New guy

[lobsterfishboy]

Hi all,

I'm hopefully getting myself a trail bike this weekend...

Just wondered whether many people actually ride from london down to the start of rides in surrey (ryka's etc)? Or do riders generally transport bikes on trailers and vans etc? I don't have a car and just wanted to make sure riding down to surrey from SW London was do-able.

Cheers

Matt

[Stewie]

It's a bit of a mix, I would say it depends what your riding, small 2T are not that great at MPG or that comfy on long road sections. but if you have a day on the lanes and lets say you take a dunking, do you really want to ride home soaked to the skin , or any technical problems, its good to know that you have a van or trailer not to far away.
Most peeps will post up if they have space in there van / trl.
Mine you, I know a guy who rode from Southwater to Enduro Kent ( 100+ miles round trip ) did the event,rode home, all on a 2T KDX
Welcome to the forum, what bike are you getting, there's a few rides posted up, see ya out there .

[JossNorm]

When you say "trail bike", what are you referring to? If it's a big trailie then probably quite doable but I'd make sure you have mirrors and indicators on such a journey.
If it's a small engine Enduro type bike I think you'd be bonkers to ride on proper roads all the way to and from London
I don't even like the couple of miles on the A25 between Abinger and Wooton or the even quieter stretch from Learherhead to Bockets. (Husky TE 250)

NJ

P.s. Hi!

[burls]

StevenT is the master of the London - Surrey small trial bike commute. I'm sure he'll be along to offer his wisdom.

Welcome.

AndrewB

[Fleegle]

Matt - whereabouts in SW London?

[lobsterfishboy]

Thanks all for the advice.

Fleegle, I'm based in Putney. Only 30 mins to ryka's...

Matt

[G-Bru]

Hello and WELCOME!

Stick a 40T Sprocket on the back, you'll be fine!!!

G.

[kris]

we have had folks ride down from north london -> rykas ... stevent rides in from brixton .. so its no problem ... just need to be a bit of an iron butt ...

I rode the drz to petersfield to do a days marshalling at croydon enduro ... then rode home ....happy days (unhappy ring)

[JossNorm]

And set off at 6am before the "lane bikes don't count" traffic (see the posts on being disregarded by drivers thread) picks up

[stevent]

Hey Matt
As others have said I ride out from Brixton, I'm happy to ride my bike out as far as Farnham / Alton, and have no problems at all. I'd rather be riding a bike home filtering through the traffic than trapped in a van on the A3.
Depends on your bike: I ride a dual purpose trail bike designed for road and off road use - a Yamaha WR250R - I got it specifically due to my circumstances. I also commute on it as well into Central London every day. 6000 mile service interval, oil change 3000 miles. I'm not sure you'd do a comp spec Enduro bike much good, esp when they supposed to be taken apart after 10 hours or whatever. So choose your bike carefully.
Also get some decent gear - you don't get too wet if you have waterproof gear, unless of course you tank it in a ford as I have, or bottomless hole in the ground. But then I'm Northerner so I can take being a little bit soaked on the ride home
Where abouts are you?
Steven

[Dave]

Yeah Steve u are right on the bike thing. I was amazed when you told me you could get 3000(?) miles out of your bike before and oil change!

Mine should be changed every 200 if the manual is anything to go by but I tend to let it go to 600 or so because I'm not risky it like a pro.

On the subject of transport: I've only just got a van after years of riding to tracks and meets, or pinching a lift here or there lol. One ride from mine near Walton on Thames all the way round the Salisbury Plains and home again. Sore bum but the bike coped well

[lobsterfishboy]

Hi everyone,

Thanks again for the words of advice and encouragement.

I'm getting a Husky TE 250. Can't wait!...

Just gonna sort out my TRF membership now. Hopefully catch up with you guys on the trail...

BTW - is anyone doing the bagshot thing at the end of the month?

Cheers

Matt