So, in keeping with the original idea of dualsporting my SM610, we finally got around to putting my 17" knobbies on last weekend. I also added a ProMotoBillet rack with pannier protectors and a new set of saddlebags. This is all in preparation for a week-long ride in Nevada coming up over Thanksgiving...and numerous other similar rides in my future. When we rode there last May I was a bit limited in where I could go due to my dualsport tires, so I was determined to remove that little roadblock before the next trip. Anyway, we went up to Middle Creek to meet up with a friend and see how the bike was going to work. Remember that really pretty spot where we saw the sunset, Coffee? We snagged that spot and it was great! Now, keep in mind that I am nowhere near ready for real dirtriding due to my broken ankle not being completely 100% yet. So what do I do? Leave the real dirtbike at home, throw knobbies on my +300lb supermoto, and hit the trails with rain in the forcast. I know, I know..."real smart, there, WoodsChick..."
Still clean...
Rear DOT knobby is a 150/60-17 Metzeler Karoo Traveler...
Front DOT knobby is a 120/90-17 Pirelli MT21...
Eric and I headed out to some trails while waiting for our buddy Dan to get his crap together. I was a bit intimidated at first, thinking it was going to feel like my SV when I rode it in the dirt, but after a few miles I was almost forgetting I was on a big bike. The front tire worked way better than I was expecting, and the rear was better than I had hoped. The enormous front brake was always scary on the dualsport tires, but it was even more effective with the knobby
I usually ride with my finger covering the front brake on the street and in the dirt but I didn't do that this time. I figured this way I'd have to make a conscious effort to reach the front brake, thereby keeping me from inadvertently squeezing a handful and throwing the beast on the ground. It worked!
Coming down Trail 7...
This trail was still relatively dry, but there were big puddles everywhere
else. The 610 just plowed through them as if they weren't there. I dig that big motor...
We headed for Stonyford in the rain, but by the time we got over the ridge to the east it was sunny and warm. We were bombing along a dirt road when all of a sudden Eric locks up the rear and comes to a dead stop. WTF?
Gee, what's wrong with this picture?
Oops... No problem. He zip-tied the caliper to his front fender pack and rode the rest of the day (make that the rest of the weekend!) with no front brake. It did block some of his already-wimpy headlight, and that would prove to be a problem later that evening...
There were a ton of people at Stonyford, as it was after the first rainfall in a long time and the WFO Enduro was on for the next day.
We stopped for a hot lunch of Beef Stroganoff and Cafe Viennese along a creek on the north side of Stonyford. Nice to see our MSR Whisperlite International is working as it should.
To be continued...
WoodsChick
Still clean...
Rear DOT knobby is a 150/60-17 Metzeler Karoo Traveler...
Front DOT knobby is a 120/90-17 Pirelli MT21...
Eric and I headed out to some trails while waiting for our buddy Dan to get his crap together. I was a bit intimidated at first, thinking it was going to feel like my SV when I rode it in the dirt, but after a few miles I was almost forgetting I was on a big bike. The front tire worked way better than I was expecting, and the rear was better than I had hoped. The enormous front brake was always scary on the dualsport tires, but it was even more effective with the knobby
I usually ride with my finger covering the front brake on the street and in the dirt but I didn't do that this time. I figured this way I'd have to make a conscious effort to reach the front brake, thereby keeping me from inadvertently squeezing a handful and throwing the beast on the ground. It worked! Coming down Trail 7...
This trail was still relatively dry, but there were big puddles everywhere
else. The 610 just plowed through them as if they weren't there. I dig that big motor...
We headed for Stonyford in the rain, but by the time we got over the ridge to the east it was sunny and warm. We were bombing along a dirt road when all of a sudden Eric locks up the rear and comes to a dead stop. WTF?
Gee, what's wrong with this picture?
Oops... No problem. He zip-tied the caliper to his front fender pack and rode the rest of the day (make that the rest of the weekend!) with no front brake. It did block some of his already-wimpy headlight, and that would prove to be a problem later that evening...
There were a ton of people at Stonyford, as it was after the first rainfall in a long time and the WFO Enduro was on for the next day.
We stopped for a hot lunch of Beef Stroganoff and Cafe Viennese along a creek on the north side of Stonyford. Nice to see our MSR Whisperlite International is working as it should.
To be continued...
WoodsChick
looking forward to the rest of the trip 
Great photos, Michael! Yeah, I told Eric we needed to come back in the summer, or when it gets warm in the spring. We were there last March and there was a lot more water. The water is pretty deep just to the left as you're heading towards Stony and it was looking mighty inviting, that's for sure! Nothin' better than a swimming hole on a ride!
