Getting ready to hit the green lanes

[geodude]

As many of you know, I have been seriously thinking about hitting the green lanes.

A green lane is a legal road that usually doesn’t have a hard (ie tarmac) surface. They are usually muddy rutted routes that are not suitable for normal vehicles. You may see tractors, 4x4s or off-road type motorcycles down them.

Having experienced Kitcombe Lane in Farringdon in minus temperatures with Simon off of bikerforum earlier this year, I can’t wait to do it properly. It was so much fun. ................more

[AMCQ46]

Thats good Geo, I almost sound like I might know what i am talking about

so are you going to try it on the BMW with better tyres or go for a dedicated green lane bike?

[geodude]

Thats good Geo, I almost sound like I might know what i am talking about

so are you going to try it on the BMW with better tyres or go for a dedicated green lane bike?

Yes sir, that's what I'm gonna do Slowly getting the kit together. Going to leave the tyres (Continental TKC80) until last. Should be sorted by mid to late spring

[AMCQ46]

I should also add it is well worth joining your local TRF....Trail Riders Fellowship.......they will have local runs and know what is legal and where there is a possible closure or legal wrangle, and they can then link you up to a network across the UK where other groups can take you out in their local area.

There is a stereotype that the TRF are all old farts who only like to ride at 15mph and spend their time in County Hall doing research [you will be glad that some do, as it is them who protect what lanes we have left after the NERC bill], but that was not the case when I was a member, sound blokes

[geodude]

I should also add it is well worth joining your local TRF....Trail Riders Fellowship.......they will have local runs and know what is legal and where there is a possible closure or legal wrangle, and they can then link you up to a network across the UK where other groups can take you out in their local area.

There is a stereotype that the TRF are all old farts who only like to ride at 15mph and spend their time in County Hall doing research [you will be glad that some do, as it is them who protect what lanes we have left after the NERC bill], but that was not the case when I was a member, sound blokes

There is a stereotype that the TRF are all old farts

A bit like the IAM then

I've already joined the free bit but not that paying bit. Hampshire is really good as it has it's definitive maps available online in pdf format so not much need to hit the local County Hall.

Thanks again Al

[AMCQ46]

Going to leave the tyres (Continental TKC80) until last. Should be sorted by mid to late spring

make sure you try and fit them your self....it is good practice, as you will have a puncture off road, and you need to know that the tools you carry with you will get the wheel out and that you can get the tyre off and a new tube in

may people carry a can of tyre weld, but that is only any good on a small hole like if you picked up a nail. most punctures you get off road [same for motorbike or mountain bike] are a "snake bite" where you hit a square edge rock and the tube gets pinched against the rim usually putting a 1/2" long cut in each side. So for this you need a spare tube [we always took a spare 21" front tube, as it could be used in the rear if needed, but you cant do it the other way round] and some good repair patches and glue. Then that is where the bike pump comes in.......but that is hard work as well.

This photo is the greenlaning equivilent of a workshop day.....the RMX is not my bike, but for some reason I am better at doing practical things that the owner, so in frustration I end up doing the repair so we can get moving before it gets dark, the RMX rider takes photos and my other mate has a bit of a rest!
I did get my revenge by soaking both of them as we went through some flooded bomb holes. trick is to hang back and time your pass so you are just overtaking them as you get to the water


Notice that yellow bikes are also the best offroad as well as the fastest on road

[geodude]

Ah.... Hmm slight problem there then.



Alloy wheels with tubeless tyres

[AMCQ46]

Ok, in a sense that will help prevent as many punctures,:
1) no tubes so no snake bites
2) you will go slower over rocks to save the wheels
3) you wont be able to drop the tyre pressures down to the 15psi I used to use as you cant fit rim locks to stop the tyre slipping on the rim, so although you will have less grip, the tyre will be stiffer in an impact.

But it is possible to run tubes on tubeless rims [and tyres] just dont do lots of high speed stuff as the rubbing friction can wear through the tube.

If you plan to do lots of off road you could try and get some spoked wheels made up they take impact much better, will allow rim locks to be fitted and serious off road tyres fitted and run at low pressures. Then you can have the ally wheels with road rubber and the spokes with off road.