding in an area that you can't walk out of, I would consider getting one.
I ride alone a lot in the dense forest where it's possible to lose your bike down a steep hillside. I bring a tow strap and a roll of pink marking tape to leave a visual marker if I have to abandon my bike for some reason. Thankfully this has never happened. I've found that my iPhone, even without cell coverage, is a useful tool. The GPS still works, so you can plot your location if the above scenario were to play out. I also use it for georeferenced maps. You can use an app like Avenza for this. Works on iPhone and Android devices with GPS.
Don't ride above your head. You have to be extra cautious when you're alone. Make sure friends and/or family know where you are going.
You're riding an Alta, so it's not like you'll be able to go too, too far
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I think you know the right move to make. Take a friend.
The one time you don't make sure someone knows you're going, the one time your phone runs out of battery, the one time you don't take your gear, the one time you give into temptation and push it too hard; that's the time that bites you.
Make a deal with yourself that no matter how much you want to ride, if everything isn't in order then it's a no-go.
MX is different as long as there are spectators but yeah, riding alone is dumb.
It hit me one day when my bike broke down a few miles from home and I had to push it on the hottest day of summer. I got so thirsty I ended up drinking from a puddle that I’m quite sure I’d just seen a frog swimming in.
Bike prep: This is the most important thing. I'm super meticulous about my trail bikes and they are always in top notch condition as I would be pretty salty about being stranded due to poor maintenance. Ensure wheel & linkage bearings/seals are good, brake/clutch fluid fresh, brake pads have life, chain/sprockets and tires are good. Ensure motor is maintained and trustworthy. Large fuel tank (minimum 120 mi range). Bike is fully armored (full length skid, bark busters, rad guards). I've had wheel bearings go AWOL in the woods and unless you're packing extra bearings, seals, punch and seating tool your day is over and it's time for hiking shoes. Not good when the closest source of help is 25 miles away.
Tools: 8,10,12 & 13mm sockets & wrenches, t-handle, axle nut wrench, leatherman, crescent wrench, allen key set, spare master link/clip, tire irons, 21" UHD tube (can be used in the rear if needed), tube patches, Co2 carts/injector (or pony up for mousses and skip all the tire shit), JB weld, extra spark plugs, zip ties, bike recovery system w/ cam lock, silky saw (or chain saw if early season cutting).
Safety: PLB (I use ACR ResQLink and keep it in front vest pocket within arms reach), bear spray attached to outer vest (so I dont have to dig for it in a panic), cell phone/GPS, charger and cord (Battery Tender USB charger connected to bike battery), cash, paper map backup, fresh water filter, lighter, LED flashlight and most importantly ride conservative.
Comfort: extra dry gloves, socks, hand warmers, baklava.
I think that's about it. I've been riding solo in remote places for many years and haven't had any major issues that prevent me from not wanting to continue. I started off pretty conservative riding well used areas near population centers before moving onto more remote riding. I enjoy the hell out of it....I can set my own pace, see whatever sights I want, don't have to worry about others lack of conditioning or bike maintenance and only have myself to keep entertained. I mostly do ride with other people, but I'd say 30% of my riding is solo as people aren't always available when I am or have plans I'm not interested in.
Sometimes I feel like a badass nomad stepping foot where no man has gone before.....until I come up on a remote camp setup by 3 dudes who rode in helmet-less on TTR125's with a hundred pounds of hunting gear. It makes me happy that I'm not the dumbest MF'er out there
Now off road in the hills or woods, no I won't ride by myself ever….. Not only is it dangerous, its boring as hell! If I'm gonna be riding by myself which seems to becoming a regular thing these days I'll just hit up a MX track.
Now that I'm living up in Norcal there are some bitchin tracks within 1-2 hours from me. Club Moto but their current layout (if its still the same as last month) absolutely sucks! Theres Argyle mx I'll be going to next time, Diablo MX the old sand hill ranch track, Hangtown and All the tracks 🐾 in Marysville.
My take is if you're riding mx its not too bad riding by yourself I do it all the time but I don't recommend riding off road by yourself.
Pit Row
It can get pretty scary when you really get hurt and no one is there to help you. It starts to feel pretty life and death really quick.
Surely you can't be the only mx freak in your area?
Perhaps I just need to move haha.
I do the same with someone parked close to me. I just walkup introduce myself to explain the situation and tell them I'll leave a card on my dash with an emergency contact.
It does really extend air filter cleaning intervals.
100% alone, no cell service, deep and high in the mountains of Colorado.
Always tell someone where you are going.
The bike and Garmin inReach are your only friends out there.
Also bring any tool you might need to repair your bike on the trail.
Don't ride over your head!
Guess what, ride alone and enjoy what you can only enjoy by yourself. Live free.
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