Have a street bike and do some track time as well. Also race TCCRA cross country but........ really, really, really want to get into this DS thing. Sounds like fun. Need some guidance though.

Questions:

- I want something that can do all day highway stints as well as non-technical single track. Apparently DS bikes are all over the spectrum. I'm thinking good middle ground will be either the BMW F650 or the KLR650. Am I missing any that can do this type of double duty as well?

- DS rides.... are they competitive or just organized group outings?

- There any clubs/groups that work out of N. Dallas area?

Any info will be greatly appreciated.

I don't know anything about the BMW, but if you want to ride hiway all day, consider the KLR or Suzuki DL650.

The AMA D/S rides are just trail rides, not competitive. That doesn't stop people from riding like idiots, bumping into you and cutting you off to get around you if they get in their way. I've been to the AMA D/S rides at Sam Houston National Forest, Terlingua, and New Blaine Arkansas. I would not want to be on something as big as a KLR on the Sam Houston or Arkansas rides. Terlingua would be a good KLR ride. But I've seen big guys with long legs really ride the snot out of a KLR, so if you're a big ol' boy, go for it.