In this issue:

Areas:

Advocacy:

Equipment:

KTM Freeride 350 for Oz?

Minimal Impact:

Adjust to the Dust!

Events:

Minikhana at Byford - Nov 26

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As we head inevitably towards summer we look at adjusting to the dust, and question why the government thinks swimmers are so much more valuable than trail bike riders.

And what happens when you stick a fuel injected 350 into an electric trail bike? Read on to find out...

Julimar Cleanup - Saturday 19 November

RTRA members and the WA 4x4 club will be combining forces to do a clean up of the Julimar State Forest this Saturday, 19th November.

Around 13 old car wrecks have been identified, along with general rubbish that has been dumped.  The Department of Environment will be providing a BBQ for the volunteers afterwards so this is a great opportunity for the RTRA members to pitch in and help show we care for the environment.

If you're interested in assisting please email steve@rtra.asn.au and we will give you the meeting point details.

$14 Million for Shark Protection - just like that.

Is it just a coincidence that shark attacks seem to occur in the Premier's electorate of Cottesloe?  Or does the government really think that swimmers are more valuable than trail bike riders?

How else can we reconcile the announcement this week that $14 million can be magically found to prevent shark attacks (yeah, right) when we have been battling for over three years to get the funding for the comprehensive, well researched, well supported State Trail Bike Strategy that will probably save more lives?

Feel free to write to your local paper and local MP!

Perth Motorcycle Show 2012

Once again the RTRA had a display at the Perth Motorcycle Show.  And once again the number one question was:  "So where can I ride?"

This year we were able to confidently recommend Pinjar in the metro area as well as commercial ride parks at Kirup, Wyalkatchem and Mogumber.

Not much comfort for people living south of the river - but we're working on that!

Pinjar Family Trail Graded

if you were put off by the rocks, ruts and whoops of the Family Trail at Pinjar you might want to give it another try.

Constant use has seen many of the rocks either flicked off the trail or pulverised, and DEC has been out there with a PosiTrac recently giving the trail a re-grade.

It's now much better for novice riders and with the new North Loop and South Loop providing trails more suitable for aggressive riders we hope that the Family Trail will remain in good condition for its intended market of novices, families and people who just want a cruisier ride.

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KTM Freeride - A Glimpse at the Future?

What do you get when you stick a fuel injected 350 donk into a super-lightweight electric trail bike?  A KTM Freeride 350!

This amazing new bike - sort of a cross between a trials bike and an enduro bike - was launched in Europe recently and is now being evaluated by KTM for the Australian market.

Smaller, lighter and quieter than a traditional enduro bike the Freeride 350 is ideal for smaller riders and anyone wanting to reduce the impact of their riding. The Freeride runs on trials tyres and its twin exhausts give it a whisper-quiet rating of just 80dB.  Early test reports suggest it's a hoot to ride.

The RTRA has contacted KTM in support of the bike being imported - and being made ADR compliant so it can be road registered.  A decision is expected early in the New Year.  We'll keep you posted.

Minikhana at Byford - November 26

The Lightweight Motorcycle Club and Motorcycling Western Australia are running a Minikhana at the Byford MX circuit on Saturday 26th November.

Minikhana is great fun and children learn and improve their skills with a variety of different events in a safe and controlled setting.

The event is open for kids aged between 4 and 16.  Details and online entry.

Minimal Impact - Adjust to the Dust

With summer just around the corner it's time to adjust to the dust.

Here are three easy things you can do to make your summer rides more enjoyable and safer:

1. Give it a minute. If you use a corner man system on your rides it doesn't matter how spread out the group gets. So give it a good minute or two before you take off after the rider in front and let the dust settle.

2. Pick your position. After the first few regroups you should know where you sit within the group in terms of speed. Don't take off first if you know everyone is going to pass you, and don't take off last if you know you're going to pass everyone else!

3. Think of the guy behind. A bit less throttle equals a lot less dust, particularly when taking off or entering a dirt road. And if someone faster comes up behind, let them pass at the earliest opportunity.

Adjust to the dust and you'll not only enjoy the ride more but you'll save some time on all that air filter cleaning!

RTRA Blog

If you haven't yet checked out the new RTRA blog, head over to www.RTRA.asn.au/blog. Each week we will feature a different perspective on trail bike riding in WA. If you would like to make a contribution please contact secretary@RTRA.asn.au.

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