DUAL SPORT EVENTS
Dual Sport events are non-competitive rides that consist of as much dirt and least amount of pavement as possible. They are intended for street-legal, licensed motorcycles that are capable of being ridden on rough dirt roads, two-track jeep roads, and trails. Events may be suitable for small (250cc) Dual Sport bikes up to twin-cylinder Adventure Bikes. The rides are "low-key", self-guided tours, using a Roll Chart and GPS Tracks to navigate an unmarked route. Your motorcycle must have a USFS approved spark arrestor. Excessive noise is a big issue as it is used to limit our right to ride. Other elements of street legality are: operational turn signals, high/low beam headlight, tail-light, brake light, rear view mirror, horn and proper registration. In short, it should meet CHP Form 888 specifications but this is all between you and the LEO that stops you. You also must have current liability insurance coverage and be licensed to operate a motorcycle. Because the bikes are all street legal, most events start from a motel, travel to another town for Lunch and Gas at local business, then to another town (or start) for an overnight at a motel, then back the next day. They may also just be all day loops out of a central location. After mailing in an entry form (with a return envelope), you will get a confirmation back in your envelope along with instructions for sign-in. At sign-in you will be required to sign a liability release form and you will receive your Roll Charts and probably a T-shirt or other gift and you may have Tracks for the ride Downloaded into your GPS if you have one (not necessary). Since you will be self-navigating the route, there is no official start time, you may start any time you want.
NAVAGATION
In most cases, there is no course marking and never guides. These are self-guided tours where each rider uses a Roll Chart to navigate his own way. A Roll Chart is a long strip of 2 ¼” adding machine tape with turn by turn directions to navigate the course (see example). It fits into a Roll Chart Holder which is available for sale at most motorcycle stores or at Sign-In. Your motorcycle should have an odometer that is resettable by tenths but a total reset one will work for most rides. A GPS is very helpful to confirm that you are actually following the intended route.
WHAT DO I NEED TO GET STARTED?
A common concern is "I'd like to ride, but I don't know anyone to ride with", or "It sounds too confusing, I don't know how to do this". Other riders will explain everything that you need to know. Come out and give it a try!
TOOLS
Carry a tool kit for basic trail maintenance: Tire changing tools, patch kit, a front tube (will work in rear, also), CO2 cartridges and small pump, a first aid kit, water, matches, chain repair items and a tow strap. You may start with heavy duty tubes but carry a lightweight front tube as a spare, it is much easier to install on the trail. A backpack or fanny-pack works well to carry tools. Put tire-related items in the front fender bag. Use a number plate bag to carry lightweight items you need quickly, like a camera, Power Gels, tissue, etc.