MOAB May 1 - 11, 2008! Again Again!

[SubMann]

EDIT: ROLL CALL! PEOPLE STILL INTERESTED PLEASE POST UP OR PM ME!

THANKS!

Here we go again.

Leave Thursday evening, May 1
Arrive Moab Saturday May 3 afternoon
Ride Sunday - Friday
Drive home Saturday Sunday, May 10, 11
Arrive home some tme Sunday, Mother's day. Take the family out to dinner!

I will be bringing my truck and camper which sleeps 2 (when not with wife)
It will tow a trailer which will hold three bikes.

It is recommended that bikes be plated, but it is not required. Without plates your riding will be somewhat limited, but vast terain is still available.

Low gearing is advised f you want to enjoy the slickrock and gnarly jeep trails.

Book your holidays now!

I saw this new 2008 section, so this is where this thread belongs.

[SubMann]

Some interesting videos.

http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r292/dodgerdodger/?action=view&current=MOV00945.flv
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r292/dodgerdodger/?action=view&current=MOV00941.flv

[ruskin]

HOLY COW MAN,

Those clips put ''that smell''in my sinuses.I want to ride down there butTHAT part would take some looking at.Do you know what that section is called and how far down is it?

It looks like a mile.

Nick

[SubMann]

I don't know where that is. They are just some nice scary clips to get peoples' interest up. I think it is working!

So far we have 4 riders
DRZ400S (2)
KTM450EXC
KTM 950
DR650
KLR650 (2?)

[Buck]

If I go again it will be on the DT200.

[SubMann]

I can't edit my post becasue it is not within 6 hours of the original post! What's up with that?

Anyway

So far we have 4 riders
DRZ400S
KTM450EXC
DT200
KLR650 (probably something smaller as well)

[blocker]

The vidio is great, however I don't think that I would be going there ----it just scares the shit out of me -----the heights. Sorry that I will not be able to make the trip at that time as I will be in South America. However I do plan on going when I get back. The riding is fantastic and there is lots that I have not done ---- I have been down 3 times so far and expect to be again.

blocker

[ktmken]

How many hours drive is it down to Moab from Victoria?
I have always wanted to go down there.

KTMKen

[Buck]

About 2,000 km one way.
It took us two full days of driving the most direct route by interstate from Victoria.

I looped back home through Yellowstone taking mostly older two lane highways and put on 5,000 km for the total trip.

[blocker]

We have gone non stop from Vancouver a couple of times and it took 22 hours.

[ktmken]

Does the 450EXC have enough range with the stock tank to do the White Rim Trail. I believe it is 114 miles (or close to that anyway).

KTMKen



http://www.mcnews.com.au/Wallpaper/KTM/2005/wallpaper/450_exc_racing.jpg

[Buck]

Probably not because there is no gas station where the trail begins.
Closest gas is in Moab.
I'm guessing you need a range of about 200 miles with a safety factor included, unless you pack extra fuel.
You could always bum fuel from a jeep. Many carry extra jerry cans.

[SubMann]

ktmken wrote:
Does the 450EXC have enough range with the stock tank to do the White Rim Trail. I believe it is 114 miles (or close to that anyway).

KTMKen

Hey nice bike. There is no way it will have near enough range. I don't even think the larger Clarke or IMS tank will have the range. We may need to bring a KLR to carry gas for us!:mb::clap:

I was thinking of getting the Acerbis just for that ride...

[blocker]

My EXC 400 with the Clark tank,(13L) does 300+KM so the EXC450 with the Clark tank should do 200+

[Pirate]

Yeh OK Submann, I'll carry the gas, just make sure your wallet is fully loaded.......:mi:

[SubMann]

Pirate wrote:
Yeh OK Submann, I'll carry the gas, just make sure your wallet is fully loaded.......:mi:

Deal! except for the :mi:! I've got some pictures you know!
And it's not me getting the :mi: ahem, love.

[Pirate]

OK subject closed......:shock:

[loladoka]

I might be interested in coming along for some riding. I would throw the bike in the back of the truck. What gearing would you rec. for the drz400?

I haven't been to moab yet but my buddy has been a few times with his formula toyota, i've seen some burly terrain. What trails do you guys plan on riding?

