Jump to content

boat440

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Content Count

    277

  • Joined

  • Last visited

Posts posted by boat440

  1. Posted

    Ok, here is my last post for this ride. All are welcome. The sand miles are minimal, mostly hard-pack. Adventure bikes are ok.

    The ride will contain beautiful wide-open expansive vistas, we will meander thru Afton Canyon including towering 300ft canyon walls, encounter miles of winding single-track, witness scenic overviews of the high-desert floor, observe natural-state manzanita, cactus and palm trees all framed in a background mountain view of the Cima Mountain range.

    Here is the latest Mojave ride:

    We will start in Barstow at the Stage/Chevron location. You will be responsible for getting to Barstow by 8:00 AM Saturday, 10/6. We will have a quick riders meeting/introductions, buddy pairings, GPS download (Garmin .gdb type) & then suit-up and be off by 8:30.

    It will be a long (200+) mile day, so we need to start on-time.

    The start is the Lenwood exit off I-15 just outside of Barstow. There are a lot of outlet stores at this exit. We will then proceed to the Arco Gas waypoint (in Baker) using either the aqua or green tracks. This is 80.6 (short) or 92.2 (long) miles.

    We will have to make a group decision which route to choose:

    A. The longest route has 2 gas stops, gets into higher terrain and passes thru Ivanpah, Lanfair and the California/Nevada Air Force base. It is 153.1 miles and is the blue route. Choosing this route the total riding day mileage will be 245.1

    B. The medium length route is 124.2 miles and passes thru "The-Hole-In The Wall" and the Mojave National Preserve and is the red route. You will need at least 135 mile gas range. Choosing this route the total riding day mileage will be 226.3

    C. The shortest length route is 103 miles and passes thru Fort Mojave and the Mojave National Preserve and is the aqua route. Choosing this route the total riding day mileage will be 195.1

    All 3 routes end in Needles. From there is another 11.5 miles (purple route) to the Tropicana Hotel, for an overnight stay. I picked the Tropicana, but feel free to choose your own accomodations. Unfortunately these are road miles (sorry about that) passing thru lower Needles to the river where the Tropicana is located.

    You can make your reservation at ( http://www.tropicanax.com ) for the Tropicana.

    For the return trip we will use (the southern) yellow route. It is 101.2 miles to gas/lunch, then an additional 95.1 miles back to Lenwood. Generally the southern portion of the terrain is easier, which is good, you will be sore & tired but happy :) . Also route 40 can be your-bail-out point.

    So join myself on a fun, non-aggressive ride, Steve...

    post-2031-1191030339_thumb.jpg

  2. Posted

    Bike slut, dirt dame, 2wheels & joliet & others,

    Thanks for the reply.

    Let's see how the 1st ride (Mojave) & 2nd (Death Valley) goes. Seems to be high interest in the Death Valley ride. We might need snow tires!

    If the group wants more technical or single track, we can wick it up and go to Big Bear/Arrowhead area or Los Padres area. That's my preference too.

    Anyhow thanks for the feedback, I have a better idea of the group rider preferences and work/family commitments (I have 3 kids), will customize the rides to accommodate.

    As someone mentioned with most groups there is a large membership, but only 20-30 "regulars" participate. I will be a "regular".

    See you on the trail, Steve...

  4. Posted

    As a new member to this message board would like to get some feedback. What type of rides are most preferred with regards to length, difficulty and location? It seems that the more popular rides are the local, 1-day rides.

    As a new member I thought of contributing by organizing a ride. I posted a Death Valley ride with interest, but had to change the date due to motel room availability. Instead let's substitute the below ride. Unfortayely only 1 SDAR member is participating. This is somewhat disappointing given the 469 members.

    Any feedback is greatly appreciated, as I have future plans for several No Cal, Utah, Nevada and Arizona rides.

    Here is the latest Mojave ride:

    We will start in Barstow at the Stage/Chevron location. You will be responsible for getting to Barstow by 8:00 AM Saturday, 10/6. We will have a quick riders meeting/introductions, buddy pairings, GPS download (I have a Garmin cable) & then suit-up and be off by 8:30.

    It will be a long (200+) mile day, so we need to start on-time. Everyone please bring a backpack for overnight sleeping, spare tubes, first aid, flashlights, survival blanket, water and any other equipment/tools. Prepare like you will have to spent the night in the desert. The temperatures in early October can dip into 40's at night.

