johnnybags

Let the camping, riding, eating and good times begin. After a truck breakdown Wednesday evening, thank God I live here, I'm finally set up at Coon Creek Cabin. Waiting on our awesome host Dsfox and camp chef Tracy to arrive. Several days of rain should make for good traction and minimal dust. Not to mention cooler temps. Upper 70's has become almost unbearable. Having trouble loading pics from my phone so. ...pics to follow

ALmost got the pics figured out. Here's some that aren;t too large. Truck broke down...Nothing AAA and a Heineken can't fix

Per a request I received a few days ago on the status of the 'gates' Forestry gates on the South side still not open as of 4/4/13. But there is plenty of accessible stuff on or from the North as well as cool temps down towards Pioneertown.

I'm headed to South Africa in March and would love to work a dual sport adventure into my itinerary. I have found an operator that provides all the services. However they ONLY have adventure bikes and while we are willing to go 2up. Tracy would LOVE to get on her own bike. Something smaller and lighter than an adventure bike. Can anyone give me feedback or steer me in the right direction. See y'all at CORE Glamis KOA and the DezDash in Feb Jbags 619-241-3268

Itinerary is set. We'll be doing 3 days of riding most likely 2up on a Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere Breakfast loop on first day http://www.dualsportafrica.com/fivepassesbreakfastrun.htm Overnighter on days 2 & 3 http://www.dualsportafrica.com/clanwilliamcederberg.htm I'm sure this isn't something that will attract alot of riders (none) but I wanted to up date those that viewed and Randy for his help and suggestions. See y'all at the DezDash

Thanks Randy, This is the company that got Tracy and I even thinking of the idea. http://www.dualsportafrica.com Seems like an all inclusive operation with rentals, guided, self guided preloaded GPS rides as well as all provisions and accomodations while on the trail whether guided or self. Only issue as of now is Tracy's confidence on their smallest bike XT660 Zenere. 2" taller and 160lbs heavier than her KLX250s. She rides alot of what Big Bear has to offer (NOT John Bull, Gold Mt and the likes) and she has been on my XR400R. So seat heght is workable. But with the added weight.......?? She's a bit apprehensive. Although I think she'd be fine, I'm a little reluctant to pay the rental fee up front. Our main onbjective is visiting her daughter who is going for a 'semester abroad' at the University in Cape Town. We are looking to rent a bike/bikes and do 2 consecutive days of 170km loops out of our Condo/apt and/or one 600km overnighter Unless we can find an operator or local fellow rider that can offer a smaller 'dual sport' for her we will be happy with 2up on one of their 1200's. But she REALLY wants to ride her own bike. Thanks for the feedback. I'll look at the links and see you at the DezDash. Cabin reserved, I just need to finalize registration. How are you looking for Sweep riders. I really enjoyed contributing last year. Felt great to give back to 'The Cause'

JBags is in and counting the days.

June 9-10 Planning to do 150+ miles each day. Hitting most or all of 'hard ways' that Big Bear has to offer. Serious riders and 'plaque entusiasts' only. Out early and done early. Not fast but steady all day pace with ALOT of technical. Call 619-241-3268

Vic, it's been 11 1/2 months since we received our plaques last year and I think I'm fully recovered. Would love to ride it again with you. Call me 619-241-3268 And yes, I plan on riding ALL the hard stuff over the next few weeks in preparation. Wheneve you want to come up

Steve, yes weather is warm and ALL trails open. Hand is better and I'm free to ride. Call me. I've lost all my numbers in phone changes. 619-241-3268

Looking to spend the Prez Day weekend riding and learning my new GPS prior to the Dez Dash. Slow yet not so NooB with my girlfriend. Any takers or ideas....???? Corral Canyon camping maybe followed by some Anza Borrego loops....?? John 619-241-3268 Just firmed up my plans. I'm registered for the Big Bear Trail Riders Pres Weekend camp/ride out of Ocotillo Wells. 2/17,18,19,20 (I'll be there 18,19,20) I've attached a map to the camping area. Event is open to ALL. Non-members are welcome. Not sure on the Saturday night chili dinner though BBTR camp.pdf

One last strange twist for 'my part' of this thread. Tracy is nursing a sick that will probably be put down this weekend. So we're almost 100% OUT. Have fun and ride safe. Tracy was excited to get on her newly opened up and re-jetted bike. I'll see some or most of you next weekend at the Dez Dash

I'm registered too......I plan on riding whatever/where ever the BBTR crew wants to hit......I'll show you how to use that GPS. Sat dinner is club members only.....I've been a member of BBTR and the Dualies for ~10yrs.....each club is $25/yr and each puts on great events/helps keep our trails open/supports charitable causes.....sign-up/join in the fun. Chris, look forward to riding/hanging with you. New twist, in ture female fashion Tracy has changed her mind. Rather her son's ski race carrer has changed it for her. So she'll be with me all weekend. I've kinda figured out the basics of the GPS but I need some real time practice. Look forward to picking your brain. Crusty: yes It seems I did hijack my own thread. Let's agree to share.

Lets pic a day when it gets a little closer, that works for all. Craig. I'll be at the BBTR camp site as described in the attached map starting Friday evening and staying unitl Sunday mid-late afternoon. I'm brand new with the GPS with limited knowledge of how to connect all the Anza Borrego trails together. Contact me if I Should expect to ride with you guys or do pick up a prtner from the BBTR crowd. As of today it looks as if Tracy wont be with me so speed and difficulty wont be an issue. John 619-241-3268

Updated original post with firm plans............

