Dakota Dual Sport Riders

Past Rallies => September 11-14 2014 => Topic started by: Lonesome Dave on July 20, 2014, 09:46:27 PM

Title: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: Lonesome Dave on July 20, 2014, 09:46:27 PM
Hank, I wasn't sure where to put this....you decide.

Its time to get the Fall rally date and location set, actually probably overdue!  I talked with some of the different members since the summer rally about this.  I promised NDave I would post something this weekend about it.  So here goes.

I have thought for sometime we should try to move towards the southern hills for the fall rally and more importantly change the date to a week earlier.  I've had conversations with others and thought the Hill City area might be good.  I have also been told that having Cabins and a restaurant makes is much more appealing for some.  So today, I went to the Hill City area and checked out a few.  The following are the ones I went to.  There name, web, and approx. location.  And finally a word or two of my description.

High Country Guest Ranch --  www.highcountryranch.com  4 miles west of Hill City on Deerfield Road  -- No food, to pricey.

Crooked Creek Resort --  www.crookedcreeksd.com   2 or 3 miles south of Hill City  -- No food except Hill City, kinda pricey.
Rafter J Bar Ranch --  www.rafterj.com  2 or 3 miles south of Hill City  Very nice, huge place, NO food, kinda pricey.
3 Forks Campground -- http://blackhills.net/threeforkscampground/   Right at 3 forks before you get to Hill City -- nice people, No food,
       bar with bar food across the street.
Trailside Park Resort -- www.trailsideparkresort.com   Right on the south end of Hill City.  Nice place, right in Hill City, expensive cabins (at least $125, NO food, but right in Hill City.
Mountain Meadow Resort   www.mtmeadow.com  Right at Deerfield Lake.  We've stayed here before.  I think our best option.

I did not go to Palmer Gulch KOA, where we've been before.  I feel, (this is just me talking) that they were a bit sensitive to Jason's WR noise and speed on the first night when we were their last.  Jason got a verbal warning.  However, they do have everything we need; RVs, Tents, Cabins, showers and correct me if I'm wrong, a restaurant.  I just think because they are so close to Mt. Rushmore, there's not a lot of trails around camp.  You have to ride somewhere to go somewhere.  Okay, I've had my say, I'm only one person and will still go where the group wants to go.

So here's my opinion.  Others, please share and agree or disagree.  The problem we have with the Fall rally is its fall weather.  It can be cold.  The further west we go, we get into higher elevations and the more likely colder temps.  The day riding is just fine, the nights are cold.  The other thing with the Fall rally is we always have it on the third weekend of September.  Or other words, about 18th or 20th time frame.  I propose that we change the Rally date to a week earlier this year.  That would make it the 11th.  One week can make a big difference in the temperature.

In talking with Mountain Meadows Resort today, I mentioned the cold concerns.  They seem to want our business and are very accommodating to get it.  They told me that if it was too cold or wet, that they would open the store area up for us to gather around in the evenings.  And they have a campfire area just outside off of the deck.  Very similar to Fish and Fry.  I checked on availability and its wide open right now.  One more thing, if we should decide to go there, unlike two years ago, we will be allowed to have campfires.  There are no fire restrictions this year. 

I of course like the Mountain Meadows Resort and believe its our best option if we change the rally dates.  I think they have everything we need.  Including gas!  There right in the middle of the trail system and are easy access to southerly trails, ones that we have not often traveled.  Also, the infamous "Custer Loop" can be started just a few miles south of the Mt Meadows Resort and could end right at the resort.  Maybe we might just be able to complete the whole thing!

So, that's my two cents worth, or maybe a dollar.  We need to get everyone's thoughts, opinions, and/or ideas, and get this decided so we can make arrangements.  As far as dates are concerned, most places were available on the 11th or the 18th.   LD








Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: loingrader on July 20, 2014, 09:58:53 PM
I've always liked mt meadows too.  Much better than the big koa.

