Author Topic: Glad to find this group (Read 126 times)

Theskypilot · « **on:** May 15, 2017, 06:32:41 am »

I am Ray from Sanford, NC. First time on a bike just this year (well, since I was 12). Suzuki V-Strohm 650 and loving it. Want to get off-road in NC. Who can give some advice.

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Theskypilot · « **Reply #1 on:** May 15, 2017, 10:02:17 am »

Just to add to my post. I am a Chaplain in the US Army stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. My wife and I are empty-nesters with 3 kids and 5 grandkids. I made a decision to follow Christ at 6 years old in Ranger, TX. It was a revival there and my Dad was the pastor of the church. I have spent all of my life as a PK and find I am a preacher also.

I am looking for other Christian Adventure riders in North or South Carolina, even Virginia. I want to get off-road and expand my riding capabilities. I did not know how much I would enjoy being on 2 wheels. Again...this is my rookie year riding and I will be looking for some great adventures this fall. I am scheduled for surgery 06 JUN and cannot be on 2 wheels until the end of summer.

portabill · « **Reply #2 on:** May 15, 2017, 10:43:07 am »

Welcome, Ray! Glad to have you aboard. Tell us a bit more about yourself (I sense there is a story behind your screen name and email), and you know "pics or it didn't happen"!

What kind of off-road advice are you looking for? Where to ride or how to ride?

I'm on the west coast, so I can't help with where to ride.

How to ride? Ask 10 riders and you will get 25 opinions (we're not a sane bunch). First things first, look where you want to go, and it's 90% the rider and 10% the bike.

I would recommend wearing out the tires on the bike just riding. See a road, take it. See a dirt road, take it. See an empty parking lot, do some PLP (Parking Lot Practice). Slow speed maneuvering you learn in PLP will help you deal with the top-heavy VStrom. Using a little throttle (not idling), slip the clutch and drag the rear brake, and see how slow you can go. First in straight lines, the concentric circles until you can circle at full-lock in both directions. That clutch-throttle control will be immensely helpful off road. See a dirt road, take it. What's the worst thing that will happen...you will drop the bike and scratch the engine guards and luggage.

When you wear out your current tires, consider the Shinko 804/805 combo. They are an adventure riding knobby with good on-road manners and decent longevity (4500-6000 for the rear).

There is tons of on and off road riding info out there for big bikes.

Theskypilot · « **Reply #3 on:** May 15, 2017, 11:09:06 am »

Thanks....so I am already doing some of the things you suggest. Find a road, take a road...I wore out the Battle Wings on the bike when I bought it and put Shinko's on it two weeks ago. Love them so far. I have put 5k miles on bike since February. I ride everyday and most weekends.

I will take the advise about being able to turn a tight circle at full lock. I do practice slow speed maneuvering as it was part of the skills test here in NC and part of the MSF courses the Army requires me to take. I am reviewing several sites that talk about what tools to have and what to expect off-road. This Sat there is a state park near me that has mC and ATV trails. gonna go check it out. I want to get her dirty and I am not too worried with scratching Matilda.

As far as the name goes...I am an Army Chaplain and former Infantry officer and enlisted guy. My first unit as a chaplain was a light Cavalry squadron with ground and air assets. My Operations SGM was an old Vietnam Vet who referred to all chaplains he liked as Skypilot. That was his chaplain in Vietnam. The moniker stuck and now I am Skypilot everywhere. thanks for the greeting and will follow more adventures.

eemsreno · « **Reply #4 on:** May 16, 2017, 08:22:03 pm »

Nice having you join Skypilot.
Hope we can ride together some day.

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