DigDug

Hey bum, no problem... With summer coming up, we like to get up in the mountains and away from the heat of the desert OHV areas. We'll be up there a few more times for sure - catch you next time around. For the rest, here are few previews from one of our trips: Trails like this: Lots of trails like this: Hopefully there won't be too much of this: For those that want hardcore trails, we can hit some stuff like this (It's a bit easier than it looks, there's a pretty good line around the rough stuff): I've ridden all these trails on my XR650L(although there was a bit more pushing/sweating/etc involved), but they're a whole lot more fun, and quite a bit less tiring on a smaller/lighter bike...

I wasn't there but I'd guess it's because all the KTM riders were stuck behind all the Hondas clogging up the trails... They're not designed to go soooo slow..... Just kidding - sorry, I couldn't resist - I own one of each, and a Kawasaki, and a Suzuki for that matter. I guess I need to buy a Yamaha to round out the stable...

Great ride!!! Thanks for letting us tag along Steve. And sorry to all for the round-about lead to the gas-station. Here are few of my snapshots: I was trail end of the convoy up there... Here's the gang in front: At the staging area - papaalex with his new ride: A quick stop to see what was up with pioneertown: We didn't go much further since this guy was guarding the place: Although this guy was on our side and I'm sure could have taken the old saloon "guard": Off we rode: Here's a little of that dust we got to eat: Rinsing off a little of that dust: From there, it was a mostly riding. I was having too much fun to take pictures. I took the lead after lunch, led the group on a wild (but very scenic) goose chase to hit the gas station. From gassing up, we headed up north of Fawnskin to see if Big Pine Flat CG was open (it is). We took a short moderate single track up to the Johnson Valley overlook. Here's the gang and the overlook: From there it was pure hauling on fire roads. We did get a bit spaced out between the fast and slow groups... but I'm sure that helped with the dust a little. Back to the cars and my GPS showed 117 miles for the day. Here's the track log: Again... great ride with a great bunch of guys. Thanks for letting the newbie tag along!!! Next time I roll up there with my son to ride the green sticker trails, I'll post it here and see if anyone wants go come along on some of the roller-coaster singletrack!!! Doug

Wow Alex!!! So much for going inexpensive and short seat! Congratulations! Let me know when you're broken in and ready to start modding. Time to get it all dirty. It'll feel like a mountain bike comared to your DR (although that seat will make your butt sore on longer rides - just stand up). Let's see some pictures!!!!

Hey... I've got about 90% of my Saturday kitchen pass worked out. This ride sounds like a blast!!! If you guys don't mind another rider, I'd love to check out that side of the mountain!!! I've ridden all over the silverwood side (green sticker trails with my son), but a nice scenic jeep trail sounds like fun on a warm Saturday!!! I'm in San Marcos and have a pickup that will haul two bikes. I bet we can get TJ's KLR up the ramp and into the bed (if he does all the pushing).

Hey Alex... great riding with you this past weekend. I see that short spin on the dirtdame's bike has you thinking smaller. Have you looked at this thread: http://www.dualsport-sd.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1123 I am quite a bit heavier than you, and rode a KLX-300R until my son grew into it. It carried me everywhere. The only place it lacked power for me was climbing blow-sand-hill at Ocotillo Wells. My son is quite a bit lighter than me (pretty close to you I'd guess), and he made it up first try on the 300. I have done some cheap upgrades which made it loads of fun. The trick is to buy a used one with a plate. Unfortunately Kaliforniastan won't let you plate a dirt-bike. Another option is the KLX-250S: http://kawasaki.com/Products/Detail.aspx?id=206 . It comes from the factory street legal (2007 model was non California) and the 2008 model is supposedly going to be available in California. It's essentially the same bike as the 300, but in exchange for the extra 50cc, you get the street legal gear and an electric starter. Supposedly, you can put the 300 cylinder and piston on it and get the displacement back if you want more. I don't have the link handy, but advrider.com has a pretty good sized thread about the 250 in their thumpers category. That'd probably answer your street-ability question about the bike too. If you've got the cash (and the inseam length) though... you can't beat the Husky or the KTM. I haven't seen the Husky in person, but the specs say it's as tall, if not taller, than my KTM you saw this last weekend. Plus the cheaper bike would allow you too keep your DR for the longer/easier/more streeet rides. I realize it's starting to get hot out there, but you're welcome to try out my son's KLX one of these weekends in the desert (or somewhere with some sand) to see if something like that would work for you.

Okay - I'll elaborate. First of all, I was kind of looking forward to getting out and doing some "grown-up" riding. 90% of my riding lately has been with my 13 year old son - who rides a mean KLX300, but not street legal. Well, this weekend, my son was grounded from his dirt bike - so I joined up with the gang to ride the Bautista canyon trails. My son didn't want to be left at home, so he asked if he could bring his BMX bike and ride the fire roads and meet us at the truck. I said sure (knowing that seeing everyone on their motorcycles would be a good motivation to get his act in gear so he could get back on his). Our agreement was that he would stick to the main road and meet us back at the truck in a couple hours. Well, we did our 2 hour ride - no son. We spent about 45 minutes resting/eating - no kid. We went for our second ride (in the direction he took off in, I was looking left and right the whole way)and I gave him a call on his cell. Well, that few hour ride turned into a 26 mile trek on his BMX bike - He was at the Dairy Queen in Anza - could I come pick him up? When I arrived, sure enough - he was sitting inside an air-conditioned Dairy Queen, eating icecream and watching TV :aggressive: Grrr.. Kids... Anyways, my version of the trails - Loads of fun. Hixon was loads of fun - the beginning loose and rutted like mentioned - forcing you to pick your lines carefully. Allesandro was a little different - only one line to pick, you just hang on. Both were a blast!!! The afternoon ride had some great views in all directions. This area is great - roads in all directions to explore. I'm definately going to go back!!! Here are a few pictures I snapped: (just these three - I was too busy riding to stop and take pictures!!!) I just wanted to thank everyone for letting me tag along!!!! I had a great time and it was good meeting you.

Cool.. that looks pretty wild. If you guys don't mind another, I'm going to try and make it up there. Black Chevy pickup - going to bring the 450 EXC...

Just a quick thread to introduce myself. I'm Doug, and I live in San Marcos. Currently riding an XR650L to and from work every day I can. Also have a street legal 450EXC for the tighter/rougher trails. Rode a bit as a kid then took a break for quite a few years. Got back into it about 2 years ago with my son. He's 13 and rides a KLX300R (until he gets old enough for his M1). We spend quite a bit of time in the green sticker areas, but I still like to get out quite a bit on my own - and explore the plated trails. I'd call myself an intermediate rider (which probably means beginner compared to the old-hats). Looking forward to leaching off some of your local area knowledge and getting some "grownup" riding in. Thanks... Doug

Yeah... I've noticed the informal rides section to be pretty darned active!!! That's a good thing. The night ride looks like a blast!!! I'll have to start now working on the kitchen pass for that one..

Well... My wife is out of town all weekend, and my son is grounded from his dirt-bike all weekend too... You know what that means? I get to use that license plate thing and explore something other than an OHV park. If you guys wouldn't mind another - I'd love to tag along. I was hoping to get out and ride some miles (dirt/street/combo) both days. The EXC has new sneakers and I gotta break them in right!!! Let me know the details on where/what/how hard a ride you're planning (so I can plan which bike to bring)