AMTRA.com.au

I'm new to trail riding and need to get bike fit before an 8 day trail ride to Cape York in August.  I've gone a little overboard and bought a KTM 640 with more ride plans after Cape York.

Early next year most of the amtra rides say level 2 and clubman.  I'd love to join and do as many rides as I can(...or am allowed...), but my experience is minimal on trail bikes   Can you expand what these levels are, any rides I can go on, and any other suggestions for building skills for this beginner ? 

Ashley

G'day Ashley

I'd say look at what rides are on, find one that your interested in and get in touch with the ride leader and see if your comfortable with what he says.

Starting out trail riding on a 640 is going to be fairly tough, it's the perfect bike for adventure riding but it will be hard doing trail rides on as they are heavy compared to smaller trail bikes.

AMTRA has a try before you buy policy in which we welcome you along for a ride or two to see if it's your thing before we expect you to join.

The best advice I can give to build your skills is to ride as much as you can and push the edge of where you feel comfortable riding.

Some info from the club magazine, it should be on here somewhere but I can't find it!

AMTRA rides are graded at 4 different levels.
The following is a description of each of the levels.
Level 1 For riders with little or no trail riding skills.
Level 2 For riders with skill levels above those of a beginner and usually easy rides with lots of
assistance given.
Clubman For riders with average skills and the ability to cope with most terrain and bike repairs
(Punctures, broken levers etc). Assistance given if required.
Experienced For riders with the ability to cope with all terrain with little or no help unless asked for.
Experienced grade rides usually cover long distances.
The last thing we want to do is take you out on your first AMTRA ride and have you not enjoy it. Consider your skill level
carefully and start out on an easier grade of ride. Remember that extremes of weather can change the level of a ride from
easy to hard and vice versa.
If you are unsure, contact one of the new member officers or ride leader for further information. Phone numbers are on
the front page or pre ride notices.
Items That Should Be Carried On Every Ride
Small personal First Aid Kit, front and rear (or 19”) tubes, puncture repair kit, tyre levers and pump, set of spanners to suit
your bike, throttle and brake cables (if appropriate), clutch and front brake levers, gear lever, epoxy repair kit, tape, short
length of wire, tow rope, small length of chain, joining link and chain breaker, waterproof matches or lighter and DWF fluid.
All these items can be stored on the bike and take up little room if packed properly.
Cornerman System
AMTRA rides operate on the Cornerman System. If the ride leader indicates to you to stop at a corner, don’t leave the
corner until the Tailman arrives. No matter how long it takes, don’t leave the corner.
If you are on a ride and think you are lost, stop where you are. If you think you can find your way back to the last place you
saw somebody, slowly and very carefully return to that place. Someone will be looking for you, so if you don’t stay put
you’ll be harder to find.
The more you participate in club activities, the more you will benefit from the club. Come along to the monthly meetings
and meet other members. There is food and drinks available for purchase before the meeting from 6:30pm onwards.
All members should behave responsibly at all times. There are other people in the areas in which we ride and most of these
people have a poor image of motorcyclists.
Remember the club information line for new member information and important news.
Info Line Number 03 9153 8330
Our Website is www.vinamtra.com.au
E‐mail AMTRA at amtravic@hotmail.com   

Hi Ashley,

I run a ride west of Melbourne at Cobaw, which sticks mostly to the simpler 4wd tracks and is a beginner/Level 1 ride.  I think that would be a good area to hone your skills and build up some confidence on the 640.  I usually put the ride up a few weeks ahead which is why they aren't on next years calendar yet.

You may also want to check out DSMRA - Dual sport motorcycle riders association, as they are focused on adventure rides while that is just one aspect of AMTRA.

Mat.

Thanks Matt and Tim,

Look forward to joining some rides from January.

Ashley.

Ashley,
If you live on the South or East side of town got a ride at Neerim Sth in Feb it's on the calendar, if your interested.
Mind you I have to get on one of those Cobaw rides myself!

Rgds,

Brad

Ashley,   Marysville on the 11th of January is a level 1-2 ride and especially developed to provide a starting point for new riders like yourself. Come along and enjoy the day.
Phil R.  0408 370 764.

Ok,
There are many options, lets not start a bidding session!
Ashley take you pick; all are great, nice to have choices!

Brad

You can never have too much power. Cairns to Cape York trip sounds good, I think I would fly up and do the trip on hire DRZ 400;s by Cape York  motorcycle Adventures. Just a long way to drive form Vic.

I guess there may not be any more replies. This topic is now 3 years old.

Ian

Wrong Ian, there is another one here!

Not sure what you mean Tim. The date on the last post by Brad was 30/12/2008. Until today.