2011 Vancouver Island ORCA RUN Discussion

[soph9]

thanks for the input fastlane...not into doing single track on my Beemer...we take chances but I rather not dump my bike...

[SubMann]

It is a challenge on the Island. There are few real 'B' trails. It seems there are logging roads or steep single track. We agree that for a lot of people the 'C' is too easy and the 'B' is too hard. We are not sadists, we just have trouble finding good 'B' trails that link together and can be made into a loop ride. If anybody has any suggestions we would love to hear them!

[atk_nut]

Thanks for the feedback.

I was thinking of the A. I'll be riding a 230lb road legal 406. I'm just wondering how tough it will be.

[Buck]

Attempt the A and if too challenging, switch to B. A riders skill level is usually more important than the type of bike.

[timberfalls]

Well said Buck

[Aflica]

As one of the people who has in the past laid out the A and B route with Loz , we tried to make the A hard but not crazy hard , rideable by most intermediate OFFROAD riders and most GOOD dualsport riders. This being said the trails are not hours long they are all relatively short with many road connectors so you always get a chance to catch your breath or change to a different level such as B . In the past the B would be similar type of trails , but where as the A might go up a big hill , B would go down it , or we would try to bypass nastier sections altogether , but it wasn't to be a road ride , it was trails too like the A . I don't know for sure as to what will be in it this year yet , but with the exception of some NEW trails myself and a few others have built over the last 6 months , i would think it will be pretty much like it has been the last 2 years as far as A and B . BTW organizers , i would be happy to help layout some of the nastier stuff again this year if the help is needed or at least show you some of the new sections we have built on the Malahat

Bottom line , decent riders on offroad oriented Dualsports should enjoy the A , average riders on average dualsports should enjoy the B , and Great riders can ride anything anywhere anytime , but come out and try something that gives you a good reason to have a LOT of cold beer after the ride , nothing out here is insane maybe just a little challenging from time to time , but isn't that why we ride in trees and mountains instead of beaches and farm fields ? IMHO
Is it KLR friendly ? depends on the rider and the KLR , i would recommend a good offroad oriented tire for the trails tho

[Buck]

Thanks Steve, excellent points. Help setting up the A/B trails will be much appreciated as soon as the snow melts. The rider in charge of that will start a thread and be very interested in checking out your new trails. Only two months to get it all done!

[roscopcoletrain]

As one of the people who has in the past laid out the A and B route with Loz , we tried to make the A hard but not crazy hard , rideable by most intermediate OFFROAD riders and most GOOD dualsport riders. This being said the trails are not hours long they are all relatively short with many road connectors so you always get a chance to catch your breath or change to a different level such as B . In the past the B would be similar type of trails , but where as the A might go up a big hill , B would go down it , or we would try to bypass nastier sections altogether , but it wasn't to be a road ride , it was trails too like the A . I don't know for sure as to what will be in it this year yet , but with the exception of some NEW trails myself and a few others have built over the last 6 months , i would think it will be pretty much like it has been the last 2 years as far as A and B . BTW organizers , i would be happy to help layout some of the nastier stuff again this year if the help is needed or at least show you some of the new sections we have built on the Malahat

Bottom line , decent riders on offroad oriented Dualsports should enjoy the A , average riders on average dualsports should enjoy the B , and Great riders can ride anything anywhere anytime , but come out and try something that gives you a good reason to have a LOT of cold beer after the ride , nothing out here is insane maybe just a little challenging from time to time , but isn't that why we ride in trees and mountains instead of beaches and farm fields ? IMHO
Is it KLR friendly ? depends on the rider and the KLR , i would recommend a good offroad oriented tire for the trails tho

Well I Guess I know what I'm doing for the next 2 months
Chasing aflica through the woods with little arrows again :-)
Mad Max you coming???
Just don't tell aflica that I'm going to ride my KTM in the Orca Ride
He's allergic to Orange

[Buck]

Registration has only been open a few days and the mailbox is filling up already.
So if you are planning to attend, don't delay, send in your forms now.
Cutoff is maximum of 150 riders or April 15th which ever comes first!

Link to registration info...

http://www.dualsportbc.com/forums/sh...n-Registration

[Mad Max]

Well I Guess I know what I'm doing for the next 2 months
Chasing aflica through the woods with little arrows again :-)
Mad Max you coming???
Just don't tell aflica that I'm going to ride my KTM in the Orca Ride
He's allergic to Orange

The ol trusty Honda and I would LOVE to come trail marking and clearing with you little bike guys. I enjoy crash and burning for your entertainment!

Count me IN

Max

[Aflica]

Well I Guess I know what I'm doing for the next 2 months
Chasing aflica through the woods with little arrows again :-)
Mad Max you coming???
Just don't tell aflica that I'm going to ride my KTM in the Orca Ride
He's allergic to Orange

Im not allergic to orange , im just citrus intolerant thats all , and yes , chasing you will be doing if its on 2 wheels , not 4

[Buck]

We encourage all riders to purchase a BCORMA trail pass but it is not mandatory for this event at this time..

The British Columbia Off-Road Motorcycle Association protects and advances the off-road motorcyclist's interests and rights to enjoy world-class trail networks in BC.

http://bcorma.geovisionenvironmental.com/node/20

Mike

[RiskMan]

Aflica, I just sent you a PM.

