Techniques for Riding the Worst Hills on an Adventure Bike - Lesson by Bret Tkacs / R1200GS ADV
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- Опубликовано: 3 сен 2017
- Do you know what it takes to ride a heavily loaded adventure motorcycle up and down the worst hills off-road? Join Bret Tkacs on Cleman Mountain on the WABDR and learn the safest way to ride the infamous Babyhead Hill. Learn to ride on these unavoidable huge chunks of volcanic rock that cover the road and have caused many riders to bite the dust. Here's what you need to know to make it to the top and back down again.
Lots more to learn at MOTOTREK.net/
Produced by Tim Tyler - timtyler.com/
Bret Tkacs - bretTkacs.com
Music by Matt Jorgensen - mattjorgensen.com/
#r1200gs #adventure #motorcycle #wabdr
Thank you. Finally a non promotional video of the GS1200 getting dirty and being used.
Thanks for the awesome vid. I failed on a trail full of babyheads last week. After seeing this I'm heading back tomorrow to try and get some redemption.
Good luck! Stay loose!
Great video and spot on. On my KLR650 I stalled at the top of the first hill, causing my buddies (who were following too closely) to stall and dump their bikes. I eventually turned around, returned to the bottom and took pavement around. Three years later, my 1200GSA and I conquered the hill - sort off. The shelf of stepped rock you mention gave me pause....enough to stall before I could make a decision. I dumped the bike on the third attempt to get moving again, as I went to put my left foot down and found a hole instead of solid ground.
Bret, you're right, this was the most difficult spot on the WABDR. It requires determination, a loose grip on the controls, and enough forward vision to plan your line. It's a GREAT place to unload your bike and run it both ways for some skill strengthening - unfortunately most riders are loaded down and looking to make tracks on the WABDR, so that's rarely the focus. FWIW, there's a great campground at the base of the road on HWY 410 (Elk Ridge Campground - HOT SHOWERS!) to spend the night and be fresh for the hill.
After the climb, I vowed never again, but now I'm intrigued to tackle it again, especially unloaded. Maybe run it up and down a few times. Great video in a long line. I took a class or two with PSSOR and learned a great deal, enabling me to tackle the UTBDR and COBDR with relative (very relative!) ease. Keep up the good work, and maybe I finally meet you next time!
great video. we get a lot of these types of trails here in AZ. They are not fun but doable
Thanks, Kevin.
Fortunately I watched this video before my last trip where I found myself going up then down into a canyon on a road like this. Plus, I had new pegs and bar risers so I could stand up more easily (KLR). Riding out the next morning wasn't too bad, since I had all night to envision that route out. Plus I was rested and it was cooler in the morning. Really does help to look further up the road. Going downhill in this stuff is worse than going uphill.
Glad it worked out for you, Robert. You;re right about going downhill.
Love your videos. Keep rocking the solid content.
Thank you, for many that will be useful! This year I had to go through similar stones, though they were in a mountain stream, which added memorable impressions :)
Thank you Bret . what a lovely playground... In France, quite difficult to find spot like this, at least around me.
SOooo been there, on a trail into Young, AZ. But I hadn't seen the vid, and finally retreated 25 mi -- and across two streams -- to pavement. Maybe next time ... Thanks, man!
Your videos is really really great and have taught me a lot on going off road with motorcycles. One of my "scary" things for me as a rider as I have zero to very little skills of off roading.
Thank you!
Good video with so much packed in it. Of the things you mentioned, attitude and clutch control are so key. Pairing these skills with the video on failed hill climbs is really both parts of the equation.
Excellent series. I'm looking forward to watching more. Well-produced, informative and a good sense of humour. Great combination!
Thanks, Mike!
That's another bloody good video. What's that, 30 odd in a row or something? Don't stop.
Great advise.
I like watching you handle that big R12GS in these technical situations.
