Popped my cherry

[Vindaloo]

Had my eye on a steep lane we used to take our Land Rovers up and down (in low 1st) for a while now and finally decided to go for it on Sunday. Result - dropped the KTM for the 1st time :laugh:. After picking it up for the 3rd time I decided that discretion is the better part of valor and headed back down the hill after a fairly interesting time getting the bike turned around.

Trust me, it's steeper than it looks in the photos. Anyway, no harm done and all good fun, if a bit tiring.

[bunker]

At least you gave it a go :cheer: have a wee greenie while you recover from your exertions! :laugh: :laugh:

[Vindaloo]

Cheers Bunker. Lifting the bike was easier than getting that second photo to show up properly rotated on the website! :silly: :laugh:

[Vindaloo]

First day out for the new Rugged Roads sump guard too! Not bad timing :cheer:

[Multirider]

Where is that? It looks like a load of fun - a great place to take the newly deflowered from the Peak District.

[Vindaloo]

Where is that? It looks like a load of fun - a great place to take the newly deflowered from the Peak District.

Near Carrickfergus ... maybe not too handy for you?! Much better trails to be found in Donegal if you know where you're going (I don't and this one is very close to the Antrim coast ride where I was on Sunday).

[Multirider]

Perhaps an ABR outing then!

[ssajlane]

Next time keep it in 2nd with loads of revs!! Not saying it will make a difference but the crash will be spectacular!!:laugh:

[Vindaloo]

Next time keep it in 2nd with loads of revs!! Not saying it will make a difference but the crash will be spectacular!!:laugh:

You're right. I'm still learning the basics off road and don't pretend to have much experience. I knew it just needed some gas - a decent rider would have been up it no bother. The problem was the loose little rocks dancing the front all over the place. I went too slow to make the hill and lost all momentum once the rear traction started to go. Once stopped it was a case of two feet forward searching for grip and then 1 foot sliding back with both brakes locked.

In the end I was happy to get turned around and facing downhill. Checked the ABS was off and rode down no bother.

[Vindaloo]

Perhaps an ABR outing then!

There are some guys on the KTM UK forum trying to arrange such an outing at the moment - a weekend in Donegal with some offroad trails. Some good pictures of previous trips on there. Not far from me so I must get my finger out and join them.

Also some organised trips being run in Fermanagh and Donegal 'Trail Bike Ireland' that weave across the border and take in fire roads, boreens and trails. Definitely going to sign up for that and get some 'proper' use from the bike.

No actual green lanes here like you have in GB.