I grew up in IL, started riding at 8, raced in central IL on two strokes. I've had both and love both (2-4 t's). I have also lived in SC and rode there as well. Now I live in CA and have to say that I miss riding in the black topsoil of IL! Although I get to ride a ton more and in more places, riding in the dirt is easier, more forgiving, and more fun then in sand and rocks. I always dreamed of riding out here in the dunes and got jealouse when I would see those videos and here that people could actually go into Chapparal vs ordering from their catalog! lol.
Saying all of that, I have to defend Cali a lil. I'm in SoCal and so I haven't been able to make a trip to northern, or even central to ride yet. They have it all here! If you want dirt, then go north. If you want hills and rough terrain, go anywhere. If you want sand and great GP racing, then stay south. It's just a matter of driving to what you want to ride. I miss home because my type of riding was in my back yard. My backyard here is desert and it's not as fun. It's harder for me because falling in the dirt or grass is nothing, but dumping it on rock filled desert terrain is kinda harsh (yeah I'm older and worry about that now). It's also harder to pull some good long wheelies when you have to dodge rocks and ride into sand patches. Still though, Cali has it all, you just gotta drive for what you want! you can even ride in the snow almost all year:)
Now for my thoughts on the 2t thing....I love them, have both, want both, and just love all motorcycles period. I'm not against any bike, ever! I have a Buell (guys either love or hate them), have a CRF450 (same thng), and a CR125. I like them all for certain reasons. You see more CRF's here then anywhere else because of the desert, that's a fact. They seem like they were built for it out here in the desert. I feel out of place on a GP track on my 2t. But I also feel out of place on a motox track on my 450. I hope to god that I can get the chance to buy a new CR 250 one day and go to a race and only hear a 2t start! It's that buzzing in your ears long after the races are over that kept me wanting more as a kid and teen. I miss that sound and know all of you do too!
I just thnk it's kinda silly to hate a bike for what it is. I get that a lot from harley guys when I go into their bike shop to get parts of help. I also get it a lil on other boards that cater towards rice rockets saying that my bike can't go 160+. Who F'n cares about one bike being a roach and another being hot!?? people ride what they like because, well, they like it right? I wouldn't pull up next to a guy who was riding a beat up 1975 whatever it is and laugh while I pulled a wheely on him. Same for the dirt....I woulnd't give a guy a hard time if he took a 1982 RM 250 off of his truck and asked if he could ride with me against my 125 or 450. I seen a nice a@@ 02 CR 250 at the gas station before Ocotillo Wells yesterday and we commented on each others bikes! It was cool to see it since they are so rare here.
This site is great because most of the racers and younger riders have only ridden 4t's and don't really know what they are missing. They come into here after riding a 2t finally and want to learn more and then they are hooked. It's a great starting place. If I were to race again, I'd be on a 250. My 450 is too tiring for me on a track. But I'd also keep it for desert racing for sure! You just can't compare when you are out going 60+ over endless woops the wind made in the sand. But back to what I originally said...it's not the bikes fault. You can't hate a 4t....or a 2t. Look back through time, we are just in a transition. it will change and when it finally does.....all the tables will be turned.
to be continued......