* Date set to 22-23 October *
All details are on the calendar, please RSVP there. Also can be seen in this post:
As discussed in this thread: https://dualsport-sd.com/forums/index.php?/topic/27091-your-next-big-ride/&
It seems that we have some people interested in doing some of these "Next Big Rides" but haven't quite got their feet wet yet, or maybe they want to test a new setup or haven't gone on a bike camping trip for a while. I am far from an expert and I don't have the latest Gucci gear but can probably help give some of y'all a little nudge to get out there and start your adventure.
My thoughts on how this could work - just a very simple ride with some street and some dirt, long enough to see how the bike feels with your camping setup on it at highway speeds and on some off pavement stuff. Everyone should plan to be able to be 100% self sufficient but we have safety of being in a group. Camp at a place that has some basic facilities if possible, just so it's a bit easier for anyone who is a first timer. Get there early enough so everyone can set up, help each other, tips/tricks, eat, drink and be merry.
About a month from now, so mid/late October. That gives people a chance to ask questions, pick up gear, old timers can get a flea market going for excess gear, etc.
Thoughts??
The ride will start at Main Street Coffee in Ramona on Saturday, October 22nd. Address is: 680 Main St, Ramona, CA 92065
We will head out of town, turn onto Magnolia which shortly thereafter turns into Black Canyon Rd. This is a gravel road for about 11 miles. It has some narrow sections with blind curves and no guard rails but it's pretty basic stuff. At the end of Black Canyon Rd, we will turn left onto Mesa Grande to enjoy some twisty blacktop. No race, just relax. I saw a tree with a bunch of motorcycle parts nailed to it in a tight turn, so some people decided to go too fast!
We will go past the Hideout, making all the HD people jealous of our awesome machines and then turn left onto Hwy 79 into Warner Springs. There is a gas station in WS that has several selections of cold beverages, ice, candy bars, chips, etc. We will stop here for beer! A couple miles past the gas station, right turn onto Lost Valley Road and seven miles to Indian Flats Campground.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cleveland/recarea/?recid=47550
The campground has a couple of toilets, picnic tables and fire rings in each space. NO RUNNING WATER. It's $12 per space + $5 per extra vehicle. I have camped with two motorcycles per space on all kinds of campgrounds and can't recall being charged an extra vehicle space, but it probably makes sense to try to get two adjoining spaces if available and give the forest service some money. It would be nice if everyone who comes along brings a five and a few ones, we can figure it out.
40 miles total from the coffee shop to the camp ground. It took me about 1.5 hours on the street bike, I stopped to take a few pictures and to talk to the people in the gas station and buy a beer to enjoy at the campsite. Sunset is just past 6:00 pm on the 22nd, group rides usually end up being a bit slower and pictures are always nice. I don't want anyone setting up in the dark, so probably a start time around 2:00 pm?
Let me know what you think please!