Darrell Hilliard and Russ Thompson have shared almost four decades of riding experiences. Now they operate Dual Tracks Inc., a motorcycle touring company that challenges intermediate and advanced riders with tours on specially prepped KLR 650s. Hilliard spoke for the road-savvy duo in answering a few of our questions.
How long have you been riding?
For almost 40 years. I started on a Kawasaki 85 that my brother and I bought with money from our paper routes. One summer I actually toured to California on a Kawasaki H2 750 and road raced it when I got back. That bike was something else—some of the readers will understand what I mean when I say that. I have also raced cross-country and played with trail bikes. I just love to get out, ride and have fun.
Who taught you to ride?
My stepfather taught my brother and me to ride a Kawasaki 85 in a Zellers parking lot on a Sunday afternoon—and we were off.
How did you hone your riding skills?
(Russ Thompson and I) both honed our skills racing cross-country in the ’80s, where the races were long and tough. We have known each other since high school and have had so many great rides together, including a cross-Canada and down-to-Florida jaunt in 1978 and another trip to the Yukon 30 years later in 2008. We just finished a Backroads of B.C. trip this past fall together with a couple of other riders that had us travel approximately 4,500 kilometres, with 3,500 of them being gravel or logging roads.
Do you prefer main roads or backcountry?
We typically like to get to the backcountry . . . but that is the great thing about a dual sport—you don’t load it and truck it to the backcountry, you ride it there.
Where are your favourite places to ride?
The area south from Corbin, the ride up to the Elk Lakes north of Elkford and the Porcupine Hills. Alberta and B.C. overall offer so many great rides. And, of course, (we like) the Dempster Highway in the Yukon.
Please tell us about the upcoming Icebreaker Ride.
This is the second year of the Icebreaker, and it is . . . open to all dual-sport riders, from first-timers to seasoned veterans. It kicks off in the Lundbreck area of southern Alberta and consists of approximately 300 kilometres of backroads. (The event) will be held on May 29, 2010. Interested riders can get ahold of us (by email) at [email protected] or register on the website, www.dualtracks.ca.
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