JohnnyAirtime

Of course... It's part of our trek to go from Ocotillo, towards Blu Inn... and then over to the South side of Salton Sea... or North of Westmorland and through Calipatria out to the Coachella Canal (which is South of Niland) ...The rest of the ride area... is a mystery, or has to remain a mystery. Even though it looks like open terrain, there's lots and lots of old bombs, tanks...etc (it's called the Choc.Mtn Aerial Gunnery Range) on our path up towards the Bradshaw Trail. But my track keeps you on the correct side of canals and roadways.... to keep you from having to backtrack, around a field or whatever. That sound like what your looking for?

I wondered too... They must've been active today, as i heard them more then once!!

Thanks for the ideas thus far..... Like I mentioned in short, I had planned on something like the following; DAY 1 (Saturday - 2 wheel day) Poker run for dirt bikes (a big loop of about 70-80 miles). Poker Run Prizes for the 1st - 3rd place Raffle at the end of the day (buy tickets that day) T-Shirts for those who RSVP (via online payment - and donation) DAY 2 (Sunday - 4 wheel day) Geocache type poker run (requiring capable vehicles) Poker Run Prizes for the 1st - 3rd place Raffle at the end of the day (buy tickets that day) T-Shirts for those who RSVP (via online payment - and donation) Touching base on the ideas being tossed out there... Let me add to them, so you can see where this is going; Music (bands or entertainment) This would be age or genre dependent. Not everyone likes Slim Whitman! LOL Plus, I'd have to pay them to setup in the middle of the desert, and get permits to do such an "event". I'm not thinking a live band type thing would work out too well. But as mentioned - maybe a movie... Like something from Bruce Brown (Baja 1000, Hare n Hound...etc) would work out well. I've got the projector and would need very little to set this up. BBQ/Potluck/Catered/or? Not sure I'd be willing to add a food menu. Unless a Roach Coach type truck wants to come out and sell food (on their own). Again, they'd need permits if it wasn't a simple BBQ or Potluck type thing. Sometimes it's just easier to let people fend for themselves and not have to do "food". Lots of different taste buds out there... And if it's as simple as a potluck, I've never really seen a bunch of moto-heads bring out a casserole or favorite dish before. Might be interesting!! I can imagine... lots of KFC buckets and CostCo party platters. LOL! I'll definitely think about it, and put it on the table (as a vendor type thing). Various tracks/routes based on ability or vehicle I didn't plan on doing a roll chart... or flag/stake off a coarse to follow. I would only provide Garmin GPS tracks. This limits my attendees, and even then some would have to buddy up to another using a GPS. Again, there comes rules governed by the BLM. And also... the fact I'd like to keep it open to ALL bikes. Not just a plated dual-sport bike. I could easily offer a couple routes with varied terrain based on plated bikes only, green sticker bikes only, and/or novice - advanced. But one's advanced route may not be to the "expert" type, or a novice route to me may not be elementary enough for a specific beginner/novice. I'm not too worried about the actual paths/coarse I'll make... but the reason for those to ride the path/coarse. ANYONE can go ride the desert.... I need to give them a reason. Hence the poker run idea. Same with 4 wheeled vehicles... make it a route, that must require a "capable" vehicle. Sponsors Of course I'll be getting as many sponsors as possible... for raffle prizes, and promoting the event. That's the norm, and goes without saying. This includes but doesn't limit to Moto Shops, Off-Road shops, Big Corporations, Mom-n-Pop shops...etc.etc. Workshop Hmmm... good idea. Maybe a workshop on using a GPS, or something that's "generalized". Something easily covered in 30min to an hour, to keep attention span and not let people drift off into space. Vendors I know permits are required for specific types of setups and sales. Just like the t-shirt people,or food vendors at Superstition on major weekends. They don't just pull-up and start selling. They are required by BLM to go through a process and obtain their permit(s). But I can surely offer for businesses or sellers to be a part of it, as long as they understand the BLM's rules. It'd be cool to have something like Husqvarna bring out bikes to test (or any manufacturer or shop/dealer). Or some clothing vendor or aftermarket parts vendor come out and pitch their products. Maybe even a shop who has a mobile service. I'll look into it, but no promises. Keep those ideas coming... AGAIN, this is YOU... asking me, to provide for you. Don't let my above comments sway your requests. Just know I'll try my best to give YOU a reason to join the fun.

