Greenhorn

Thank you for the follow up. I understand what you’re saying about riding some of this solo, that’s why I might bump around on a trail, but only to a safe comfort level if I’m by myself. I tried sorting out the route last night, it was a little cryptic not being real familiar with the area. Biggest question was the Yaqui Wells Road/Grapevine reference. I was expecting you went easterly, but it was more of a double back northwest up to Ranchita. That and Montezuma Grade is Montezuma Valley Rd I think. I’m hoping to sort out some of these type rides (plenty of dirt in addition to black top, a little remote, lots of miles) and get some of the others like myself out there to expand our opportunities and experience while having the support of like skilled and equipped riders. Thanks Again

Very nice ride. I was trying to figure out a 8 east > S2 and then??? or a 8 east > 79 > 78 then ??? ride... even if mostly pavement and just checking out a few dirt roads out there. Do you pick up Rodriguez Truck Trail around Chariot Canyon? How is that ride down to Rodriguez Truck Trail > Oriflamme Creek > Mason Truck Trail > S2? If it's a bugger I would skip, mixed not too bad I have a look from the bottom up, if reasonable try the down hill route. Looks View Yaqui \ Grapevine gets a little trail busy around Volcan. Any other tips - suggestions? Somewhat rookie effort on a stock KLR, little different skill set than you all . I'm happy to just try bumping along on them a ways as long as I'm comfortable. A loop is better but sometimes just a out and back can still be good. Just riding around in that general area looks fun. I do want to get out that way, was I hoping maybe this weekend but supposed to get hot. Really Cool and nice pictures

Got things started fairly early, leaving about 7:15 am. I went up to Sunrise Highway via OH80 and Vejas Grade to start. Tried to put a little extra in it on the way up Vejas Grade when the coast was clear, not like I really saw anyone but I go cautious on blind corners. Down Buckman Springs over to SheepHead Mountain Road which should have been Kitchen Creek Road as the goal was Cibbets Flat Camp Ground and it’s off Kitchen Creek Road and not SheepHead Mountain Road. SheepHead Mountain Road is rocky. From the looks of the google map I went up about 2/3 of the way to the top (to the thumb). It was bit of a challenging but fun. I stopped for a sec (at the thumb) to take things in and decided it would be best with company as I was getting a bit out there and maybe a little more geared up if going forward was like behind. For an amateur like me it was a point and hope you keep the line you picked, that it was decent one and not too much or too little on the throttle. Then it was just grunt, bounce and hold on. Been a while and what it was, was much lighter back in the day. This was not the only "not knowing where I was", "was supposed to be" either. Went back up Buckman to Sunrise highway and did a little geology. It’s something I’ve been meaning to do. Saw a few things, lots of stuff to sort out. Milky Quartz Milky Quartz in Pegmatitic Granite Went up top to Mount Laguna and out to Julian, couldn’t find Engineer Rd from Julian (know where it’s at down at the Lake Cuyamaca end). Ended up out at Wynola which is a nice area. I get Julian is good for pie and all, but too many people up there. Down to Lake Cuyamaca the same old way on 79. As ThumperBob suggested Milk Ranch – Middle Peak Fire Road is gated. Passed another one on the right below Green Valley Falls and it was gated too. That was about that, down to Descanso, Vejas Grade, OH 80 and home. Good 125 miles + so I’ve clear 600 and now I get extra RPM’s. I do need to get my navigation issues sorted out one way or another. Going to Sedona AZ next week, I wish I could bring my KLR along. I looked and you can rent a bike near Sedona, but only HD’s and I’ve never ridden anything like that. We'll see.

That is like a crazy form of trials riding, but big and heavy and fast. I wish there would have been more footage where you could see how the bike was working and less forward to the trail ahead. I looked it up and stock it weighs 467 +/- dry. It's a big engine. Cool but Weird

I'll be on vacation in Sedona AZ, I'm close maybe we could meet up another time. I hear Johnny B is pretty good.

My dad built ours literally, brother in law did the backhoe. It was a semi above ground, only about a foot above, liner type. He did the whole thing, full size, was about 8' deep in the deep end. Had a fantastic deck around it, big walk in pump house. He went with the semi above ground as there was an easement in the back yard with power lines and for a built in you had to have no water straight down and X amount of feet left and right. Don't think it was permitted.

