RIDE PREPARATION

bigfoot area
RIDE PREP

RIDE PREPARATION

Silencer packing

NOISE

  • Excessive noise is our biggest issue as it is used to limit our right to ride.
  • With the price of travel, entry fees, and other costs associated with riding a dual sport or off-road motorcycle being so high, riders must take time to make sure their exhaust meets sound and spark arrestor land-use laws.
  • We urge all riders to include a review of their exhaust and silencer on their bike prep check list before riding.

____________________________________

Stay the Trail
Stay the Trail

Spark Arrestor

  • You must have a U.S. Forestry Approved spark arrestor to ride in the National Forest.
  • Many off-road motorcycles come equipped with one from the factory.
  • Add-on spark arrestors as complete silencers are available or you may need to rivet or bolt one on to your stock silencer.

_____________________________________

Gas Pump

Fuel Range

  • Any time you are planning to ride Off-road, it may be necessary to carry extra fuel. 
  • You should either have a large capacity fuel tank or carry extra fuel in a bottle with you.
  • You will need at least 2.5 to 2.9 gallons for most loops.
  • Trying to maintain a steady throttle hand will help to maximize your fuel range.
  • Aluminum fuel bottles can be purchased at most outdoor stores, and are well suited for carrying extra fuel in your backpack.

____________________________________________

The 7 Ps
The 7 Ps

Carburetor Jetting

  • The trails and roads we ride in the Rocky Mountains are in the 7,000 to 12,000 foot altitude range.
  • We would suggest setting up your bike for 9,000 feet and be right about the middle.
  • Consult your owner’s manual or local experts for more specific instructions.
  • Carburetor set up is a very important part of having an enjoyable ride.
  • Or you could just ride something fuel injected

____________________________________

Highway Dirt Bikes
Highway Dirt Bikes

Bike Protection

  • Many of our rides have some of the most rocky, technical and challenging trails anywhere in America.
  • Your motorcycle must be capable of withstanding some severe abuse.
  • Skid plates, chain guide guards, disc guards and shark fins, radiator guards and hand guards are important items to install before you come.

Even with these precautions, things still have a way of going wrong ….

____________________________________

Pirelli mousse
Pirelli Mousse

Tires

  • Plan to have installed new rubber front and rear before you come.
  • Please choose a tire that will have the least impact on the environment.
  • With a huge variety of terrain, tire choice can be somewhat mind boggling.
  • Many riders are using a Hybrid tire on the rear and a hard pack knobby on the front.
  • Tire pressure depends on the tire, but generally run them a few pounds higher than you normally would.
  • Heavy-duty tubes or Mousse are a good investment to keep your trip moving forward.
  • Anything you can do to keep from getting or changing a flat tire on the trail.
  • 50/50 tires are never recommended for any serious Off-Road riding

TIRE BITCHING

______________________________________

Tools and Spare Parts

A good quality fanny pack or backpack is a necessity for any long excursion or off-road ride in the Rocky Mountains

Short list of Recommended Items:

  • Duct Tape
  • Wire
  • Pliers
  • Master Link
  • Screwdriver
  • Allen wrench set
  • Small “T” handle wrench with 8,10,12mm sockets

  • End wrenches
  • Crescent wrench
  • Lighter/Matches
  • Flashlight
  • Tow rope
  • Tire irons
  • Tube patches or plugs in a repair kit.
  • Co2 bottle or Pump

  • Make sure you carry enough spares to get you back to camp in any event.
  • Make a checklist of some of the most common bolts and have a couple spares.
  • Safety wire and duct tape are very handy.

______________________________

ogio backpack
Ogio Backpacks

Riding Gear

  • We recommend a quality backpack to carry extra clothing, water, food, air cans…
  • Being equipped to handle weather changes make for a more enjoyable ride.
  • Weather conditions can change in a moment’s notice at altitude.
  • The temperature can and will change from 80 degrees at camp to as low as 40 degrees on high mountain passes.
  • We recommend an Enduro-style waterproof jacket with removable sleeves.

  • These jackets have an assortment of pockets for your cell phone or camera or anything you want to access frequently.
  • Regular MX style riding gear will work as long as you have a raincoat or some type of jacket when things get ugly.
  • An extra pair of gloves is a good idea.
  • Cloth for cleaning your goggles.
  • We suggest that you spray waterproof your riding boots, as there are a few creek and water crossings.
  • If possible, bring two sets of gear so that you have a dry set to change into.
  • A good quality backpack is recommended for long excursions in the mountains.
  • Keep in mind that you are carrying essentials to keep yourself comfortable and get you back to a road if you have a problem.
  • A backpack gives you clothing options and can double as a hydration system.

_________________________________

Hydration System

  • Wear some type of hydration system and carry extra water in your fanny pack or your backpack.

______________________________________

Navigation & Safety

See this LINK for GPS Navigation & Safety

____________________________

ohv sticker 23

Colorado OHV Sticker

See this Link for Colorado OHV Sticker Requirements

LINK to CO Parks & Wildlife to purchase a Sticker Online

_____________________