Where I ride phones do not work so that is a bit of a concern. But the staff is well aware of what is going on in their park. In fact yesterday when I rode back into the staging area (and mine was the only truck parked at that point) the ranger was riding around in his truck and waved me over. Asked me if that was my truck. If there is a truck left over they go into search and rescue mode.
The staging area in the flats is the lowest point in the park. On many of the trails of the engine dies you turn it downhill and can take a big chunk out of the distance back to stage. If the bike becomes unridable the whole park is pretty small so if you are ok with a 5 mile walk you can be almost anywhere and get back to "civilization". If you get hurt, well you are just going to have to wait for the rangers to find you. Not much big vegetation so even that is far easier than in a woods park. And I am on a "here I am!" orange bike.
So I carry my tools and do my best to make sure there are no crashes -- i.e. I am getting to know my single track trails pretty well and I don't push things. Out for fun and exercise, not for "fastest time through that section". Actually, the sections that are the must fun and challenging for me I am going not much more than walking speed anyway.
As for a 380 -- yes it does bring a smile to my face. But I have to say, there are times when I which is had a touch MORE bottom end.
But then I get into the snottier sections and breathe a sigh of relieve that it doesn't.
Riding a 450F in these areas has to be a royal pain. Now, as for top end? I don't think a tire has been designed that will not spin at near any speed when this thing is solidly on the pipe. Near 60 HP, what a blast.
So this morning I am a bit stiff. That sure feels good too.
So Eric -- when are you picking up a 380?
Citabjockey you're killing me, you know how I LUST over the mighty 380 ... And to get a hall pass... OK what did she do (or maybe what did you do) to give you a hall pass??? Honestly its been almost too hot and humid here to ride. I do have a ride planned with my son next weekend. Yes me on the little 300, and he will be on the (choke, choke cough) 250F
I do understand your feelings... I'm a tick over 50, and I too become 15 when I fire up the bike... although I feel as though I'm 70 for a few days after a good ride so it all balances out... I'm with you as I too plan to ride until I can't physically do it any more, then I get a quad or a side by side...
I must admit I do lust over the 380, and am checking the local CL for a 2000 or newer bike... just because I don't want you to have a bigger toy then me...
The park I ride has become a private club. There have been many times I'm there with just a handful of other riders. There is nothing like a lot of singe track, and no one to worry about other then yourself. I do hope that since you ride by yourself, that you do carry a phone, and someone knows where you're riding, just in case the mighty 380 decided to spit you off unceremoniously..