What journey? I’m here to go dirt biking!

Hard to believe I’m back in Tehran for a third time. Each visit is a whole different experience and being back with Ali means the offer for dirt bike riding was on again at Shemshak. And so, off we went and this time the ride was even more amazing! Last week’s outing was like a Sunday stroll with the family. This week’s was some serious dirt action. I’ll admit the 690 was probably too big for a few sections, in particular the rocky canyon descent where the bike decided to have a lie down, but it was worth it! Given my spares and tools were left in Tehran, I was a bit nervous I might get a flat or break something. This was heightened when Amir Ali (#2) copped a puncture half way through the day.

Nevertheless, we tore into it and the day was one of the best I’ve had so far… maybe THE best! From riding around mountain edges to stream crossings, past local farmers in their tents with their herds of goats to the beautiful cold water spring atop the mountain, the day had it all. We all rode like we were on stolen bikes and despite the heaviness of the 690 and the lack of proper knobby tires, I managed to stay upright throughout. Actually, I stand corrected. I took a brief dip in a tiny stream that proved to be way deeper than it appeared. Serves me right for approaching it tentatively. I should have gunned it and lifted the front wheel, but I sometimes back it off on the bigger bike when it’s the opposite of what’s needed. It’s that constant tension I have on this journey between risk avoidance and risk seeking!

One of our resting places was atop a cliff overlooking the beautiful Lar Dam in Lar National Park. We chilled out there for awhile and enjoyed the view, the sunshine, some food and of course plenty of selfies (Refer to my Instagram). Speaking of Lar National Park a park ranger pulled us up with a disapproving look on his face. After some interesting discussions, he took a photo of us and we rode on. I figured he wasn’t interested in our bikes and perhaps we were being ID’ed. At the end of the day I enquired about his motives. Turns out we were in an illegal area, but the boys eagerly informed the ranger that I was from Australia and had gotten lost and they had to come find me… all six of them. Nice to know I can be useful in these situations.

Side note: I asked Ali if I could mention the ranger “run-in” on the blog. His reply: “Of course. It’s funny!”

The cold spring was also stunning and three of us decided to jump in. Unfortunately, I copped a couple of gashes to my foot from some sharp rocks beneath the surface and I quickly regretted my lack of caution. I emerged from the freezing water (so, so freezing) and inspected the damage and it didn’t look pretty. I didn’t say anything to the others, but quickly put my sock and motorbike boot back on to give it some compression and hopefully have the sock stem/soak up the bleeding. When we got back home it seemed to have worked quite well, but I dare say the cuts and bruising will keep me limping for a few days more.

To add to the entourage of epic riders we had a downhill mountain bike champion of Asia in the group and the Trials champion I mentioned earlier. These guys have some serious skills. On the ride back through town three of them were doing wheelies all down the main street. I was able to appreciate from up close. And for those worried about law enforcement, I don’t think they seem to actually care.

The bike engine continues to be the bane of my existence. Constantly running close to overheating, I’ve since diagnosed yet another potential issue – high oil usage. I’d already put in 500ml a while back and now I was adding another 500. The oil colour is less then desirable so I’ll be glad when I get to Azerbaijan and beyond where there are more large scale KTM dealerships that can refresh my supplies and do some oil changes. I could potentially do one now, but I’d rather preserve my remaining spare 1 litre of oil for an emergency. I guess I’m doing a lot of kms and this whole adventuring business is new to me. It just means one more thing to keep a closer eye on. Already I’m thinking of upgrading the air filter and exhaust when I get to Azerbaijan, but the other factor is that the weather will be getting much cooler as I head north, so I’ll just decide when I get there. My suspension also is making a man out of me. My mate Rob (the legend) set it up for carrying the extra luggage weight, so any jaunts I do sans-luggage mean I’ve got a different beast to contend with. But as my riding buddies back home know, I am loathe to make tweaks like that for such a short term need. I’d rather just suffer the rugged bumps. Simpler that way.

So all in all I think engine heat is a combination of: 690s typically running hot as per the design to enable better emissions control via the catalytic converter (learned that today), bloody hot weather, very hot standard muffler (need an Akropovic), air filter constricting engine breathing even with a slight bit of dust build up, less oil than appropriate (monitoring all the time, but currently resolved), slightly too little coolant (monitoring all the time, but currently resolved) and a standard thermostat setting that has the cooling fan come on when the bike is already too hot! But I can’t complain, the bike has been amazing other than that. I really threw it around on the ride with the boys and it certainly took the punishment ever step of the way. I think I’ll start to tone it down again. To have had such fun and come away free from damage was a good outcome.