Bagstr

Boys and Girls, I'm getting back into the dirt with a 990 Adventure after an offroad layoff of some ten years. It's been fun learning from the Informal Ride and Ride Writeups forums about the Dual Sport roads and trails you are using. Here's a question for those of you with spare time to answer. Which of the following trails are appropriate for the big KTM and its rider relearning the ways of the slide? I've been up Viejas Grade and Boulder Creek which were a lark. Also, down Thing Valley which I found somewhat hairy lower than the middle gate. I'm still on the stock Scorpions. Nate Harrison Palomar Divide/High Point Eagle Peak Pine Creek McCain Valley Rodriguez Canyon Chariot Canyon Oroflamme Canyon Southerland Dam-Mesa Grande Fred Canyon off Thing Valley My previous offroad experience was a KTM Cross Country bike down in the Yuha Desert. Thanks, BAGSTR

Thanks to Kevin and the gang for a good outting. I'll post a report under "Olympic Ride to Idyllwild" today. Dave

BAGSTR will be there. Thanks Kevin for taking the lead.

The Story So Far... Dave is learning to negociate the backroads with a Big KTM; Cameron and Kevin like to laugh and joke while riding/exploring; Cameron has asked if anyone is interested in an Olympic style Kevin ride; Kevin has asked Cameron if he is interested in Table Mt. and Idyllwild via the River Rd.: Personally, I don't know exactly what an Olympic Kevin style ride entails, but I'm game. I will be out and about Saturday and Sunday regardless and am willing to meet up with any and all where-ever, anytime after dawn either day. The temps are forecast to 89-97F depending on elevation, so bring lots of hydration. Regards, Dave

Dave is interested....as long as you two promise not to hurt me. I have the TKC up front but the Scorpion A/T in back. Is the route tooo sandy for the Scorp? Will we return 2:00AM Sunday or Monday? Dave

Bruce, Yes, had a pleasant ride, see my ride report with a few photos. Loved Santa Ysabel and plan on doing Pamo again. According to Alan of the Pamo Ranch, the gate Is Locked up the road about 7 miles from the ranch. But, that makes for a nice 14 miler. Also, the gate up Black Mt. appeared to be locked, although I did not ride up from the SY junction. I'll call the Goose Valley Station to check that out next trip. There was a sign stating the some Hang Glider organization had a permit to be up there. That Eagle Peak Rd. takes a guy to places I've never seen before. That whole area, in the heart of the county is amazing for the isolated nature. The Dear One is out of town this W.E., so I could well be on the road once more. I'll let you know. Dave

Joliet, The dirt part must have been something like 25 miles. Start and finish in La Mesa was a full tank, 150miles. I also went in Harrison Park off Hwy 79 trying to get through William Heise Co. Park to Boulder Cr. Later, the route took me toward Mason Valley which was locked. Reset the suspension for the road and rolled down the mountain to Japatul Rd. and home. Dave

Sunday's temperature was not too bad and the brush fires held off one more week; so the Troll up Pamo and over Santa Ysabel Rd. turned out well. This was my first time in the area and my thanks to the Board for the big bike recommend. I met Alan who operates the Pamo Ranch at the end of the valley. Friendly guy who appreciates the plated bikes that stick to the roads. "Its the kids on dirt bikes that go over the fence and tear land up". Next trip, I'll continue past Pamo and troll up the seven mile dead end via Carney Canyon to Temescal Valley. Enjoyed the bridge Santa Ysabel Rd. provided between Pamo and Black Canyon. Nice road requiring some concentration. The water bars serve as an unending series of launch ramps. Black Canyon runs like a freeway on the way up to Mesa Grande. All in all a fun way to explore the back country from a new (for me) perspective. Dave

UncleC, All good advice...especially the finesse aspect. Regards the learning curve, so far so upright! Last week was the first tank slapper with recovery included. Taking it slow is good, but the throttle is sooo much fun! You guys must laugh at a big twin on the trails and rightly so. But being able to troll the trails AND hammer Palomar with the WFO throttle is just plain fun. Now, I'm using the TKC up front and the Pirelli out back to attempt steering control in the dirt and traction control on the pavement. The thing with the 990 is you start to believe all things are possible in all places. Dave

Any chance you could go out on Saturday? I am tied up this Sunday morning. This is a good route for a big bike! Bruce, Saturday is tough as I'm not free until about noon. But,!! I will be doing the area more than once. Call me if you want to review options. Dave 619-994-9481

Bruce and Mjlang, Rad Here is your chance if you don't mind a guy regaining his dirt legs on a big bike. Sounds like a prescription for something. I plan on exporing the roads north of Ramona this Sunday, Aug 5. Black Mtn/Canyon, Pamo/Carney. Dave

Grapevine Canyon for a Big Twin?? Hi gang, I've been out sliding the fire roads; and next on my "Adventure List" is Grapevine between Hwy 78 east of Scissors Crossing up to Ranchita. Running a TKC80 up front and the stock Scorp in back. I've taken the good advice re Rodriguez etc. for the time being. Also, headed over to Black Canyon and Pamo. The Cleveland Forest maps show locked gates at the north end toward Lusardi. Can a bike get through to Hwy76? Regards, BAGSTR Reformed Sport Tourer

KTMrad, I'm at the ready.

Thank you riders, I have no intention of becoming a "Single Track Acrobat" with this bike; just trying to scope trail difficulty. Graded roads and smooth two track, I figure will work. The pavement Pyro is a big part of my riding fun time. Throw in some dirt access to a nice camp site and I'll be happy. After a Beefy FJR, the "Big Adventure" is a lightweight. Again, thanks for the entertainment and have fun with your Dual Sports. BAGSTR

First; Thanks to all who contribute to this site. I am enjoying the information shared from ride routes to cycle shops. I'm looking for the source of the nice online maps some of you post. I've looked at the USGS and AAA sites, but they don't have the detail or flexibility needed to post and share maps without the junk. I have City Navigator and Garmin Topo, but again, detail, detail, gates etc. Thanks for any help. Dave

Regarding MotoWorlds KTM Service, Not certain what to think regarding Service Dept. They have had my 990 for 4 days to do the initial service. I called last week to make an appointment. They said sure, just bring it in Tuesday, will take one or two days. It's now almost 5:00 on Friday. I'd call that lousy. I see a few KTMs being serviced. Have any of you had better luck? Looks like I may be driving up to MS for the mechanic that ride KTMs. BAGSTR

husky4me, Well, I have a deal and have talked to a few dealers. There is only one thing missing...a bike! Rumours are several, anything from anyday to early May. BAGSTR PS, my '03 FJR is up for sale for anyone interested. $7800 obo

Husky4me, My garage has space for only one bike, so I take my best shot, one at a time! Tommorrow should be deal day. BAGSTR