What am I suggesting as Dual Sport? Country roads, side roads, moderate fire roads, minimal if any freeways. I’m riding around on a 430lb KLR that doesn’t even have its break in miles yet and that's about all the DS miles I have too. No flogging or thrashing, a somewhat leisurely ride with maybe a little zip or trail here and there. Not about point A to point B, but all the ride between A and B. Starting in Santee at about 7am up to Sunrise Highway via Vejas Grade. I was thinking riding down Buckman Springs over and up to Cibbets Flatt Campground, never been there and come to find out it’s up the road always saw the hang gliders launch from. Always wondered what was up there. Could always then cross the road for a ride up to Four Corners a ride around the Fire Roads that loop between Bobcat and Corral Canyon? Not sure conditions there, used to be reasonable. Another option could be skipping Four Corners and extending time in Cuyamacas. Back up Buckman Springs road to Pine Valley and up Pine Creek, or Buckman Springs to Sunrise Highway to Lake Cuyamaca If time permits i.e. skipping Four Corners, up to Julian and back down to Lake Cuyamaca on Engineers Road, anyone ridden on Engineers Road? Back down 79 to Descanso… That’s what I got as that what I know around there. Anyone know about Middle Peak Fire Road Loop, Azalea Spring or Lookout Rd off the 79? Open to any other as described “Dual Sport” ride areas - ideas.

So had about 400 miles on a new KLR 650, have had a lot of fun putting those on. Most of them were over the Memorial day weekend. Thanks to TdubLady and Thumper Bob for showing me Vejas Grade and Pine creek. I’ve rode Vejas a few times now and tried to ride Pine Creek again but could find the turn off from Sunrise to go down it. For beak in you’re supposed to keep it at or under about 4,000 rpm’s until 600 miles so trying to do that and also not flog it while under. I’ll have to say I hadn’t been to a few of my stops below in some time and few left me a little bummed a part of getting old maybe? I don't really think so, sometimes things are not as good as they used to be. For starters, on the way out to Campo I took freeway from Alpine to Sunrise Highway – Buckman Springs exit. First real freeway riding on the KLR and in general was ok. Not my favorite thing to do, but I think it’s something to be capable and comfortable (as possible) with. Rode out to Campo and and met up with 350thumper and a coupe other fellows... CVRick and ? sorry not good with names. They had a different type of ride in mind so after a bit they went east I went north. Went through Morena Village to Lake Morena, the lake is so small it’s very sad. I spent a lot of time fishing behind Goat Island back in the 80s, caught a 10lb bass back there, fished there with my dad when his time was short. Maybe another time it will be the lake it once was. It being so low is not a surprise, but the last time there you could at least launch a boat and it always comes as a shock when you see it even though you know to expect it. Next was up and over to Corral Canyon. Here there were few surprises to. Both campgrounds were closed and the road the Los Pinos is now paved or topped. I had not been out this way in a long time. A friend and I used to ride here a long time ago and once had a crazy camping trip there. I took the fire road out of Bobcat Meadows camp (Los Pinos), first dirt of any consequences for the KLR, it was fun but a KLR is no XR400. It was here I got a feel for a stock KLR’s off road capabilities and mine as a guy that hasn’t ridden much and is getting older. I had a good time horsing on the up hills but was sitting when I should have been standing and have a sore neck as a result. On one hand the KLR was a handful, a bit heavy and under suspended. Probably doesn’t help I’m heavy and under suspended. On the other hand it held its own with no issues and no complaints in the tough (comparatively speaking) stuff. Lose and few pounds (both of us) and a little work on the suspension (both of us) and I bet everything would be a little smoother especially in the rough. Was pretty hot out there so time to move on. The road in and up and out and back are a lot of fun. North up Buckman to Sunrise Highway, had not been up to Mt Laguna via Sunrise proper, just via Pine Creek , Sunrise Highway from 8 to Mt Laguna is a fun ride. The weather was much cooler than Corral Canyon and felt really good. Stopped at the store for a drink of water and wanted to take Pine Creek back to Pine Valley but missed finding the exit. Learned a lesson (well mental lesson) about slowing and not having awareness of what’s behind you. As I didn’t find Pine Creek back to Pine Valley I went around to Lake Cuyamaca and down to Descanso and across Vejas Grade and back to Santee. 175 miles covered for the day While the KLR could use this and that it is a lot of fun to ride and be able to ride all kinds of stuff Anyone else interested in this type of ride let me know. I like these rides with mixed environments (a little freeway and lots of back roads, fire roads, dirt roads) and some miles.

