XTOwner

I just started messing with a 77 XT 500. It kick starts and runs well although it seems to be running a bit rich so I will check out the carburetor. I've purchased new tubes and tires, will soon check the brake shoes and drums and may have found an OEM shop manual. In addition to my helmet, boots, gloves and other standard safety equipment, I plan to use a GPS and topographic maps to ride the XT on local rural roads near a river. Any tips mechanical or otherwise to help get me started would be greatly appreciated? Many thanks, XTOwner