Jame

[SubMann]

loladoka wrote:
I might be interested in coming along for some riding. I would throw the bike in the back of the truck. What gearing would you rec. for the drz400?

I haven't been to moab yet but my buddy has been a few times with his formula toyota, i've seen some burly terrain. What trails do you guys plan on riding?

Jame


Stock DRZ gearing is 14/44. I had changed my gearing to 13/46 I believe. I was struggling in first and then would return from rides in 5th. So the whole trip was 1st or 5th. So I would even go larger on the back.

We haven't decided on any trails yet. Probably the White rim, but we'll need to solve fuel problems for that. There are so many trails it is ridiculous. We'll see what the group wants to do. Sometimes the larger bikes will ride a different ride than the smaller bikes. Or divide by better riders or whatever. There is no particular plan at this point. But the more people the merrier...

[ktmken]

I am planning on being down there the week that you are there with my 950. I would love to do the White Rim Trail with you guys. I was thinking of renting a 450 EXC in Moab, but like you said fuel will be a problem.
Looking forward to this!!!:clap:

KTMKen

[loladoka]

Count me in SubMann,

I'll have to do a few things to ready the bike but time is on my side so it shouldn't be a problem. Add a DRZ400s to the list.

Jame

[SubMann]

Cool, you're in

[ToadRide]

I am probably in. The money's no problem. Just have to see what's going on with work around that time. Also, I only have the bike and would be looking for a ride there.

[SubMann]

As we get closer we'll firm up the numbers and see who has what. There are a few trucks and trailers involved so it shouldn't be a problem...

[ktmken]

Is this trip still a go?....I think I am going to go back to plan A, which is to rent a KTM450 while I am down there.

I am planning on being there for the week of the 5th to the 9th of May.

I would still like to ride the White Rim Road for one day if anyone would like to join me. I am going to have to figure out a way to carry some fuel for this. The guy renting me the bike is going to help me out with this.

I would love to ride with you guys for a day or two if the invitation is open. Looking forward to this trip. :dr:

KTMKen

[SubMann]

This trip is still a go. We've been quiet lately. It will now be hot on the heels of the Vancouver Island Orca ride.

Let us know if you want to work together for transportation, camping etc.

I really want to do the white rim trail. We may need to stash some gas so that we all don't need to buy big tanks for this one ride.

Cheers! :hb:

[ktmken]

ok....I will keep in touch...I am flying to Salt Lake Cityand then rent a car or something.....

KTMKen

[Buck]

Stand by the road holding a big DSBC sign, we will pick you up!

[ktmken]

OK.......I will be wearing my new DSBC Jersey.......:?

KTMKen

[ktmken]

Here is a link to the company that I am renting a KTM 450 from.

http://www.ridemoabktm.com/

[skidmark43]

ktmken wrote:
Here is a link to the company that I am renting a KTM 450 from.

http://www.ridemoabktm.com/



Great link Ken :tup:

[SubMann]

Hmmmm... motard wheels...to bring or not to bring...

[Buck]

Hmmmm.... Would be real nice on that 120 mile paved loop up past the LaSalle mountains.. no traffic to be seen... just free range cattle.

(pic taken east of Moab, Utah.Near the Colorado border at 9,000' elevation)

[motorrad-michael]

ktmken wrote:

Does the 450Â*EXC Â*have enough range with the stock tank to do the White Rim Trail. I believe it is 114 miles (or close to that anyway).

Depending on where you start, the loop is more than 120-miles. There is a gas station within Canyonlands NP but it is not always open. It's a good idea to bring extra fuel for the bikes with smaller tanks, or at the very least, a siphon hose just in-case. The riding is amazing but the nearest fuel is in Moab, several miles from the Trailhead to the White Rim Trail.

Check-out the NEW MOAB DVD:
www.MotorcycleTravelDVDs.com

[SubMann]

ROLL CALL! PEOPLE STILL INTERESTED PLEASE POST UP OR PM ME!

THANKS!

[ktmken]

I'm in

KTMKen

[Buck]

90% in. Especially if that bunk is available I used last time.

[ToadRide]

I feel solow, but I must say no.

[SubMann]

ToadRide wrote:
I feel solow, but I must say no.