    The start is the Lenwood exit off I-15 just outside of Barstow. There are a lot of outlet stores at this exit. We will then proceed to the Arco Gas waypoint (in Baker) using either the aqua or green tracks. This is 80.6 (short) or 92.2 (long) miles.

    We will have to make a group decision which route to choose:

    A. The longest route has 2 gas stops, gets into higher terrain and passes thru Ivanpah, Lanfair and the California/Nevada Air Force base. It is 153.1 miles and is the blue route. Choosing this route the total riding day mileage will be 245.1

    B. The medium length route is 124.2 miles and passes thru "The-Hole-In The Wall" and the Mojave National Preserve and is the red route. You will need at least 135 mile gas range. Choosing this route the total riding day mileage will be 226.3

    C. The shortest length route is 103 miles and passes thru Fort Mojave and the Mojave National Preserve and is the aqua route. Choosing this route the total riding day mileage will be 195.1

    All 3 routes end in Needles. From there is another 11.5 miles (purple route) to the Tropicana Hotel, for an overnight stay. I picked the Tropicana, but feel free to choose your own accomodations. Unfortunately these are road miles :angry: (sorry about that) passing thru lower Needles to the river where the Tropicana is located.

    You can make your reservation at ( http://www.tropicanax.com/ ) for the Tropicana.

    The 2nd day we will use (the southern) yellow route. I need to check if there is gas available in Ludlow(by the Rt 40) symbol. If there is, it is 101.2 miles to gas/lunch, then an additional 95.1 miles back to Lenwood. If there is not gas in Ludlow, we can take one of the above routes back. Generally the southern portion of the terrain is easier, which is good, you will be sore & tired.

  5. Posted

    Sooooo... Is the Ridgecrest ride off :huh: , postponed :o , moved to a different location :unsure: , scrapped in lieu of the November ride :scratch_one-s_head: ? Maybe I just didn't read thoroughly enough... :fool:

    Ride-Orange:

    The Ridgecrest (Death Valley) ride was postponed to 11/10-11/11 due to no rooms available in Lone Pine. See post 21 for details.

    In it's place for 10/6- 10/7 is a Mojave ride. See post 25 for details.

    Hope you can make it, Steve...

  6. Posted

    Are you sure you don't work for the Tropicana? Dang you make it sound so fun ! Being that I'm just one man and one motorcycle and somewhat of a poor planner, I probably won't make this ride. I'm totally stoked up for the Ridgecrest/Lonepine route you outlined previously though. I hope to make it out for that one when you reschedule, and who knows, maybe I'll see you in Barstow too. I have to let the idea simmer for a little while, and in the mean time I'll be digging in my couch for some spare funding. The sad fact is that I can't really afford to just jump off and take all the trips I would like to take. If I could I would probably never be home at all. <_< One way or another, I'm sure we'll meet soon and I hope that you'll show me a little hospitality and roost me good. Lord knows I deserve it. :scratch_one-s_head:

    Hey Pyro,

    No stipend from the "Trop", but wish I did. Saturday nights are the most expensive, the next day the rooms are nearly half price.

    Do mark that calendar for 11/10-11/11. At the highest elevations we might hit snow. Snowball fight!!! Have you ever done donuts with your motorcycle???

    See you on the trail, Steve...

  7. Posted

    Made the reservations so I’m still in! Now I just need to learn how to ride a bike in the dirt. <_<

    Roger

    Excellent glad you can make it!

    As far as riding in the dirt? Sort of reminds me of the movie "Conehead" with Beldar (Dan Aykroyd) learns to drive by reading the owners manual. Who reads those?

    I'm sure you will be find. I'll PM you my number.

    Hey does your bike have hand guards? Not the flimsy stock type or brush guards. You should have the type that wrap around your controls and connects with 2 points. They mount to the handlebar end by cutting a hole in the grips. Some places on the trail have Manzanita trees and the spikes on these trees are nasty. When you ride you could graze one of these trees. Getting a 2" needle in your hand is no fun. :scratch_one-s_head: To make the ride safer you may want to invest in a pair. Acerbis makes them in polypropylene or a composite aluminum/propylene in many many colors. There about $40 for the polypropylene and $60 with the aluminum. They can also save your levers or perches from breaking in the unlikely event of a fall. Anyway just a suggestion, the first time I rode the Mojave trail I did not have them.

