Seeking advice regarding dirt roads
#11
At roughly 10 mph or so on dirt, you're not going to have any rock chips or real damage of any real significance. These bikes aren't made out of beer cans.
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Peter Griffin (11-27-2017)
#12
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: The mountains of SW Virginia
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I'd suggest an undercoating like they use on cars and trucks, but on the inside of the fenders. I live on a dirt and gravel road and will be doing that sometime over the winter months. My driveway is nicely packed gravel.
As for riding on that chit, take it slow as in 15mph or less. One thing you will notice is the gravel seems to disappear where the cars and trucks run making it fairly smooth unless there are some speed demons. Then beware of the pot holes. But, beware of rides after a heavy morning dew or rain. You will need to ride the higher of the two paths left by the cars and trucks. The low side is usually slickery as hell.
And as was mentioned earlier. DUST! It gets into everything, onto everything. The drier the weather, the more dust there is. It doesn't just have an affect on the bike, but also the home. I planted a chitload of arborvitae along the front of my property to try to keep the dust clouds from reaching the house. The taller and wider they grow, the more dust is blocked. They also act as a sound barrier, wind break, and give some nice privacy.
As for riding on that chit, take it slow as in 15mph or less. One thing you will notice is the gravel seems to disappear where the cars and trucks run making it fairly smooth unless there are some speed demons. Then beware of the pot holes. But, beware of rides after a heavy morning dew or rain. You will need to ride the higher of the two paths left by the cars and trucks. The low side is usually slickery as hell.
And as was mentioned earlier. DUST! It gets into everything, onto everything. The drier the weather, the more dust there is. It doesn't just have an affect on the bike, but also the home. I planted a chitload of arborvitae along the front of my property to try to keep the dust clouds from reaching the house. The taller and wider they grow, the more dust is blocked. They also act as a sound barrier, wind break, and give some nice privacy.
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GlideDriver (11-17-2017)
#13
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GlideDriver (11-18-2017)
#14
dry days will be dusty. Wet days will be sticky. Jackets and chaps get filthy and are darn hard to clean well. Especially if they are leather.
While gravel roads don't change dramatically when wet, true dirt roads sure do. And if the dirt has a lot of clay in it, oye! That can be some exhausting riding.
personally, I'd gladly live on a dirt road.
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GlideDriver (11-18-2017)
#16
I’m guessing if it is a maintained road there are folks like me running way over 10mph throwing rock around and it will be crazy slippery and/or muddy in the rain and snow. I’d think about a dual sport at least. I only had a 200’ gravel driveway for 20 years. Fell on it twice and picked rocks out of the drive belt more than once. A little touch up paint is a good idea too.
#17
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Peter Griffin (11-27-2017)
#18
It's still a brandy new RGU and you know how it is til you get a few of them chips. I'm trying to slow the inevitable.
Keeping the damn thing clean is part of my therapy, I find it relaxing and feel good after.
The place I'm looking at is 5 acres with the closest neighbors a few miles away. That's good for me too.
Keeping the damn thing clean is part of my therapy, I find it relaxing and feel good after.
The place I'm looking at is 5 acres with the closest neighbors a few miles away. That's good for me too.
Last edited by GlideDriver; 11-18-2017 at 01:37 PM.
#19
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AlCherry (11-19-2017),
Peter Griffin (11-27-2017)
#20
Looks like a party run we used to attend in southern Missouri, had a steam to cross and dirt track up a decent hill to get to get to it. Good times.