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.

Enjoy - I had a ton of memories on my '15 690. it was super reliable for me. Here's what I did to my 690: When I need ideas for what to change up - Telerover on youtube has modded up his bike and recorded all of the changes - https://www.youtube.com/user/gwcarverlab/videos Earlier today we talked about the temp on the bike running hot. I put on a trail tech computer operated switch - then dumped that when it broke when I was out in the middle of nowhere. I now have a SW1888 switch on there. Here is a video to the details on changing out the switch. https://youtu.be/3IBHkalj3Hg Goldentyre 216AA fatty up front. I will be sticking with this tire on all my bikes for the foreseeable future. Motoz TRACTIONATOR DESERT H/T rear. Wears long and as it gets better with age. I might change up the tire in the future for something "softer" (odds are low because that 690 eats soft tires due to the HP). The 690 radiator hangs out there. Originally put the KTM Radiator Guard on it was horrible because the filler cap didn't fit properly - so I ripped that off and put on one from flat land racing - looks bomb proof - http://www.flatlandracing.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=FR&Product_Code=12-69&Category_Code=12-ktm Wings exhaust - just to lighten it up a bit and the stock exhaust is so HOT. https://youtu.be/s6VZ88hBDio Lithium battery - just to make sure I had some juice if I left the key on for to long with out the motor running. Then I bought all of Perun moto's stuff - tank bolts and luggage rack. I am sure I am forgetting something. Have fun and enjoy.

The only thing I had going though my head out of 12 there wasn't 1 person with a GPS or smartphone with some kind of gps map on it. But I am one of those - got to have a map kind of riders and glad no one got hurt.

I think I have become a convert to no-toil. I have been a bel-ray filter person for a long time but never liked that I had to deal with the solvents. Thanks for the post.

I was thinking about gassing up in Borrego and riding to the pumpkin patch and gas dome. I haven't been on those trails before so I am not sure how to rate it. After gas dome I am not really sure where next - gas range will decide. I will be on a KTM 690 - I am thinking of starting @ 9am from X L Co gas in Borrego Springs. If you got something better / options I am in.

I ended up meeting up with a bunch of guys out in the middle of nowhere ... they all live in my neighborhood. Bizarre.. simicrintz - sorry we didn't find each other and to hear about the problems. For me the tube that ripped was installed by a local guy. I was pretty sure I loosened the nut 500 + miles ago. The last minute replacement I put the nut is there just to help with mounting. I am going to check it occasionally to see if it self tightens. Nothing worse then something that could be prevented. I am even wondering if I should even have it on there. i ended up doing a ton of trails out there. The wind was crazy and visiblity was "interesting" at times. Made for some good times when I was on the top of the ridges. https://docs.google.com/open?id=1paUdIsmK1Euv7Fkvn1WJBYGJgRk

Luckily I woke up early - had a flat. The stem yanked out of the tube. I managed to still get to the gas station here on time. little change - Henderson canyon then on with the rest of the ride.

It was awesome view punching up through those clouds! In general it was a fantastic day for a little ride around SoCal. I think I clocked in right around 200 miles at the end of the day.

Great meeting everyone and it was a definitely good times.

Sounds like a fun ride - look forward to meeting you guys. I will be on a KTM 690 Enduro. Charlie

Out - I just got the message that I am needed at work for Friday. Bummer it's been a couple of weeks since I have been out on the trails. Have a great time !!!