organization for JL training

My usual partner in riding the DR350 would also like to join, but has one concern. Both of us are older (57,61), advanced beginners, in good shape. However, If the class is populated by young expert riders, we may be in over our heads, and not get so much out of it. What is your opinion?

Self taught offroad skills. Iinterested in learning more skills with a few less bruises and road rash. Very interested in learning bike set-up I am planning a Mexico offroad trip for late 02 or early 03 I can work with most dates Possibly interested in 3 to 4 day session as I will be driving from central Illinois Let me know what you think about bike set-up ie tires ect.

Hi David Im pretty sure Ill be driving out. Looks like Jan 26th -27th will work for me. Whats my next step? As I am ready to confrm my reservation. $500.00 per session? Is that for a two day session? What about lodging reservations? where? Do you have any sort of recomended gear list? I'm not at all familiar with the Desert environment and would like to be as prepared as possible without

Bob Z.

Blaire Lipert, BlaLip@dippindots.com

My home # is 618-524-1420, I live in downtown Metropolis, IL - yes, the home of Superman.

I'm looking at the end of Jan. or the first of Feb. My work schedule gets crazy this time of year with trade shows and account visits. With any luck I will be able to combine the training with a work trip.

The company I work for has a warehouse located in Ontario, CA - so I'm thinking about shipping my bike there and riding to Vegas. Any news on rentals for the training? Just checking my options.

Michael Hickner, mhickner@vt.edu

Just looking for an update on the Jan 26-27 training sessions in Las Vegas. My main questions are... Will that be an appropriate weekend for a beginner to attend? Should I plan on flying out of Vegas on Sunday night or on Monday morning? Where should I make hotel reseravations?

I know you are busy getting ready to leave for Paris-Dakar. Should I correspond with Heather Lewis from here on out? Can she arrange for the rental bike and everything else? Thanks for the info. My mobile number is 505-670-1816

Frank Zabriskie, zmwinc@home.com

My work load puts me looking @ Jan. Dates. would most likly come out with one other person. I really don't know to much about Jimmy class's pleae up date with what to expect and cost etc. I ride a KTM 640 adventure My friend rides a Suzuki DR400S Thanks

Frank Zabriskie Tucson, AZ 520-290-3374

David Wood, dwood@woodatwork.com

I'm a R1100GS rider and am planning a trip up the Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay next summer and would like to learn more about techniques for riding on surfaces like gravel, sand, mud, etc. with a heavy bike like mine. The Enduro class looks like it might help me get more comfortable (like out of first gear) in non-pavement situations. I have a little experience riding on forest service (dirt and gravel) roads around here in southern Oregon, but have done no real off-road riding. The dates listed on your web site in Jan. and Feb. would all work for me. But if there is a particular class more oriented toward riding heavy enduros vs. true dirt bikes, I'd opt for that one. Anyway, please contact me when you get the chance with requirements, schedules, costs, etc. Thanks.

(541) 488-5519 -=- Fax (541) 488-5521

Mark Kaiser, mkaiser@socrates.Berkeley.EDU

I would be interested in the training sessions, but could probably get away for only one session (Jan 26-7 or Feb. 2-3, maybe both).I have done a little dirt bike riding, but really am a novice. Off road I ride a BMW F650 Dakar and a KTM MXC 520.

February Info

SR Blair, srblair@sprynet.com

Couple quick questions. I'm still trying to figure all the logistics of the Feb. training. Other than a motorcycle (F650), what will I need for this training? I have street gear, but no off-road gear such as armor, gloves, helmet, etc... How much, if any, of this is needed for this?

My thoughts at this point are to ship the bike out to Escondido, CA to a friend's and fly to San Diego. From there, I would ride up to Las Vegas (the long way) for the training. After the training, back to Escondido and fly out of San Diego. I might leave the bike at his place for a couple months. Then decide wether to ship it back.

Brian Hannigan, brihan@hanntech.com

Coming from: San Clemente, CA
Bike: '90 DR350
Shipping/Riding/Renting: Trailer my bike
Phone: 949-366-0672
Level (riding experience): Intermediate
Age: 37

Ed Buelsing, ebuelsing@cinci.rr.com

I'm looking at doing one session. Probably the February 2-3 class. If you get any more information on shipping let me know. I've ridden some gravel (which is not my favorite) and some dirt trails. I guess that would make me a beginner but interested in becoming a better all around off road rider. I'm open to anything just remembering that I haven't done much of off road but I didn't buy a Dakar to ride roads. I usually ride all year except when there's snow on the ground. I currently have the Metzler Sahara's on the bike but I'm due for new tires.

Gerry Elam, gerry.elam@corporate.ge.com
Controller
GE Travel Management Services
General Electric Company
3200 North Central Ave. Suite 330
Phoenix AZ 85012

Office: 602-282-4826, DC 866-4826
Fax: 602-282-4810, DC 866-4810E-mail:

My preferences would be open desert at the beginner level. I'm in my mid-40's but do a lot of off-roading mainly in Land Rovers (series and coilers) and the F650 will add another facet to my love of the desert. I think your offer is spot-on for my needs.

(If you're looking for a New Year's trip, we generally do the Mojave Rd from Needles to Baker CA, but we're thinking about going to Death Valley. This is mainly Bay area IT-types, a few AZ's like myself, mostly Land Rovers (again, old and new) but a superb group of people.

Gerardo Ibarra, ibarra@iquest.net

I have passed this information on to my older brother who is also quite a hard core adventurer and have asked him to do the same, he might be joining us in february if all goes well. we will confirm as soon as possible of course.

I am considering two weekend dates on february most likely 2-3 and 9-10, If F650's are not made available by BMW, then I would rather ship my own, since I know out of personal experience that it is not quite the same proposition to ride a 250lb dirt bike fast in the desert as it is a 450lb dual sport. By the way, I'm picking up my new ride at the dealership today, it is a fine day for a break in ride...

Robb Ruehman, RobbRue@aol.com

The only date I would be able to make is the 2/9-2/10 as I work all of the other weekends. It's less than a four hour ride for me to get to Vegas so that's not a problem. I beleive you can learn something from everyone. I have spent a good deal of my life cow trailing on smaller bikes (I have a Dakar) and any training I could get from a pro would be great. I am a little reluctant to spend the $500. How soon would you need to know by? My phone number is 626-437-0726. I would be coming from Pasadena

Ron Ayres, ron@ronayres.com

Feb 2-3 would work fine for me. I'll be in Tonapah at the end of January for the White Stag Rally and can just come to Las Vegas thereafter. I've got an R1150GS which I'd bring to Las Vegas. I'd be interested in the "Adventure Touring" program. I've ridden on a lot of gravel, some mud, and very little sand, both in Africa and here in the U.S., but I've never had off-road training and I think I'd benefit from some.