Chuck

There is a little "gatekeeper" to get into the Valley of the Moon. So if you aren't ready for a couple of boulders bring a buddy to help.

GT 333 is my next tire. I am currently rocking the kenda ibex with tubliss. The ibex is awesome - traction’s is great - my buddies are saying it throws mad roost - so I am tail gunner in the sand. Downside it’s to soft for any dual sport riding.

I use the MSR fuel bottles with the wolfman bottle holder - works like a champ. I will leave this link here so I remember to order more plain old caps for another reason 🤪 https://www.mountainsports.com/item/097218/9466?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvfSfhuHG3wIVmB-tBh2EAAIlEAQYDSABEgJZ8vD_BwE

C&D cycle did my initial install - trouble free. I did the last tire swap - super easy with the tubliss system. Just cleaned - inspected - lubed with slime and followed the directions for proper install and topped off with slime just Incase I do run over something.

Eyeglass wearer while riding here. I was talking to a Scott’s rep and he suggested making a slit into the foam to get a “better” fit. I typically wear Scott’s OTG goggles. The sand version is next up on the buy list, to prevent sand getting in . The sand model has a little denser foam around the eye ventilation. The scotts otg dont fog up under hard conditions for me. I don’t need the cut, they work awesome and they are inexpensive. I tried the oakley L frame - while top quality it would press my glasses into my eyelashes. So I was alway fidgeting with the goggles. I might try making the cut in the foam to remove some of the pressure just to get some service life out it. Otherwise they will just sit on the shelf.

I was just thinking the desert would be awesome right after a little rain.

I did the Pirelli MT 43 and it was awesome for just about everything except sand - it just couldn't move enough material to move the bike forward the way I wanted. D I ended up replacing that tire early for a Motoz Mountain Gummy Hybrid and went tubliss. I have been loving this combo - but I am still looking. I may try the MotoZ Arena Hybrid Gummy BFM Tire next just to move more sand - then maybe do something more traditional.

I was just thinking about an inreach - the spot x looks closer to what I want. Thanks

+1 on the GT216AA fatty first put it on the ktm 690 with uhd tubes and it’s awesome. Then after wearing out my beta 430 front I switched to a GT216AA fatty with tubliss. I like the idea of set it and forget it with the nitro moose. Tube issues on the trail are not even worry.

Is there a good place to stage near Borrego Springs and leave the truck and trailer?

Great ride - took our crew to places we haven't ridden before. Thanks to everyone that organized the event.

This is what I have been doing: Route Planning : Garmin Basecamp with the CA Trail Maps then export the gpx route. Sharing intended route: Create a map using Google My Maps http://mymaps.google.com and upload the GPX file. Old iPhone for GPS (no sim card installed): Galileo Offline Maps Pro + California Trail maps. I do have map app envy of OruxMaps on android - it does the layering. I mounted it with Hondo Garage Perfect Squeeze Phone Mount. GE Pro for storing all the trips using KML My beta came with the voyager with a GPS - it works to get me places. But I am spoiled with the California Trail Map - so I mainly just use the phone. As for layering Trail Maps on GE - I found some free tools that should have worked, but nothing has delivered to date. If I find something I will report back. The one I am playing around with now is: https://github.com/tobinbradley/mbtiles-server

Ads - on iPhone

Glad to see the radiator guards came in. As for the tank bolts - patenice will win. A near empty gas tank also helps

Mason TT entrance off of 79 has been locked since 2003 from what I can find. The Rodreguez entrance has a gate - but can be opened. Just make sure the gate is closed behind you.