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darylhunter

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Posts posted by darylhunter

  1. Posted

    Here's my best advice for the really steep stuff like 'The Drop' for instance:

    Leave the bike in neutral. <snip>

    Nice photo of HA Hill, doesn't flatten it out like some shots :)

    I would never head down a hill in neutral. Some engine braking is better than nothing, and if that's too much drag on the rear tire you can always pull in the clutch.

    The danger of putting it in neutral is that if things get bumpy and your feet leave the pegs, or you for some reason aren't able to apply the rear brake, and you're also unable to add much if any front brake, there's nothing to hold back your speed.

    You can quickly find yourself flying down the hill at high speed.

    I've found neutral before when downshifting before heading down a rough hill and my tummy launched a whole fleet of butterflies :huh:

  2. Posted

    thanks, thats exactly what I needed. Pretty straight forward. Perl will be my weapon of choice for converting KML to .log file. I'll have to use bogus altitue and time\date data but to get the points to show up on my gps in the right place should work.

    If anyone else wants me to make a program that will take a KML file and convert to their particular gps's track file I will give it a shot.

    Not FORTRAN or PL/1 or APL? How about Forth, used to have fun with that :blink:

    With all the web and activex stuff out there, I need to get more seat time with Perl and Java.

    About all I do these days is in C or sometimes C++ and usually as console applications as the extra bloat added by all the Windoze crap is a pain to me.

    Another program that I've used for Google/GPS integration is called Goops.

    We had a live 2-way satcom feed to a vehicle and used Goops running on a PC in the vehicle which was connected to the GPS and the satcom feed to update our position info in real time to Google Earth so that other users could follow our progress.

  3. Posted

    That is one of the great points of Google Earth. Unfortunately you can't yet create routes on GE and then export them to your GPS. Google says it will be possible on the next MAJOR update (version 5.0). Until then go to www.gartrip.de and download their freeware version to convert your .kmz files and load them to your GPS.

    Enjoy

    any of you gps geeks know what the different columns are in my gps .log file off my magellan explorist 500?

    If I know what 6th colums and on stand for, I can use this format and convert kml files into this format and load google earth points into my gps. I write SW for a living so I rather write my own and share it than download someone elses stuff. Should be easy if I know the magellan .log format

    eg: $PMGNTRK, LAT, N, LONG, W, something, something, something,....

    Here is a snipit from one of my .log files off my gps. What are the colums after long lat?

    $PMGNTRK,3249.966,N,11557.589,W,00092,M,195704.08,A,,021207*6F

    $PMGNTRK,3249.994,N,11557.594,W,00091,M,195711.08,A,,021207*69

    $PMGNTRK,3250.029,N,11557.632,W,00095,M,195721.07,A,,021207*69

    $PMGNTRK,3250.069,N,11557.640,W,00093,M,195730.07,A,,021207*6E

    $PMGNTRK,3250.100,N,11557.635,W,00091,M,195736.07,A,,021207*66

    $PMGNTRK,3250.135,N,11557.626,W,00092,M,195745.07,A,,021207*65

    $PMGNTRK,3250.193,N,11557.604,W,00091,M,195814.06,A,,021207*60

    $PMGNTRK,3250.358,N,11557.563,W,00087,M,195847.08,A,,021207*68

    $PMGNTRK,3250.429,N,11557.551,W,00084,M,195901.08,A,,021207*68

    $PMGNTRK,3250.484,N,11557.544,W,00084,M,195911.07,A,,021207*65

    $PMGNTRK,3250.531,N,11557.475,W,00082,M,195926.08,A,,021207*64

    $PMGNTRK,3250.581,N,11557.436,W,00082,M,195932.08,A,,021207*6D

    Here you go,

    Do a Google on "pmgntrk" and you'll come up with all sorts of hits. You can also search for NEMA 0183, which will be another format your GPS will output if you select NEMA communications mode.

    $PMGNTRK = Track information header (Magellan Private format)

    3249.966 = Latiude

    N = North (S would be South)

    11557.589 = Longitude

    W = West Longitude (E would be East)

    00092 = Altitude

    M = Meters (Altitude above is in meters, F would have been feet)

    195704.08 = UTC time of the fix

    A = Data Valid indicator (V means the data is invalid - go figure)

    ,, = "empty string" = Name of track (none in this case)

    021207 = Date (not aways present depending upon GPS config/mode)

    * = End of message flag

    6F = Hexidecimal message checksum (bitwise OR of all bytes in message through and including $ and *)

    Regards,

    Daryl

  4. Posted

    It's all about skill level (and unfortunately, luck).

    I know a lot more dirt bike riders who've been bunged up badly than I do sport bike riders, but on the other hand, I know/knew more sport bike riders who've been killed on the street or track than dirt bike riders.

    I rode Palomar hard for years without incident, and while on a good Sunday there were usually 3 - 5 crashes on the tight side, the injuries were usually mild.

