Oracle

I can do this on the Trail 89

Member Kato originally built this route many years ago. He shared it with me, I made a couple of minor improvements to it, and believe I shared it with Pokey a couple of years ago. I've ridden it quite a few times now, both as a 2 dayer to BB and back and as the first leg of several longer multi-day trips to places like the Sierras or DV. It's a fun route and I consider it easy. If anyone has questions about it, I'd be happy to answer if I can. It's a 6-hour ride at a fast pace. 8 hours+ with a group.

I had similar parameters when I bought my truck three years ago. I purchased a used 2012 Ford F150 (previously owned only GM trucks my entire life) with the 3.5 EcoBoost twin turbo. The reason I went this route was for better gas mileage around town than the v8, the high tow rating for a 1/2 ton truck (something like 11,000 pounds), and more HP and torque than the V8. Plus it's a twin turbo and fun as heck to drive. The torque is impressive. I tow a 20' box trailer loaded with bikes. I need a crew cab for my family of 5 so ended up with the 6.5' bed. I've gotten four bikes in it, granted two of them were kids bikes. The F150 was updated in 2015 with some nice upgrades, mechanically and cosmetically, so I'd start there.

The "somewhere" shot is Colorado BDR, taken by yours truly. The "Again I have no idea, but I'll go wherever Chris is pointing" shot is at the top of Black Mountain in Ramona.

I hear Mittens is a real Diva. Is it true?

Chris (DFL), Delorme is now owned by Gramin. That article is old and obsolete. If you are interested in purchasing one, I recommend Garmin Mini. It's small, cheap(er), easy to use, and can be blue toothed to your phone for easy of use. $300 range but can find them for less if you wait for a deal.

I was the first person to CID after he crashed. Since we were only about 3 miles outside of Christmas Tree circle in Borrego I was pretty sure I'd have decent coverage. I checked my phone and had 4 bars so called 911 instead of using my Garmin Mini. It's always better to call 911 if you can versus using the Garmin. The Garmin would just add another party, and slow response times down, since they would have to contact the same dispatch center I got by calling 911 directly. So always try 911 first and then Garmin as a backup. I'm pretty sure everyone in our regular group has one.

Sure. Text me.

Now that we know you are going to live, the priority now is to heal up and start prepping for a kick ass Spring ride. LB

The rack is fairly heavy. But that is a worthy trade-off for a sturdy rack; a necessity for these types of conditions. When I got home, I did find a broken weld on a support beam. The rack was still very solid. I've seen other racks fail in one spot and be totally worthless, in fact, less than worthless. The key to the extra weight is adjusting sag appropriately prior to leaving. The guys will tell you I'm always reminding them to adjust their sag. Mikey777 will tell you the consequences if you don't. Rigga carried a tent and was fully prepared. For some reason he loves sleeping out in the open...even in sub 30 degree weather. As far as jackets, yes, having a water proof jacket is a must. And coming up with a layering system that works for you is a must. I've tried many different options and have a closet full of riding gear to prove it. I have it figured out for me now. If I need to shed the jacket, I have an extra set of rok straps that are set up on my rear bag to strap the jacket down. Works well for me.

Yes, sir. Globtrottin rack with Moose bags. The rack is very sturdy. PMB is running one as well. http://www.globetrottin.com/Luggage-Rack-System-for-2017-thru-2019-KTM-250-500--Pannier-Rack-version-_p_101.html

Longer than that. Last SIGNIFICANT rainfall was March, 2020.

Only a 3 hour ride to Utah from where you are. Enjoy.

Clearly he has not passed LB school of tube changes...🤣

I traded texts with him this morning. Sent him some more tracks. Cinders is close to residential so he should be fine. I suspect his has coverage in that area. But keep us posted if he sends you another Spot message, Tom.