Desert riding vs everywhere else ive ridden

[bryanchurch06]

I've been in the southern NM desert since Dec 23, I've been off-roading in my 4x4 truck, honda atv and my 2023 ct125. In my opinion this environment is the hardest most challenging and constantly changing I've ever ridden in. I experienced some of it last yr on the cdt trail and was completely unprepared for it. This terrain never gives you a break to relax, you are constantly reacting to the changing conditions, loose gravel, sand, mud, big rocks, thorny bushes etc. I was intimidated last yr and still am if I'm honest, but I keep going back out because when you get it right it's amazing, when you don't you pick up the bike and learn from the experience. So why am I here? Because it kicked my but last yr and scares me a little if I'm honest with you, but it's also making me a better off-road rider, I believe if I can ride well here I can ride almost anywhere. And I love the silence and isolation of the place, I can ride a mile from my rv and be completely alone, it's both humbling and rewarding to ride here and I feel very lucky to be able to experience it.
I do realize there are harder environments and I'm not trying to start any arguments about that just talking about my experiences coming from riding logging roads in Tennessee and NC.

 

[TRF90]

The deep sand especially makes desert riding challenging. A full knobby front tire helps, but in deep sand, the 125's rear wheel can dig in and arrest all forward motion. I used to think deep sand was a pain when riding full on dirt bikes. But the Trail 125 definitely escalates the struggle. Glad you're out there riding the desert. A great way to spend time in New Mexico.

 

[bryanchurch06]

The deep sand especially makes desert riding challenging. A full knobby front tire helps, but in deep sand, the 125's rear wheel can dig in and arrest all forward motion. I used to think deep sand was a pain when riding full on dirt bikes. But the Trail 125 definitely escalates the struggle. Glad you're out there riding the desert. A great way to spend time in New Mexico.

Initially the sand was the biggest challenge, over time you learn to spot it and what type it is? Powdery and deep, regular beach type and packed or any combination thereof. I won't say I'm good yet but I'm way better than I was 2 months ago, my pucker factor was an 11 if I saw sand in the beginning. The hardest thing I'm riding now is steep trail with loose rocks, big rocks and deep washouts, just kicking my but, the best example I can give is if you've ever done any white water paddling either canoe or kayak. Your constantly trying to read the water patterns as far ahead as you can see, which isn't far, and adjust your position to it so your going in a zigzag pattern at times. And if you read it wrong you're wet, here if you read it wrong your bruised up a bit. Maybe not the best comparison but hopefully you understand.