Haven’t been there in a while but found this old picture (probably taken in 2001). Same Superhawk as I have now.

Streets is a fun technical track. I found, having all the torque of the Superhawk, that staying in 3rd gear worked great for a smooth run around this track, where the speeds could range between 30 and 115 mph.

Took the 620SX out to the MX track today at Pala Indian Reservation. Mimi, from the San Diego Adventure Riders met up with me and she was very patient with me, as I had not been on a closed MX course since the 70’s. The Vet track was a bit too much for me. 2 laps and I was worn out. We got permission to ride on the PeeWee track, since no one was on it, and I was more comfortable there. The KTM just has too much power to manage on short tracks like this, but was fun, non the less.

Here’s a short video of Mimi on her Kawasaki 250 (2 stroke)

I just got back from Rocklin, Ca (just east of Sacramento) attending the RiderCoach prep class for the new MSF’s ARC-ST.  I was honored to be in this very first class offered for non-military use in California. There was about 20 hours of reading and homework BEFORE doing these 3 days of training and certification.

The course is practically identical to the Military Sportbike Course that was developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (and others) for the Marine and Sailors who ride sportbikes. The one difference for us, on the outside of the military, will be that this class will be offered to any rider, as the skills learned can be applied to all motorcycles. We had Goldwings, cruisers, dual-sports, supermotos, sportbikes, and even an old classic 1975 Norton 750 Commando being used during our weekend.

What is learned in the 3 hour classroom portion is the real eye opener! Check with your local MSF training site to see when this course is coming your way!

I picked up one of these last week on Craig’s List. It is so new, it still has the protective plastic over the seat. Hopefully, when my grandkids come to visit next year, they will be able to ride it around and have some fun.

Mini Bikes were real popular back when I was a kid and rode many, but never owned one. These bikes are the only current ones being built and sold as new, although there are “kits” out there. There is a site called http://www.oldminibikes.com/ and it has so much information about people that collect and restore the old ones. Usually powered by a lawn mower engine, some were sold with small motorcycle engines. Because of the very light weight, not much power is really needed to make these go.

This one has a 2.5 hp engine and it takes a bit to get going with an adult on it. A popular, and relatively inexpensive, modification is to change the engine out with a 6.5 horsepower engine that is usually sold at Harbor Freight for around $100. Anyway, for the time being, I will just keep this one as new.

This heat is not as bad as elsewhere in the country, so I am not complaining. I do want to say that you know it is hot when you crack open your face shield and it feels like a hot blast from an oven. I sure like my mesh jacket though, just wished the vents in the helmet would actually circulate over my wet hair. Anyway readers (and riders), take care and ride safe!


Keith called me up late in the afternoon and said he was taking his kids riding at Pine Valley, so I took off on my DR650 to meet them. Asland and I rode about 18 miles of trails and Keith and Ella rode out about a mile . Ella’s engine quit, so she coasted downhill back to the parking area. She rides very well for a 7 year old and she just started learning last week! Ahsland is a natural, not much I can say for his dad though (haha). The DR did well with the 50/50 tires and I enjoyed the workout I got!

Went back to Corral Canyon yesterday (no pictures this time) and took a fellow RiderCoach who had never been in the dirt before. Christine did well for being on my Qlink with street tires. She could not straddle the KTM enough to be comfortable about riding it. We rode for 2 hours and made it up to the Tower and met Joellen, the other person who watches for fires. The official name of the tower is Los Pinos.

Matt, Chris, Paula, and I went trail riding today. We went early in the morning (630ish) and it was really cool when we got there. We started out in Pine Valley at 7 and headed towards Corral Canyon. It never really got unbearable hot and we just kept riding. We (everyone but me) did see a rattlesnake. We stopped a couple times for a quick rest and water.

And, eventually, we made it up to the tower to see Norm.

We also got some good photos of some hummingbirds up close, that Norm makes sure has enough sugar water available while he is on watch.

Here is the view of our motorcycles from the tower. Mine is the one leaning against the fence because I have no kickstand.

Here is a group shot that Norm took for us in his tower. That’s Paula, me, Chris and Matt.

Matt will be posting a full ride report in the forums on http://www.dualsport-sd.com/.

We all had a good ride and it was the 1st time for me to take my new dirt bike out in the dirt (97 KTM620SX). The KTM proved to have alot of power and handles like a charm, and very predictable after I got used to the touchy throttle. I think I was more comfortable on the fire roads than on the single track trails simply because I could go a bit faster and smoother. I am glad I got this KTM and look forward to riding it in the dirt even more.

We were done riding by 1, which is a bit longer than I thought we would of ridden, but you know how time flies when you are having fun!

AAA is great! (the auto club). No long DMV lines! I took my paperwork in after work this morning and brought the KTM out of non-op and transferred the title.  Came home, put the sticker on the plate and went riding.

1st impression: Wow, this bike is light! Next impression: Whoa, this engine has torque! Overall impression: this belongs in the dirt, not on the street. The front wheel does not want to stay on the ground, the full knobbies seem to slip and slide a bit. I see what they mean when they call these 620’s a paint shaker. It is not annoying, but you do feel the heavy rumbles of the engine and the knobby tires.

With no side stand, I did not want to even think about stalling the engine. I am tip toed on it as it is, and need to lean the bike against something on the right side to start it. It does start easy, 1 kick when warm, 2 kicks when cold.

I am planning on taking it to do some trail riding this Thursday, so will check in then and give a dirt report. (and maybe some pictures)

Just sold my XS750 Yamaha and picked up this KTM. Although it is the SX model, it has been modified to be California street legal.  As soon as I get it re-registered (it is currently non-op) I will take it on the road and dirt and write more about it. It starts on the second kick, sounds great (crisp) and is super light!: