[KelseyFelgner]

Hey! I’m fairly new to the page and new to riding for sure; this summer is my first summer riding! I live in mid-Ohio, and I’m wondering if there’s anyone on the page near who’d want to meet up? I’m always out with the guys and while they are super supportive of me they also have so much more experience and I feel a little out of place! So I suppose I’d love some tips too!?? I ride a Honda crf150f.. I’m hoping to get on a 250 by end of next summer!

[JimDirt]

Unfortunately , I can't really offer or recommend a riding partner , as I am not near your area ........ But ....... What I would suggest , is continue riding with the "better" riders and to watch what they do and when and how they ride a certain area or obstacle , as you will learn the lines they use , and how they tackle obstacles by observing how they do it , as riding with people with knowledge is the best way to gain knowledge .... it will give you more confidence , because you will know , if they can do it , then you can do it ..... maybe not as well at first , but the more you try , the better you will become as a rider ....... Obviously do not try things you know are way above your ability/skill level , but I am assuming , the people you are riding with , would not purposely put you in a situation where it would be unsafe for you to follow (hopefully they are watchful of others , and observe the fact that not everyone is at their level of experience when tackling terrain)

Just keep riding and you will get better , don't let the better riders intimidate you , use their skill as a learning tool by paying attention to what they do , and you will be surprised at how fast you pick up on things , pay attention to how much throttle they use , and when and where to use the front and/or rear brake , as different situations call for different braking and throttle methods , due to the smaller size of your current bike , it will maybe take more effort to do the same thing , or you may have to go about it differently , just use what you watched them do as a guide , not as a matter of you have to do it exactly as they do .. .... Above all , have fun , if you are too worried about failing , you will miss out on all the fun riding gives ..... be patient , I have been riding since I was 5 and I still learn new things about riding every time I go , and I ride almost every single weekend , and I will be 60 in a month . So you are never too old to learn , and you never stop learning ....... remember that , and you will be fine ........ , do not put yourself down or limit yourself by what you have not accomplished , you are just starting out , pride yourself in the fact that you are accomplishing something each time you ride ... THAT is what is important , is that you try , not if you succeed or kept up with everyone ... They were beginners too .... just take your time , and it will all become natural to you at the pace you are comfortable with ...

[Aussiecrf230]

Glad to hear your riding it now you got the carby sorted.

[KelseyFelgner]

Aussie crf230- yes!!! Your post helped a ton about the carb and now we go riding almost every week! Weather has been limiting so I’ve gotten it out about 3 times but hey!! It runs thanks to you! I’m currently replacing a bad fork seal as well so I’ll make sure to ask questions if need be but that’s actually going fairly well!

JimDirt- thanks for the advice!! I try not to be intimidated by them and they do help me out an awful lot, I’m just excited to ride and want to get better but I know that seat time is going to play a large factor in that!! And yes I’ve noticed my bike needs a little more then theirs (the guys I ride with ride a crf250r, a yz125 and a husquavarna 125 so they have a bit of and edge )

[Aussiecrf230]

Best advice I got when I first started riding is to look where you want to go. If you look at the tree or the rock you will ride straight into it. When you look at the path you want to take you naturally steer that way.

The next most important thing is to make sure the rear sag is right as it will help with how the bike rides as well as the comfort. I am sure the guys can show you how to check and adjust if necessary. Seals aren't too hard but I have been lucky enough with the 230 and never had to change one.
As far as getting your bike going that was up to you and your helpers. Jim and I as well as the others on the site can post till our finger tips bleed. It still comes down to your understanding, common sense and mechanical skill. Having friends that can help is a bonus too. We are all bike lovers on the site. We are not really in to the " my opinion is correct" battles that can happen on other sites from time to time.

[JimDirt]

Ray gave some very good advice , Look where you want to go (not right in front of you either , look ahead where you want to go to , not where you are at) , not down , or anywhere else .... It does work ....