Hi all,

just back from holidays in Canaries, and thought I`d post some pix of my day out off-roading with Backtrax, a small local company that takes you out onto some amazing trails.

Bearing in mind this was my first proper off-roading, I don't think I embarrassed myself too badly, especially as some of the routes were probably way past my technique level ....(soft black sand in dry river beds are tough...as well as loose volcanic rock...)

Only came off at speed twice, but glad of all the gear as those rocks hurt
(and took the clutch lever off on my second spill, which hit me in the goggles as i was heading over handlebars, but quick fix to get going again). Both times i came off it was because of gulleys on the trail surface that ran parallel to the direction of travel and both times my front wheel got stuck in them and I lost control as I tram lined along. No idea how to ride them... They must have been about 12 inches deep at points..

I did have a small 3rd spill but its was at about 1mph as we were coming down a very steep rocky descent at the coast with back brake only pretty much full on, and I simply stepped off and let the bike drop. But my God, in that heat and in that gear, lifting the bike back up nearly killed me

Still, very sore and stiff the next few days afterwards and still got the bruises but the best thing I`ve ever done! So much fun and will definitely be looking at doing more enduro or trail type stuff now I`m back in UK as I`ve got the bug If you are over there I`d recommend it, and the owner Nigel, is a top rider and top bloke.(one tip though, if you are interested, call them rather than email them as they often cant pick up emails, but will answer phone)


(I know it isn`t strictly a Yammy but don't tell..)

Heading Out:


Photo opportunity..Volcano in background:


Obligatory pose..next stop...Dakar:


Pit Stop No 1:


Nice Scenery:


In 25 degree heat this is me slowly cooking..


Pit Stop No 2:


All my gear....hot and heavy, but definitely required:


And Youtube links to what I was doing(Not me, but it gives you an idea):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EX4US...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJWuA...eature=related

That looks like an awesome days trails! Glad u enjoyed it and yes I am mildly jealous

great pics, would love to have a crack at that!

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live Free, Ride Free!
No maps no plans, just get on your bike and go!



XT660z......What a machine!!

Current mods:- Yamaha top box, Yamaha hanguards, Heated grips, High front fender, Aux lighting front/rear.

I spotted this firm last time we were there but unfortunately it was too late in the holiday so I missed out. Looks like I missed a great day out. Maybe next time?

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I'm always in the sh1t, only the depth varies

That looks like an amazing area to be off roading. Dont worry we all fall off at sometime, and when doing your first proper off roading on a Suzuki DRZ400 which is not the lightest of bikes sounds like you did pretty good.

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Plough on