I want to do a dual sport ride - SuperMoto's are very welcome...

[Dion Rides]

THE DATE OF THIS RIDE IS JAN. 20TH, 2007!

I know Dean and Val have the beemers... we should do this crazy loop. I know how to get here.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=186448

[weak_link]

My tank is too small :cry

[Tyke]

That looks like loads of fun, but I am in the same position with gas mileage.

would it be possible to have someone with gas cans at a point somewhere in the middle?


I am sure I could find a volunteer :teeth

this brings up a good question.

what type of tire would you use for this type of trek?

the cost of changing tires is expensive (even when you have the tires to change and a friendly LBS)

Do you change your own? or do you run with a dual sport tire most of the time?

[Dion Rides]

I have a specific bike intended for the apocalypse...

http://smhooligans.com/Kelly_and_Me_Adventures/albums/the_loop/DSCN2381.sized.jpg

Trails at Metcalf? Twisties? Trip to Yosemite? I'm there...

[froride1]

I'd be down, I think I can make it with my big tank. The narrow ass seat on the XR will be the limiting factor.

[craig1200]

If the trip happens soon, Dunlop 606's will be the weapon of choice for dirt wheel setups, TKC80's for giant trailies. There will be a lot of muddy sections. My Caponord has the gas range, but the KLX will be a lot easier to pick up if it ends up on its side. Looks like a call to Clarke is in order for the KLX.

[SennaSixty8]

I think I'd be more able to do this on a borrowed Xr6fiddyRR.

[Dion Rides]

Originally posted by SennaSixty8
I think I'd be more able to do this on a borrowed Xr6fiddyRR.
BMW, fool!

I'm moving to South San Jose at the end of the month, so we should do this in January.

[SennaSixty8]

I'm gonna need Ka-knobs for this trip... Mebbe you can help me pick up 500lbs, deadlifting it outta the mud, LWR style!

[slydrite]

:cool

we're doing this (http://www.coyotecals.com/) & this (http://www.totalescape.com/lodge/ADS/mikes.html) over xmas break, but will be down for fun shite in da new year.....

man, 06, good year for me and moto trips,.....baja x 2, Mend. Nat'l Forest x 2 and yellowstone/cody, wy :applause

[Dion Rides]

Let's do it for a weekend in January. It'll be cold, wet, and we'll have to oil down Neal so he glistens when he picks up bikes, showing his muskles.

[slowpoke]

Kinda far for me coming from SF:rant

I'm a maybe...

[Dion Rides]

We'll make it a day, Henry. Chilled ride but super adventure.

[DukeD]

I'm not man enough to ride my 550lb GS into that slippery schnit, and once I go down in it I won't be able to pick the pig up. I don't care how oiled up you get Neal, it won't be worth it..... well maybe.... but I digress

I'd do it on my DRZ400 though if you think it'll make the street sections ok. I have the kanobs for it too.

Do we overnight out in the wilderness and then come back?

[Tyke]

Originally posted by XRsick50
I have a specific bike intended for the apocalypse...

http://smhooligans.com/Kelly_and_Me_Adventures/albums/the_loop/DSCN2381.sized.jpg

Trails at Metcalf? Twisties? Trip to Yosemite? I'm there...


not another bike purchase required, I thought it was just tires :teeth

nice to have a tool for all occasions,

maybe a visit to eBay might do the trick

by January the Ducati might be history anyway

[Sharky]

Gas tank too small.
Darn.

[gixxersix]

xr650r is in the works.Im down keep me informed d

[Amadeus]

I could strap a gallon can on the back and do this.

[lw9423]

dude. looks AWESOME! i'll see what i can do about a larger gas tank. if some people wanted to make it an overnighter i'd be down for that.

[gixxersix]

overnighter would be the shit.im down

[Dion Rides]

just got to figure out a motel or something.

I'm moving at the end of this month, but I'll be down in mid January if we do an overnighter.

If we do a 1 day'er I say we jam on Dec. 23rd. Kelly and I rode the asphalt part of this area and it wasn't too bad (distance wise). There is gas in some of the B.F.E. towns.