Seeing if anybody wants to just go riding around. Would like to put on some more fairly easy break in miles on my new KLR. Hoping for some street, some dirt, minimum if any freeway. I'll be starting from Santee about 6:30 or 7:00 am taking Old Hwy 80 (w maybe Vejas Grade) to Buckman and maybe go up to Corral Canyon for a little bit of fire roads. Another option would be the same plus or skipping Corral and going out and around Campo and out to In-Ko-Pah. Have a look at the bottom end of thing Valley road? Not sure how tough the Valley of the Moon trail is see if it is reasonable for a little ways out? Cruising around on side roads and fire roads type riding is what I'm looking for. Not familiar with much of it, just maybe riding around and checking things out. Open to any suggestions on other side roads and fire roads in addition to or instead of above.

Cameron's Corner Gas Station 8:30 am CVRick your welcome to come up to Santee meet up and then go east if you want.

You had to post that second picture didn't you They said I could only have 1

I would like to ride up to the top of Palomar Mountain, not for the busy winding road portion, I’d be fine skipping that, but to check out the campground, see the pond, that kind of thing. It’s been a long time since I’ve been up there. Anyone have any suggests on nice casual route, maybe some dirt roads or mild trail sections instead of pavement? I don’t mind going out of the way a little bit. Prefer to not do 15 North in general. Starting from East County... Doing 67 to 78 to 79 to 76 to East Grade Road Is East Grade Road a possibility? Doing the from behind via 67 to 78 to 79 Are High Point Road – High Point Truck Trail or Oak Grove Road options? The other option I see would be 67 - 79 -76 Nate Harrison Road? Once I sort out a plan I’d be open for anyone that would want to join. I ride a KLR and my goal would be a somewhat relaxed exploring type ride if one of the routes above can facilitate that. Thank You

Well given the article in the SD Union paper yesterday, might wait a few weeks before exploring around Palomar. Motorcycle riding on Palomar story, not really a slam nor warm fuzzy. Will probably bring out lookey loo's and maybe more riders? On the other hand how many people still read the news paper? Found link on line http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/sep/05/palomar-mountain-motorcycles-accidents-south-grade/

I saw episode 1 and I liked it. I'm glad to have something different than reality, crime, news kind story line, especially something about motorcycles. Acting was pretty good, I like the sets and scenery. A little racing action was good too. Looking forward to the next episode.

Speaking strictly for myself, there's a flattering picture , I think next time I'll just leave my helmet on None the less thank you both for letting me come along, fun first real ride in the the new bike. I continued on through Laguna Mountains, up to Julian, back past Lake Cuyamaca and down Vejas Grade again. A bit wore out this afternoon. So if I may.... post a better picture ..I think this will work Yep that's more like it.

West end of Santee

I'm a bit of a noob and have a new bike, what do you all think? Would this be an ok ride to put some break in miles on a new KLR ...at least to Decanso? Open to new noobs? I do have a little riding experience.

Looking to see if anyone can recommend a place for RV (trailer) service. I'm not looking for a deal, just good work at a fair price, I don't mind paying a slight premium for emphasis on good work and attention to detail. Looking to have brakes and bearings checked, plumbing leak fixed, some resealing and vents and shrouds replaced... East County preferred, but would travel for an especially good place. Thanks

This bike was not put away as mindful as it should have been some time back, and now it’s time to clean it up and bring it back. I would have sworn I saw this bike in someone’s signature, someone on the board owns one, used to own one.... but now can’t find the signature and figure out who that might be? Or was I was just imagining it? Anyone out there that own one or used to own one? I would be interested your impressions, setup and any additional information or knowledge you might have? These were quite the bikes. Here it is yesterday after a trip up and down the street and a little more clean up. It's naked as the plastic that came on it was junk (IMO) and only got worse as time progressed, one of the things that needs to be addressed. I don't have experience on lots of different bikes or anything recent, but I think it's safe to say these bikes had some get up and go .

Looks like a lot of fun! I'd like to get out there and see what goes on.

