Don't care about being fast

[OrangeTJ]

Does anybody else put a low priority on being fast? Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of respect for the skills of people who can really move. I just know for myself that I don't particularly care about being fast. My interest is in being able to go where I want to go, to enjoy the ride and to not hurt myself in the process. This mirrors my approach to riding on the street - I'd much rather take my time, enjoy the sights and arrive in one piece than beat my last time down a widing canyon road. Am I the only one?

[clamber]

Are you talking about track riding?

I am not good at track so I dont care about how fast Im going.

But it would be cool to be able to get around the track faster,

[ShoujoKakumei]

I'm not that concerned with being fast when I ride.. I'm at the point where I want to learn proper techniques for operating and controlling the bike, and doing those things safely. Once I have that down then I'll worry about "fast" a little more... But fun is more important, that's why we do it. ?

[sonobob]

Does anybody else put a low priority on being fast? Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of respect for the skills of people who can really move. I just know for myself that I don't particularly care about being fast. My interest is in being able to go where I want to go, to enjoy the ride and to not hurt myself in the process. This mirrors my approach to riding on the street - I'd much rather take my time, enjoy the sights and arrive in one piece than beat my last time down a widing canyon road. Am I the only one?

Whatever style of riding makes you happy is the right style.?

I personally prefer a faster pace (when I'm able ), but I'm just a life long power junkie.

[OrangeTJ]

Glad to hear I'm not alone. To the earlier poster, I'm talking about trail riding not track riding.

To clarify, I do like to twist the throttle now and then, but only for that brief accelerative burst (well....if you can call it a "burst" on a KLX300!).

[Torquepipe]

Good post. I'm too old to ride beyond my ability. Accidents hurt more now.

[Shake]

I will admit to riding a little slower than I can ride on the trails. I ride because I love the outdoors and the challege of a good trail. Trail riding is more about the experience of getting there. That being said, I love to rip it up in the wide open or less technical parts, and I love climbing hills. Thats why I have a 450X. Absolutely perfect bike for me. I doubt I would enjoy a 450R as much.

[Smokeslider]

Somehow I thought I fell into the DRZ forum.......?

[redswr]

i'm alot faster when i'm not trying to be... at races i always end up wrecking cause i'm going to fast but when i'm out riding with my buddies i seem to be alot better and faster rider.

[Shake]

I should add that I still keep up or stay ahead of those I ride with. I choose to ride near my limits, but not at or beyond them.

[dj33]

my main concern riding is not being the fastest, its being as smooth as i can be

[JS264]

I like being in control and learning the skills to be smooth, then the speed comes naturally to me. I don't like riding out of control, but I cant stand going real slow and putzing around either.

[Fox_Rider KP]

i want to go faster, but yet i dont want get hurt, same as you.

though i am teaching my self to go a little faster and not worry so much, i guess its a personal option on whether you want to risk it or not.

[Slackkinhard]

I'm the "older dude" that rarely crashes, but is always right behind you when you turn your head. I've learned to let the young ones take the big risks cuz it seems important to them. I follow a step behind and don't make the mistakes that the leaders make. This keeps me at work every Monday. After a couple lengthy stays in the ICU, my need to be first went away. You can have the podium, I'm going to work on Monday, so I can be out here again the following Sunday.

Have Fun, Ride Safe, Support the Sport

[shonc182]

Same here, I always let the younger guys go first. I last longer and sometimes get a little amusement out of it. Like you said, I need to get to work on Monday to pay for the next bike.

[sonobob]

I hope noone mistook my earlier post and thought I was advocating riding dangerously, stupidly, or over your head. Like a lot of others on here, I have a family to support, bills to pay, etc. Riding within one's limits is always the smart choice, maybe even moreso when it's being done in the woods and miles from the truck. I will say that carrying a certain amount of speed whenever and wherever possible does a lot to 'plane out' the suspension, making for a much smoother ride and increases the amount of ride time from not taking as much of a physical beating.

Shake, you might be surprised by the 450R as a woods bike. I bought my '06 with the sole intent of setting it up for the woods and with the right parts and adjustments, it makes for a great off-roader.?

[Supafreak_711]

To an extent. On an MX track most things seem to get easier as you go faster. I know I will never go pro, but do have a bit of a need for speed.

[little-big_ridER21]

I like to ride as fast as I can while still feeling safe. Technique is more important.

I perfer slow single track anyway.?

[timvv51]

Excellent thread. The faster you go the more it hurts when you fall down.

[sonobob]

Excellent thread. The faster you go the more it hurts when you fall down.

You would think. My two worst injuries came from two of my slowest incidents (one of them wasn't even a get-off)...