Off-road pioneer Geoff Ballard has released an open letter outlining his plans for 2013, further explaining his decision to close his race team at the conclusion of last season.

Ballard has handed over the reigns of Yamaha’s factory off-road operation to CDR Yamaha this year, instead taking a step back to enjoy riding himself on a variety of different models in various disciplines.

“Without the race team to take up my time this year, I thought I’d branch out and after 24 years I figured it is time for a bit more fun,” Ballard explained in the letter.

“With so many great bikes to choose from I decided not to limit my options, so this year I’ll be hitting the tracks and trails on a variety of models. Husaberg, Honda, Yamaha, BMW, Maico and Can-Am will all be in the line-up for 2013.

“I’ve had my MA racing licence for 40 straight years now, so while I’m still having fun and my body is hanging in there I’ll keep at it!

“If things work out, I’m also looking into getting back into my old stomping ground for a few events in the USA. I’d really like to race a few enduros or GNCC type events again.

“Back home I’m not really planning on committing to any particular series, but will just see what falls into place.”

Speaking of the bikes he is planning on riding, the off-road legend is excited for what the future holds.

“I know those WRFs pretty well, plus know they are reliable monsters so I plan to keep one of those for most enduro type events,” he continued.

“For other off-road events, I want to try one of these new 450 Bergs that the mags are talking up and for anything MX like the Amcross that I usually do, or any local club days, etc, I’ll try what Chad [Reed] rides – the new Honda CRF450R.

“For the adventure stuff I’ll stick with my favourite tools for that job. And for the big stuff, it’s the GS1200 Adventure – I still think it’s the king!

“On the smaller, and more go anywhere side of things, I think I’ll forever have a Yamaha TTR250 in the shed! For the ‘all-round’ and tighter stuff, you can’t kill or beat that thing.

“Last month I did my sixth straight NZ Safari, where I rode a TTR. I love them [and that ride in NZ] so much I’ve bought one that I leave over there at a mates place. That bike is definitely under rated!

“For the occasional Vintage ride, I’ll keep motoring on my all time favourite. The Maico 490! Plus I have also been looking out for a Can-Am 250 ASE (air-cooled single shock enduro) from 1983-1986.

“I rode them in four of the 24 ISDE’s that I competed in. Hopefully I’ll find one soon, but no luck so far. If anyone can help I’d be rapt!”

Approaching his mid-50s, it’s obvious Ballard has no plans on slowing down anytime soon. His business, Ballard’s Off-Road will also celebrate its 25th anniversary later in 2013.

“It’ll be interesting for sure and I’m definitely buying them all,” Ballard explained. “It’s my 54th birthday in a couple of weeks, plus I realised I need to celebrate a huge milestone in the second half of the year – the business will be 25 years old!

“So I figure from all that, I should be able to do what I want, right? I also figure if a particular bike’s not working for me, I’ll just sell it and try something new.

“So there it is, I’m basically just looking for some continued years riding enjoyment at fun events on some great bikes! See you out there.”