Hi all,
just back from holidays in Canaries, and thought I`d post some pix of my day out off-roading with Backtrax, a small local company that takes you out onto some amazing trails.
Bearing in mind this was my first proper off-roading, I don't think I embarrassed myself too badly, especially as some of the routes were probably way past my technique level
....(soft black sand in dry river beds are tough...as well as loose volcanic rock...)
Only came off at speed twice, but glad of all the gear as those rocks hurt
(and took the clutch lever off on my second spill, which hit me in the goggles as i was heading over handlebars, but quick fix to get going again). Both times i came off it was because of gulleys on the trail surface that ran parallel to the direction of travel and both times my front wheel got stuck in them and I lost control as I tram lined along. No idea how to ride them... They must have been about 12 inches deep at points..
I did have a small 3rd spill but its was at about 1mph as we were coming down a very steep rocky descent at the coast with back brake only pretty much full on, and I simply stepped off and let the bike drop. But my God, in that heat and in that gear, lifting the bike back up nearly killed me
Still, very sore and stiff the next few days afterwards and still got the bruises but the best thing I`ve ever done! So much fun and will definitely be looking at doing more enduro or trail type stuff now I`m back in UK as I`ve got the bug
If you are over there I`d recommend it, and the owner Nigel, is a top rider and top bloke.(one tip though, if you are interested, call them rather than email them as they often cant pick up emails, but will answer phone)
(I know it isn`t strictly a Yammy but don't tell..)
Heading Out:
Photo opportunity..Volcano in background:
Obligatory pose..next stop...Dakar:
Pit Stop No 1:
Nice Scenery:
In 25 degree heat this is me slowly cooking..
Pit Stop No 2:
All my gear....hot and heavy, but definitely required:
And Youtube links to what I was doing(Not me, but it gives you an idea):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EX4US...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJWuA...eature=related