Parked and unloaded at the Acorn at about 7:30am. Down old highway 80 to Live Oak Springs, went through to the MX track. Looked like it was just opening, thought about asking to ride through the non track areas, but there were a few trucks in line and it kind of looked like what you could see. Down through Boulevard and then out to Lark Canyon. Couple people there, one truck at each end, a few trucks coming in when I was leaving. Little patches of sand on the way in and way out were kind funny. Next I continued on through by Jacumba out to In-Ko-Pa. Rode to the end of In-Ko-Pa Rd as that is where a book said to look for rocks and minerals. Checked it out a bit but decided I probably should revisit a map to understand where I might be going. Turns out this area might be private property. Rode up to the Desert Lookout Tower, I like the place. I talked with the guy that owns it, interesting guy. He was who told me the end of the road might be private property, owned by a sheriff? He said there was some nice places on the other side of the street, but the roads were a little tough. Given my bike is kind of old (83 XT 550), maybe tackling that riding with someone might be best.Moon Valley? Headed back west and stopped at the Jacumba Fall Festival / Swap Meet and met 350Thumper, he had a spatula and was Bbq'ing hambergers and hot dogs. BS'ed for a few minutes, had a hot dog, BS'ed a little more then had to get going. It was nice to met 350Thumper, sounds like he knows a lot about riding out there and Corral Canyon. Headed back to the Acorn, loaded up and headed home about 11:30am. Looking forward to riding out there again, I think there is still a lot to ride and see. I had a really nice morning riding.

My Roadside Geology along Sunrise Highway ride came to a quick conclusion. Motorcycle had some kind of problem, would miss or load or something mid to high RPM's. Idle and idle rev'ing was fine but once I started down the road it would stumble. Might have been a stuck bowl, fuel starving... with one (on-off-res) configuration the carb would overflow. The petcocks (2) & fuel lines seem to function a little goofy. I was into riding and not road side repairs so I just came home. I'm going to work on getting it sorted out and when I do I'm going to try the Roadside Geology along Sunrise Highway ride again. Mixed weather on the way up, but once I got there the weather looked like it was going to be nice and there was a good fast burn off. Had some pictures to post of the burn off, but problem with posting them. Oh well. On the positive side got home, had a little nap and then my wife made great lunch. Now going to relax and watch San Andreas movie. So tough morning, nice afternoon.

That's the same organization that produced it, but that's a different thing. I ran across the Julian document looking at there wed page (SDAG) after I bought my book. Looks like it could be a fun ride, I think it was a field trip of theirs. On that note they have an interesting Field Trip planned for this year. http://www.sandiegogeologists.org/Trip2015.html ` I have a couple other rock and mineral books so I'm researching and looking for some other places to look. Back to the book, here is the book, it's on the same SDAG page as the Julian doc but there is no direct link. Here it is on amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Roadside-Geology-along-Sunrise-Highway/dp/0916251195

Got the bike out today to see if I could figure out what the problem was and today there was no problem? I think is was probably a stuck float or a goofy petcock vacuum. I'm hoping try it again on... probably on the 31st early am.

I got a book called Roadside Geology along Sunrise Highway, it has 12 stops between Pine Valley and Cuyamaca Meadows, the stops have one or more Geological points of interest. Most of the points of interest seem to be on the large scale, but there accompanying information and facts to go along with. One of the stops is something seen every time, it's referred to as the graffiti rock, it was left there because it was thought to be an exposed fault surface. It's that big jutting rock formation with the parking area on the left side a couple miles up. From what I have read the whole area is called Cuyamaca - Laguna shear zone, I don't think tectonic plates per se, but geological elements with some type of movement.Stuff to be learned. Anyway... My plan is to truck up to the 8 - 79 park and ride from east county, getting there about 7 am... then take 79 to Old Highway 80 to the Pine Valley - Sunrise Highway intersection, that area is stop 1 in the book. From there proceed up Sunrise Highway moving from stop to stop and and see what I can find, see and figure out. Anyone is welcome to come along, I do think it will be as much Geology scouting as riding and I ride at a modest pace. At some point I would be nice to wrap up, continue on to Lake Cuyamaca, back down the 79 in order to return to the park and ride. Maybe something to eat in Descanso or back up to Pine Valley. Basically new at this kind of riding and my motorcycle is a little old, so pretty much keeping it easy does it. I would guess finishing up Noon time, but some flexibility.