Bagstr

NOAA is forcasting RAIN then showers then cold temps Thursday through Saturday. Snow in Julian Saturday night. I will be watching events hoping to explore more of the S2 Sunday starting at 0900. Still on the list are: Pinyon Mtn Valley, Mason Valley and down south to Dolomite Mine and the Volcanic Hills. I could end up doing the Arroyo Salado to Cut Across to Buttes Canyon if there is some hope of avoiding clay mud in the washes. Watching the weather, Dave

Captcham, SDrider, myself and Grantzilla? made it over the mountains throught the rain and 37d temps to beautiful Carrizo Valley. I arrived Saturday about 11:30 to find Captcham and his wife set up in camp at Vallecito County Park. I trailered the 990 and given the weather we did not expect sdrider since he was riding the KLR from PB. Twenty minutes later we hear his motor searching the camp! What a tough guy. Captcham suggested Canyon Sin Nombre and Vallecito Creek return. Now I can add greasy clay to my concerns in addition to sand washes as I learn to drag the big 990 buffalo of a bike through the dez. I know, drop the air pressure and gas it. But man, that was one slick pig of a wash. Although, the guys on 400-600 class bikes that blew past us seemed to be enjoying themselves. "We're going to do the Diablo Drop. You want to go along?" Well, not today thanks, I'm still a whimp out here! I had to bail early, but I hope the rest of the day went well for Captcham and sdrider. Did you stay warm overnight? Grantzilla called Sunday AM to see who might be roaming around out there. Did you all connect? Thanks for the fun, Dave

OK, all you Dual Sporters, bear with me as I learn the ways of the Dez. This trip out, I'm looking to explore the "Big Bike Accessable" trails east and west of S2 between Scissors Crossing and Carrizo Badlands Overlook. No, I'm not doing the Pinyon or Diablo Drops! What areas have you found interesting? For my staging/parking area I'm trying to decide between Blair, Butterfield or Vallecito. The concept is to explore until the sand gets too deep and then head back for the next trail. Any suggestions, beside getting a lighter bike? Dave PS, I'm learning first hand the difference between a true Dual Sport and an Adventure bike. And, yes the bike is running DOT knobs.

Capt, I will see you at Vallecito Saturday, hopefully by 11:00. I will leave La Mesa by 0900 pulling trailer with a white F150. Dave 619-994-9481

Captcham, I will trailer the bike down Saturday arriving approximately 11:00 and find you wherever you decide to camp. I can arrive earlier if anyone else is making the trip Saturday. We can tool around a bit and compair Orange Bikes. I can't camp this weekend, as the wifes in a class Saturday. I am really open to general exploration. Looking at the maps; Old Carrizo Stage Station, Pinyon Mtn. Valley, Little Blair Valley all bear investigation. Everything is on the table. My attitude is to check out the road/trail surface for enjoyment factor, then go from there. The maps show many options. Other folks have expressed an interest in visiting the area Sunday. I can ride the whole way Sunday if that is the prefered mode. At that point, continue the trolling for a good time. Dave

UncleC, All good advice. Practice, practice is the answer. Get those knobbies and let's get on it! I have no problem on the rought stuff, just need more confidence in the sand. Dave

Capt, Yes, let's get together this weekend. I think an email has been sent to you but not certain. Another rider has contacted me and prefers Sunday. What is your choice? Dave

Is there a more slippery road in San Diego than Boulder Creek? Hardpack topped with gravel!

Big Thanks to DD, Papaalex and Mikeyb for taking care of a Dez Noob. That was a Kick, a Big Challenge, a kick in the butt but most of all great fun! As I've related, it has been quite awhile since I was in the Dez on a bike...and it was about 200lbs lighter. Grapevine was a challege but a hoot. The Big Adventure and I handled that fine. Being the first time back, I was cautious. When we hit Montezuma Hwy at Culp Valley, those little toy bikes were a laugh! The laughing didn't last long as we headed up to Rockhouse Canyon. The Toy Bikes were gone and Mike's 950 as well. I know, keep the front end light and gas it! That worked on the way out pretty well. On the return I was a little timid/scared after dropping the bike once in the deep stuff. The 480lbs and a weak throttle spelled doom as I dropped it one, two, three times in the soft stuff. Hey, I wanted to live. OK, so it kicked my butt. I thought caution in order when we got back to the Hwy and opted out of the Octitillo crossing back to 78. The truck felt warm and safe upon return to Tamarisk Grove. No damage except to my ego. So I need alot more practice in the sand with the Big Adventure. Thanks again for keeping me in sight! Dave

Nov. 17, Saturday, Tamarisk Grove Campground. I'm looking to dip my toes in the dez with the big Adventure this weekend. The bike has been geared down and TKC'd up. The plan is practice a little soft stuff in the wash then head up and back Grapevine to Ranchita. After, I may explore Pinyon Wash or enter from S2 near Butterfield Resort. Check out ADVrider, Regions, West, San Diego Adventure Ring if you are interested. Dave