Scott

[Aflica]

just wondering if there is anybody who wants to come out and ride the A and B trails on the Malahat and help out with route planning , i have offered my assistance with the Malahat , if that is to be used again this year .
What im looking for is some input from people who will actually ride the event tho , i wont be riding it , though myself and a couple of other members here could put together a good route , but we all ride offroad bikes and it might not be to everyones taste , so i would like to see if we can get some input
I was thinking maybe next weekend , so if your interested post up and we'll see
And , im not sure who it is , but whoever is in charge with the overall route planning , if they want to come out and see what we've got to work with or just meet up and get some of the local insight , this would be a great time for it

[mudPie]

Awesome job last year thanks
A little constructive criticism tho.
Make your Markers large fluorescent Orange,Pink,Blue,with flag tap, whatever. The little Green ones you guys used last year get lost in the new spring leaves. I picked up many 'lost B riders"; because I had B rout on GPS. Aswell some of the B was Not Big bike friendly dew to wet roots ,and fallen small trees on trails.

[Buck]

You are welcome Mudpie and thanks for the tips. I'm sure the riders marking the A/B routes will take heed and not use green arrows. I have always used red arrows on the C loop. The B loop is not meant to be 'big bike friendly'. That would be the C loop.. however riders are welcome to ride any licensed machine on any route they feel skilled enough for. Also by offering tips, thank you for volunteering to help on preparation of the A/B loop... the committee will be in touch by PM. We do appreciate it!

Awesome job last year thanks
A little constructive criticism tho.
Make your Markers large fluorescent Orange,Pink,Blue,with flag tap, whatever. The little Green ones you guys used last year get lost in the new spring leaves. I picked up many 'lost B riders"; because I had B rout on GPS. Aswell some of the B was Not Big bike friendly dew to wet roots ,and fallen small trees on trails.

[RiskMan]

PM sent

Scott

[Kiwi]

Only 15 days left to register!

Don't miss out on this great event!

[Buck]

A/B pre ride! Info here...
http://www.dualsportbc.com/forums/sh...5252#post95252

[Buck]

'08 B loop video from Rocko...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s23eHNmqq68

Photos from last year...
http://www.dualsportbc.com/forums/sh...rca-Run-Photos

[RiskMan]

We are looking for someone (an A rider) to take charge of planning, scouting, riding, marking the A/B loops for this years event. We have the routes and GPS tracks from last year for your reference. Roughly two thirds of the trails have recently been ridden so we know they are clear. They will just need to be flagged. The remaining trails will need to be ridden to ensure they are clear and then flagged also. There are riders willing to assist in the trail clearing and marking (they're always looking for an excuse to get out and ride). We need someone who is committed and can follow through. Loz (Steve) managed this task last year but is unfortunately unavailable at this time, however, he is willing to pass his knowledge onto you and provide advice.

Here's your chance to step up and help out with a great event and get lots of riding in. Now, how could your wife complain about you riding instead of doing yard work when it's for a good cause.

Please PM me (Riskman) to let me know and PM Steve (Loz) for his wealth of knowledge.

[skidmark43]

Only 15 days left to register!

Don't miss out on this great event!

Thanks for the reminder. My entry is going in the mail today and you should expect more entries from the 'bus people' next week.

Really looking forward to this; you guys are always great hosts with great trails & food!

Mark

[zeddy]

How long is the B route? Just curious about fuel.

Any other tips for an Orca run newbie?

[Buck]

No problem with fuel.. Here's some tips from the last few events, previously posted by Loz:

1. Routes overview, description and ability assessment:

1. 
   
   1. A Route - For expert trail riders. Approx 100 km. Varies between gravel road, power line road, quad trails and single track. Some steep terrain but mostly up hill. Lots of roots and rocks, some log jumps. Steep technical rooty climbs preferred.
   
   

1. 
   
   1. B Route - For intermediate trail riders. Approx 100km. Varies between gravel road, power line road, quad trails and single track. Some steep terrain but mostly down hill. Lots of roots and rocks, some log jumps, technical in places, easy in others.
   
   

1. 
   
   1. C Route - For big bikes, new riders, or anyone preferring a scenic relaxed backroad tour with a mix of paved and gravel roads. Approx 250 km with gas stations along the route.
      
   
   

1. 
   
   1. Sweepers are not used. Use the buddy system, do not ride alone!
   
   

[Buck]

...and here is more info with parts stolen from Tomcycle!

Dualsport defintions...


C = New riders or big bikes. Mostly gravel roads or wide flat trails.

1. You probably do not wear armour because you have yet to fall off your bike.
2. You get over 5000 kms out of a rear tire.
3. You have a tank bag.
4. Your bike weights over 400 lbs
5. You wear a street helmet
6. Your bike is always clean and you cry when it falls over and gets scratched

B = All gravel all the time. Deactivated roads. Mud is fun. The odd challenging trail is OK.

1. You wear some armour, elbow and knee pads, you have fallen off your bike before and don't like how it hurts.
2. Wonder why you only get 2500 km form a tire!
3. Traded the tank bag for a back pack
4. Concerned about your weight (the bike)
5. You wear an off road helmet with goggles
6. Sometimes you put your bike away dirty, and when it falls over, you find someone to help pick it up
7. You wonder if a real dirt bike might be fun

A = if you have to ask then you're not an "A" rider

1. 
   
   1. Full armour is you best friend
   2. Think about buying a new rear knobbie after 500k
   3. Fanny pack, anything else is too much
   4. You removed the passenger pegs from your bike because of how much they weigh
   5. Only own an off road helmet
   6. You clean your bike so you can see the chain to lube it or change the oil, the more scratches and damage the better the stories.
   7. Probably own a dirt bike too.