[Cafe Racer]

I'm interested! Keep me advised too!:teeth But how much asphalt? I cant go much more then 50mph with my Enduro setup and tires.

[Dion Rides]

It's all asphalt until we hit New Irdia. HWY 25 does not have to be taken fast, though.

[slydrite]

mid jan be good fer me.........

[lw9423]

hotel...wtf, u gone soft on us? if you're gonna dual sport might as well camp! that being said... dec 23 i'm out, flying away that day. damn.

[Dion Rides]

Mid January is still a go, I think. Not sure where we'd camp, though.

[skarkburmer]

You dont know where we could camp?

Where does a 800lb gorilla sit in a movie theater?































anywhere he wants.

[Dion Rides]

Alright foolios'... here's what I copied from a BMW/Triumph site for all your info.

With my luggage, I can probably carry an extra gallon of gas. I get about 160-200 miles on my tank, so I'll be okay.

Here you go:

This route is about 75% street pavement riding and 25% dirt roads or jeep trails. (It will seem like more...) The offroad trail section is optional, you can do the San Benito Peak route described below without leaving the dirt road.

You can anticipate beautiful views of the Sierras, fall colors on the trees, and of course the fragrant, dusky vapor of two-stroke oil while we are in the Clear Creek SVRA itself. The fall rains should have damped down the dust, and riding conditions should be ideal.

If you have any questions or concerns, I am available by e-mail pretty much all the time. If you are uncertain about your ability, you can do the first New Idria dirt road section, and turn back on the "EASY BUT LONGER" route described below.

The ride starts at shop, then to Hollister via 101 to 25 to J1 to Panoche Inn (all paved roads) to New Idria/Clear Creek (all dirt roads and trails) /Old Hernandez Road & back to Hwy 25 north and return to Hollister. The pace will be suitable for an informal, easy DualSport ride. The route is paved to Panoche and most of the way to New Idria. From New Idria, there is a graded dirt road leading back towards Hwy. 25 over the Clear Creek.

The road on the west side of New Idria is ALL DIRT. Watch out for 4WD trucks, dirt bikes, hunters, etc. There are campgrounds along the lower elevations on both sides of the mountain. Adventuresome riders can join me at the top of San Benito Mountain for lunch, and then take an easy single track route that leads back to the main Clear Creek/New Idria Road. After we cross over the the new Idria-Clear Creek Road we'll return to Hollister via the Old Coalinga Road and Hwy 25. A dualsport bike is not absolutely necessary for this ride, but it is easier on a GS or an F650 than on a Cruiser, for example.

ROUTE DETAILS
We typically leave at 9:00 am from the shop, going south on 101 to 25 to Hollister. Stop at Chevron station at south end of Hollister and gas up & regroup (approx. 60 miles, 1 hr. riding time). BE SURE TO GAS UP HERE! This is the only gas until we get back to Hollister unless you borrow some on the way! we'll leave Hollister south on 25 at 10:15.

Take 25 south towards Paicines (next hamlet after Tres Pinos), where we will turn left on J 1. This road is a beautiful, two-lane country road that follows the east side of the mountain chain that holds the Clear Creek Off-Road riding area. We'll stop at the Panoche Inn (831-628-3538), which is about 30 miles from the turn-off to J 1. You can break for an early lunch here or continue on and have lunch at the top of San Benito Mountain.

There are three possible route options:
1. EASIEST & SHORT: No dirt here! Just turn around at Panoche Inn and ride back down J 1 and return to Hollister the same way we came. No dirt riding at all if you do this. Return to the Pennisula via Uvas & McKean Reservoir Roads instead of 101 to avoid the traffic, and stop in Hollister for coffee.

2. EASY BUT LONGER: Still no dirt! Turn left just after the Panoche Inn on Little Panoche Road. It is about 20 miles to I-5 north, and about 24 miles north to 152/Pacheco Pass, and another 35 miles back to Gilroy. This route is all paved, mostly straight highway or freeway.