    Steve...

  8. Posted

    It's about time- some adventure!! Let's got together and work out the logistics asap I need to reserve a spot for my fur people, get new tires and rain gear etc. Michael

    Mike,

    Ok, I'll call you.

    We can meet in Barstow at the Chevron gas station in Barstow. It's 1/4 mile off the I-15, use the Lenwood exit. The Tangers outlet mall is there also. The Chevron address is 2890 Lenwood Rd, Barstow, CA 92311, 760-253-4076.

    If you have a GPS the waypoint is: N34 15.019 w 117 04.0978

    Or from San Diego we can follow each other.

    Steve...

  9. Posted

    For all SDAR participants, the informal Death Valley ride proposed has been rescheduled to 11/10-11. As posted in #21 all the area motels in Lone Pine are booked due to a western film festival. The closest room is 65 miles away in Bishop. Rather than adding 130 miles of pavement miles, let's change the Death Valley date. We will have no problems with room arrangements.

    As a replacement let's go on a Mojave ride. Start on 10-6 in Barstow and ride to Laughlin, NV. Then return the next day on 10-7. The mileage is ~220 miles the first day and ~185miles the second day. The ride is well suited for large bikes.

    If you are interested in joining please reserve a room in Laughlin. I have reservations at the Tropicana Casino Hotel & Resort the cost is 65.95 per night plus 8.00 tax for a standard room. The twin towered 18 story hotel is an extraordinary resort combining unsurpassed quality, value and service with the fun, excitement and down-to-earth hospitality that makes Laughlin famous. The casino features 60,000 square foot casino, luxurious accommodations including over 1,500 rooms, and features 90 suites. The resort's amenities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, room service, 300 seat showroom, riverboat cruises, cappuccino cart, gift shop, candy shop and video arcade. There's a lot to see and do: railroad memorabilia, free train rides. Award winning dining is found at The Steakhouse, Passaggio Italian Gardens, and Del soul Mexican Grill plus a buffet and 24-hour cafe.

    Please hurry up as it is filling up. Check in 10-6, Check-out 10-7

    Link to reservations: http://www.tropicanax.com/

    Let me know if you're joining us.

    Cheers, Steve...

  10. Posted

    I’d be willing to stay the night in Bishop. I understand it would be an hour’s ride on the highway. I do have a dual sport bike. :o Of course I’ve never ridden a course like this so I don’t know how tired it will make us. :blink: Is that extra hour out of the question? Either destination I’m in! Roger

    Roger, glad you're in. I feel foolish that this happened. Let's see what the others say about Bishop. Bishop has 12 motels. The Holiday Inn Express was sold out, but the Vagabond Inn had rooms. Bishop is probably getting the over flow from the film festival. If the majority says leave as is then, let's do but both days will be longer.

    So what are the votes Rex, Pyro, Carguy, Ride-Orange & GB007?

    Anybody up for a beer this week to meet? Steve...

  11. Posted

    Change of plan.

    I called all 7 area motels (Dow Villa, Mt.Whitney Inn, Willow Inn, Portal Motel, Best Western, Comfort Inn & The Timber Line Motel) they are all 100% sold out.

    After talking to the owner of the Williow Inn, she informed me that Lone Pine has an annual western film festival the weekend of our scheduled trip 10/6 & 10/7. It seems Lone Pine is used to film/stage many former and current western movies. I can see how the the expansive terrain, snow-capped mountain back drops and endless vistas allow for a perfect 1800's movie set. I bet the Salt Tram was built during that circa.

    The LP festival attracts movie stars, film producers, film directors and those associated with the western film industry. The main event is a parade down main street and tours of former sites where westerns were filmed. The owner of the Willow Inn claims that the choice rooms are booked 2 years in advance.

    I also tried Independence (about 10 miles further), but could not find any motels listed, with the closest rooms in Bishop, about 65 mi north on 395.

    Does anybody have a suggestion for this ride or where to stay?

    An alternative is to do a Mojave ride the same weekend. Start in Barstow, north to Baker to Halloran Springs then then across the Mojave desert (thru Ivanpah, Lanfair) to Fort Mojave then to Bullhead City, Arizona. We can stay at the AVI Casino in Bull Head or a smaller place in Needles. It's approximately 220 miles. The 2nd day is shorter taking the southern route thru "The-Hole-In The Wall", Kelso, Cucero, Pisgah then finally to Barstow. About 185 miles. Like the other trip there are multiple escape roads, but once you are crossing the Mojave your committed. This route straddles I-40.