See you at 0900. I'm certain you know the area better than me, so it's all good. Dave 619-994-9481

D/D, That is correct, one camp is improved the other not. I plan to enjoy the running water and park in the shade of the Tamarisk Grove. To All, I hope anyone with an interest to explore comes along. Be aware that this is no "Technical" ride. I'm getting reacquainted with the dez after more than a decade away. Hwy Status: Can anyone say if the road control east of Ramona to Santa Ysabel is still an issue? The post fire repairs slowed my commute last time through three weeks past. Dave

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=U...p;z=15&om=1 Papa, Down Banner from Julian, the cutoff to head up to Borrego Springs. I'll be parked outside the campground with the F-150 and trailer by 0900. The green fuzzy trees are a blight on the dez. Remember me from the Kevins Heroic ride from Warners to Idylwild, the Noob at the slow end of the group. Dave

Dreams to Dust, Old Julian Highway, More photos @ ADVrider, Regional Forums, West, Dreams to Dust. BAGSTR

OK Big Bike Riders: What ratios are you running on your KTMs? I've dropped to a 16t at the front and am considering a move from stock 42 to 45 at the rear. Is that much help in the sand and slow dirt stuff. Finally, will I need to lengthen the chain for 16/45. Thanks, Dave

Throttle Lock - http://www.adventurersworkshop.com/kaokothrottlecontrols.htm Dave

Pamo, Carney and Lusardi Canyons were beautiful weather and a nice exploration Sunday. Photos are looking north into Pamo and south from the private gate up Lusardi. ( Yes, it was locked @ 5.6mi from Pamo) Dave

Chris, Thanks for the map. I can view it on Google but unsuccessful in saving as .gdb. Looking at the Cleveland Forest Map the route south of Banner is the Calif Riding and Hiking Trail, correct? I have a TKC on the front, but waiting to put one on the back before trying the loop south of Banner and up Grapevine. Can't wait! The temperature is cooling so this will be quite nice soon. Dave

I finished the windows and will resume this Pamo/etc. ride this Sunday Oct. 7. Pamo/Carney/Black Mtn then over to Eagle Peak to explore the roads heading north. Hey Bruce! are you still exploring that area. I will check with Goose Valley Fire Station on conditions. I plan on staying on the two track roads and "Out of the Brush". I can meet any interested riders in Ramona. Please note: I'm sort of a noob; riding a Big Adventure Bike; I only have 100HP to work with on these trails. BAGSTR

This Sunday seems like a good day for a ride, but....It also seems like a good time to stay out of the brush; especially those with "modified" non-spark arrested mufflers. I thought to head up Pamo once again and explore Carney Canyon toward Lusardi Rd. and return to Upper Santa Isabel. the gate is always locked up near Esmeralda Mine. I will check with Goose Valley Ranger Station. I won't be surprised if the whole area is closed to motorized traffic. Can anyone tell me how tight the Carney Canyon Rd. is? Is it overgrown with brush? Exploring the remote stuff is fun, but I'm planning to keep my hot catalytics away from the brush. Maybe just a run up Harrison will do the trick. So, how long until the tinder box backcountry wets up? Two months? BAGSTR

Craig, Thanks for the GPX file. Everyone, Thanks for the description. Appears I may well be painting windows Sunday, so the trip will be delayed a week or so. Stay cool and ride well. Dave

Hi Gentlemen, I am very close to pulling the trigger on a '07 990 Adventure. Yes, I know it is not a Dual Sport bike! Thanks for the wealth of discussion on Dual Sport and Adventure riding. Question: Have you 950 riders moved on or are you still enjoying the KTM Experience. My idea of a perfect week is to ride the two lanes to Death Valley or Utah and get lost on the back roads, dirt, gravel, pavement. The bike would usually be used while staying in motels, but some camping thrown in. I think my question is, Have you tired of the dirt aspect and come back to the pavement? My take is that the Adventure is really a big dirt bike that tolerates the pavement. But, it is put together quite well. Lately, the pavement has seemed rather crowded. A couple of weeks ago, I stopped on Mesa Grande to take pictures and was overwhelmed by the crowds of Harleys and Miatas. Coming off a FJR1300 Regards, Dave

Looks like a great view. Sorry to miss this one. I will put it on the list of routes to do. BAGSTR

Thanks to Kevin, Steve, Mike, Cameron and Alex for a good adventure on dirt from Warner Springs to Idyllwild. I'll post a few photos and comments as soon as I recover. Hey, I made it home by 11:30PM, beating Kevins prediction by 2.5 hours! Regards, Dave