I think that you should buy us beer for stringing us along. :hb:

[ktmken]

I'm in :hb:

KTMKen

[SubMann]

ktmken wrote:
I'm in :hb:

KTMKen


That's better. you are now in with beer!:hb:

[ktmken]

I meant I will help drink Toadrides beer. :)

KTMKen

[SubMann]

Time for some inspirational photos. That's me looking WAY down. Photos courtesy of Taxguy.

[Buck]

SubMann wrote:
ROLL CALL! PEOPLE STILL INTERESTED PLEASE POST UP OR PM ME!

THANKS!
I'm in. :dr:

[SubMann]

Here is a recent trip report on the White Rim Trail. We'll be doing this one!

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=329500

[Buck]

Awesome report! I did part of the trail last fall on the DR650.

At this point in his description...

"We came to a decision point where we could proceed up the switchback into the park or go right to Moab. The switchback was bout 6 miles to the top and then we would follow pavement back. We went right to Moab.."

I went left up the switchbacks, Shafer Trail. It is about a 1500' climb with many switchbacks. Narrow single lane dirt, no guardrails. Rough, steep in places and slippery when wet. Worth doing if you enjoy the thrill of vertigo!

From the top (Island in the Sky Mesa) there is another route back to Moab versus the slab. A shortcut near Dead Horse State Park drops steeply down the canyon and back to Potash Rd. I forget the trails name right now...but it was a thrill going down alone into the abyss in near darkness. Glad I had good maps and expert advice from the parks staff.

Looking forward to going back in May!! :dr:

[Buck]

I'm at a viewpoint on Island in the Sky Mesa in Canyonlands,looking way down at the midway point of the White Rim Trail.

Look closely to see the trail skirting the canyons edge.

[ktmken]

two and a half more weeks :D



What kind of bikes are you guys riding?

00Buck, I asume you will be on the DR 650

KTMKen

[SubMann]

We'll have a KTM 450EXC and DRZ400S. I don't know which bike 00Buck will take out of his stable.

whisper (I think he should take his daughter's KLX250!)

[SubMann]

Or another trailer so we can take more bikes!

[Kiwi]

SubMann wrote:


whisper (I think he should take his daughter's KLX250!)

:shock: will it come back in one piece?!!

[SubMann]

Kiwi wrote:
SubMann wrote:


whisper (I think he should take his daughter's KLX250!)

:shock: will it come back in one piece?!!

Of course! He'll be with me!

[blocker]

What a great guarantee. Ihappy to hearthat you have changed your riding stylegreatly since I last rode in Moab with you. Sorry that I will miss the outing but am off to Peru on Friday.

blocker

[ktmken]

Hi from Moab, what a great place. It is HOT and dry down here.

Every ride report I have seen from Moab includes this jeep, so here is mine.

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/290251577_jQvj4-M.jpg

The bike is working great and the scenery is awesome! (by scenery, I meant the rocks and stuff, not the guy)

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/290251150_jvfv2-M.jpg




http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/290251034_4cBNE-M.jpg


More pics to follow.

KTMKen

[SubMann]

Hi Ken, :D

Thanks for the update. Good of you to keep us posted!

As some of you may know the Victoria contingent had to back out due to a sudden work requirement.

We will be back though!

Now hopefully we can see some more fine photos from Ken...

[ktmken]

Here is a cool little road heading out to "eye of the whale arch" Lots of sand and sharp drop offs. A real wheel bender for the 950 adventures.

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/290374462_593A6-M.jpg

Willow Springs Road back to the hyway.

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/290374200_rCttw-M.jpg


Riding on this stuff is like riding on real rough concrete!

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/290374738_WWN2f-M.jpg


They even grade it for you. (This must be some rock chewing machine)

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/290374912_NkZTb-M.jpg

More tomorrow

KTMKen

[ktmken]

More from Moab. This place is amazing! The roads get more and more awesome the more you explore.

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/290977737_VwKzx-M.jpg


Not a good place to have a few drinks and go riding or driving!

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/290977490_UmZzx-M.jpg


I did the practice loop on the slick rock trail today. It is like riding on the Oregon Dunes except that the dunes are rock!

