DMKXF

Hi guys, I was wondering if anyone can recommend a good level 3 lead rider who knows the Otways really well for a ride I would like to organise on Sunday the 17th of September? My mates were too bloody slow to pay for the Stockmans rally so we all missed out so I'm looking to create another plan! I did notice a fair few of the usual Dirtriderz suspects are at Stockmans as well, but hopefully someone else couldn't make it? Ideally I'm looking for a decent level 3 speed/skilled rider who knows a good mix of trails (not 1st gear snot for 6 hours), maybe start in Anglesea, go through Paddy's Swamp, then head back to Airey's Inlet for lunch and refuel, then back to the cars mid to late arvo. I used to have some great trail loops out there but barely riding out there once a year doesn't refresh the memory too well.... And I'll miss all the new ones! Any help is much appreciated, regards Darian

Hey guys, I've got a question for the more advanced/experienced riders with OCD issues when it comes to tyres; I did a search and couldn't find anything on the site written about these newer model Dunlop MX52 tyres, and was wondering if anyone has run them in winter particularly in places like Wombat - when the clay is wet and like ice! I took off my Michelin S12's for summer and the Dunlops MX52's have been great - plenty of grip and not ripping to pieces - but I already know the front is rubbish in the wet clay so it's going into storage. Not sure on the rear though as I haven't put it in a nasty situation yet (wet clay, off camber slow hills etc), though the knob pattern looks like it may work well? I'd like to work out if I just throw on an MX3s front and she'll be all good, or just go back to the s12's for winter and be done with it? Yes, I can ride it and find out for myself but I'm just getting over a knee injury and I'd like to avoid any extra stress on it. Being a big beasty KX450 and not riding a hell of a lot doesn't give me a huge amount of confidence on the bike, especially if it's wandering all over the bloody place, so I don't need poor tyre choice making things worse..... thanks for your help guys Darian

Hey Dakota, I swore I wouldn't be one of those crazy dads putting kids on minibikes at 2 years of age, but......... I bought an Atomik 110cc 4 wheeler that was big enough for me to dink the pups around (they were 2 and 3.5 yrs old) and as they got older I let them control the throttle, then turning, then when they were old enough I ran behind them with the lanyard. Liam was riding around safely after his 3rd birthday. Indecent free, even the bike ran beyond expectations (apart from a slight 'crab walk' from dodgy frame jigging), bough on eBay for $300.00! I'd still have it if the thieving scum didn't take it...... Otherwise, look for an Xr100 or something you can dink him around on - the kids love it either way! note - both my kids have spent a heap of time on pushy's and were off training wheels early - that was the bribe to be able to ride a moto by themselves. Hope that's of some help? regards Darian.

Mmm, an MX fun machine with a wide ratio gearbox and a button - that might tempt me to ride one of those fat things....

Hey Jason, My thought are with you and your family (and animals!) Glad to see that back paddock is still nice and green - hopefully a safe place? Stay safe and best of luck!!! Darian

Hi guys, Thanks again to Dakota for organising a great ride - sure did blow out the cobwebs. Nice to meet a great bunch of blokes - as usual with Dirtriderz - and have the time to have a beer and bench race afterwards. Poor little Kwaka probably doesn't like me any more, I'm sure it would like to go back to its former life of easy trail rides? Looking forward to getting back out to Cobaw and I won't be waiting 15 years again, once the blisters are gone and my poor little toe isn't black and blue any more....... Regards Darian

Terrible to hear about the injury Old Fossil - get well soon! Thanks Mal for organising the ride, Jeff for punting that little two banger around with ease, and all the other blokes for helping make it a great day. Perfect ride to get used to a bit of slippery stuff - it sure has been a while! Regards, Darian / Dario / Darius

Thanks Gypsy, what a great day!!! You put together a fantastic ride it and sure did blow out the cobwebs and give me a chance to get acquainted with my new machine! Thanks also to Mev and Marko who weren't feeling too great but soldiered on beyond water and nearly fuel... I still can't figure out after riding in the area for so many years how I couldn't have found these little gems Does anyone have a loop out Angelsea/Paddy's Swamp way that is as good as this - not that would be something! And I didn't seem to scratch my bike - most important Hope to see you guys soon, Darian

Thanks for the ride guys, and nice to meet another great bunch of blokes. Hope to catch a few more rides next year, looking forward to the next one in the new year. Thanks Mevstar for the guidance! Darian DMCRF, shortly to become DMKXF.........