Dual sport riding begins with a street capable dirt bike equipped with a horn, turn signals (front and rear), headlight, tail light/brake light, at least one rear view mirror, D.O.T. approved tires, a street legal silencer (usually limited to 96db) and, of course, a license plate.
Organized dual sport rides are normally 100-175 miles of riding each day, with the exception of the LAB2V which can be up to 250 miles per day, and consist of a combination of dirt and pavement. There are several rides every year, occurring each month, and usually consist of varied conditions including hard pack, mud, snow, rain, mountain passes, single track, sand, rock gardens and just about everything in-between. Most rides have multiple routes typically including a main route, hard route (for the more agile) and adventure routes (for the big boy bikes or beginners). At a minimum, you will need a roll chart holder and your bike should be equipped with a resettable mile counter including tenths. Preferably, you'll want a counter that can be set to a specific mile count in case you have to get back on track from where you're at. GPS units are extremely popular as they allow you to download a pre-plotted trail to follow along with as you go in addition to providing assistance in finding resources such as gas stations and places to eat if needed. They can be very helpful when you get lost and need to find your way out or direct someone to your location to get you out of a serious bind.
Regardless your accessories and skill level, ALWAYS RIDE WITH A BUDDY OR IN A GROUP. If you don’t have someone to ride with, ask at the sign in table and they can probably pair you up with someone. You are going to want to have snacks and something to drink with you as well as some basic tools for potential trail repair. It is highly recommended to have ultra-heavy duty tubes installed and carry tire changing tools on the trail. Flat tires are time consuming on the trail and can ruin your ride and slow your group down. Most flats we've seen come from light duty tubes and low tire pressure. Typical tire pressures average around 15psi, especially in the front, to avoid punctures and pinches from rocky terrain and for a good balance between pavement stability and off road traction.
On the typical dual sport ride you may get to ride in areas you're not familiar with where someone else has laid out a ride for you. Once you get familiar with an area and find some good friends to ride with go out and explore. Dual sport bikes offer so much freedom to roam trails and roads. Training is highly recommended and some good places to start can be found on our links page.
Being able to just go out and enjoy a great day of riding does take some preparation. From making sure your bike is ready and that you have any tools or supplies you might need on the trail to knowing how to find your way. Most Dualies are seasoned riders and anyone of them can help you get set up for a successful day.
It is a privilege to be able to ride in some of the areas we're permitted. Please remember to tread lightly - don't litter, trample vegetation, or cut across open areas off designated trails. Our riding areas are constantly under the threat of closure or reduction and our conduct is key in maintaining our privileges. Always respond kindly and courteously when approached by officials from the Forest Service, BLM, or any other riding area authority. They're just trying to do their job and can be a critical ally when needed.
Organized dual sport rides are normally 100-175 miles of riding each day, with the exception of the LAB2V which can be up to 250 miles per day, and consist of a combination of dirt and pavement. There are several rides every year, occurring each month, and usually consist of varied conditions including hard pack, mud, snow, rain, mountain passes, single track, sand, rock gardens and just about everything in-between. Most rides have multiple routes typically including a main route, hard route (for the more agile) and adventure routes (for the big boy bikes or beginners). At a minimum, you will need a roll chart holder and your bike should be equipped with a resettable mile counter including tenths. Preferably, you'll want a counter that can be set to a specific mile count in case you have to get back on track from where you're at. GPS units are extremely popular as they allow you to download a pre-plotted trail to follow along with as you go in addition to providing assistance in finding resources such as gas stations and places to eat if needed. They can be very helpful when you get lost and need to find your way out or direct someone to your location to get you out of a serious bind.
Regardless your accessories and skill level, ALWAYS RIDE WITH A BUDDY OR IN A GROUP. If you don’t have someone to ride with, ask at the sign in table and they can probably pair you up with someone. You are going to want to have snacks and something to drink with you as well as some basic tools for potential trail repair. It is highly recommended to have ultra-heavy duty tubes installed and carry tire changing tools on the trail. Flat tires are time consuming on the trail and can ruin your ride and slow your group down. Most flats we've seen come from light duty tubes and low tire pressure. Typical tire pressures average around 15psi, especially in the front, to avoid punctures and pinches from rocky terrain and for a good balance between pavement stability and off road traction.
On the typical dual sport ride you may get to ride in areas you're not familiar with where someone else has laid out a ride for you. Once you get familiar with an area and find some good friends to ride with go out and explore. Dual sport bikes offer so much freedom to roam trails and roads. Training is highly recommended and some good places to start can be found on our links page.
Being able to just go out and enjoy a great day of riding does take some preparation. From making sure your bike is ready and that you have any tools or supplies you might need on the trail to knowing how to find your way. Most Dualies are seasoned riders and anyone of them can help you get set up for a successful day.
It is a privilege to be able to ride in some of the areas we're permitted. Please remember to tread lightly - don't litter, trample vegetation, or cut across open areas off designated trails. Our riding areas are constantly under the threat of closure or reduction and our conduct is key in maintaining our privileges. Always respond kindly and courteously when approached by officials from the Forest Service, BLM, or any other riding area authority. They're just trying to do their job and can be a critical ally when needed.