3. CHALLENGING DUALSPORT (BUT NOT TOO HARD): Continue with us along the New Idria Road to New Idria (you can't stop in the village) and follow the dirt road to the summit ridge and back down the west side to Old Coalinga Road and Hwy 25. There is an exciting "road route" up to San Benito Peak, which cuts off to the left (marked San Benito Peak/Mexican Lake Road) about a mile below the summit on the east side, and returns to the main road via an easy single-track trail. The whole route is visible from the summit and this is a great introduction to "real single-track" offroad riding. This is a good dirt-road/trail riding practice for the “not-quite-ready-for offroad-riding” folks.

4. WARNING: The Clear Creek/New Idria dirt road is heavily travelled by dirt bikes and four-wheelers, so be very cautious on blind curves. Be especially careful on the east side of the mountains, as the road is not well maintained and there may be washouts. During the lunch break at the summit see if you can see the Sierras to the East. Watch out for dust and ruts when descending from the summit. There is a posted 3-way intersection at the bottom of the mountain, you should bear left to Clear Creek.

5. GAS & FOOD: There are very limited services available once we get into the Clear Creek portion of this ride, so plan to be self-contained - bring water, lunch stuff, spare gas if your range is less than 100 miles, binocs and camera, and don't forget your tire repair kit & tool kit; it is a long way to call for a tow truck and very expensive.

6. THE BEST LUNCH: Bring a traditional dirtbiker's lunch for the top of the mountain; plenty of cheeses, salami, Schinkenspeck, maybe some Landjaegers, bread, crackers, coffee, etc. etc. plus whatever your favorite food might be. The lunch spot has 360 degree panoramic views from the Coast Range all the way to the Sierra Nevada! I always bring binocs.

7. RETURN ROUTES: On the way home, the Clear Creek/New Idria Road joins the Coalinga/Los Gatos Road, which continues north to rejoin Hwy 25 about 10 miles before the Pinnacles turn-off. You can, if you are energetic, take Old Hernandez Road to the San Benito Lateral, which rejoins Hwy 25 just four miles before the Pinnacles. This little ranch road goes through a very pretty valley, lots of horse ranches and hunting camps, with one nice river crossing to keep you on your toes. I usually add this in for one last ride in the dirt. Conditions are very easy on this road, and it is good for practicing sliding.

If you still want more dirt, watch for Gloria Road, a few miles north of the Pinnacles. This road leads over the mountain and joins 101 at Gonzales. This is an easy dirt road, nice for sliding....

All in all, this is a ride with a good component of adventure touring practice. This is probably the easiest "real" dualsport ride you will ever get to go on! The river crossings are dry, the single track is totally optional, and there are plenty of bail-out points if you get tired.

[pacifisticuffs]

Hummina hummina...

[craig1200]

I am up for this, I'll bring the beastly Caponord. Anyone who is on the bubble as far as gas range, bring a hose, and I'll haul the fuel you need to finish in my tank, for a small fee.:teeth

[Dion Rides]

How's Saturday Jan. 20th, everybody?

If we do a 1 day'er (which I think is going to be most likely) we can do Sunday Jan 21st so more people can come.

[gixxersix]

we need a 2 day savage ride.everyone who is down say I







I:teeth

[Dion Rides]

Originally posted by gixxersix
we need a 2 day savage ride.everyone who is down say I







I:teeth

Yeah, but the ride isn't that far, ever for the SF'ers.

[craig1200]

I agree, one massive day is ok by me coming from SF. Overnights are tough to sell in my household, and I need to save mine up for the Sheetiron.

[SC SMR610]

I'm in!! Two days may be tough though. :(

[Dion Rides]

Originally posted by SC SMR610
I'm in!! Two days may be tough though. :(

Brett? Goddamn it's about time you logged on BARF! Go introduce yourself in the newbies section!

:welcome

[pacifisticuffs]

Who's tarding this? I'm really really interested in doing it, just tentative due to 1) tank range (though I'll gladly siphon some from you tankers :)); and 2) my non-existent dirt experience. If my lack of dirt skill is only going to be amplified by street tires, that's gonna suck a bit.

But man, it sounds so rad!

What's a single track, anyway? Is that just a narrow one-way dirt track? Are there a lot of jumps and stuff like that on this ride, or is it mostly flatland? What speeds do people do in areas like this?

