So finally got my DR350 up and at 'em following its purchase just after Xmas.
Arranged to meet a mate and some people he knows for a ride out this morning only for him to go out on the piss last night and bailing on me in the morning. So here I am at Crescent ready for the off with all my friends.
I was a bit nervous of tackling the section from the Heavy Horse Centre over to Cranborne on my own so planned a road route round it, then I put on my big boy trousers and just went for it, at worst I would drop it in the river and have to push it a mile or so to the nearest road before trying to get the missus to pick me up. As it was the mud was worse than I remembered it but the river was lower and I chugged through with no dramas feeling chuffed with myself.
Due to the delayed start to my green laning career I have had plenty of time to study the maps so had no navigational issues taking the road less travelled by, except for a temporary traffic order at the other end stopping me linking up some trails.
Ploughed through a very rutted trail north of the A354 onto the more open plain, just me and three surprised deer who ran a wide circle around me then jumped the fence before disappearing over the hill. Also had company from a buzzard, a fox, squirrels, rabbits, chickens, loads of pheasants and a recently deceased badger (no idea what happened to him, no way anyone ran him over where I found him). Starting to wish I had brought a drink at this point.
Rode on up to Salisbury Racecourse which was my target for the day as I only had the morning.
Turned for home, minor directional issues finding the ford at Stratford Tony which I then bottled out of riding. Have to say the trail up from there was much much harder than I remembered but I made it, which was more than the badger did.
Made it home and had her washed and changed out of my kit bang on the time I said I would be back, unusually. Bit stiff in the shoulders due to death grip on the handlebars for far too much of the ride.
In short, you don't need the latest hot **** tackle to get out there and enjoy yourself or anyone to hold your hand apparently.
Thanks for the ride report I ride by myself most of the time as well [am just to slow to ride with most people] just plan well and give time you will be back and a map of the lanes you will be on and don't push your luck and it's as safe as crossing the road.
pug
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04 250 TTR 1960 Harley panhead 84 Honda xr 250/cb250rs Hybrid plus the new Montesa 4Ride
i love the plain to ride on, even on me tod. So much space and if the green machine is not around you feel like you are the only person alive for miles.
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Took the Queens Shilling and disappeared for 23 Years !!
Hi Dom glad you are enjoying the DR , and getting out I was up that way a couple of weeks ago leading a ride , the heavy horse centre is a cracking lane and was very muddy in places .
Taken a while to get my kit together, but yes really pleased with how it went.
Only problems were having to bump start first thing and not having a mirror fitted yet which meant I got stuck behind some old giffer on the dual carriageway as I could not see behind for an overtake, not used to the restricted vision of off-road helmet and goggles combo yet.
Nice photo's and write up, bet your mates are jealous now! Sometimes the solo ride can be an enjoyable Good way to clear a hangover (as long as not over the limit) Hic!
Had another run out at the weekend, just the best fun I have had on a bike in aaaaages.
Decided to lighten up my riding kit as I was too hot last time, so ditched the liner in my jacket, ditched my overtrousers and ditched my knee guards. Regretted leaving the overtrousers immediately, it was colder out there than it looked.
Bypassed Verwood to avoid getting cold and wet straight away and started at Downton.
Bad call found myself guessing my way through a massive puddle that I could not see how deep it was or where the ruts went. Very nearly went very wrong but punted the bike upright with a boot full of muddy water and the DR dragged me through.
Made my way up to the A345 following a Land Rover for a bit.
Rode out to Ox Drove heading West towards Shaftesbury, rode the bit where m6rk crashed three times in less than five minutes, its still very overgrown and very slippery, although that did not bother the Vitara and Landy going the other way. Just glad I did not meet them half way along.
At the end of Ox Drove I went further West to pick up a trail I had found on the map that brought you almost to Zig-Zag Hill riding right around a massive bowl then came back down the trail before branching off to ride down into the bowl. Very happy by now, great weather amazing views and finding some trails I will definitely ride again. Shame the panoramics didn't come out.
Came back up White Sheet Hill and got some clear trail to myself. Rode over to Fovant where I turned down the hill to ride up the bikes only section. Getting tight for time so stopped taking pics, just a hassle getting gloves off, unzipping jacket, getting phone out of zip-lock bag etc etc.
Rode back along to Salisbury Racecourse and up to the A345 via Stratford Tony before turning back down towards Downton.
Rode into the same puddle, again nearly disastrous tip off and drowning saved by filling my other boot with muddy water and the mighty DR flattering my novice input.
Good way to clear a hangover
) Hic!
