Noob friendly motocross track in San Diego?

[Wintyfresh 46]

I've never been on a motocross track, but would like to give it a shot with a few friends. I'm looking for somewhere with a beginner track, cheap and/or close to North County are a bonus. Just somewhere to consistently practice small jumps would be nice, thanks!

[bikeslut 1]

Try Pala vet track

[christi20 0]

That would be the mini or vet track at Pala. all the tracks cost $25 to get in but Pala and Barona also require a membership (first ride free).

It may be far for you but I always recommend the Ranch in Anza. They have four tracks to choose from and they are not crazy busy!

If it rains at my house ever again, I would invite you to my track!

[tntmo 887]

Pala gets pretty busy at times. If you can make it during the week you will probably avoid the crowds.

Amago used to be pretty good as far as limited crowds, but I haven't been there in several years.

http://www.proride.com/amago.htm

Barona Oaks is a good beginner course, no doubles/triples and the crowds seem light.

http://www.baronamxtrack.com/

[mtnmanseth 0]

Hey Winty, I have never been on a track either, and I'm also in Encinitas. Please let me know when and where you go and I'll try to join you!

[socalhodaka 104]

The Ranch is good with a lot to choose from, but my favorite is Cahuilla Creek vet track. http://www.cahuillacreekmotocross.com/ its not far from the Ranch and right across the road from http://www.motoventures.com/

[Wintyfresh 46]

Hey Winty, I have never been on a track either, and I'm also in Encinitas. Please let me know when and where you go and I'll try to join you!

Will do!

[Chris in Wildomar 0]

Lake Elsinore MX Park. its only 45 minutes up the 15fwy from Escondido at 75mph. Reopened under New Management. Its a nice track and really not that busy. If you go let me know im come down as well if im free. im right up the hill.

http://www.racele.net/

[bikeslut 1]

Sounds like we need a motocross for noobs day

[Wintyfresh 46]

That's a great idea! Got plans the next two weekends but should be free after that.

[Ben 0]

Just installed my ECU and I wanna join in on a noobs day to play with the maps! ?

[daijones 0]

The old calvmx track in Jamul is very noob friendly but not sure if it's still open, rode there once a couple of years ago and was fun but can't find any links to it, will look more.

[Guest Crusty]

Lake Elsinore MX Park. its only 45 minutes up the 15fwy from Escondido at 75mph. Reopened under New Management. Its a nice track and really not that busy. If you go let me know im come down as well if im free. im right up the hill.

http://www.racele.net/

I read it's closed.

I would check before you make the drive.

IN on a track day at Pala.

[bikeslut 1]

He also said "North County" which is why I suggested Pala. I've never ridden there, but the vet track looks easy, and I saw a huge disparity in speeds on the videos I watched; like the fast guys are used to riding around slow guys

Reminder to slow guys...don't make any sudden movements, as fast guys might be ready to fly past you. make your intentions obvious, and directional changes predictable-the good thing about the Otay track was "nobody" else is there! Perfect for learning, especially with a bunch of like-minded buddies

[Goofy Footer 539]

I'm up for a SDAR track day (we've had a few at the Otay MX track in the past and everybody has had a good time).

I'd recommend against Pala especially with a group of noobs. The Vet Track can be extremely busy on the weekend (ie jumping tables alongside 1 and even 2 other guys at times). If you're learning and at a risk to crash, I would avoid crowds. The dirt at Pala is amazing but if you're rolling jumps and learning, you'll be getting in people's way. Pala's Amateur Track looks very fun and less agro than their Vet Track but I've never ridden it.

Pala and Barona have an annual "membership" fee of $45. The first time you go you will pay $45 and every other entry will be $25. You get well groomed tracks, good dirt but lots of faster riders. These places are true MX tracks, you will be one of the only people with a headlight. People looked at my DRZ like it was an alien. Coming up short and/or landing flat on a long table is not fun on dualsport suspension.

