04/10/2026
Sign up is OPEN for the Ruts to Racelines Guided Dual Sport ride during the Mid Atlantic Moto Campout!
Email [email protected]
**Limited to 15 riders per day**
Please read BEFORE signing up:
INTRODUCTION & OVERVIEW
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We will be riding forest service roads within/adjacent to Shenandoah National Forest (George Washington National Forest areas). These are legal, plated-only roads—no single track and no ATV trails. These routes are maintained for public access but are not graded for comfort, meaning surface conditions can vary significantly day-to-day and even mile-to-mile. Vehicle traffic (including trucks, SUVs, and other motorcycles) is possible at any time, so riders must stay right, control speed in blind corners, and remain alert throughout the ride.
Terrain Summary
• Dirt + gravel forest roads
• Embedded small to medium rocks
• Water bars and erosion features
• Loose climbs/descents
• Occasional mud depending on conditions
• Water crossings likely (typically 5–18 inches, varies with rainfall)
REQUIREMENTS (NON-NEGOTIABLE)
All riders must have:
• Street-legal, plated motorcycle
• Valid license
• Helmet (DOT/ECE)
• Eye protection (goggles or visor)
• Sturdy boots (ADV or MX recommended)
• Gloves
• Long sleeves + pants
Strongly recommended:
• Skid plate + hand guards
• 50/50 or knobby tires
• Hydration pack
• Basic tool kit + tube/plug kit
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📅 FRIDAY – BEGINNER RIDE (2–3 HOURS)
Riders Meeting: 2:45, KSU: 3:00
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🎯 Goal
Confidence-building, skill development, and terrain familiarization.
⏱ Duration
~2–3 hours total ride time (with stops)
🧭 Ride Structure
1. Rider Meeting (15–20 min)
• Introductions
• Bike check (tires, fuel, controls)
• Quick skills briefing:
o Standing position; Braking on gravel; Line selection; Throttle control
2. Warm-Up Section (30–45 min)
• Wide gravel roads
• Gentle elevation changes
• Focus: Getting comfortable standing & Light braking and cornering
3. Skill Progression Section (60–90 min)
• Introduction to:
o Small rock sections
o Mild ruts/erosion with water bars
o Controlled practice stops
o Coaching through obstacles
4. Water Crossing Practice (if available)
• Walk-through + explanation first
• Emphasis on: Steady throttle. No sudden braking. Eyes up
5. Return Section
• Slightly more confidence-paced riding
• Reinforce skills learned
WHAT BEGINNER RIDERS SHOULD EXPECT
• This is not pavement riding—the bike will move underneath you
• You will:
o Slip slightly on gravel
o Feel unstable at first
o Improve quickly within the first hour
• Drops are possible and normal— this is a zero judgment environment
Biggest Challenges
• Loose gravel corners
• Standing while riding
• Looking ahead instead of down
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📅 SATURDAY – INTERMEDIATE RIDE (3–4 HOURS)
Riders Meeting: 9:45, KSU: 10:00
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🎯 Goal
Challenge riders with sustained off-road terrain and build real ADV competence.
⏱ Duration
~3–4 hours total (including regroup stops)
🧭 Ride Structure
1. Rider Briefing (10–15 min)
• Expectations: higher pace + more technical terrain
• Review of group riding protocol
2. Initial Climb/Descent Section
• Loose gravel + embedded rock
• Potential erosion channels
• Focus:
• Momentum management
• Line choice through obstacles
• Clutch/throttle balance
• Vision and scanning/ awareness
3. Technical Segments (Main Ride)
• Expect:
o Rockier sections
o More pronounced water bars
o Narrower forest roads in areas
o Possible mud depending on weather
• You will encounter:
o Off-camber turns and loose descents
o Step-ups/ledges from erosion
4. Water Crossings
• Water crossings likely
• Depth: typically 5–18 inches
• Bottom: loose medium/small rock
• Key technique:
• Maintain steady speed
• Light grip on bars
• No sudden throttle chops
5. Extended Remote Section
• Limited cell service
• No quick exits
• Group stays tight
6. Return Push
• Moderate pace
• Fatigue management becomes important
WHAT INTERMEDIATE RIDERS SHOULD EXPECT
• Sustained off-road riding with minimal recovery sections
• Increased physical demand & handling fatigue
• Technical decision-making: picking lin
• es and managing traction
Biggest Challenges
• Loose rocky climbs
• Descending with control
• Water crossings under fatigue
• Mental focus over several hours
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OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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🚨 GROUP RIDING PROTOCOL
• Ride at your own pace—no pressure riding
• Keep rider behind you in sight at turns
• If you lose the rider behind you → STOP
• Lead and sweep riders assigned during the ride.
⛽ FUEL + PREP
• Start both rides with a full tank
• Minimum recommended range: 80–100 miles
• Bring:
o Water (at least 1–2L)
o Snacks (because snacks are life and fueling you is important)
o Basic tools for your motorcycle
🌦 WEATHER IMPACT (IMPORTANT)
Conditions can change quickly:
Dry Conditions
• Loose dust
• Marbles on hardpack
• Faster pace but less traction in corners
Wet Conditions
• Mud
• Slick rocks
• Deeper water crossings
• Significantly increased difficulty
🧠 FINAL NOTES
• This is true ADV riding, not gravel cruising
• You will work physically and be mentally engaged the entire ride
• The goals are (1) have a great time- we are on motorcycles with amazing people in an amazing part of the country, (2) build your skills and confidence, (3) ride safely, (4) look cool while doing 1-3.