    This is a actually an easier trip with no elevation changes or difficult rocks, but some sand.

    I'm quite disappointed in the change of plans. :blink: I'll reschedule the Death Valley ride to 11/10-11/11 and make sure ther are no film festivals.

    We all have the weekend off. So let me know who can make the Mojave ride. It's still riding, let's make it fun.

  12. Posted

    Welcome Pyro, GB007, Rex & KLRoger!

    I called the local motels in Lone Pine. The Comfort Inn & Best Western are filled for the dates. There are 4 to 5 more smaller places to call. When I get some availabilty will forward you the numbers to call to reserve a room.

    I'm planning on driving up early Saturday or staying in Big Bear and driving from their. There are plenty places to stay in Ridgecrest.

    Steve...

  14. Posted

    This looks like it could be a great adventure. Is the stay over night a camping thing or are you planning on staying in a hotel?

    Rex,

    I'm planning on staying in a motel. There are a few in Lone Pine. When I get a count of who wants a room I can reserve a few. To save $, some may want to share a room. We can work this out.

    After a long ride I need a bed/shower and maybe some Advil.

    Come join us, Steve...

  15. Posted

    Ok,

    You’ve got my interest! I’m supposed to go on a two week trip with my Harley but we can delay that for a couple of days. If I understand correctly you’ve rated the trail as intermediate only because of the length. But there are exits to the highway as well. So do you think a very fresh novice (like me) should go on this ride? Or would I slow everybody down to much and I should wait for another ride?

    My experience is that I’ve been riding bikes on the street for around 34 years. I use to ride on the dirt some but quit about 24 years ago. I still have to get away from the street practice of using my front brake as the main break, no need to lock up that front wheel going down a dirt hill.

    Well what do you guys and gals think? Should I go or should I stay? Pyro, you’ve seen me ride and you also know how the club rides? <_<

    Roger

  16. Posted

    Ken- Hopefully you can make it.

    I should have the tracks done in a few days. I need to clean up some of the extra tracks and tie it together with some of the state trails.

    Also I need to get permission to post to the members only section. Who do I contact? Steve...

    Steve, this sounds like a great ride. Two riding days in a row are very hard for me to swing, but I will try to make it. I would like to see the track when you get it finished. Can you go into the members only section and post it under GPS tracks? Thanks, <_< Ken

  17. Posted

    Ok, mark your calendar now for a ride the first weekend in October (10/06-10/07).

    The ride will be suitable for "Adventure riders" with large (>600CC) or above bikes, but any type can be used. My personal preference is a smaller bike (400CC) that is more maneuverable and less weight, the choice is yours. The terrain will be 99.9% OFF-ROAD having a mixture of fire roads, hard pack, loose/rocky terrain, sandy sections and whoops-we will see it all. I would rate the difficulty as intermediate, due to the length and varying terrain conditions, but not due to the technical demands. Your bike must have a minimum range of 85 miles(unless you plan on carrying gas).

    This ride will start in Ridgecrest. Ridgecrest is home to China Lake Weapons reserve. The Blue Angels frequently practice over the famous bombing ranges. Ridgecrest is also the gateway to Death Valley. Hopefully it will not be to hot, we can alter the course if need be. We will start heading east to Inyokern. At the Inyokern airport we will head North towards Lone Pine. The I-395 will always be close and parallel to our overnight destination. We will pass many solar generation farms, 2 ghost towns and large wide open expanses of land only seen with an off-road vehicle. This includes fossil mountain, cinder mountain, the county jail and little lake hotel, built in 1910. We will start at 1700 ft and climb to 4200 ft. at our first stop in Olancha. There will be gas available and lunch This will be mile 75.2. Again for those that cannot make the desert riding, there will be quick escapes to the I-395 highway to Lone Pine.

    We will then ride another 66.8 miles to Lone Pine passing Owens Lake, Sierra Clouds, the famous Tram and Cerro Gordo. We will climb to 8400 ft at the highest point and settle for 8000 in Lone Pine. Lone Pine is a "big" desert city, sporting a Best Western, Budget Inn, a few places to eat even a small airport. Lone Pine is also known for Mt. Whitney. But it's probably best known for it's gas stations as it's about half-way to Mammoth Mountain from I-15.

