When testing off road prowess goes wrong...

[nophix]

So, I swapped out my Tracer for another GS. Absolutely love the GS bikes, especially these 1200WC's. I also needed something so I could do my ADV training cert as an instructor, and something better 2up with my daughter.

So, I took it to a localish trail head that has it's maps marked as dual sport routes. Turns out, they haven't updated the maps to show it is a UTV Intensive area (per the DNR guy who showed up after we got out). Meaning, the L2 trail markings are incorrect and they are actually L4 plus.

Then I made a bad line decision which pulled me off the soft bank 50 yards before this pic, and stuck me taking this line. ALMOST made it... You can actually see the end of the puddle.

This took my sister and brother in law, plus their ATV and a winch to get out.

Bonus, no damage to the bike. Took it like a champ. Not that I'm shocked, but there were points where it was more underwater than this, and in trying to get myself out, I had it on its crash bars trying to leverage it around in the water. Gave it a wash and fluid changes for good measure. Fluids came out perfectly clean. Did a 400 mile day 2 days later.

I however, managed to tear a chest muscle. This bike is WAY tougher than me. Took the ride 2 days later because I promised the daughter child a week prior, and dad doesn't disappoint! Thought I was just sore. Got way worse afterwards, and a trip to the doc.

I'm convinced this thing is more than capable of outliving my stupidity. lol!

 

[nophix]

2 days later, 250 miles into a 400 mile ride.

 

[Hippo-Drones]

Big ADV bikes are very capable, but more often it is the tyres that let them down in the sloppy mud rather than the bike. Well done giving it a go, I would suggest riding with others on unknown trails at least, things can go wrong very quickly.
Glad no damage and a bit of fun was still had. Hope the muscles heal up quickly... big bikes are heavy!

 

[nophix]

Big ADV bikes are very capable, but more often it is the tyres that let them down in the sloppy mud rather than the bike. Well done giving it a go, I would suggest riding with others on unknown trails at least, things can go wrong very quickly.
Glad no damage and a bit of fun was still had. Hope the muscles heal up quickly... big bikes are heavy!

I was supposed to have 2 more, but they both bailed. Only reason I gave it a run is because I was 10 minutes from my sister's house, and 20 from mine, and it's a highly patrolled trail by the DNR. Though, after talking to the DNR guy and finding out its been turned from a dual sport park to a UTV Intensive park to keep the UTV's from tearing the main trails to shreds, I'm not repeating the visit. lol! Still wasn't a great idea, nore one I'll repeat.

Bike has brand new Trailmax Missions on it, which do shockingly well. Tested it out a few more places and they really shocked me.

 

[Hippo-Drones]

I have no idea what all the acronyms stand for soz, in the UK our trails are unmaintained roads that have historic rights of way so we have a different kind of regulation on them.

Ahh, being so close to your family/friends makes things a little less daunting.... I bet you want to give it a shot on a lighter bike though, I do love a muddy puddle

I've heard good things about the Trailmax tires

 

[Land Shark]

I have no idea what all the acronyms stand for soz, in the UK our trails are unmaintained roads that have historic rights of way so we have a different kind of regulation on them.

Ahh, being so close to your family/friends makes things a little less daunting.... I bet you want to give it a shot on a lighter bike though, I do love a muddy puddle

I've heard good things about the Trailmax tires

DNR = Department of Natural Resources
UTV = Utility Vehicle (small 4x4 vehicle, with seating for two or four people. Like an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) on steroids)

 

[nophix]

I have no idea what all the acronyms stand for soz, in the UK our trails are unmaintained roads that have historic rights of way so we have a different kind of regulation on them.

Ahh, being so close to your family/friends makes things a little less daunting.... I bet you want to give it a shot on a lighter bike though, I do love a muddy puddle

I've heard good things about the Trailmax tires

What Land Shark said.

UTV's are like the Harley guys of off road. They tear things up everywhere they go, and are usually drunk out of their mind while they do it. Even the DNR hates them.