Happy Trails
Great tips. I did about 110 miles off-road - maybe 10 or so much like this rocky hill - on a BDR between John Day and Sisters Oregon - recently. All seven of us (4 GS’, one Tiger, and 2 KLR’s) were fully loaded for camping, but made it through. Scary at first until you relax and don’t fight the rocks. Dropping tire pressure a bit makes it MUCH less bouncy.
Good advice, Nicolas!
Great video Brett. I’ve been listening to you on ARR for the last year or so. I was glad to come across your channel. Your videos are the best rider moto skill videos on the net.
I hope my ARR talks are at the top too ;-)
Thank you so much, friend, for your vids. I'm about to switch to dirt oriented bike from a full fledged street bike. Looking for new horizons so to speak. Your vids give more realistic view of what I am up to get and what to expect. I will take a dirt riding course.
I hope you make it out to my school... My number one customer is the "transitional" rider like yourself. We have bikes you can rent at the school for your training or tour. www.pssor.com
Great video’s, appreciate the knowledge you’ve shared with so many riders. The hill shown in the video is not Baby Head Hill per the WABDR trail guide. The hill shown is the climb up to Clemen Mt. Baby Head Hill is on the Ellensburg side of the Wenas Valley. The real Baby Head Hill is much more difficult than the hill shown.
Yup, when we rode the WaBDR a few weeks ago, we though this was baby head hill, but looking at the map, showed it much further into the route.
I have a 99 1100GS, and I've not yet taken it off road (discounting the occasional flat hard pack forest road). This is the 5th video of yours that I've watched, and have now subscribed. Thanks for your content!
You're welcome!
Another great video! Keep it up Bret.
I only own road going motorcycles, I still really enjoy these videos anyway!
Thanks for the video, a lack of professional teachers in my country make these an invaluable resource. Could you do a video showing how to get down a track like that one please. Went down one recently and spilled out twice and severely bruised my leg, thankfully got out of it OK.
Best part about living in NNJ was the rocks I loved them so much I moved to NE PA just so I ride more of this kind of trail/roads..
Another good 1 thanks
I learn a lot adv motorbikes with you, buddies. Thx
Great tips. Me and my lowly KLR are going to tackle the WABDR this summer.
Can I just get a POV, doesn't have to have commentary, but just footage of you going from somewhere to somewhere else offroad, generally having an explore.
Watching trails riding is really relaxing and teaches a thing or two and it means I can get an escape from it not being really icy and cold on ma lil' 125 commuter here.
you no what you doing out there , thanks for sharing
In Romania 4 years ago I climbed to the steep slope with babyhead loose rocks with friends Suzuki Bandit 1250 road tyres michelin - I climbed it maybe faster than on my GS with enduro tyres (due to the fact that 1.st/2.nd gear is much longer than GS)
>> I just want to confirm that it is definetely no tyres or the bike in this type of terrain what gets you at the top.
Bret your channel is fantastic.
Thanks!
Great video Bret!
Another awesome instructional video
This makes me want to go up a bunch of rocky hills.... you make it look doable. . .
I love the opening
Going down a rutted steep trail full of babyheads is about my least favorite thing ever. Watching you do that with street tires gives me anxiety. Props to you.
Nicely shot & some great tips!
Thanks, Paresh.
I like the rock music at the very end...
I did the WaBDR last summer solo. Made it up this...Holy Moly!..lost it on the down hill a bit further up trail.
Worth every mile.
P.S. Lost rear brake on Ruby Grade too!
I miss his videos I’ve learned so much from Bret
Just did this a few days ago. It certainly caught me by surprise. But, had I not already watched this video before I went, I would have dropped the damned thing. Pretty tough hill.
Another great video. thanks
You're welcome, Martin.
I love rocky trails like this
me too
Come down to the mountains in New Mexico then because they are all at least this rocky and there are miles and miles of them
Hi Brett. Watching your stunning videos from Abidjan, Ivory Coast (West Africa), where I started riding only 3 years ago, straight on a 750cc 1990-Africa Twin. You cannot imagine how much I learned from your videos. Do you have a video showing how you descended this hill? I love your gloves.