That thing sold for $15,000?! ... sad to say, I watched a "preppers" episode, and a guy had one of these as his "bug out" vehicle. It'd run on just about anything.... so he had a huge container in the back to hold his "spare" fuels (I think it was old oil)

That's just awesome!!!! I saw it fly over several times (I live in Clairemont) over the past couple of weekends.... and wondered why it was up in the sky overhead. Sounded just like it does in the movies!! However, only one of them... rather then a full squadron.

Before you go buy one.... go check them out at "DDM Tuning" in Kearny Mesa. They carry straight China LED utility lights... just like the one you linked to. They aren't very bright for the amperage they draw.... it'd be best for you to see first hand. OR, come over... and I'll loan you one. Take it home... and test it for yourself. ... I think I need to explain; The more LEDs you put into a light, doesn't mean it's brighter. Imagine holding (10) 1watt LED flashlights in your hand... now, hold (1) 10watt... which one do you think is brighter, and shines further?! ....the 10watt will. The same goes for off-road lighting. You don't need a bunch of weak lights to make it bright, or a bunch of weak LEDs in a light bar... to make it bright. You need just a few higher output lights or LEDs to overpower the weak, and shine brighter... and much further down the road. This is the reason I only sell LED lighting that are made up of 10W Cree. They are the brightest in the market today. The LED Utility light I have, was to be used as a backup light on my rock-crawler Samurai. However, it's output... isn't what I expected. Like I said, your more then welcome to come see for yourself, and take it home to test with it.

Thanks alot for the info guys! I'm going to do some research on niterider as well as look at the website you guys gave me!!!! I'm going to work somethign out and eventually i post a reply! thanks again for giving me a head start! never knew about lights on the helmet!!! Hey Josh... just got word of this thread tonight, from another SDAR member... and thought I'd chime in. (BTW, thanks to Pasta and Joliet for throwing down my website links... ) The budget you have, will be hard to get your goal accomplished. See, it really ALL depends on "how much" of the trail you want to illuminate. Most of the helmet light kits I've owned, have been mediocre or don't last long enough on a night ride. I was given an HID Niterider to use in the Baja 1000 and .... well, it worked as my 'bike maintenance' light in the pits. It didn't do anything for me on the trail even at slower speeds in the desert. My headlight was brighter (a single beamed 35W HID) and wasn't an annoying blue color. I now have a helmet light that's a 10W Cree LED. It works pretty good, lasts about 5hrs and shines decently down the trail... but still, nothing past my own headlight. And yet, even that light isn't $75 or less. If you open up your budget, the world is yours when it comes to good lighting... and getting some down the trail, and out to the sides where you'd like it. I like to think that even some LED flashlights are getting up there in lumen output. So think of how much light you want, and can afford... then take a couple 300+lumen flashlights and tape them to your bars.... see if they make a difference, enough for you to go out and dump the bigger bucks on something twice as bright. For example, I have a 10W Cree single LED light, that's pretty darn bright.... for $89.00 But in all reality, for what your explaining... you'd need two. One facing 45° to the right and one doing the same to the left. Your already into a 20W increase over your current draw on the bike (which means you might not have enough stator output to power everything without a rewind), and $180 for two of those, which is already $105 over your budget. .... I can show you many options for the "on the budget" type of upgrade. And you can always add to the option I show you, to make it brighter when your pocket book allows. But, you're going to have to pony up a few more bucks right off the bat. Do you know what the stock stator puts out on that bike (this could be the first part of your road block)?? I looked everywhere on the www and couldn't find anything.