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/290978332_jaKCj-M.jpg


Even though I am down here by myself I am still meeting friends!

This is "Larry"

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/290977922_JqHW3-M.jpg

Later,

KTMKen

[joker650]

Hey Ken...Thanks.

Showed MrsJoker950 these pics and she looks interested in a trip one day :clap:

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/290977737_VwKzx-M.jpg



http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/290977490_UmZzx-M.jpg



Gunna have to ride out to K-Town some time and show her some more pics.

[ktmken]

Funny story. When I was going up the that hill, there was a family coming down the hill in a Subaru. Actually the family wasn't actually in the Subaru, A women was driving and everyone else was walking/jogging behind the car. The woman looked terrified!

Don't worry Mrs. Joker. There are no hills when you are riding a KTM 950

KTMKen

[ktmken]

I was snapping a lot of pictures and I didn't realize that I actually took a picture of the terrified family. You shouldn't pass another vehicle on the way down the hill, but the women was going so slow, the guy in the truck had no choice.

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/291465318_TkFtH-M.jpg

KTMKen

[ktmken]

Here are a few more pics from Moab.

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/291545659_fR2FN-M.jpg

It's ok! I didn't really push the balancing rock over. That would have been embarrassing though, wouldn't it?

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/291545856_qChws-M.jpg


I have seen pictures of poeple standing on this arch, some even with their motorcycles. As brave as I thought I was, there was NO WAY I could walk out on it.

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/291546023_XgbrS-M.jpg

More of my favorite road

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/291546167_kDKg4-M.jpg


http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/291546266_wguiH-M.jpg

Lots of these guys around, Fun to watch for a while.


http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/291546669_cB6hs-M.jpg

The road in to Bull canyon was crazy. A lot of fun though!

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/291546400_KURmv-M.jpg

Great scenery everywhere you look.

KTMKen

[ktmken]

This picture kind of says it all

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/291986291_BT6Ue-M.jpg

KTMKen

[ktmken]

Today I headed up and over the LaSal Mnt. pass. It was over 8000 ft at the summit.
Pavement all the way, but great windy,twisty roads.

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/292422981_ashYS-M.jpg

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/292423117_PvfVc-M.jpg

Again, the views from this area are incredible!

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/292423273_g5kTX-M.jpg

When I got back to town I went around a trail called "Hells Revenge". It is a very unforgiving trail. You can ride it, but you don't want to make any mistakes!

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/292423206_bWVXX-M.jpg

It is in the same area as "The Lions Back" . If you have never heard of Lions Back search youtube for lions back bronco. It is now closed!

Thats it for me from Moab
Thanks for letting me share my trip with you.

KTMKen

[Buck]

Great pics and description. Enjoyed the reminder of familiar sights. :)

[joker650]

Thanks Ken...makes me want to get out there :hf:

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/291986291_BT6Ue-M.jpg

Sweet pics....makes me jealous.:hb:

[miller]

great pix and write-up, glad you enjoyed it and made it back safe and sound!:tup:

[halo]

Cool pics. Now I want to go back down there. Hell's Revenge isn't that bad...except for tipover challenge. If there is sand on tipover challenge...stay the hell away from it on a bike. Trust me. I'll be going back down next year with a freshly built jeep, a KLR, probably a small dirtbike, amd my mountain bikes. And maybe my canoe. I think it may be a 3 weeker???

Can someone tell me how the bikes run there? Are there jetting isues? Thanks in advance. :)

[Lonewolf]

Yea, Moab veterns chime in, im thinking of heading down this spring.

Tire recommendations?
GPS Tracks?
Trail and accommodation recommendations?

[ktmken]

Blackmax wrote:

Can someone tell me how the bikes run there? Are there jetting isues? Thanks in advance.Â* :)

Moab is 4000 ft.

I rented a bike down there so I would assume that it was jetted for the elevation.
That being said, I run my bikes here in the Okanagan at 4000ft all the time with no problems.

Definitely a place I am going back to

KTMKen



http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/308795106_bgDq8-M.jpg

[ktmken]

Lonewolf wrote:

Yea, Moab veterns chime in, im thinking of heading down this spring.

Tire recommendations?
GPS Tracks?
Trail and accommodation recommendations?