Deb, Crusty, HUGE thanks for the guided tour. Jason, Wonderful meeting you. And Mike, always good riding with you. I've got my sights set on the DD but there are a couple pending issues. I should have an answer by Monday.

Wanting to spend the long weekend in one or more of these areas exploring. I've ridden AB once with Bagstr, CaptCham and crew and then again the 2009 DezDash. Probably won't get TOO lost by myself. Anyone up to guiding me or at least pointing me in the right direction?? Camp, hotel, KOA, sleeping bag in back of truck.......?? (The alternative is for me to stay local near Big bear and camp/guide any visitors around Johnson Valley.) limited computer access so it's best to call 619-241-3268 John

Staying with Deb Fri, Sat and Sunday. I'll get directions from her and call you Friday evening. Can't wait. I just put 100 fast miles on my new Trials tire. Big Bear to Pioneertown and back. Plus some side trails. I think I've bought my last knobby. Looking forward to testing it on some tech stuff.

Plans are set. Saturday Corral Canyon with Crusty then on to DsFox's house for Sunday/Monday riding at a place/places of her choosing. I'm hoping Split Mt, Carrizo Badlands, Heart attack Hill, Lazy lizard for lunch...??

Dave, it's been tooooo looooong since I've ridden that area with you guys. I think I'd consider you my resident expert/guide for Anza and surroundings. What would it take for me to convice you to put together a TRUE beginner ride. I'm looking to take my girlfriend down your way and do some desert riding with DsFox and any other takers willing to do a lollipop ride. Her skills are better than she gives herself credit for. Too much time betweens rides is her biggest obstacle. I know the holidays will be pretty hectic but let me know

Johnny Bags is your man.......he lives there. Chasing the plaque is all about time mgmt and lucky breaks more than the terrain............but time is the driver.......it's a LONG day.......no time for breakdowns, photo stops, or a real lunch..... Take a SMALL bike (500cc max), mount a rear trials tire and run it at ~8 PSI, start EARLY, steady pace, good fortune (no flats/biffs/log jams with other riders), a power bar lunch while you refill your gas tank, etc.......follow that approach and you'll be in by ~5pm with all check points behind you..... always crack up when the guys come rolling in about 9am on Sat morning telling me they're going to ride all the hardways.......good luck with that If you want to "practice".....focus on the north side of the Lake......White Mtn, Redonda Ridge, John Bull, Gold Mtn, etc....ride that stuff in both directions.....that'll give you a good base of exploring/riding/terrain.... """ what Crawdaddy said. I left in the most important comments......time management and a good bit of prep/luck on avoiding flats, biffs and 'log jams'. 2 of the toughest obstacles are jeeps on John Bull/Gold Mt and the sheer carnage of bikes and riders on White Mt. I'm by no means the man for 'teaching' any tricks or skills. I earned the plaque this year (with 71 others) by twisting the throttle and hanging on to the seat with my sore, tired raw arse. 13 hrs start to finish and we thought we were making excellent time (one 15 minute flat down in the desert) I Rode the Tree Trail John Bull, Jacoby Canyon, Vista, and Deadman's Ridge 2 weekends ago and Redonda Ridge, Deep Creek and Devils Hole this past weekend. (3 of the 6 'hardways' from this year and 2 from years past) (leaving out only Rattlesnake Canyon, Onyx Peak and Gold Mt.) No one section on it's own is unthinkable for someone with good skills and a bit of endurance. But put them all together in a 200 miles day and it borders on stupid. Forestry Gates will be closed up here soon due to snow but I'm hoping to ride at least one more time this coming weekend. DEFINITELY doing all of these trails and more come Spring time. ALWAYS looking for riding partners John Arelt 619-241-3268 Call anytime

Am I hearing rumors of an SDAR showing this weekend in Big Bear....??? Forestry gates that have signage indicate "closed Nov-Apr" Weather is brisk in the mornings warming up nicely by 8 or 9 Which makes Pioneertown and trails down to the desert a comfortable possibility. Rattlesnake Canyon, Rosemine Flats, Tip Top Mt., Horsethief Flats..... Not to mention the last nights of Oktoberfest......... John Arelt 619-241-3268

Gonna be an AWESOME weekend. Rain today ups the chance we will still be allowed to have a nice roaring camp fire. Starting this coming Monday/Tuesday Aug 29/30th I'll be at the last yellow post campsite on the left before you get to the cabin. Easy to recognize cottage looking 10 man tent. Should be there for up to 14 days. Consider it the Coon Creek Cabin welcome tent / Hookah Lounge

Sign me up.......looks fun.

YES, that was our own johnnybags....pretty cool..he wouldn't have dumped it at the top if the jeep wasn't in the way either... In all fairness and modesty, any of these riders that finished the "Hard Way" successfully made it up WAY harder climbs than this one. White Mountain's MULTIPLE climbs, Redonda Ridge, Gold Mountain......!! I'm not really sure why this was such a ball buster. I can say that the HONDA's strong point IS chugging my big arse up steep inclines. Modesty aside, I WOULD have made this WITHOUT the technicality had Jim Nicholson not 'Jeep Blocked' me at the top. Probably his way of ensuring that no one would think the route they put together was TOO easy.