Good story. Never a good thing when a locomotive is powering down the tracks!!! ... we often cross the tracks up North of Afton Canyon, and those take a good run up the gravel to get over the tracks. I tend to like to not hesitate, or go slow... but, to wheelie or jump from the first track. Some seem taller then others, but it may just be how tired I am at the time of seeing them. LOL. We also have ridden the tracks up to Carrizo Gorge off the desert floor, and up to Campo. A great ride, but littered with flat tire hardware. And then out of Barstow, there's the tracks that are ALWAYS used. A train every 15min it seems. We cross them VERY carefully...!! Just because I thought this thread warranted it... here's a track crossing just North of Blythe... on our run(s) to Parker AZ. Pretty simple stuff. (recorded first with a VIO POV1, and then a GoPro HD - hence the change in quality) http://youtu.be/pRiMsZdo5EU Those Barstow trains.... I mentioned (why is it I love trains so much?!);

.... even busting out to Rasor Road for fuel, you've got to be able to make 100+ miles on a tank... or pack gas. I thought I'd drop that note, simply because my CRF450X with a 3.2gal tank... can only make 85 miles (this number is based on terrain that is varied - from deep sand to rutted hill climbs as a smooth road allows a few more miles). I usually have to use my 4.0Gal tank and still pack a gallon on my hip(s) for this trail. I don't usually stay at Avi, as it's off the beaten path. I'll ride up to Laughlin's core and stay at someplace like the Golden Nugget. Sometimes a bit more upbeat, and not as many snowbirds.

Okay... Ride should be long and over, and everyone home safe n sound. ... now, pictures and stories should be coming in. ----> Too tired to post I'm sure so I'll watch for something tomorrow morning.

So far.... no takers from SDAR. Understanding that it's only 3-4 weeks ahead of the ride. A total last minute for some. IF in the future you don't want to be notified last minute, and want to be on my "ride list" for future events, destination rides, etc... then please PM me your email, and I'll add you to my ride list. I send an email to the ride list when I know of an open invitation ride coming up, or when it's in the planning stages. Usually, plenty of notice for most who need to plan way ahead. Let me know... send a PM, with a note; "add me to your ride list". Maybe add your skill level (be honest), bike you ride currently, and anything else you think I should know and I'll include that in my contact information for you.

