One week to go before the Big Bear Run. Hopefully all those who didn't get broken on the Ride 4 Kids will be able to make it.

You can pull the PDF of the flyer from the Big Bear Trail Riders website or from the AMA event schedule website. Here are both URLs:

http://www.bigbearbikers.com/bbtr/
http://www.district3...idingevents.php

For those that got broken last week: I hope you heal up quick! :ride:

Hey Pat, good luck on big bear. maybe this is your year to get the plaque. Now that I have the wr450, I was thinking I was gonna try to get the plaque this year.
Fortunately the fracture in my hand is relatively minor, so I'll be good to go in 6 weeks. :thumbsup:

I want to do this run is there a little more you can tell me about it I am new to dual sporting and this would be my first event? how long? where do u get gas refills ? how much gas range do u need? etc.

thanks!!

Hey Daddy..........ok, I feel dirty..........but to answer your question:

This is a great ride to get aquainted with the sport. The Big Bear area is probably the best area in So Cal for Dualsport. The trails are varied and plentiful.
The Big Bear Trail Riders pick some of the best and most challenging for the experienced riders. The easy route is easier and scenic. But you wont get bored on the easy routes. You will build some skill and revel in your accomplishment at the barbeque after the ride.

This is somewhat how your day will go on Saturday. You'll arrive at the sign up table and sign in and get your ride packet consisting of a roll chart, map, t-shirt, dinner ticket and raffle ticket. Keep the tickets and your rider number handy. You'll need them later in the day. If you don't have a roll chart holder, get one before the ride. Any shop can get you one in a day or two. Order it on Monday. You roll the rollchart onto the roll chart holder spindles. Think of a piece of adding machine tape 15 feet long and that's a rollchart.

Now is the time to find another solo rider if you don't already have a partner. This ride was my first Dualsprt 6 years ago and I still ride with the friends I made that day.

Now, get an early start. You should leave sign-up before 8, well before 8. I wouldnt plan on doing all the hard ways on my first outing, but mix a few hard way splits in. The most fun I've had is when I fall a few times. They're usually low speed tips on single track so nothing gets broken besides a blinker or mirror.

I usually ride this ride till I get tired, around 2-3 in the afternoon I head back to sign-up.

You should bring a tube and repair kit. Tire spoons are helpful, or ride with someone that has them. Make sure you have a good Camelback type water system, you'll need water, drink steadily before you get thirsty. If you feel like you're thirsty, you're already in the first stages of dehydration.

I don't know what bike you're on, but gas is about 60 miles into it and most bikes can do that. Other rides may have different requirements. I'd buy the 4 gallon IMS or Clark plastic soon and forget about gas worries.......unless you come to the Ride for Kids barbeque, but I digress. If you need it sooner, you can bail to the highway and find a gas station.

Get this first one under your belt and you'll be hooked. Dualsport is the best kept secret in motorcycling.

Hey Keith,
This is Charlie I came with my buddy Scott when he bought your brother's DRZ. Just ran across this thread and thinkin' about making this my first organized ride also.
How strict are they about exhaust?
I've got a DRZ with an FMF powercore IV. It's not crazy loud, but I don't know if it's 96db either. :excuseme:
How tough is the A loop? I'm a decent rider, but it's all relative huh?
Very many guy's show up solo,(Scott's got other plans), how hard is it to find a partner the day of?
Sorry for all the ??? but inquiring minds want to know. :thumbsup:

Hey Charlie,
I hope the bike is working out for Scott.
The legality of your bike is up to you. Nobody from the clubs or District checks your bike for anything other than a spark arrestor.
The pipe thing is really up to you. There may be a person doing sound testing. Mostly this is for your information and not an enforcement issue. For this ride if it's too late to remedy the pipe thing just ride quiet by homes and people. You may want to ditch the pipe for a Q like the one Scott got with the bike.

A couple days ago I talked with Miguel from the Big Bear club about the ride. He said this year's hard ways were going to be pretty challenging. This is to make it fun for the A riders. Most average riders, like us, will mix the hard and easy routes. I'm good on slow single track, just not all day long.
At sign up look for someone that's getting suited up alone, ask around at the sign up table, post up here and on the District 37 Dualsport message board that you're looking for a riding partner. www.district37ama.org
I've hooked up with riders as late as pulling out of the parking lot. (Troy on last years Big Bear night ride)

A couple things to remember about these promoter rides is they're all fun, educational (you'll learn about more great riding areas than you ever imagined) and addicting. Just soak up as much as you can on this one and you'll be fine. Ride till you've had enough then head back to sign up. The Big Bear club hosts an excellent barbeque with a ton of donated goods for the riders. It's all included in your entry.

Call me if you want some in depth info and tips. (562)244-0244

bcs said:

Naw, I don't think I'm up for that level of pain and commitment. Besides, the club had to give away so many plaques last year that I'm sure they've stepped things up a bit this year. I'll just mix in some hard stuff during the day to keep things interesting. By the afternoon I'll probably be exhausted and looking for all the easiest routes, though.