Brett

Here's Valentino Rossi & Nicky Hayden in turn 4 at the Laguna Seca GP race in 2006

I surely don't have ONE "favorite", but I'll post one here from time to time. Brett Baja. Bahia De Los Angeles at sunset

True that! But 94.36% can't / don't.Hard choice! The Beemer is reliable w/ no chain to mess with, but compromised in the dirt & expensive! Brett

True but ... KTM baiscallly has 3 of these bikes:You have pictured the "Supermoto". Pretty much ALL street, still using the 950 carbureted motor The "Super Enduro". Quite dirty, light, not as good for a road bike, still using the 950 motor The "990 Adventure". In the middle of the other 2. Dirt OK, street pretty good! 990 F.I. motor Brett

The early years had some problems, things are a bit better now, check it out.Also, the new ones are using the 990 fuel injected motor. More power, reliability, etc. No more carbs. B

Wrong. Don't ride ONE, Ride TWO. The second one being the KTM 950. Before you spend 20k, make sure you talk to our president Randy Lazar. He rode my 950 and then purchased one within a week.It has pluses & minuses: It costs a lot less & is better in the dirt. However, it has higher maintenance & a chain to mess with. Also, don't think for a moment it's not good for hard core pavement pounding. It's a superb road bike! It's also pretty sporty (even at the track), ask Sean from SD BMW when you see him on the LA B to V. Read my article about the 950 here: http://www.multisurfacemotorcycling.com/ Brett

I referred to two different lefts at Ys, which one are you talking about?The first one was before the main area leading to camping and some trails. The second one went up the gorge. It's been years since I've been there, but I certainly hope they did'nt close the gorge itself, at least to street legal vehicles. Carguy, I didn't quite understand your descriptions of the various areas as I remember them. Come again ... Brett

I'm putting this out as a reminder: http://malcolmsmithrides.com/no_wimps.php Nov 1 is the deadline for the $5 discount AND the T Shirt. Nov 12 is the ride. It starts at Glen Helen as usual, and there's often an opportunity to meet Malcolm. Although few of you would be interested, there will be an optional "Adventure" loop for big bikes, like there was last year. That route was designed by Scott Harden. I took the KTM 950 Adventure on the tough "No Wimps" route last year and it was a mistake. By lunch (lucky I made it that far) I was toast! For most of you with small bikes, I would do the tough route. Not at all sure I can make it this year as I'm a bit injured from the LER last week. If I end up going, I may take the 525 this time, unless all my 950 friends are doing the Adventure Loop. We'll see ... Brett

Yes, it's true. We kept telling Rad to get it out of 2nd gear so the streamers would blow back and not get caught in the fork seals. But every time he'd hit 3rd they would get caught in the pedals, and that scared him a lot!Much to his chagrin, he's going to give up the streamers all together. Now we need work on the pedals, but one thing at a time. He's fragile. Brett

The road is an easy fire road type, well maintained last time I was on it. It's entrance is 5 miles from Ocotillo. You must exit Hwy 8 at Ocotillo and take the frontage road. I've camped at Painted Gorge more times than I can count ... I think after about 5 miles, there's a Y. Left leads to a more secluded camping area, bearing right is the main road. This quickly comes to a large riding area with trails that mostly loop back. A lot of people camp there, especially the ones with kids or those who want to simulate track conditions, trying to pick up speed and improve skills. Nearing the end of this large gathering area is another Y. Bearing left takes you up the gorge. The gorge gets very nice, offering lots of interesting shapes and plenty of afternoon shade. It ends in a tapering fashion, finally becoming impassable. Camping up there is great. You can ride out to do your exploring. There's miles of endless riding you can find if you go right from the above mentioned Y. From there the road is your own. Brett

Ditto - "Welcome" Keep watching the forums for informal rides, and don't forget about the formal ones too. Our annual "Desert Dash" is coming up early next year. Malcolm Smith's "No Wimps" ride is/was today from Glen Helen is San Bernardino. Good ya got your old hobby back!