Hello SDAR peeps!! I didn't put out the invite to but my email "ride list". and thought.... What if others want to join in?! ... so, here I am. Going to give you the lowdown on a ride I'm going to lead down in Baja. I know it's late notice, but if you can take off a weekend and a Monday, and are interested... let me know asap! THE PLAN; Tecate to San Felipe, and back. 1 "free" day in San Felipe, to lick your wounds..etc 3 days total (Saturday - Monday), ride Saturday and Monday. DATE; April 6th (Saturday) to April 8th (Monday) WHO; Any rider capable of 25-30mph average speed. Novices.... to Expert level are more then welcome. HOTEL; We'll be staying in San Felipe, at the El Cortez hotel. REQUIREMENTS; A capable bike (well prepped, and able to make 75miles between fuel stops) A capable rider (able to ride 200+ miles in one day) Able to get you and your bike to Tecate's Rancho Ojai campground (old KOA), and home after the ride. Passport - still not mandatory to cross back in, but recommended. Sign a release waiver and provide full emergency contact information. Able to pay a deposit (the deposit is dependent on amount of total riders) (which covers your hotel bed for 2 nights, chase truck fuel, chase driver pay, chase drivers bed costs, chase truck/trailer insurance, sweep riders daily ride pay, SAT phone rental, ride t-shirt, refreshments on ice and snacks, etc, etc) CHASE TRUCK; The chase truck is there for several reasons, and will follow the ride on pavement. Some think it's "weak" to use a chase truck, and you should "man up" and carry it all on your back. WHY? When you can ride lighter (no back pack), and have more fun! The "no chase" vehicle option is simply an unsafe adventure (in my opinion). I could go on and on about my past "real" experiences, and why I believe in always using a chase vehicle... so, we'll save that drama and go on about what the chase will do FOR you. Ultimately, the chase will carry all your overnight gear, toiletries, etc. It'll be towing an enclosed trailer that will also carry plenty of tools and some spare bike parts (ie: tires, tubes, chain, levers, etc). It will meet us along the trail in several key spots for ice-cold refreshments and snacks, and to give you a chance to freshen up your goggles or even swap them out for when it gets dark. They'll be available to carry those who have major bodily injuries or irreparable bikes. What they won't be there for, is to take you back to Tecate if you have a major meltdown (bike or person). SAFETY; Safety is always one of my main concerns. Not because of it being "Baja", and the cartels. But because of things like a cut to a major organ or a stick in the eye. A foot peg through a rib... etc. Even though my good friend and old race partner Steve Martz was shot in Baja (2008), on the very same trail we'll be riding (old SCORE race course)... I'm not scared of being shot, as I am of someone having an accident and the need to get help in a hurry. Steve's incident showed me just how vulnerable you are, when "in need" of help when in Mexico. Or better yet, HOW FAR FROM the good old USA and dialing 911, you really are! For that reason, I do my best at keeping safety as a main priority on any Baja ride. Myself and the chase truck will carry Iridium Satellite phones (rented just for this ride). I also carry a SPOT Connect, which allows me to communicate via text and for others to see my or the groups, whereabouts via google earth. The truck itself will also have a SPOT tracker in the vehicle, also tracking it's whereabouts at all times. I also carry an AT&T GoPhone which turns to Telcel service when in Baja and when service is available. Every rider's family will have a link to see the SPOT google page, and know where we are at any given time on a ride day. Between myself, the chase truck and my "hub" in the USA, we'll also carry all of the riders emergency contact information. If any situation arises, we'll at minimum be able to coordinate getting help. I have a strong belief that if I'm prepared, it's less likely to happen. (Godspeed Cliff Matlock). Here is how the ride deposit breaks down; 10 riders = $400 per rider 8 riders = $450 per rider 5 riders = $500 per rider Currently, we are hovering at 8 "paid" riders (sweeps and myself don't count as "riders" - or we have 11 total bikes thus far) Please get back to me via Private Message if your interested. It'll send me an email, and notify me of your message. Thanks, Johnny

Glad you made a good trip out of it. I'm sure it was a bit toasty... low to mid 90s? Yes sir... Soops is small dunes, compared to something like Glamis. BUT, it's a long range of hills from end to end, and will feel much bigger if you ride the entire mountain (not sure why they call it superstition mountain, is it doesn't seem to be a "mountain") Sounds like you need more fuel capacity to really get out and enjoy "exploring". 1.8G isn't much. There's a couple great places to explore close to where you camped... like the mud caves, and the top of Painted Gorge... around 2200'.

What happened to your "over the train tracks" story?

You guys have a good time... Bike is 99% done for what I "want" to do before a ride (I was working on it today - gettin' her ready for tomorrow - then went to Dr.).... and, sadly the Doc said no strenous eye movement (I had to laugh). She also said... no dust or contaminant in the eye for a min of a week. When I said.... "So, no 140 mile dirt bike ride in Mexico?!" She just laughed, and looked at me over her glasses and with a stern look, said; "No!"

Okay... well, if needed... I've got the "goods" with single track, if the riders are all capable. ... but, I'm on the way to the doc... as I either lacerated my eye, or got some metal in it from yesterdays welding project. We'll see if I'm a pirate by the end of the day. ARG!

I thought I'd share some photos, and a video (kind of long) of the 4 of us... riding to Tecate for lunch. Of coarse, all of us are CA Licensed bikes and M1 endorsed riders (there, got the legal facts first). We departed out of Bonita, from my Dad's house and where I lived from '77 (10yrs old) to '87. .... we left about 9 or 9:30 AM Here's the video; Excuse the initial dirty lens problem at 1:16 to 3:48 ... it's not me being *private*. I think it came from water off my packs hydration tube. We ate in Tecate... had the best tacos (as you'll see), and took off for home. Some of the way home, we took the super easy route (following the border and border fence road), so I didn't video much of it. I have to admit, I always eat too much for lunch on these treks All in all, a 105 mile day. Here's some of the those typical photos;