For a first time experience, especially with a group I'd highly recommend the Otay track as opposed to a MX Racetrack. Most of the time there are very few people and the people that do show up are always friendly. It is a low key place, I'd recommend bringing a pop-up canopy some chairs and a grill for a good time. Entrance is $20. The jumps all have easy landings (except the finish line jump but you can roll it easily/safely). You can practice and learn at Otay without the hassle/pressure of a faster track. If/when you chose to try another track, then definitely try out a real MX track.

When my buddy bboyle9 wanted to take his bone stock DR650 to a track we went to Otay MX and he had a blast. As a MX noob he felt comfortable pushing himself and his bike on the track and loved every minute of it. He would have been very intimidated by guys at other tracks. Pardon my F-bomb in the vid, you'll notice a certain bikeslut in the intro.

This is the biggest jump at Otay should you chose to attempt it. (I don't try to clear it, I'm not a fan of the landing. I just pop on top and continue on my lap)

Here is a ride report. Everybody had Fun

http://dualsport-sd.com/forums/index.php?/topic/12486-our-own-private-track/

PMB glamour shot

Yours truly, courtesy of PMB

Trophy on his DR. Put some springs in the lil DRZ and bring it for some fun!

Otay is a drive from North Coastal but I honestly believe it will provide the most fun overall "first track day" experience. You can practice jumping on safe and appropriately sized jumps. Post a date and if I'm not busy, count me in. Having met you and your crew, I think you'll get a kick out of this place. Plus you can ride from the MX track down the twisty pavement for 2 miles and take dirt to Doghouse Junction / Otay Mtn if you want a trail ride in between motos. Lets have a SDAR Track Day and take over the place!

[Goofy Footer 539]

Pick an upcoming Sunday so Heckler Supreme Bikeslut can attend. Hey slut, bring Axel so he can ride some laps (and cook for us!!). It's a lot of fun riding a track when it's just you and your friends.

I'd love to ride Christi's home track sometime after a rain, from the pics I've seen it looks Fun!

Socalhodaka - I'm definitely interested in trying Cahuilla Creek sometime. It's quite the drive from PB but I'd like to try it!

[bikeslut 1]

Axel and CVRick live just a few miles away!

I'll tell Axel to cook something up...we can have a taco day

I'll try to talk George in to bringing a bike and his trailer to dial in people's suspension...

Goofy-bring me your 250 to ride ;-)

[Wintyfresh 46]

Otay looks perfect, thanks! I'll gladly drive the extra distance if it means my friends and I avoid getting creamed by a faster rider our first time out. Does anyone have more info on the track? Mostly just want to confirm the address (13949 Otay Lakes Road), hours (9am-?), and make sure they're still open.

How's April 6th for a track day?

[TrophyHunter 15]

Gates were open on Sunday when Seth and I rode by. I'll try to get a suspension service done on the DRZ and get out there. Hopefully my ribs survive this time.

[Guest Crusty]

Out.

Don't mind the crowds, for an AWESOME track,

in a nice place with a short drive.

[mtnmanseth 0]

Sunday, April 6 at Otay works for me! Count me in. I'll PM you, Winty... maybe we can truckpool?

[xr650lnoob 0]

RPMX is also a good option when you are starting out.

It has 4 tracks to choose from and is not busy at all (Noob friendly).

$20 but i think they only open on the weekends.

It's a bit far from North County, but it's close to Lark OHV (Golden Acorn casino exit) and it's worth visiting if you get tired of Otay MX track.

http://rpmxtrack.com

It's going to be an easier transition to Pala MX after going to these tracks first.

[Ken S 164]

X2 on RPMX in Live Oak springs. Rode there my first time on a track a couple weeks ago. Noob friendly. Almost nobody else there. $20 a day free camping.

I wish there was a MX class for overweight middle age guys with a fast bike. I'd qualify and race every weekend, even if I always come in second to last.

[Goofy Footer 539]

RPMX is a good next step after Otay. I'd call the shop line at RP Racing in El Cajon to make sure the track will be open before you drive out there though.