My question is: Who is handling the camera and how? Such a great camera work in all your videos.
Bro It´s gotta be a flying allseeing being (with a camera) images are soo smooth
Nice camera work, thanks guys.
Holy crap I'm impressed!! I cannot imagine riding that with smooth tires. That's some great riding skills!!
You shouldn't ! If, like Bret in this video, you manage to stay mostly on the not very rocky track, its ok. But I have had tracks in Croatia where you don't have the shelf and the full large track is like at 1:38 which huge pieces of rock. It ruined my rear Heidenau K60, so imagine with a smooth road tire.
I put Heidenaus on my motorcycle and rode once and took them off and sold them immediately. I hated them. No better than a regular Street tire.
@@richardmiller9698 ...but durable. If you go for a long ride (>5000 miles) with longer road intervals and dry rocky tracks, the Heidenau performs well. If you go with a more offroad quality tyre like the TKC80 or Mitas, sure you have better traction in sand or mud, but you will need to change the tire somewhere during the trip.
I do just fine in my Michelin PR4. And when I know I'm going to be riding a little more aggressive I put tkc 80 on.
Great video, again! It’s funny how you never really can tell how steep the hill is when your watching on here.
You're right, Wally.
Tires that are designed to roll on rough terrain are helpful....in the front, slicks or chevron patterns will always push before rolling on loose terrain.
I love this guy
Thanks
Always love your vids, Bret. Next time I visit the mother-in-law in Eatonville, I'd love to meet up at Starbucks. No, that's not a GS joke :)
I've found a few things to help with this type of terrain; carry power, keep your speed up, focus way out in front of the bike , lose on the controls, standing of course, and an aggressive confident attitude. Slow has never worked well for me on that stuff, I keep the momentum up and don't overthink the line, be decisive and aggressive. I had an 1150 for years, yes it can do this stuff, but I also have a 640 Adventure and a 990, I'd take either the 640 or 990 over the big BMW every time.
thanks great info & video. I just would add not to try to hold the bike if leaning to a fall. just let it drop and avoid any body injury : )
Another prime example of "It's the rider, not the bike"
Thank you!
You are welcome, Mr Schmoe :)
Thanks! I contend with loose rocks on hills in and out if my place in Virginia. Love especially the effectiveness and reality of "visualize yourself at the top." And "keep your eyes at the top of the hill." My Rv200 VanVan thanks you too!
Thanks for another informative video. Since I find these videos to be useful in gauging how much of my butt a route is likely to hand me back I was wondering how folks think Babyhead Hill compares to Grey Creek Pass in BC? From the video the "gravel" on the ascent looks to be a bit larger and denser than Grey Creek, but not buried/hidden in the latter's rocks fine silt. Opinions?
Excellent advice on all aspects of gnarly climbing and rocky tracks. A "death grip" on the controls is the usual reaction. Wondering how you got your "following the rider" video perspective ... a fellow rider ... drone ...fairy godmother?
I'm a really thankful follower. Great work, really. I recently bought an Africa Twin and could only afford a used one with DCT. I'm struggling with not being ably to "buffer the power" as you say, especially on rocks and mud. any tips for rocks like these with DCT? Would love to see some videos on DCT too if you get the chance :) thanks again!
In adventure motorcycle : skills + confidence = win
I went down a hill similar to this one of my first times riding a bike. Needless to say I ended up in the ER getting surgery to clean out my knee.
Excellent :)
Glad you like it, John!
खूप मस्त सांगितले खूप छान 👌
Gracias por el video.
Me encantan tus guantes que marca son, gracias.
Thank you.
small rock for me its ok but the deep sand is still hard for me, thank for video.