The day dawned easily enough, and after a pleasant breakfast at the Apple Country Cafe, I mustered up the courage of a NOOB and rolled over to the minimarket across the street in Santa Ysabel. Kevin, Steve, Alex and Mike were all welcoming to new guy on the new Big bike. I certain they were wondering how many times they would need to help me pick up the Tall Orange One and nurse me after a tumble. We set off @ 1000hrs. After a less than warm welcome up the road at the nearby Res, we were foiled in our attempt at crossing the shoulder of Volcan to San Felipe. The rest of the day would be spent discussing proper technique in negociating passage across the Res. Soon we were on Indian Flats Rd. and the fun was in full swing...But not before the first stop to gab and refresh ourselve. I must say the gang was welcoming and in good spirits, and that attitude continued throughout the day and night. At this point, I admit to being a little apprehensive at attempting this all day Olympic Style Kevin sponsored ride. So far we had only traversed pavement and yours truely being two months into my reentry into offroading after a 15yr layoff, let's just say I was hoping for the best. Hydrated and rested we were off! Crossing Chihuahua Rd. and continuing north in Iron Spring Canyon, over rocky ridgelines then down to soft dry creekbeds. Hydration break two and further discussion on access through private land with some commentary on current interpersonal dynamics of SDAR membership. The sun being directly overhead and Mike's cloud disipating, we broke camp and headed to Anza. While waiting for Uncle Cameron to vector in, we enjoyed the worst hamberger I've had in two decades at the local DQ, or was it Fosters Freeze? We also had the benifit of a swarm (50 or so) Road Star team players. Very organized into groups, A, B, C etc. Actually, we had a couple of good chats with the boys while waiting for Cam to down a burger. Thomas Mtn. called and we were off. Up Tripp Flats toward Little Thomas Mtn. the trail get serious and long. Concentrate and focus on the rut presenting itself: remember to turn the damn ABS off everytime you restart the Tall One. After many miles of fire road and some map/GPS consultation, we reached a high promentory with an outstanding view of beautiful Hemet, the fog at the coast, Mt. San Jacinto and the road up to Idyllwild. Not that road, the dirt road on the other side of the canyon holding Hwy 74. At this point, I must comment on the ingenious improptu cooler Kevin used to great success in keeping his canned beverages ice cold. One aluminum pannier, canned beverages add one bag ice and slam shut. Nice concept. By this time everyone's personality was in clear focus, which is I'm shure the group plan for team building. Down we plunge to the Hwy and the Forest Service Oasis;shade, lawn complete with sprinklers spraying, water fountain, picnic table. Cameron used the sprinklers to power wash his GS, it was due. All of us had a good shower (sprinklers again). Hydration being an important safety factor = more hydration. The only thing lacking was a good trash can to dump our cans, banana peals etc. I passed out aleve tablets as needed and we contemplated the final assult of the San Jacinto Mtns. Alex had plans in town, so he set off droping the group to five. Medicated and hydrated the talc road across the Hwy is our chosen path. No hiding from that stuff! As far back as I could follow was not far enough to escape the choking dust. This is the only time I thought I might lose contact with the group. Finally, we escaped to high geography, but a gate forced the team to break into two well healed travelling teams. Kevin, Mike and Steve took the adventurous route, Cameron and I followed the commuter route. Man, those are some serious drops off the side of those roads. Concentrate on the job at hand. Mile after mile, rocks, ruts, powder and finally trees. Cameron and I stopped in a fabulous glen at a creek crossing; big pines and lots of shade. Unable to resolve which was the better bike, GS or 990, we headed up again. At this point, I began to think that the big KTM and I would actually make the entire route without a dump. Oh S... now I really started to tense up. Lucky for me the 990, like a good horse, kept me out of trouble. I just gave him his head, and he rolled through. Three miles from the pavement of 243, Cameron spoted a flash off the road. I rode clean by it. Full size Dogge 4x had slide off the road downhill and...luckily into the oak forest of 3" trees. No bodies, motor cold. Must have been last night after the party down to the campsite. We later reported the location to a Forest Service guy at the top. So, we finally hit pavement in Pine Cove after an 1:45 or so of separation between group A and group B. (That Roadstar Crew has nothing on us) and Cameron and I find the three adventurers pumping gas at the minimart. Now, that is precise execution. Nothing remaining but the party. As they say, good times. Steve, Kevin and Mike still had some idea of further exploration to "The Picnic Table" in the dark. Sensible men that we are Cameron and I opted to split the group yet again and hauled. Must have been 9:00PM, I had long since stopped keeping track of time. We had a fun roll back once we cleared the Res traffic at Aguanga. From there to Santa Ysabel, via Warner Springs was nice. I wish to have removed the damn visor on the XD before departing. But hey, what is a little more blurred vision. Arrive home in La Mesa 2330 hrs, 239 miles door to door. Thanks to all of you for taking care of the NOOB. Dave