paulmbowers 236 Posted December 3, 2018 Based on our discussion on another thread, I've contacted SoCalMule and we've decided to offer a non-expert ride through Fish Creek on Sunday the 9th. This is not a 100% n00b ride- you'll need some experience and be properly equipped- riding gear, tools, tubes and sparkling attitude. It's an opportunity to ride at a achievable pace with others who expect you to struggle and will be happy to help you through the tougher parts and/or celebrate with you when it all goes smoothly. Meet at Pinyon parking area, ( 33.056900, -116.420294 ) rider's meeting at 859 sharp, kickstands up by 907. Probably 100-ish miles maximum- I work early the next morning. Street legal bikes- there will be pavement miles returning to the staging area, and it's in the state park. Experienced riders welcome! This is not a route easily suited for big ADV bikes. Yes, of course there are people that have done it. Yes of course in my opinion it's not so fun on the big bikes. Click the link below " December 9th 2018 Ride.GPX " which SHOULD download the tracks- there are 7. I'm unable to help you with GPS setup, sorry, but if there are download issues, please let me know. December 9th 2018 Ride.GPX Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pokey151 244 Posted December 3, 2018 Hmmm. I might be able to pull this off. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tntmo 887 Posted December 3, 2018 Sunday.....probably. Not sure how I'm busier now than ever, but I guess I will see later in the week. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SoCalMule 106 Posted December 3, 2018 A couple of things to review prior to this ride/clinic: What is the "attack position?" Why "looking forward" and picking your line, not looking at what you don't want to hit is so important. I'm adding a link here from Barry of Enduro Cross Training Skills. He is an above average rider (I feel that he is a great rider) with a huge following due to his humor and humble attitude. I recommend that you subscribe and review many of the riding skills addressed on this channel. Cheers Mate! SCM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=127cnl2Rx-4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulmbowers 236 Posted December 3, 2018 1 hour ago, tntmo said: Sunday.....probably. Not sure how I'm busier now than ever, but I guess I will see later in the week. Let's get your radio going! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tntmo 887 Posted December 3, 2018 11 minutes ago, paulmbowers said: Let's get your radio going! I should get a bike going first. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagstr 287 Posted December 3, 2018 May I suggest a preliminary Flat Dez screening day. Unless a rider is comfortable in a deep wash, You will be throwing riders At and Off steps. 😎 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulmbowers 236 Posted December 3, 2018 1 hour ago, Bagstr said: May I suggest a preliminary Flat Dez screening day. Unless a rider is comfortable in a deep wash, You will be throwing riders At and Off steps. 😎 "This is not a 100% n00b ride- you'll need some experience and be properly equipped[...]" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KTMrad 508 Posted December 3, 2018 Another weekend yes. Can't do the 8th, day after company overnight Christmas Party at Torrey Pines resort. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SoCalMule 106 Posted December 3, 2018 Still gauging interest... Here is another good video for the "how to" folks riding deep sand...Cheers! SCM Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wierdrider 187 Posted December 3, 2018 Maybe for me, thanks for the nice offer. I’ve been pretty intimidated to try hah😬 I can’t commit yet though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SoCalMule 106 Posted December 3, 2018 This will be my last instructional video posted here...your on your own now now get those PW 50s out of the garage, dust them off and start practicing! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulmbowers 236 Posted December 3, 2018 Funny what they call sand down undah. I call that traction. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
erik_26 31 Posted December 3, 2018 The instructional videos are great. What would be a huge help is if a member were to record the complete trail, broken up into parts, and post it on Youtube. I am somewhat confident on my little TW200, but I do have some mental limitations, mainly sand and mud at the moment. I need to practice more on sand and in mud. I guess I don't have experience with step ledges either. I think of a staircase in a home, I could probably ride down that without issue. Add loose rock and obstacles, maybe not so much at least not at speed. Going up said staircase, never tried so I guess that is something else I will need to practice. Having a video to see the trail would be huge. It doesn't have to be a how to. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dress4Less 162 Posted December 3, 2018 2 hours ago, paulmbowers said: Funny what they call sand down undah. I call that traction. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SoCalMule 106 Posted December 3, 2018 1 hour ago, erik_26 said: The instructional videos are great. What would be a huge help is if a member were to record the complete trail, broken up into parts, and post it on Youtube. I am somewhat confident on my little TW200, but I do have some mental limitations, mainly sand and mud at the moment. I need to practice more on sand and in mud. I guess I don't have experience with step ledges either. I think of a staircase in a home, I could probably ride down that without issue. Add loose rock and obstacles, maybe not so much at least not at speed. Going up said staircase, never tried so I guess that is something else I will need to practice. Having a video to see the trail would be huge. It doesn't have to be a how to. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SoCalMule 106 Posted December 3, 2018 Here is another glimpse as to what you may see on Sunday... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SoCalMule 106 Posted December 3, 2018 5 hours ago, Bagstr said: May I suggest a preliminary Flat Dez screening day. Unless a rider is comfortable in a deep wash, You will be throwing riders At and Off steps. 😎 You coming Gov? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
erik_26 31 Posted December 3, 2018 Thank you, SoCal Mule. Great videos, huge help. The first one looks doable for me, that is until I vaguely get a glimpse of how steep it is toward the end of the video. The GoPros have a tenancy to flatten out terrain. Does anyone have any pictures of Heart Attack hill that really put it into perspective? The second video is exactly how I would take that section. Looks doable for me too, until the sand part towards the end. Then again, I am not sure how high some of those rocks are to know if I would have enough clearance on a TW200. I am thinking of buying a WR250r, I don't know if that would fair any better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulmbowers 236 Posted December 3, 2018 3 minutes ago, erik_26 said: , I don't know if that would fair any better. This won’t be the last opportunity to experience this route, and based on your questions and reservations, I’d encourage you to work on basic skills a while longer. Fish Creek ain’t going anywhere 😎 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SoCalMule 106 Posted December 3, 2018 25 minutes ago, erik_26 said: Thank you, SoCal Mule. Great videos, huge help. The first one looks doable for me, that is until I vaguely get a glimpse of how steep it is toward the end of the video. The GoPros have a tenancy to flatten out terrain. Does anyone have any pictures of Heart Attack hill that really put it into perspective? The second video is exactly how I would take that section. Looks doable for me too, until the sand part towards the end. Then again, I am not sure how high some of those rocks are to know if I would have enough clearance on a TW200. I am thinking of buying a WR250r, I don't know if that would fair any better. You are welcome Erik. The WR 250 would probably work well over the TW; though it depends...riders over 160# would do better on a slightly larger displacement bike in the desert setting. This is just my opinion and opinions are like belly buttons, everybody has one...well, most everyone. I agree with PMB's advise to you; but having said that, he is my friend, and I don't want him mad at me...he rides an all black KTM 500 with zero stickers on it after all. Mule Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hoss314 0 Posted December 3, 2018 Should be some great traction out there if the forecasted rain pulls through. I will be working on the property....stop by for a cold beer on your way out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkug 146 Posted December 4, 2018 If you do Grapevine you might see me on my bicycle ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
erik_26 31 Posted December 4, 2018 5 hours ago, paulmbowers said: This won’t be the last opportunity to experience this route, and based on your questions and reservations, I’d encourage you to work on basic skills a while longer. Fish Creek ain’t going anywhere 😎 Agreed. Aside from skill building, I also need to build endurance standing on the pegs and movin' my large butt around.... lol. I rode a decent distance and did some shifting and turning on my Super Tenere. It was on pavement, but it still felt good. I'll keep practicing and I will get there. I am having fun regardless. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites