So I finally got to ride a dirt bike for the first time in my life. To make things even more interesting, I did that at Area 51 on the medium sized track.
I surprised everyone at how well I did. I pushed myself to try getting better. I ended up only crashing 2 times and on the exits of turns due to soft dirt because of not being watered.
I did how ever already start clearing jumps and actually cleared 3 different jumps several times by the time I left. One being something people generally find being the most difficult on the smaller track.
Thanks to some friends that I met from taking photos at Area 51. The reason I even had the opportunity to try it.
thats awesome! the medium track is pretty fun. The large track is more like work if you are unexperienced (as I was when I went) but still a good time.
Yeah, This was a fucking blast. It really made one of my childhood dreams come true and I can only thank the people that got me there and supplied the gear. It all started with me talking to this girl that rides there and asking if I could show up one day to take photos. Now they all know me there and allow me any access at any time to the track to take photos. made friends through her and the people she rides with, one of them let me use his 250cc 4 stroke with all the clothing, chest pad under, gloves, goggles, boots, and bike. I got the helmet from a guy at work.
I really surprised everyone by the time I left. I was clearing the last jump by a good distance. For my first time ever riding a bike, I need to get one now!
Get one! You’ll love it, I just got my first one in June and have since made it to the top 5 consistently in beginner class! Takes practice, as most things do but it’s tons of fun and you get the chance to meet some awesome people out there!
You can say that again about the people. Best people I have ever met. Its funny, they care a lot about their photographer… lol they need me back to take more photos. I stalled and had 6 guys come up within 2 minutes to see if I needed help. Every single one made a comment about my progress. Just hope to improve
Yeah it’s a great feeling when you start to accomplish things like jumping and cornering. I had a hell of a time with cornering and ruts when I first started, really gets ya frustrated watching everyone make them look so simple then you have to practically walk through the corners haha.
Awesome story! There’s no turning back now, lol. If you want to get yourself a cheap bike to get yourself going try looking for a used 125cc 2-stroke. A 250cc 4-stroke will cost you a lot more. You can gain some more experience on the 2-stroke and when you are ready to step up, then take the plunge on a newer bike. Watch lots of youtube videos and pay close attention to how early the fast guys get on the gas when exiting a turn. This is a good video here:
Watch at the 1:00 mark and see him setup the turn, as soon as the bike is settled and aiming in the right direction is goes WOT. Also notice how he goes WOT after every jump. You can hear him scream the motor just before the rear wheel hits the ground:
Yeah, I know that I had some lazy moments. The crash happened because the front wheel came out of the berm and into the soft dirt just kicking sideways instantly. Wish they watered it more.
As for looking at the camera, that was the only one I actually the only one but due to trying to find something out.
Again, I never have ridden a dirt bike in my entire life, let alone a quad or any street bike. I had turns down pretty decent and I was riding the berm pretty well for learning. I know next time I will definitely push myself a lot more. I was just trying to get some basics down and the feel of the bike. By the time I left I was pretty tired and my form was pretty shot. lol
being that it was the first few laps going around the track, and really my first time riding a dirt bike… The guys whos gear I was using was saying I should probably go without to start due to the goggles possibly fogging up on me not moving so fast. It was after like 5 laps that I realized I’m moving faster than he was expecting and the bikes/quads going around were destroying my eyes with all the dust in the air. lol So they went on after. Goggles off = first few laps Goggles on = fun! lol
I went on the lawn with a skinny 80cc bike that my buddies father used at the drag strips to get around. That was it, nothing at all other than that. I drove a quad with manual trans 1 other time. So really first time riding a bike yes. lol
Will do. Guessing you ride or you use to. The plus side that I have right now is that I have met a lot of people from Area 51, some of which being outstanding riders, due to taking pictures all the time for them. Since thats the case I have gained some good friends and people that give me pointers constantly. I hope to get back out soon and do this again. I have not had so much fun in a long time doing something like this.