Definitely doable although tricky, I once rode my CB500 up a hill like this in the Ardennes, following a friend on a Yamaha Warrior and another friend on a Suzuki Intruder (this one almost crapped his pants and I can't blame him :p )
The only difference with that hill and this one is the type of rocks, in the Ardennes they were very sharp instead of rounded.
I have to admit that going down that hill might have been more difficult but it sure was fun to reach the top.
From the top to the other side was a grassy trail, all on road tyres.
The friend on the Intruder actually stopped when we reached tarmac, took of his helmet, literally kissed the tarmac and smoked 2 cigarettes right after each other cause he was still shaking :D
Ofc, none of this would have been necessary if our lead rider (on the Warrior) would have been ok with turning around and admitting his route was off :D :D
I have a mountain climb like that it just takes practice and keep the momentum
you should try the Bill Moore lake trail in Empire Colorado, makes that look like a cake walk
I would like to hear more variety of drums please such as:
Boom-whacker , Cymbal, Tambourine and TOM-TOM drum. Thank you!
Same logic for descending bolder strewn trail?
I met a road in Spain that was kind of made from railroad gravel. Only few spots were condensed by a street roller. The rest was all loose making cling-clonk hitting the bottom of the bike. Not soo difficult i just didnt like the stones flying. About 5 Miles long.
Running on Michelin Anakee 3?? Very good tires!!!
Nice job on this one Bret. If I could sugest a slight modifier to your excellent triad (Knowledge, Confidence, Skill), ....Knowledge + practice = Skill, Skil + practice = Confidence, Confidence + practice = a world of adventure. Net take away...practice, practice, practice. Thanks again for the great content!
Bret,
Please correct me if I am wrong, but has the location of "Baby Head Hill" changed? Looks like the WA-BDR site is now listing it on Untanum Ridge just outside of Ellensburg. Although Cleman Mt road is very challenging, the route up to Untanum Ridge, particularly one very steep spot is much harder. Just completed the WA-BDR this fall. Thanks for all your AWESOME videos!
Good advice! What about going down?
Great video! I am an old biker but new to off road riding.My first ride off road was on this kind of rocky trail, I was so tight, I ended up with an acked elbow for weeks.I ride a Ducati Scrambler Classic 800 cc, really need to install a skid plate, the oil filter is too exposed and I already hit it with a rock, luckily, it stayed in place.Still need to practice riding standing on the bike, and it's hard on this bike cause It has a lot of torque. As Todd MacDonald said, practice and more practice will take me to be a skilled off road biker.Anybody from Monterrey, Mexico? Let's give it a try riding down to "Las Adjuntas"!
I was in Sweden weeks ago. Standing at the foot on the hill and it was worse. My mate said we ride without panniers but I said: I cant see me uphill and thats way I drive around the hill. You are right: if you visualize yourself uphill you cant ride there.
Seems like the trick with most things in motorbiking, is once you commit to something, never stop and keep it relaxed. By all means keep it gradual, but it seems any hesitation really does lead to failure every time. Either commit or know not to I guess? 🤷🏻♂️
oooo I wanna hit this on my TW 200!
KnowledgeableConfidenceSkill
Searching through your videos, trying to find one about going DOWNHILL. Specifically on tight turns with loose rock and a layer of moondust.
Going from a large roadbike (Kawasaki Concours) to an adventure bike. Very minor dirt experience.
Cleman Mtn is quite difficult, but it is not baby head hill. Baby head hill is at the entrance to Umtanum Ridge (if going south to north), about 5 miles further north. Cleman we nicknamed Baby Head Hill Jr.
Good stuff, but by far the most skillful thing I see you do is consistently hide that bald spot. That's like next-level talent!
what gloves are this? :) nice video! keep it up
I did simalar intresting moutain "roads" in Albania. I found going uphil with no real ofroad experience is not that hard. The right midset and looking ahead made it a lot simpler.
Going downhil and finding hairpins (180 degree corners with less than 5m from outside to next outside) on these rocks was the annoing part, since I did not know how to handle that.