I know I sound like a {}, but I just want to know what I'm getting myself into!

Dion, or any other XR riders -- have you gotten any luggage to stick to the bike without a rack?

[Dion Rides]

Originally posted by pacifisticuffs
Who's tarding this? I'm really really interested in doing it, just tentative due to 1) tank range (though I'll gladly siphon some from you tankers :)); and 2) my non-existent dirt experience. If my lack of dirt skill is only going to be amplified by street tires, that's gonna suck a bit.

But man, it sounds so rad!

What's a single track, anyway? Is that just a narrow one-way dirt track? Are there a lot of jumps and stuff like that on this ride, or is it mostly flatland? What speeds do people do in areas like this?

I know I sound like a {}, but I just want to know what I'm getting myself into!

Dion, or any other XR riders -- have you gotten any luggage to stick to the bike without a rack?

Timmy,

You should have enough range if you have the IMS tank on your bike. The town of New Idria or New Idria Rd. is nothing but a dirt road. If we don't have any major rain spells, this will be a piece of cake.

Dude, it's not like we're doing serious trials... so you won't have any problems. Since we'll be in a big'ish group, we'll chill and enjoy the turns.

I definetely would like to take Old Hernandez Road to the San Benito Lateral, which would have a small water crossing. If the levels aren't too high, this will be sweet for everybody.

I think the guys with small, er, um, tanks should get a 1 gallon gas tank and strap it to their bike with a cargo net or bungee cords... some even use emptied water bottles, although I'm wondering how volitile that is. Lot's of people do that in the Sheet Iron.

If you need to bring a lunch, I'll offer some space in my top case. The thing is freakin' HUGE and I can spare a little room.

This is going to be bad ass. I'll see you guys in a few days. I'm moving and will be intraweb-less until I set my shizzle up. PEACE!

[slydrite]

i'm out....:(

baja was totally outrageous and the most intense riding I've ever done, but apparently, it was all a bit too much for the Big Pig, as mebbe I shouldn't have gone quite so big, so many times.......

I was lucky that the frame didn't break completely, in the middle of nowhere and we made it back to the safety of the van in SD in one piece, but I've got to strip the frame to do a proper repair job on the 4(!!!) :wow different places that the frame is broken/cracked and it's doubtful I can get everything done, that I want to do as part of a frame up rebuild in time for 3rd week of jan...:cry

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/187/028/2895595-baja_loco06_023rs.jpg

[wickerman777]

So is there anything solid yet or is everything still tentative? Would like to know soon so's I can get the time off if I can go. My knobbies are screaming at me to feed them dirt.

[wickerman777]

Also I've got a closer spot up north to camp and ride some slightly tougher trails. I'm going to scout it out soon and see if the roads/trails are still open. If so then who'd be interested in a overnight campout around berryessa? Trails are relatively easy in the summer (just steep and loose terrain) but haven't ridden them after a good storm. If the trails aren't completely washed out then any dual sport should be fine. If the roads are fuxored then knobbies only and experience would apply. I'll find out next week:teeth

[pacifisticuffs]

Originally posted by slydrite

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/187/028/2895595-baja_loco06_023rs.jpg
:wow that's intense! poor piggy :(

sounds like it was a good ride though.

and dion, thanks for the info. i think i'm totally down wit it.

[skarkburmer]

I plan on doing it on my bandit 1200, so dont worry about the dirt sections.

[slydrite]

Originally posted by pacifisticuffs
:wow that's intense! poor piggy :(

sounds like it was a good ride though.

and dion, thanks for the info. i think i'm totally down wit it.

dewd, you and anyone else w/an XR-L should check your frame at this spot....., my bike has 'only' 19K on it and doesn't your bike have double + that?

yeah, 'intense' was the one word that I had already choosen to describe the 3 days of riding.....will try to post pics in the next few days.....

[pacifisticuffs]

Originally posted by slydrite
dewd, you and anyone else w/an XR-L should check your frame at this spot....., my bike has 'only' 19K on it and doesn't your bike have double + that?
yeah she's got over 40k. i'll definitely sniff around it tonight. could you feel a difference in the riding, or was it something you heard/felt upon landing? i never bothered to check it out after the last stockton day with the jumps, but i've ridden it quite a bit since then and not noticed anything odd.


