My first time out on a dirt bike
I am constantly looking for new activities that keep me upbeat and moving and this year I decided that I would take up dirt bike riding. I know what you are thinking; it is such an extreme sport. Well, so many people think so but it actually depends on you and how extreme you are willing to go. Take it from me, dirt biking does more good than bad to your health; it is a form of workout. There’s the increased heart rate, muscle training, endurance that will improve cardiovascular health; there’s the brain simulation and losing calories that come with all that balancing one has to do. I considered all this when I went out to get myself my first dirt bike.
How much does a dirt bike cost?
So how much does a dirt bike cost? A dirt bike ranges anywhere from $2000 to $9000. The range is huge but it’s because there is such a variety. The expensive ones are very advanced. For a beginner looking to majorly learn before venturing into extreme riding, you could get a very good bike at between $1000 and $2000. Bikes at this range do not fall short when it comes to features that should support your riding, yet they are not too sophisticated that they complicate your riding. Some bikes to consider are:
- Honda CRF150
- Kawasaki KLX110
- Yamaha TT-R110, TT-R125
- KTM 150 XC and 200 XC- W (two-stroke)
The Experience
It was on this one Saturday when I finally felt ready. I had taken up some beginner classes and watched so many YouTube videos that my head spun. I was at a point where I had even started dreaming about the experience; yours truly was ready to take on the road! I called a few friends up for the much needed support and went out for a fun day out riding.
There is a riding park some distance from my place so we picked it as the point to start out. We were reminded to have our helmets and riding gear ready- you cannot underestimate safety as a beginner, as I came to learn.
I revved my engine and positioned as YouTube taught me. I wasn’t really nervous as I had my two friends with me as well. We started out slow at first and the trail was flat and steady (I think this is done on purpose so that one eases into riding). As I started accelerating, the engine started picking. I actually settled into it rather quickly.
The trail led to a dusty path where it started getting rocky and bumpy. The dirt bike adapted to the terrain quite well. With a bumpy terrain and increasing speed, my adrenaline went up the roof. I felt the need to accelerate with every bump or stone that I hit and took it as a test of balance.
Within a few turns and bends, it started to feel all too familiar.
The trail had the option of a rougher terrain and I was willing to take it up but I fell just before I branched. There was a bump just ahead but I did not see it on time. I lost balance and realized that it took a little more than one ride to become good at dirt biking. A Few bruises, but no broken bones. From that point on, I rode a little slower, the trail was still bumpy but I still finished it.
It was a good experience hopping on bikes with the boys and I feel like I gained some riding experience. I loved what the riding did to my adrenaline and will definitely be riding again!