Had tough time doing down hill 60 degree angle on versys 650 on street Tyer Dunlop
This Mountain ended our 2019 season rapidly, almost made it to the top. At least we tried. Injured partner and smashed bike.
Sorry to hear that.
@@MOTOTREK Thanks, we didn't have the experience needed. Should have watched this video first. LOL
Can you suggest, please, how hard central bag influence on controlling adventure bike on offroad?
3:10 looks like no problem :-)
Hi there, what clutch and brake leavers do you have installed in this video? Looks quite ease to use!
I keep hearing you talk about getting off the seat, but I've gone through some pretty gnarly stuff just sitting down. I have a whole lot more control of the bike when I have a solid connection with it. Am I just different, or is there some advantage I'm not seeing to being off the bike like that?
I am hooked to you videos , very helpful ! BTW whats the gear on your neck ?
It's a neck protector, Ashwin.
@@MOTOTREK Thank you.
Any techniques on taking turns better in these conditions? I made it about 80% up baby head hill but then fell when I took the one of the sharper turns towards the top of the wheel. I was fine going over the rocks when it was just keep the handlebars fairly straight but totally ate it when I tried turning
Thumbs up for cameraman
Offer USD1 for every stone and this trail will soon be as smooth as asphalt. :)
LOL
Bret, I really like the videos you put out, great work!
It sounds like you live in WA. I’m in the Seattle area and was looking for some big bike training. Unfortunately most places only train during the summer. Any recommendations to get a bit of training during the fall and winter months?
Hi, CowboyGibber,
Bret does one-on-one training all year long via Puget Sound Safety. Give 'em a call! pugetsoundsafety.com/
Thanks, I'll check it out!
I hope to see you this next summer. if you are looking for a winter adventure I am taking 6 riders to south Africa with me next November (2018)
A South Africa trip would be awesome. Do you have a website where I could get some specifics?
The specifics are just about set and we will be posting it to www.tourusa.us
Dates November 4-17 2018, bikes, food, fuel, accommodations and support will be included as well as having me along as a guide and personal riding coach. We will have second guide and support driver so I will be free to support the riders. We are running it at 6 riders capping at 10. price will be around $8000 usd for everything!
if you are interested shoot an email to TourUSA and I will make sure you have a change to take one of the first slots. We have a small list of 5 waiting for the details now.
Really good video and great advice, but it is a little less intimidating after just watching a video of two guys climbing that thing on Honda Goldwings :-)
Yes! We should shoot an episode with those guys!
Nice looking Mosko bags... when do you choose soft bags over hard panniers??? Difficulty of the ride?
Depending on how much risk I am willing to accept to bike and body. I rode South America with hard bags but spent most of the time on "roads". For Africa I went with soft bags. Its a risk vs convenience and security trade-off.
the more crazy the ride the more I go with soft panniers. I used hard panniers through North and South America but I chose the Mosko Moto bags when I rode through Africa
Hey, nice video. May i ask you, what kind of seat protection or seat improvment you have on bike? i like it. Could you please share?
I am just using seat beads... I like them alot
Haha, I've done shit like this on a Suzuki GSX650F lmao.....so sketchy. so fun!
Do those things lock in?
Bro need a vedio on adventure bike - down hill - with no hills - just like the road you have shown
Hello mototrek!! I love your videos! Do you allow students into your class that ride KLR 650?? I can't afford a BMW.
+bronxnewbie yes. PSSOR even owns KLR's that you can rent if you don't bring your own.
Check out www.TourUSA.us , this company is part of the school www.pssor.com and the KLR's come ready to go.
YASSSSSSSSSS!!!!!
KLRs are awesome bikes...but prepare to be pointed and laughed at. I rode a KLR 35,000 awesome miles. It's a Dunkin Donuts vs Starbucks thing.
@Liberty Tree I'll put my KLR against a BMW GS 1200 any day on the really really gnarly Terrain. Having ridden both I know the difference.