Trail Riders of Houston's Family Enduro - 7-15-2001

What can I say this event was a blast. Scott T. mentioned this event via email when I was looking for a weekend ride. So I discuss it with the family and everyone agreed to head to New Waverly on Sunday. The family included my wife and two boys. We decided the boys would ride their bikes and my wife and I ride two up on the KLR. I mention this plan to Scott, who advised me the two up thing would be a workout. And yes it was, I was so exhausted later that afternoon I could not believe it. Anyway we met Scott and Mike P. at the event. It was hot and very humid that day. We registered with TRH, which included about a million releases of liability forms. I did not know what to expect of the trail, but I figured the family loop was only 9mph pace. We started out without a timer or roll chart. Next time I will read a little about enduro racing before I show up. My older son took off and left his brother, I guess he didn't understand the whole pace thing too well either. My youngest son, Sam, is eight and managed to maintain the pace. It was challenging for him and he dropped the bikes a few times. It was nice because the adults were not penialized for arriving late at the check points, which in turn offer them the chance to help the little ones. We finished with both of them finishing 5th, because dad did not understand the enduro rules very well. Scott's son Joe finished 4th. Mike P. did the family loop which was 10 miles long and also did the competition loop which was 20 miles long at a 20mph pace. I have included a before and after photo of Mike's KLR below. The next event is August 19, 2001 (I think at the Sam Houston National Forest again, different trail).

BEFORE

AFTER

Big Cee Engineering

While surfing the internet I found this website. I found it about a year ago and did not give it much notice. I recently returned and this guy has really began to develop some neat accessories for the KLR. I just ordered the "Shark Fin", which is a rear disc protector. He has several other items which are unique, check out the development section. What really caught my attention was the dash inside the fairing. When you have a little spare time check out this one, its worth the effort.

Dunlop D604 TrailMax

Well I finally wore out the stock rear tire at approximately 4900 miles, which seems to be average mileage for that tire. I shopped around looking at several different tires, torn between the reality of riding mostly street and the fanasty of achieving at least 50% dirt. Well I finally settled on a 80% street and 20% dirt tire. After price checking (I have been known to be a tight wad), I settled for the Dunlop D604 TrailMax, which is probably more like a 90% street and 10% dirt. I paid roughly $105 for the rear tire and continue to use the stock front tire. I have to admit this tire really fits my commuting-riding style. I have gotten in the mud with it, which needless to say severly lacks traction. But like I said in my reality riding world this tire best suits my needs. I hope to get better mileage from this tire.

You absolutely have to check this ride out, THE TRANSAMERICA TRAIL. Scott mentioned something about this ride and I found the web site. I added the link on the bottom of this page. I would have to say that ride represents my idea of dual-sport riding. I will begin planning the ride in the future, hopeful sooner than later.

Read KLR Swap Sheet! Sign Leave a Dual Sport Ad!

KLR Links

Dual Sport News & Owners Group
Houston's Area Weather Forecast
Couldn't ask for a prettier day to ride by Scott T. (March 10, 2001 Saturday Ride)
Galveston Ride - March 24, 2001 by Scott T.
Getting Ready for Terlingua by Scott T.
Transamerica Trail
KLR Swap Sheet
Trail Riders of Houston

Email: freewheeler33@lycos.com