TRF Forums

Last week I took out a chap with a Honda CRF250L, and had a phone call from a rider with an old 80s Honda Dominator 650. Both had had previous negative experiences with the TRF. The Dominator owner was told "get a smaller bike if you want to go trail riding" and the other had gone on a "beginners ride-out" which was much too difficult for him (although part of the problem was his lack of knowledge that the CRF is supplied with Bridgestones which need changing before using the bike on muddy green lanes).

The Dominator owner is hoping to join the TRF soon, as he has noticed that there seem to be an increasing number of big trail bike riders. Indeed a couple of other members in his group area (Mid Wales) have big trail bikes, so hopefully he will find some suitable company for rideouts.

The 250L man is building up his confidence on less technical green lanes, and would actually be a good match to go with the Dominator, or other more cautious riders. My next easy ride is Saturday 9th April (2 beginners on 250Ls and an older rider with a Serow) meeting in Ponterwyd, Ceredigion. Any people who think this sounds right for them are welcome to join us. There is no charge for TRF members, but non-members will be required to pay £20. (If you can't do that date, I will be doing more of these type of rides in the summer). Contact marianne@trailrides-wales.com, phone 01686 430522 or text 07934 829559.

Marianne

Mid Wales

Not my experience, but I AM in the Manchester group....

Hope they get a better experience within the TRF.

Get some chunkys on the 250 and it'll get you any where.

Why tell someone to get a smaller bike (650) maybe if you were going off piste but for general easy routes its more than suitable.

A tricky one but, in this instance, as there is no charge for non members, I tend to think it is not really much different to a TRF group ride that charges - I've heard some even charge members.
If a profit is being made from members, then a donation per rider or a set fee would be appropriate IMHO.

Does that mean none of your company's rides cost TRF members anything Marianne?

By the way, I agree with the sentiment of the original post.
If people can't give good, considered, advice, they shouldn't at all.
One size, literally, doesn't fit all.

I agree with david, plus even if it is charging non members so what they may even join if they have a positive experience.

Before I joined I did not have a good impression of the TRF.

Also, on the idea of negativity, I went from 250 to 500 very quickly and anyone who is a CC snob is obviously a small minded and petty idiot with far to much time on their hands, the same goes for style of bike, doesn't bother me if your turn up with a true mx bike or a adventure tank or even a commuter, as long as you have the right attitude, disposable income restricts most of us.

Well done Marianne for coming up with an idea to include even more members.

We all need to run regular beginners runs -starting from ground zero, and aimed at going at as leisurely a pace as possible.

Nobody needs to be left out from trail riding

Marianne - TRF marketing will continue look out for your events and promote them

As I said in my deleted un-notified post, I fully supported the original post in the effort to promote the TRF and get folks out riding on our trails on 2 wheels whatever size.

As a moderator, I have pressure on me where posts get reported, to conform to the rules, and will send an email to the Directors accordingly.

Don't worry Red i support you.

Maybe if we can't discuss things with views from both sides on here, we should flood the directors with emails and some notice more than put downs might happen.
But I don't like the secrecy element when things can reasonably be discussed and viewed between everyone on the wonderful and positive forum.
Other members surely have the right to know what is being discussed and have an opinion.

It also seems that the rules on 'advertising' need to be clarified or simplified into one section.
I don't recall Gilly having any problems before, particularly when it appears that she does these things free for TRF members.

My moderators hat says this is getting off topic form the original post.

But thanks