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Bagstr

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Posts posted by Bagstr

  1. Posted

    SDRider.

    That's sounds fine with me. I'm just trying to get "out there". I see your routes on the map and have not travelled them. There is another rider out of El Cajon that might join in. I will give him a call today. If I remember, you are coming from the beach area. What do you say about meeting in La Mesa at Cosmos Coffee (La Mesa Blvd. and Spring St.. just east of Spring) I am in La Mesa so I could meet you there at whatever time you like Saturday. We could head out Willow Glen to Dehesa.

    As to which bike: We could be on a fair amount of pavement favoring the GS; but then we don't know how tough the trails will get; therefore I have no idea which is best. It must be nice to have a choice! One bike must do all for me.

    Dave 619-994-9481

  3. Posted

    Brett,

    A big Thank You for that lead. I had hopes there must be local talent. With my stock 990 measuring 63mm static and 95mm Rider sag, I suspect there are improvement to be had. (Using the 30% and 5%-10% general rule) How does your Big Bike handle on the road after your fork work? Can you PM a phone number or ask Eric if he is interested?

    Regards, Dave

    One would think in all of SD there would be a competent tuner

    Might I recommend Eric Shapiro. In our SSC group we call him "Mr. Suspension". I don't know if he would be interested in this side-work, but his qualifications are in order:

    Within the SSC alone we have 6 KTM 950s and he's done fork work on many of them, including our SDAR President & his own SEVERAL times. He and Tony first helped me install the Eibach constant rate springs for good improvement. Most recently he replaced my seals when setting up my forks to his latest shim stack specifications.

    As many of you know, the 950 is mostly a dirt bike to me and I'm pretty in tune to suspension characteristics. I truly didn't think such a large improvement could be made, but WOW ... what a difference! The front is now so compliant it's like night & day!

    I can now crash at higher speeds than ever! :)

  4. Posted

    Measuring the sag on my Adventure, I can now pretend that is one part of the issue riding the Big Bike offroad. My question is: Can anyone recommend a local fork tuner with experience Springing and Valving this Bison of a bike? I've read of Super Plush up in the Bay Area and an outfit near Three Brothers in Temecula. One would think in all of SD there would be a competent tuner.

    Thanks for your input, Dave

  5. Posted

    This coming weekend is the International Motorcyclye Show in Long Beach. If you are looking for a new bike(street or dirt) and want to see whats new from all the manufactures under one roof-Check it our. Free parking in you ride there with free helmet/jacket checking.

    Kevin,

    Your next ride IS on display and looks the part. Three of us went up Friday. If you want to see the Star of the Show, you will need to walk over to the KTM floor to check out the still dirty Baja Competing 690. Touratech is also onsite with good guys to talk with.

    Dave

  6. Posted

    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

  7. Posted

    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

  8. Posted

    ;) Rain, who wudda thunk? Well I gotta ride so I'm still going. I am changing camping to Vallecito County Park I will be in space #13 and have room for one more tent or if you prefer there are other spaces. Anybody who wants to ride meet up at the park entrance around 11am Sat. or come by the camp site. We will figure out where to ride once we are there as there are several options. If ya wanna ride Sun. I'm in too. Feel free to call me, I don't know if I will have service. Steve (619) 654-6475 :(

    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

  9. Posted

    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

  10. Posted

    I did the squeeze and dropoff with a 950 like yours. I think you'd be okay, at least you did okay when we went riding last, just feather the clutch in 2nd gear so you can keep your momentum up without grabbing too much power, and then just ease along and keep your elbows up, you should do okay, stand in the sand more, and let the bike shift. Just take your time and find your line and then ride and don't get intimidated, the bike will be fine. I should have knobbies on the pig soonish, then we can do those sections if you want, the pig likes sand :D

    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

  12. Posted

    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.

  14. Posted

    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

  16. Posted

    So Tamarisk Grove campground is right across the road from Yaqui Well campground, right? I have staged for a trail ride numerous times in Yaqui Well campground, because it's free and the rangers don't seem to mind me parking my vehicle and starting my ride there, and the trail in goes through and later joins Grapevine trail.

    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

  18. Posted

    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

  23. Posted

    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

  24. Posted

    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

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