Hey Dwight - I wanted to let you know that I've spent the last two hours reading your tips on technique and bike setup. Thanks for that!!
But the main thing I wanted to say is that your continued interaction and access through these forums over the last five years is incredible. No matter your skills on a bike, you've earned my respect as a true motorcycle enthusiast.
I'm forty years old and my earliest memories come from the pits of the enduros my father participated in. I can remember the noise, the smells, the action. My mother said I was one of the rare kids who wore out their shoes before I would outgrow them because I had a plastic push motorcycle that I rode everywhere. I wanted to be just like my dad.
My dad bought my mom a motorcycle when I was still a toddler. Soon after, they found out she was pregnant with my sister. Her bike was sold and my father's enduro bike - a Penton Jackpiner - was put away. Life was calling and my dad knew what he had to do.
Growing up, I begged my parents for a motorcycle. I was always told they were too dangerous. I think some of the wrecks he witnessed kept him from wanting to expose his son to the possibilities of severe injuries. I was told that when I could sit on the Penton with both feet on the ground that we would clean it up and get it running again. So, I would sneak down to the basement every couple of months, stand beside it and check my height against the height of the Penton's seat.
At some point, he agreed that I was tall enough and he pulled the Penton out to work on. What an exciting day!! We spent the next week or so taking the hubs apart to check the brakes, cleaned up the carburetor, etc. He kept saying it was a "PM job" (can't remember what that stands for).
I spent that summer riding that motorcycle as much as I could. I loved it!
In college, I bought my first road bike. I ended up sticking with road bikes and have had quite a few over the last 20 years. I've been an MSF instructor for the last eight. I want to help others enjoy the fun of motorcycles and seeing them improve.
I bought my first woods bike in January of this year. I've really enjoyed riding through the woods. My "street techniques" don't work so well there though! I'm enjoying the challenge of learning the woods.
Anyway....
A sincere THANK YOU for your dedication here.
Edit: Forgot to add........ I entered and FINISHED my first Hare Scramble last month. I beat out two others because they quit. I was the slowest guy there but I refused to give up. Hardest 2 1/2 hours ever. But, man, was it rewarding!!
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happy trails.
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