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: Hank on July 21, 2014, 10:01:32 AM
Well, I'm hoping we can make this one.    Anywhere is fine, but Mt. Meadows worked well.     There are some pretty fun trails close by too.

A week earlier is also fine with me.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: ryani on July 21, 2014, 12:25:24 PM
sounds fun to me.  Never ridden in that area.  Should be a good time!
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: mitchn06 on July 21, 2014, 02:38:26 PM
i'm gonna try my dang hardest to make this one this time! i'm excited!
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: BCB1080 on July 22, 2014, 03:20:03 AM
Mountain Meadow looks like a winner. I'm really pumped to make this one since I won't be working weekends for a while!
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: sandhillrider on July 22, 2014, 12:45:21 PM
Dave thanks for your work on this.
Looks good to us, we can't wait to get back out there.
Bought me a Go Pro, not going to miss another flying leg shot :)
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: Lonesome Dave on July 22, 2014, 12:55:58 PM
Yea, that would be 1st prize winner!
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: Lonesome Dave on July 23, 2014, 09:42:21 PM
Okay, due do the overwhelming response of the last few days (total of five I think).  It appears that everyone is okay with Mt. Meadows camp ground next to Deerfield Lake.  And, moving the date of the rally one week earlier than normal.  I spoke with Hank tonight about it and he agrees.

I will be camping at Red Bank Springs this weekend, and no doubt will be at Mt Meadows.  So my plan is to tell them we're coming on the weekend of Sept. 11th.  I'll get some details about costs then.   Oh yeah, if anyone is out and about this weekend near WY stop by the camp.  We have the entire place taken.  That sounds like a big deal, but its only 4 sites!

So, if there are any naysayers or others have concerns, say it now.  I won't have any internet past Friday morning.  Otherwise, it looks like the rally will be set.  LD 
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: loingrader on July 24, 2014, 03:52:03 PM
Thanks buddy.  Sounds grrrrrrreat!



Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: greatbuffalo on July 25, 2014, 04:39:50 AM
I think this sounds like a good plan. Thanks for taking the lead Dave.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: mitchn06 on July 29, 2014, 04:03:30 PM
would these rallys be worth advertising on Craigslist or anything, possibly to support DDSR? I feel like this group goes un-noticed and could grow stronger with the onset of Dual Sport and Adventure riding.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: greatbuffalo on July 29, 2014, 11:53:36 PM
Mitch, its been discussed at length before and the general consensus is that we like flying under the radar. This group is just a bunch of friends and acquaintances that get together a couple of times a year to have fun and ride bikes. That's all we are. If we were plaster the name all over and accept sponsor $$ we would then get folks coming with some expectations as well as those folks putting up the cash for the sponsorship. The group is what it is: No expectations, No disappointments.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: Lonesome Dave on July 30, 2014, 07:36:32 AM
I just want to add one thing to GB's comment.  I certainly don't keep DDSR a secret, I talk about it to riders I happen to meet and invite them to check us out.  And, even though we don't advertise or necessarily try to grow, we're always happy to see new people and try to make them feel welcome.  LD
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: mitchn06 on July 30, 2014, 08:14:38 AM
thanks for the responses guys, makes sense to me. I can see where too many tires on the trails could be an issue as well. on that note.... i look forward to meeting you all at the upcoming rally. should be a blast! at the rate our temps are descending, it may just be 20 degrees at night in the hills. dang, makes for a nice ride into work though recently!
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: Bogus Jim on August 02, 2014, 06:37:03 PM
For those who don't want to tent it, Lonesome Dave found another cabin today... close to Mountain Meadows, four bunk beds, great air conditioning, and... running water. Oh yeah, and a really nice view out the back door.

Send him a PM if you're interested.

Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: Lonesome Dave on August 02, 2014, 09:38:15 PM
Jim's right, we found a nice place today.  No reservations, but cheap.  Parking lot is a short distance away, and two very narrow bridges.  Almost forgot, the place is called "Miner's Hotel."  I think the Hotel and "Flanagan's Cabin" which is near by ought to be on our to do list for the fall rally.  Also found some neat trails nearby.  In fact, our group already likes riding in this area and has zipped by here several times. 