    Since '96 I'm only aware of 5 fatalities, but there may be more that I haven't heard of. Only one of which was caused by their own riding - the others had an assist from other traffic.

    I quit riding there after having the kids because of a couple close calls where people blew the double yellow and came at me head on. Having a responsibility to raise the kids I decided to go full time on the dirt for a while.

    All that said, I had fun riding Palomar and other roads and I think that it can be done safely and responsibly - excluding that there will always be the element of risk because of other traffic out there. If you're OK with that, then have a ball.

    After all, if you know what you're doing, it isn't that much different than blasting down Heart Attack hill around other riders, right?

  7. Posted

    . . . I passed two guys on my first and only run on this hill. I had to use my brake to whip my bike from side to side, around them. . .

    Unless it's was a big organized event with a trophy at the end, I wouldn't attempt going down that hill with another rider (or two) stuck on the hill.

    Too easy to end up running in to one or both of them with nothing to gain for the attempt. Waiting a minute or two for them to clear the path would be a wiser choice for me as I know that I'm not that good, plus I'd feel like an a$$ if I did hit them and injured them or their bike.

  8. Posted

    I've heard good things about both the Pirelli MT21 and Scorpion Pro.

    I'm due for new tires on the Husky and am going with one or the other. I plan on asking Ron Bishop for a recommedation based on my riding ~ 95% technical, 5% droning between trail ends on the street, and see what he says.

    I'd thought about trying a trials tire on the rear, but then again, that's why I have a trials bike :_)

  9. Posted

    First, practice using the front brake down a more mild but somewhat loose hill. You want to be able to apply front brake till the locking point and be comfortable modulating the brake lever as necessary to keep the front wheel turning enough to stay upright while still applying maximum braking force.

    The rear brake won't do much for you and is very easy to lock so you'll need to pay attention to the clutch lever and pull that in should the rear start to lock because you don't want to kill the motor.

    When done right you'll be able to creep down the hill at a near stop with each wheel locking and unlocking but still turning enough to keep you upright and on line.

    Pick your line, put it in first gear and start down the hill slowly. The more speed you start out with, the more you'll have to scrub off later, so do what you can to keep the speed down from the start.

    Heart attack hill has a nice run out space at the bottom, so even if you pick up some speed you'll still have room to stop after you've reached the bottom.

    There will be spots on the hill where there's just no traction. Learning how to read the terrain will be helpful because then you wont be surprised when suddenly one end or the other locks. In places where it's just too slippery to use more than a touch of brakes, don't try. Look for the next opportunity where there is traction and brake harder there.

    Most importantly, stay on line if you can. This is because hopefully you've picked a line that is rideable without too many big bumps or ruts. If you start sliding one end or the other and get off line into a rutty or bumpy section - that may not be something you can ride out and presto, you're on your head.

    Hope this helps,

  11. Posted

    If you can make it, go ride on Craig's all killer no filler north county loop this weekend.

    I hope to be there but may not make it.

    If you can't make it this weekend, let me know and I'll take you out there some other time. I'm in Carlsbad too and it's close by - I usually go for a few hours each weekend if I can.

    Also, on Wednesday nights at Cafe Elyssa in Carlsbad there's a bike night. We usually meet at around 6 PM near on of the fire pits.

    The coffee shop is near the corner of the Coast highway and Carlsbad Village drive.

  13. Posted

    It was lots of fun. Met a number of folks who ride trials in our area and got some invites to come practice on some nice sounding private land with guys who know how to ride a trials bike.

    Got a shout out from Bikeslut at one of the stages but was unable to stop and chat as I was hooked up with two other guys, one newbie like me and another Sportsman class guy who has been competing for a couple years. He volunteered to lead us around and show us the ropes and lines.

    I rode Open class so I'd have the option of picking Novice, Sportsman, or Intermediate lines. Doing that meant I wouldn't get points towards a finish place which was fine because I was more interested in finding out which group was best for me.

    Never did ride any of the Intermediate lines even though in some cases they looked easier than the Sportsman lines - tougher climbs, but easier turns in some of the stages.

    It was great to see the kids out there, a 7 year old on a tiny little bike, a girl about 10 or so on what must have been an 80 or 125 but full or 3/4 sized frame. What a trooper! A couple other kids in the sub teen catagory.

    The most impressive though I think were the kids in the 15 to 18 age range. Several Experts and at least one Master. They looked so at home on those bikes.

    I asked one kid who was about 15 how long he'd been riding trials and he said 8 years. He and his brother practice a minimum of 2 hours a day 6 days a week. He had Ryan Young (6 time national champ) as his minder for a couple years. I got to see him ride a couple Expert stages, but didn't get to see his brother ride any of the Master lines.

    Didn't get to see any experts for that matter. They split us up in to groups with different starting stages so we wouldn't all be queued up behind each other through all 10 sections. That meant we were out of sync enough with the Masters that we didn't get to see any :-(

    A great time though and next time I come I'll try to bring the wife and kiddies and drag the toyhauler in there. I think the girls would have a blast watching this stuff.

