I've been retired for about seven years now and I retired early so I'm still young enough to feel confident in my riding abilities. I don't ride nearly as much now as I did when I was commuting though. Mostly short cruises into town or some twisty rides on the many two lane roads that wind through the forest here. I have a BMW R1150GS so I will explore some of the unpaved logging roads too. I've always managed to keep the rubber side down as well, and so far have avoided t-boning Bambi.
Be careful on those fire roads when you get into the marbles. Even with a very low center of gravity it's easy for a wheel to come out from under you when traction is limited.
Back when I was commuting, I also had a dirt bike and I was lucky enough that I could just push open my front gate, kick the thing and go riding for hours. I'm convinced that hours of off road riding greatly improved my street skills and reactions.
I've been retired for about seven years now and I retired early so I'm still young enough to feel confident in my riding abilities. I don't ride nearly as much now as I did when I was commuting though. Mostly short cruises into town or some twisty rides on the many two lane roads that wind through the forest here. I have a BMW R1150GS so I will explore some of the unpaved logging roads too. I've always managed to keep the rubber side down as well, and so far have avoided t-boning Bambi.
You've got a very capable but heavy bike.
Be careful on those fire roads when you get into the marbles. Even with a very low center of gravity it's easy for a wheel to come out from under you when traction is limited.
Back when I was commuting, I also had a dirt bike and I was lucky enough that I could just push open my front gate, kick the thing and go riding for hours. I'm convinced that hours of off road riding greatly improved my street skills and reactions.
Have fun out there and keep the shiny side up!