Originally posted by skarkburmer
I plan on doing it on my bandit 1200, so dont worry about the dirt sections.
pfft.. i plan on doin it on the Hoss, wearing a kilt!

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/187/028/2895754-bhc3502_1.jpg

[Cafe Racer]

Originally posted by craig1200
I agree, one massive day is ok by me coming from SF. Overnights are tough to sell in my household, and I need to save mine up for the Sheetiron.

Hey bro... Doing the SI300 again? I will be there too with my bud for the 07 ride. I will meet up with you once again and we will group up if you want to ride together. Remember, safety and strength in numbers.

This time we will be on different bikes.

Miguel:nerd

[craig1200]

Hey Miguel-I'm doing the Sheetiron for sure, on a KLX300 this time, which should be easier to turn upside down if I drop it in a river again. I'm pretty sure Dion is itching to do it as well.

If you want to trailer down for this ride from the City, let me know. I could take the KLX for this one instead of the Caponord. My giant Clarke tank should be here in a few days.

[UKtech1]

Sounds like fun. I don't think the DRZ SM on Pilot Powers is ideal but I'll give it a go as long as it's not too wet.:teeth

Is it a one day ride on the 21st:confused

[Cafe Racer]

Originally posted by craig1200
Hey Miguel-I'm doing the Sheetiron for sure, on a KLX300 this time, which should be easier to turn upside down if I drop it in a river again...

I will be transporting two bike on my truck. Probably just doing a one way trip with a pickup in Ft Bragg. We wont be riding the 85 XL600 and the 88 NX650 this year.

Our new weapons will be the 04 WR450 and an 01 XR650R. Sounds like you will be prepped with the proper bike this time too.

Miguel

[Dion Rides]

Everybody check yer PM's. I'll PM details to all who chimed in on this thread.

[skarkburmer]

I just checked my pants, there is nothing there either...

[pacifisticuffs]

ahem... how does one determine what size tube he should carry in his pocket? :confused

i usually have a trojan magnum in my wallet. will that be sufficient?

:blush

[skarkburmer]

Shit, a ninja 500 is way better then my B12.

Oh, and i'll have the milk crate on the back of my bike with a extra gallon or two of fuel. I take $20's!

[Dion Rides]

Shit. I just found out I have a mandatory thing I have to do for work on Jan 21st. Do you guys care if we change it to Saturday, Jan 20th?

[SC SMR610]

Saturday's cool. Hey if Skarkburmer is charging $20 for a gallon a gas I'll do it for $19.50 javascript:smilie(':teeth')

[Dion Rides]

Brett, you bringing the Killer?

[SC SMR610]

Yeah I think so. A friend of mine is thinking about coming. He is the on that I ride in the Sierras with. He will be on his XR650.

By the way Patch is in town for a month.

[Flimsy Slowham]

I could be really interested in joining you guys on this. Here's my dilemma: 3 bikes at home, none of which are ideal for this ride. I'm taking votes...

1) MZ Baghira Street Moto with Avon Distanza (rear) and Pro-Extreme rain (front). Pros: Super-fun bike, could handle single-track at modest pace. Negatives: REALLY SUCKY range, monkey-butt seat, no luggage (although I suppose I could strap my VStrom's tank bag to the tail).

2) VStrom 650. Pros: great tank range, full Hepco-Becker luggage, comfy seat. Cons: heavy and cumbersome for single-track stuff...suppose I could skip that part of the ride, but that's what it's all about, right?

3) Yamaha XT225 (wife's bike). Pros: Decent range, super-light weight, trails no problem (has good dual-sport tires). Cons: 65mph top speed (I'm a bit much for it at 6', 210lbs), no guts, not that exciting in the twisties.

What'ya guys think?

[UKtech1]

Damn! :cry Caught out by the date change. (Sorry Tim). Gotta work today but I'm still up for it tomorrow. Any one else?

Have fun guys.

(edit) On second thoughts with the DRZ jetting problem and Stockton next weekend I think I'll go out on the dirt tomorrow.