  14. Posted

    I have a Rampmaster folding ramp which is arched.

    It's nice because even on a tall truck you can load a sportbike with low faring and not bottom out.

    It will support something like 1100 lbs and only weighs ~30 lbs. Definitely heavier than a traditional straight ramp but if you have both street and dirt bikes it's something to consider.

    It's pricey though. I believe I payed about $230 for it like 7 years ago.

    I also know of at least two friends who've had theirs stolen from the back of their truck so I always use a cable lock to secure it while I'm out and about away from the truck.

  15. Posted

    All real trucks have 8 foot beds. Simple solution, back into your parking spot. You will find it is as easy to

    back a full sized crew cab into a parking spot as it is to pull your car in.

    I almost always back in. My truck has the back up sensors in it and it's a lot easier to back right up to something than it is to drive straight in because the sensors tell me with in a few inches where I am.

    On the front end I have to use the braile method :angry:

    I think the back up sensors were an option but they're well worth it, I have them on both of my vehicles. And while there's no substitute for paying attention and looking around, with two small kids they are an extra help because there's a huge blind spot back there - I wish the truck had them on the front too.

  16. Posted

    I could load my DRZ and another bike like a KLR-650 in my F-250 with 6.5' bed and close the tailgate.

    Just had to angle them slightly, not point them straight out the back.

    Same is true with my Husky TE-510, which is even longer than the DRZ.

    Angle the bikes and all is well.

  17. Posted

    You need to leave the trials bike at home. I am not going to ride that slow!!!! This is a folow the leader ride. Dont worry about dust. :wacko:B)

    Some people ride this loop on super moto bikes.

    I wanted to take you guys on my loop, dont worry. (YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!!!)

    Actually, you'll be surprised at the trials bike I think. I ride mostly in 5th gear out there between sections. In the single track or climbing, then I'm usually in 4th or sometimes 3rd.

    Main point is, we can find a pace that will be comfortable for everyone. Also, if Brett comes we both have ham radios and can help coordinate between lead and tail.

  18. Posted

    I'm up for it on just about any other weekend than Dec 2.

    There are a number of different trails and some bypasses for some of the difficult sections so we can find a way for everyone to have fun.

    If Craig picks a time when I can come then I can lead folks around alternate paths if need be. Plus with six or more it's best to break it up into a couple smaller groups to keep down the dust.

    I'll probably ride the trials bike, so that will keep the pace down.

  21. Posted

    I'm going to be at the same McCain Valley trials event on Dec 2 so will have to pass.

    Riceless950, I ride out at the spot Hammer is talking about almost every weekend and know it quite well.

    I ride either my GG or the Husky out there. Lots of fun loops, some of which could be challanging on a bigger bike like a KLR-650. If you're riding a trials bike obviously the level of difficulty goes down somewhat :)

    Look for me on the 2nd. I'll be riding an '07 GG 300 and wearing a red Husky shirt. This is my first trials event so I'll be in either the Novice or Sportsman class. We can hook up just about any weekend and ride the North County area. I don't know about miles, but I usually put in two to four hours.

    I was out a McCain Valley on Sunday and got to meet a few of the guys and see some of the sections. Looks like it will be a lot of fun and very cool to watch the top level guys work the course. :)

  23. Posted

    Good story,

    I've been on the track a few times with Harleys when I was racing with CCS. Usually it was Buttonwillow but have ridden with them on the Streets and Big Willow. There were a few fast Harleys out there but they were all Buels, not the regular Sportster type or whatever it is that Harley makes these days.

    With the right guy on board they can move right along. With a GSXR-750 they were always beatable but sometimes surprisingly hard work to put behind you.

    Never encountered a Harley, Buel or otherwise, in the canyons that was much sport though.

    There was a guy who used to come up to Palomar occasionally who'd drag the whole right side of his bike in turns doing his best to play with the sport bikes, and could in fact keep some of the guys behind him, but any of the faster than average riders made pretty quick work of him.

    Back in '75 I used to troll for Harleys on my RD-350 and give them a good what for :-)

  25. Posted

    The TE-510 is plenty revvy and has tons of low end and is lighter than my 2000 DRZ-400e to boot.

    The DRZ however, would allow you to put over obsticles at an idle and then add gas as needed where as the TE being a higher compression engine wants to be turning over a little faster before you add some more throttle. If you are too close to idle and then add gas the 510 will pop and then stall.

    It may be in part due to my jetting or something, but otherwise the bike runs flawlessly so I don't think so. There's just some critical RPM under which you have this problem. Mostly it is not an issue, just when climbing some really tough technical terrain at a crawl.

    My GasGas TXT 300 Pro on the other hand will allow one to crawl over the tough stuff as slow as you want to go without stalling - you can kill the thing but it takes work :-)

    The trials bike is a very good training tool and just plain fun to ride. I actually think that it is a great bike to learn on - not street legal of course though.

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