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The guys who went with me exhibited some serious street skills on those Baja highways and I asked them where they picked up that experience. All of them were fairly new Super Moto riders and suggested I attend a course.
So, fast forward a few months...
This weekend I enjoyed some Super Moto riding for the first time. For those not familiar with this type of racing, Super Moto is basically a dirt bike with street wheels AND it takes place on a track mixing three styles: flat track, motocross and road racing.
Wicked fun!
The instructor -- a friend of mine, champion rider Tim Weig -- said that Super Moto is basically “riding like you’re running from the police.” So it’s a combo of varying levels of traction (street, dirt) at really fast speeds.
From Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermoto): Super Moto was originally conceived as something like an all-star game, in which the best riders from the three separate genres of motorcycle racing could temporarily leave their normal race class to come together and compete for the title of best all-around racer.
The course was held at Adams Racetrack in Riverside, a medium sized go-kart track with an off-road section in the infield. Super Moto by definition must include a certain percentage (minimum 30% and up to 50%) of dirt, so the Adams track was perfect in having dirt sections of packed red clay and motocross-style obstacles like bermed corners and jumps. The Adams track consisted of some tight turns, fast straightaways and a small section of dirt (berms, turns and jumps).
While I never slid around the corner sideways like some of the more experienced riders, I'm pretty confident in the dirt so I really enjoyed the jumps (I'll post photos/videos of me catching some serious air).
The motorcycles provided by SoCal Super Moto were newer Suzuki DRZ 400s set up with road-racing wheels and tires.
The participants on Sunday wore a combination of road race and off-road equipment. I wore my cordura jacket/pants and motocross-style helmet and that I routinely use for dual sport and street; others wore motocross gear or full leathers.
More photos and info to follow, but I am still smiling from a most enjoyable time and highly recommend it to those interested in improving their street skills...or just having a blast on someone else's bike!
Here’s some info on Brian Murray who operates Socal Super Moto:
Business website www.socalsupermoto.com
5292 24th St
Riverside, CA 92509
Phone number (619) 224-6686
Socal Super Moto, Southern California's all inclusive supermoto school. Whether you ride a dirt bike, Harley or sportbike, just one day on a supermoto bike will transform your riding. You'll also have the best time you've ever had on two wheels. Just $199 for bike rental, training, trackfees, and photography.
Cool write up. I've never ridden dirt bikes, though I've taken my street bikes on dirt and mud a number of times. It's something I'd like to do someday!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had entirely too much fun. I am looking forward to the pics and video.
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ReplyDeleteGreat information sharing here.
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