Map of Recent Adventures

View W-TX and E-NM in a larger map

I realize that readers not familiar with my location may be utterly lost in these blog posts. The map above shows locations of a number of recent adventures. The pointers are labeled.

Today I went riding at Kermit Dunes -- my first dirt bike experience on dunes.  At first I was very intimidated, but it turns out riding on dunes isn't that difficult.  Much easier than riding sand on a trail.  On a trail, you typically have to stay on the trail.  On the dunes, you can let the sand take you where it will.  There are some problems with that.  You can get stuck in a low spot -- a bowl.  If the sand is too steep, it can be difficult to get out.  Be careful!  I was riding by myself at Kermit, there were just a few others on some ATVs.  There are miles and miles of dunes.  I got stuck in a bowl when I went down a hill on a trail that was too steep to get back up.  Then I was stuck in a bowl.  I managed to get out by jumping off the bike and pushing it while it was in gear, controlling the throttle at the same time.  This is a common tactic to get out of binds, but if you don't know it, take note, you will need it in the dunes.  I found my bike (2004 Honda CRF230F) to be underpowered.  Stay on the throttle, RIDE WITH A FRIEND, take a cell phone, and be sure to note some landmarks that will help you find the way back to the parking area (you won't be able to see it).  The first I did ok but the last three I failed to do, and I almost had to abandon my bike in a bowl.

In the open dunes, sand riding is a huge blast!  I can't wait to get back out and do more of it.  It might almost be time for a more powerful bike...