Norra 2013

[drc42]

Originally Posted by Johnnymoto

But I've never done any off road racing, and I think it may be a bit arrogant to just show up for this four day event and expect to finish. I've done some road racing, and I know may way around baja a bit, I've ridden about 20 days of dirt down there in the last few years , and have spent an equal amount of time on the pavement on my GS. I'll be riding a DRZ400, she's my Baja bike, I live in Chicago, but the bike lives in San Diego, she's a solid machine, very well maintained, I know her well and am very comfortable traveling on her. I'm not fast in the dirt by any means, but I can get through most terrain and keep up a decent pace. I'm in good shape and can ride long days. I have never used a rally book or computer before, so there will certainly be a learning curve with that. I have the option of doing solo, or teaming up with a friend. Any opinion on which would be better. Either way we'd both be on DRZ's, we have tons of spares, including the ability to bring a spare bike.

I'm torn between coming out to watch the prep the day before the race, scope it out, maybe head to bay of la for the 1st night, then head back to san diego or just throwing my hat into the ring and entering. If I race, do I solo or with a team mate sharing a bike?

Any advice would be appreciated.

I raced the Mex1K last year and while I have done some RallyMoto, enduro's and hare scrambles I had never ridden let alone raced in the desert. I was also on a DRZ400. Other than my front wheel falling apart (due to me being an idiot and not checking the spokes on the new wheels after day 1) no major issues with the bike.

So, if you have ridden in Baja before it sounds like you are more prepared than I was.

As far as solo vs. team that is a personal preference, I much prefer entering events like this solo, mostly because I know I am not fast so for me the challenge is finishing.

[BAZZER450]

I think more than anything this race is all about having fun and a good time . I think it is the easiest introduction to baja outside of a guided ride that you could do . The pressure of a score or bitd event wont really be there. Of course you will have the compititive riders /drivers to look out for but,not the the intense pressure. Ride the event at your own pace do your home work with your support and chase and you will have a great time !Just my 2 cents of course .

[beechum1]

From Anders Green's FB Page:

Getting the new NORRA rules emailed back and forth... looks about final. :)

[Idahombre]

In the NORRA rule book it states: "NCR6: HORNS
All vehicles must have a horn that is audible from a distance of 100 feet in front of the vehicle. Sirens
are permitted during Special stages but are not to be used on the highway nor during transit sections."

I suppose this includes the motorcycles....? Really?

[beechum1]

Originally Posted by Idahombre

In the NORRA rule book it states: "NCR6: HORNS
All vehicles must have a horn that is audible from a distance of 100 feet in front of the vehicle. Sirens
are permitted during Special stages but are not to be used on the highway nor during transit sections."

I suppose this includes the motorcycles....? Really?

I'm just going to bring puppy dogs to throw at their windows to like the mourning dew

[Baja Dad]

Originally Posted by Idahombre

In the NORRA rule book it states: "NCR6: HORNS
All vehicles must have a horn that is audible from a distance of 100 feet in front of the vehicle. Sirens
are permitted during Special stages but are not to be used on the highway nor during transit sections."

I suppose this includes the motorcycles....? Really?

Yes
Hella makes a nice horn
works great

[DaveRMS]

Originally Posted by Idahombre

I suppose this includes the motorcycles....? Really?

It's part of the FIM Cross Country Rally regulations as well as the Dakar Rally regulations. Both require a horn with a 90 Db minimum noise level.

Dave

[HogWild]

No big deal, this one is Dakar proven:

[DaveRMS]

Originally Posted by HogWild

No big deal, this one is Dakar proven:

[Idahombre]

Passing tech is not to be taken lightly. To much time and dollars invested to fail.
While we're on the subject, Can anyone think of any other, not so obvious rules that apply to the motos?
I've read the rules, pretty straight forward, could have missed something.
Thanks.

[Idahombre]

Originally Posted by HogWild

No big deal, this one is Dakar proven:

YES!

[c.vestal]

Originally Posted by Idahombre

Passing tech is not to be taken lightly. To much time and dollars invested to fail.
While we're on the subject, Can anyone think of any other, not so obvious rules that apply to the motos?
I've read the rules, pretty straight forward, could have missed something.
Thanks.

Nothing comes to mind right now. Most was piratical in a racing environment.

It is good to review the rules and get a game plan. However, I am waiting until the official 2013 rules are released.

[beechum1]

Originally Posted by c.vestal

Nothing comes to mind right now. Most was piratical in a racing environment.

It is good to review the rules and get a game plan. However, I am waiting until the official 2013 rules are released.

That's good datum.

[c.vestal]

Originally Posted by beechum1

That's good datum.

Hey, don't you have fairings to make?

[beechum1]

Yes. But I have a bike to build too.... I've been putting it off for ... about.... a month?