Tires? Everything is rock....so make sure you have a tire with a good sturdy sidewall


GPS Tracks? I bought a book while I was there that had GPS waypoints in it.
It also showed all the trails

Recommendations? I stayed at the Holiday Inn...It was nice.....
Trails? It really depends on how rough you want to play. There are nice easy trails, and there are crazy insane trails. If you want nice scenic, "I don't want to get hurt trails" then I can give you some recommendations.


http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/308803986_7uwiS-M.jpg

K.T.M. Ken,

I like the scenic and hope not to get hurt trails. If you would be kind enough to post some of them ? My wife and I are planning to go at the beginning of May. Also, we were curious about the locals and how hospitable they are twards us folk.

[ktmken]

Moab is very accepting of Dirt Bikes, 4 wheelers,Â* and bicyles.Â* That is their lively hood.Â* If thereÂ*was any animosity against us, I never saw it. I thought there would be some problems between the bicyles and the motorcycles but again I never saw it.

I will grab my bookÂ* and post some of theÂ*more scenic rides that I liked later today. I think that my favorite was "Long Canyon Road"

KTMKen

Â*

http://khansen.smugmug.com/photos/291986291_BT6Ue-M.jpg

Â*

[SubMann]

There is everything from great camping to luxury accommodation. Some resorts rent cabins and have their own BBQ. That would be my choice for my next trip.

MOAB tourist info:
http://www.moab-utah.com/

Trails:
http://www.4x4now.com/mu4wd.htm
http://www.atvtrails.org/Utah.html

Forum and trail guide:
http://www.motoutah.com/

For tires I would choose a good knobby. There is everything from slickrock (which is like riding on sandpaper) to deep sand.

The longer easier trails include the White rim trail and the Kokopelli trail. Just incredible scenery. Just be sure to check your fuel range.

[Buck]

Blackmax wrote:
Can someone tell me how the bikes run there? Are there jetting isues? Thanks in advance. :)




Elevation varied between 4,000' and 9,000'. My bike was jetted for sea level therefore ran like s*** up high. You don't want your bike stalling near those cliffs.

An amazing place to ride, jaw dropping scenery, adrenalin pumping heights, challenging or scenic.. it's all there. The trails have turned black from all the rubber.

There is no friction between different users,thereis so muchspace, everyone is helpfull.

Moabs economy is based on off road tourism. They love us there!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWAwLd1hiLE


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn_B1pXv6co&feature=related



The White Rim Trail was a highlight, perfect for 650 or bigger bikes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKy1x0eGwM0



Planning to go back next fall with two bikes and the 4x4.



http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/720/45Moab_Utah_Trip_064.jpg (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=13808&sort=1&cat=720)

[ktmken]

http://www.4x4books.com/images/mub2a.jpg

This is the book that I would recommend buying. I bought 2 or 3 books and this is the one that I ended up using the most.

My favorite trails that I went on (there are many that I didn't go on) are
-Potash Road to Shafer switchbacks
-Long Canyon Road
-Harrah Pass
-Gemini Bridges

Hope that you have a great time in Moab and make sure that you take lots of pictures and post them.

KTMKen

K.T.M. Ken,

That book looks excellent and I will try and order it online. Like I said before, my wife and I will be looking for the easier,safer type of trail. We also need to decide whether to camp or stay in a cabin. The extra cost of hauling the camper and fees may be a wash. We are pretty excited and hope others from D.S.B.C. might go. :)

[keahapana]

This is my first post. My wife and I have been to Moab many times since 1987 to just mtn bike. There are tons of trails to ride and the town is pretty friendly. My wife and I will be down in Moab from around the 4th to the 10th. We will be bringing our mtn bikes but,I am hoping to bring my DRZ and my wifes SP (yup and oldie) with.

This is a great place to ground yourself. Beautiful scenery, and again the town is great. It would be neat to see if there are any others that will be in Moab during that time. It is during Jeep Safari weekend, but there has never been a problem. Infact, some of the vehicles are amazing.

Let me know if you do go down.


We have a cabin at Canyonlands Campground. We have found this place to be clean, close to town, and safe. There are good hotels also.

Aloha
Randy