Newbie in Hot Springs SD

[Fathead]

Hello all,

I'm new to dual sporting as of spring this year.  I've been riding a cruiser since 06 (still have it too), and last winter stumbled upon some of Big Dog Adventures videos.  I caught the bug, and after much deliberation between a couple bikes I bought a 650 GS.  I've had fun exploring the hills, and even rode it to CO in June.  I'm always up for a ride but my work schedule or lack of (I'm on call) is a pain sometimes, I'm just looking for some people to ride with occasionally as none of my buddies have dual sport bikes.  If you have any questions for me drop a line, I'm sure I'll have many for you all. 

[greatbuffalo]

Fathead, welcome to the forum. There are a lot of great areas in the Hot Springs area that I would like to explore, I just rarely get down that way.

I'm sure you'll find riding buddies around here. There are some that live in the hills that get fairly often, wish I were one of them.

[Lonesome Dave]

Welcome Fathead.  Your old riding buddies will soon be jealous of you.  They'll be asking, doesn't gravel make you nervous, when was the last time you washed it! 

We have a fall rally starting in two or three weeks.  You should join us, whether you stay for the weekend or just show up and ride a day or two.  There's a good chance were going to try the southern "Custer Loop"  which is mostly friendly to a GS. especially a 650.   The loop officially starts in Custer and ends there.  You can check out a couple of threads posted here about it.

Hope to see you there.

[Fathead]

Appreciate the replies, my friends already ask me a lot of questions about it.  I think the best part of it all is that there are usually no crowds anywhere in the back country.  I had mine out to run some errands today and noticed a fork seal is leaking (wonder if that is covered by BMW warranty), guess that's the way it goes. 

Had my first "get off" the other day I think it was on 6221 according to Garmin, pretty good climb, loose rocks, deep ruts from atvs=boot melting to muffler.  It did inspire me to buy a spot locator (anyone use one?) as I was alone luckily no real damage to me or the bike. 

[Lonesome Dave]

It did inspire me to buy a spot locator (anyone use one?) as I was alone luckily no real damage to me or the bike.

Yes, a lot of us have one.  Wife won't let me leave home without it!

[greatbuffalo]

Neither will mine. That way she can keep tabs on me. It may not keep me out of trouble but it will help my family to find my body.