AFM24

So...you didn't get these for Christmas? Now's your chance! Lightly used Mosko Moto Reckless 40L, V3.0 (I think). I tried them out on a couple of A-B day rides, thinking that I'd do a longer camping trip that never happened. Dusty but otherwise in near-new condition. Includes the unused Dry Bags, 8L Stinger, Molle sticks, strap and Large Molle Storage Pouch. Heck, it even includes the lovely blue scoop so you can bury your...stuff. $450 which is about 1/2 of new.

As-new Tubliss Gen2 that have been sitting in my garage since I bought them a few years ago. TU18, TU21 $120

The "flying" BMW photo popped up while I was on the home page, so I had to add my own. Triumph 800XC on a test ride, 2011. First 800 into Baja! Anybody else with big-bike flying pix?

Done! Thanks for your efforts to keep the site going.

* The shape of the loop, not of the guys.

Oops! Mea culpa. Fixed in my original post.

My tire was painted in gold!

A great ride today, escorted by Randy, Mark, Paul & Van. Riding with those guys forced my sand skills to improve which wasn't really making me smile at the time but it was fun to get better! Really enjoyed Grapevine Canyon and on up to Culp Valley--all sorts of challenges packed in there.

Is it wrong to feel a bit jealous?

Fantastic ride with three great guys. Van loaned a radio to me--my first time riding with one and I gotta say that it was nice to hear what was planned. Wet sand is about the only time I like riding it. Yesterday had a lot to like.

I have the Mobius. The biggest reason I bought them was that I liked their structure more than the other brands'. When I compared the leading styles, I was convinced that any of them would do a good job of protecting my knees. It also helped that the San Marcos Cycle Gear had them in stock so it was easy to try them. I've had a half-dozen rides and the highest praise I can give is that I didn't even think about them while riding. It really surprised me because I expected them to constantly be in the way. Nope...the only time they were an issue was when I had to lift a leg over the bike. The KTM seat's high anyway so they just made me lift a little more. Annoying, but more comically clumsy than frustrating. They also boost my mental strength because I feel like Robocop.

I've got it on the calendar.

Good job. I'm still hesitant to ride those canyons after an unpleasant journey on them with a DR-Z. One of these days I'll get out there with the orange bike.

I don't know about advice but here are my opinions: The KLR is the most streetable of the three. It's bigger and heavier (especially more top-heavy with that big tank) but those are generally what you want to minimize for off-road. It's an extremely capable bike for your proposed mix with the caveat that off-road will be less pleasant. The DR650 is the simplest of the bunch, mechanically. It's an older design so not so lightweight but can be very capable off-road once you understand its tradeoffs. It will be more capable than the other two off-road but probably less pleasant on the highway. The Himalayan has the newest technology of the three but with the smallest displacement comes the lowest power. That's not necessarily a drawback in itself but does mean that some situations will challenge it: climbing hills while fully loaded, deep sand and California freeway speeds. If you tend to ignore a bike's maintenance, get the DR. If you want to ride longer distances or consistent freeway speeds, get the KLX. If you want a versatile do-it-all-but-nothing-extremely-well that you may soon outgrow, get the RE.

+1 The ride had a great combination of routes & terrain. I really appreciated how everyone welcomed those (me) who had a more tentative pace than the experienced desert runners. Fantastic weather. Oh, and a great start to the day with that massive blueberry pancake. Kevin

Welcome to SDAR! Too bad about the ride conflict--have fun on either one.

Following... I still have my Garmin Zumo GPS but now almost always use a dedicated iPhone. It's about 3 generations old and in a rugged case. Works well and doesn't use a phone card. Note that other forums (and innumerable YouTube videos) have mentioned problems with more-recent iPhones that use magnets to stabilize the camera. Vibration on single-cylinder motos is mentioned as a prime cause. My iPhone doesn't have that structure.

+1

It's funny how things work out sometimes. Funny = interesting, not haha. On Saturday morning I was going to meet Goofy Footer for the first time and do my first ride from Warner Springs to Anza. The morning came and GF didn't show so I went solo. The funny part was that after I'd finished the ride to Anza, had lunch and started back down Terwilliger, I stopped for a moment and up rode some guy on a WR450F. It turned out to be GF! If it had been a minute either way I'm sure we wouldn't have seen each other or I would have passed by with a friendly wave. I enjoyed having someone else along and we rode back to Chihuahua Valley Road together. From there GF took the pavement and I continued on the dirt, both of us reaching the glider port about the same time. The weather was great and the roads were in pretty good condition for 2-wheelers. A bit of dust, several damp sections and still enough mud to throw a good layer onto the bike. The road conditions reminded me of Los Compadres trail in Baja. The memory of four broken ribs affected me more than I'd expected and I was really slow northbound; by the end of the ride I was feeling more comfortable. The best cure will be more riding! Thanks to Goofy Footer for coming along and making the day a bit more interesting.

I think the link's broken. Maybe it was personalized? BTW, donation done!

Since I'm still getting used to my 450, I plan to ride from Warner Springs' Lost Creek Road / Indian Flats over to Anza. Casual pace, the idea is to leave around 10, have lunch in Anza and return along the same route. This will be my first time through that area. I've talked with one other rider who's done the route and think that it should be fairly easy over established dirt roads. If there are 1 or 2 others who want to come along, I'd welcome the company. Otherwise, I'd be interested in any inputs or advice for a solo rider. I'm used to solo travel (mostly on pavement) and am packing what I need to be self-sufficient but still want to minimize those "oh ----" moments.

I'll be there and plan to park my Sprinter somewhere at that end of the airport. Now it's an early time to bed for me.

Based upon the above two reactions, I should take advantage of the offer... I can switch to Saturday. Meet at the junction at 10 or change it?

👍 One of these days I'll be all grown up and ready to do a ride like that...