    Bring an overnight back-pack along with your Camelback, jacket, rain gear and spare tubes/tools. When we get closer to the ride we can compare tool kits. I was on ride once where 5 guys carried tire irons (heavy), but nobody carried a spare clutch lever. Guess what we needed?

    The next day will be on the east side of the I-395. We will pass the Death Valley Sand dunes and maybe play there for a short time. This is the longest stretch between gas available points at 85 miles. Then it's on to Panamint for gas/lunch. Again another bail point exists for the less experienced or tired rider using highway 190 (west) to I-395 (south). For the hard cores it's another 46.3 miles to Trona. The elevation gradually goes to 3500, but with some steep peaks (mountain passes) mixed in. Finally it's another 41.5 miles back to base camp in Ridgecrest.

    The above first day's ride is 30.8 miles shorter and easier, therefore we will probably reverse the loop to do the longer/harder day (described above) first.

    Please contact me with your interest. I have lodging information for Ridgecrest and Lone Pine. You will need to reserve a room. If anyone has a Garmin GPS I am almost done editing the tracks and can share it with you. Also it would good to have a pre-ride meeting (maybe over a few drinks) to get to know everyone and make carpool/final arrangements. With your participation we can make this “the ride” to talk about. Steve...

  18. Posted

    Thanks, Pyro, will be posting this week. I am still doing some research to plan the ride.

    My goal is to start in Ridgecrest and travel past China Lake Naval base on the west side of 395. First to Trona for gas then to the sand dunes. Then to Ridgecrest. Sleep over night in Ridgecrest, then return the next day traveling on the east side of 395. The riding is not to tough but should be about 140 miles the first day & 100 miles the 2nd. It is 99% dirt. Also being relatively close to 395, if you get tired or injured the major road is close.

    Hope you can make the ride.

    quote name='pyro' date='Sep 8 2007, 10:21 PM' post='11702']

    Yes, WELCOME !

    I've been wanting to get up there and do some riding in the ridgecrest area. Lone Pine is a good piece from there. Sounds like an epic ride you are planning. If I can get my $tU %f together, I'd like to try to join you for that one. I'll be looking forward to your post. In the mean time, Ride On Amigo ! :blink:B):D

  19. Posted

    I've been riding for nearly 20 yrs with my son. Well he's off to college.

    Would like to get involved with a SD club, I live in north county. I've been a member of Big Bear Trail Riders for about 5 years and ride with them, but am looking for local rides to. I recently did the Paiute ATV trail in Utah and am planning a bigger ride for next summer. I have a DRZ400 that has a CA plate (got it registered before the Jan 04 deadline). My DRZ is a kick-model. Wish I had that magical button, but it's been dependable, provides enough low-end power and comfort for my riding.

    I have plans for monthly rides throughout the Mojave and Death Valley area this winter, but looking to find dedicated/dependable riders on D/S bikes for these rides. I will be posting a ride from Ridgecrest to Lone Pine for 10/06 & 10/07, check the ride board.

    I enjoy all types of riding. From open desert (OK), to fire roads (good), to single track (best). It's fun to be challenged on some technical rocky up-hills (sharpen those skills) but also relax on open easy truck trail riding. The best rides are a combination of both.

    Most importantly is sharing the camaraderie and good times of the sport with other riders.

    If there are any dirt club (non-racing) or dual-sport meetings in the SD area please let me know?

    Hope to see all on the trail.

  23. Posted

    I'll be up in Big Bear this weekend, anyone up for a ride? I have tracks for 70 to 90 miles. A mixture of single track, fire roads and some pavement(short). Can alter tracks to make it easier or harder for anyone, I'm ok with either.

    My goal is to start 8:30AM ride the north side of the lake from Fawnskin (west) around Green Lake (east) across to Jacoby Canyon then south east to Pioneertown, into Yucca Valley for lunch/gas, about 50-55 miles. Then a short distance (west) on 38 to Angus Oaks, then up the back side (north) of Snow Summit/Bear Mountain via one of the truck trails. If anyone breaks down or is tired, we could take the 38 back to BB.

    Let me know if anyone's interested. The morning run will be more challenging/technical with the afternoon more faster/easier riding. But this is no race, just fun. We can meet at the Snow Summit's parking lot. I'm up for Saturday 9/1, but can go Sunday 9/2.

    Steve...

×

Important Information

  I accept