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Bagstr

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Posts posted by Bagstr

  2. Posted

    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

  6. Posted

    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

  8. Posted

    Dave,

    Were you able to get out on Sunday? Since I had never been on them, I did Boulder Creek and Eagle Peak on Saturday morning looking for cooler tempratures. Both of these were definitely big wide graded roads, but the scenery and cool air were great. Much more interesting were the smaller truck trails, like the picture below, which were off of Eagle Peak to the North. They went for miles and miles, and would be no problem for a bigger bike. Let me know when you are planning to go out again.

    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

  9. Posted

    Thanks, for sharing. Looks like a nice ride, what was you total milage for the trip? Ken

    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

  10. Posted

    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

  11. Posted

    I took the 1200GS pig on Grapevine and Oriflame with no back brakes :blink: Also have ridden the sqeeze, dropoff and the Desert Dash on Randy's KTM950, when I begged pathetically and he let me use it for the day. Ya wanna take a shot at nasty, you can do it with a bigger bike just fine, just respect the power a little more and use a lot of finesse and don't try to muscle it too much, or it WILL break you, it's bigger than you are, and it knows it :D Also lug it slightly if you get in trouble and feather the clutch, and whatever you do, watch the throttle control in the tight sections or you'll definitely do some "Agony of Defeat" type stunt only a cameraman and the parts guy at the Dealer would be proud of.

    Most of the learning curve is related to getting as perfect balance as possible, and becoming reeeeeally familiar with how to use the copious power to nudge the bike around. Stand on the pegs and just ease into stuff, you'll be surprised how you do. I used to run TKC-80's on the back in the sand, but now I'm having surprisingly good luck using Anakee in the back and a knobby in the front (otherwise you can't steer, trust me), just have to use a little more precision on sidehills, but it makes up for it with excellent street manners for Palomar street if you want.

    Grab Randy or some of the guys with big bikes (Kevin, Mike Miani) and ride behind them a bit and you'll see the technique, it's really quite challenging and fun, but you have to be up for the challenge, and it helps to have a reasonable amount of physical strength, and other riding buddies to laugh at you watching you learn (Kevin). I'd love to go along, that way I can laugh at Kevin, I never miss an opportunity for that :D

    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

  12. Posted

    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

    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

  13. Posted

    You should be able to handle Palomar Divide and Mesa Grande/Black Canyon road with no problem. Let me know if you want company. I always enjoy both routes.

    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

  14. Posted

    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

  16. Posted

    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

  17. Posted

    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

  18. Posted

    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

  19. Posted

    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

  20. Posted

    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

  22. Posted

    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

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