Of course he didn't! He's living up to his reputation & the title Alfred bestowed upon us at the LER:"San Diego Slackers" He apparently felt we were late for everything ... Also, Randy said he's not going to run the handlebar streamers anymore. They're too long & keep getting caught in the pedals. Brett

Our San Diego group consisted of me, Randy, Mike Miani & Ron Spicer. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177173

I just wanted to quickly chime in here. I haven't checked the site recently but met up with Craig at San Diego Sport Cycles yesterday, where he mentioned the 'event'. That is certainly some adventure, and a well told story Craig. I'm so thankful that no one was hurt! Funny how even after years of riding we still learn new things. New preparations, new precautions, new decision making skills. By the way, the major offender at the KLR site got spanked by Admin: http://www.klr650.net/forums/showthread.ph...?t=44308&page=3 Look about half way down the page. Off to Baja for a week this Monday ... let the good times roll! Brett

Randy asked me to post this, so here it is: Another local dual-sport site that focuses on the KLR & DR, asked me to write an article on the KTM 950 Adventure, so I did. As many here know, Randy & I both ride this particular bike. Being that many dual-sporters are not that familiar with this much heavier bike and what it can do, the site wanted to provide some information. http://multisurfacemotorcycling.com/ As a new article, it's currently listed on the front page. Later (as well as now), it can also be seen under "Articles". Brett

Yeah, 6 of one, half a dozen of another.I like the Beemer's dirt free reliable shaft, nice seat, easy valve maintenance, yada yada. But I too am not ready to fork over 20 large to get it, then be stuck with a less capable dirt bike with cylinders sticking out the sides.On one hand, I've seen what Mike Miani can do ON one ...On the other hand, I've seen what Mike Miani can do TO one ...

Both awesome bikes for pretty different purposes. I've had my eye on the Super Enduro for a while now. Would be a real terror at just over 400 lbs before fuel. However, I likely won't be getting one as it's right in between my 950 ADV and my 525. Certainly an HP2 killer, IMO.The new 990 fuelie's a real peach. They lowered it again, making it more appealing to a wider group of riders. That 990 injected motor has ponied-up and had great success in the Super Duke.Brett

I "think" they mean "Twin Lakes" cafe. Apx 3-4 (?) miles past the Tecate turn-off coming up 94 from Dulzura is a left turn at Potrero Valley Rd. Go 2-3 miles and look to the right for the driveway. Or, follow all the bikes that are already going that way Brett

Mike's is a unique oasis in the middle of a barren Baja. Depending on how long the trip is & how far South you go after Mike's, November can be a bit cool and the evenings short. Considering DST and a month later, early Oct sunsets for the West coast are at 6:30, early Nov sunsets are at 5. Here are photos of my latest Baja trip, including Copper Canyon on the mainland. Thumbnails: http://www.sundaysocialclub.com/gallery/th...lbum=101&page=1 Auto-run slide show: (use F11 to toggle full screen viewing) http://www.sundaysocialclub.com/gallery/di...&slideshow=5000 Brett

Wonderful!I hate that I missed the ride and 'we' missed the BBQ. Great shots! Brett

Nice job Randy!I'm glad you post this great stuff here, not just on ADVrider.Call me next time you're going, my schedule is flexible.Also, if your bike breaks, I'll let you look admiringly at mine. Brett

I want to say thanks to Rob for hosting, although we couldn't make it as intended. Was really looking forward to it, but something came up last minuted and I couldn't even do street riding with the misses.Rad says it went well and there is talk of a monthly event. We'll try to make the next one and possibly host sometime.Brett

Thanks! ... & I got the PM with map. Hope to see you all there. Brett

Rob,I remember the cool guys & ride in the above pic. I'm the one in the mustard Acerbis jacket that rode out with Rad on the 950s.My wife & I would love to attend, is that cool? If so, can you email me the pdf map?If I don't do street Sunday morning with the misses, I'll either meet you at your place or 4 corners (likely on the 525). Otherwise, we'll drive out for the BBQ & swimming. What time would said festivities begin?Thanks for hosting!Brettbrettroberts@cox.net