Yes sir... a blast! ...I'm dropping in a Rekluse tomorrow, and next ride it'll be even easier (yet still FUN!). I'm geared a bit high for some of that slippery rutted out, and rocky terrain. ... I don't know what "tecate peak" is. I guess I could look on a map. DOH (unless it's the one with all the towers, and a 9 mile road to the top). But, the BP has stopped me ONCE. They told me I can't be anywhere East of Marron Valley Rd, due to the water company now owning it. Well, sorry fellas... until someone cites me for being on private land, I'll pass on by with a wave every time (seems every BP I talk to - I get a different story). Being kicked off the border fence? How?... once there, you can only go East or West for the most part. ...and ya, I know of the shorter routes into the border line, but we were over to the East of the actual entrance after we ate (to visit another store). So we just ran the whole line of NO vehicles. Kind of cool, to only have 4 cars ahead of you.

LOL... that sounds like the OLD me! Ask me now, and I'll give you whatever your heart desires.... of coarse, it'll cost you a six pack and to talk shop for an hour at mi casa first! Or maybe you can sweet talk me over a PM or email. I used to never give out my sacred tracks, not because I made them... but, because I respected those who did. And didn't want them destroyed overnight. I've come to realize, that whoever you give them to or not... will still find them, and will still ride them. You can't control who, what, where kind of crap... so, why stress over it. And how do you know if you give them out, that person will abide by the same rule you do?! You don't.... So these days, I share my old tracks no matter who asks for them. As I mentioned... you let me know what you want. I've got lots and lots of reading material... from LBMaps (both Navigator and Expeditioner) to all the versions of the Baja Almanac(s), even one copy digitized and readable by Mapsource. I've got GPS tracks upon tracks... Novice to Expert, you name it... I'll give you all the reading material you can handle, and then some. You can google earth ride it, view it, or fly around until you feel good about what trail is what ... from your desk chair, you'll swear you can smell Baja. I'm no expert on Baja, and have been away for a good 5yrs of "baja riding". But I'd love to give you some insight in my past travels, and lead you around Baja any weekday. Help me out a bit, and pay for the fuel (I'm unemployed - and need any help I can get), and I'll take ya up to Hanson (Ramonas Saw Mill) any day of the week! I need to scout some new trails anyway!

... hmm, my friends were supposed to go to the dez, me included... but it's too hot. That didn't pan out. I'm pouring concrete at my house on Saturday, and have Sunday to do whatever. Like take the dog to the beach, hang with the wife... or, GO RIDE! SO, if you already have a route planned out.... Are ya going the "easy" way, or mixing it up... and going some single and two-track stuff (harder)? Reason I ask, is I might be able to make the ride... and bring a couple 'dudes' with me. All of us on plated CRF450Xs, and very capable. ... assuming we're invited.

No date (yet)... but I do know, I can't make it until AFTER my "Tecate to San Felipe" ride April 6th. ... stay tuned, I guess.

LOL... That's the intermediate+ ride. A noob ride, would go around the rutted out rocky stuff.

I've heard about the new laws.... and, well... the helmet thing, has been needed for quite a long time. ... for those, who need helmets when they are even standing still "types". Sorry it ruins it for the slow safe peeps. NOW... about seat belts (and I know nothing of the new laws and what they say). Make sure the law reads and specifies golf-cart. Only saying this because, you sit ON a golf cart... not IN the cart, like most UTVs. Unless it specifies specifically about "golf carts", it'd be like putting a seat belt on a dirt bike.

Check your email... lots and lots of Superstition area tracks.

That's a good point... there's also a good "VIN Verifier" at that corner car wash (odd, I know). The one off the 67 and Bradley, or .... right near In-N-Out (I think - I get the two off ramps mixed up). Not sure a DMV "service" (like AAA or...?) can add a plate to a vehicle. I know they can do "transfers", but ... adding a plate, could be tricky. Start at the VIN verifier I mentioned, he's "good" if you know what I mean.