View from the back deck
(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j420/rustytreasures/IMG_1114.jpg) (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/rustytreasures/media/IMG_1114.jpg.html)

The back door
(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j420/rustytreasures/IMG_1115.jpg) (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/rustytreasures/media/IMG_1115.jpg.html)

Sleeping accommodations.  Only room for 4 unless you sleep on the floor.  Some beds have bed springs.
(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j420/rustytreasures/IMG_1117.jpg) (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/rustytreasures/media/IMG_1117.jpg.html)

Front Door
(http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j420/rustytreasures/IMG_1120.jpg) (http://s1084.photobucket.com/user/rustytreasures/media/IMG_1120.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: mitchn06 on August 02, 2014, 10:02:57 PM
That looks... Interesting.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: Hank on August 03, 2014, 06:41:05 PM
Does it have WiFi?

Sent from the Altair 8800 I carry around.

Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: Lonesome Dave on August 03, 2014, 08:40:41 PM
No, but it does have a rat, marmot, or rock chuck living there.  At least that's what we were told!  We didn't see him.  But, Jim thinks he saw old man Flanagan driving his pickup back to the cabin.  You'll have to ask him.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: greatbuffalo on August 04, 2014, 08:11:47 AM
Thats pretty cool. The things one finds hidden in the hills.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: weestrom on September 08, 2014, 11:58:40 AM
Hello dual sport group
I will be working till 11 Friday and I would like to MEET the group on the trail.  Is there any chance the group will be taking lunch somewhere i can catch them in the hills.  I know Lonsome Dave is working on a route.  Please let me know.  I would like to ride friday afternoon with the group.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: Lonesome Dave on September 08, 2014, 02:44:03 PM
Kyle (weestrom) give me a call tonight about Friday, I think we're going to have to adjust plans a little depending on what the weather does this week anyway.  And, I want to hear about Saturday's poker run.  LD
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: plumber mike on September 11, 2014, 01:03:06 AM
Quote from: greatbuffalo on July 29, 2014, 11:53:36 PM
Mitch, its been discussed at length before and the general consensus is that we like flying under the radar. This group is just a bunch of friends and acquaintances that get together a couple of times a year to have fun and ride bikes. That's all we are. If we were plaster the name all over and accept sponsor $$ we would then get folks coming with some expectations as well as those folks putting up the cash for the sponsorship. The group is what it is: No expectations, No disappointments.

This is why I miss riding with you guys! Nice post.

Plus with you guys I don't have to wear a leather vest with patches all over it.......maybe a textile one however. We can pick colors around the campfire :o

LonesomeDave- I need to call you 1800GOTTHISTLE
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: greatbuffalo on September 14, 2014, 11:20:07 PM
Another amazing weekend. Not necessarily the best weather but we all made the most out of it and had a blast. Thank you all for making it a great time. I didn't get a final count but I think we had about 30 riders.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: Hank on September 15, 2014, 11:30:18 AM
Yes , this was another awesome get together.    Great riding, despite some mud, and great company as always.   Thanks to everyone for the food, planning, and everything else that makes it a success!!

Sent from the Altair 8800 I carry around.

Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: loingrader on September 15, 2014, 07:03:42 PM
Quote from: Hank on September 15, 2014, 11:30:18 AM
Yes , this was another awesome get together.    Great riding, despite some mud, and great company as always.   Thanks to everyone for the food, planning, and everything else that makes it a success!!

+1

Was a great weekend.

Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: mitchn06 on September 15, 2014, 09:30:18 PM
Enough jibber jabber and show me some pics! Haha
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: ORedenbacher on September 16, 2014, 07:04:26 PM
Photos beginning the afternoon of 9/11/14.  There was a lot of free time while the snow was around...thus several snow photos despite the snow melting quickly on 9/12.  Great seeing everyone again & catching up on stories.  Can't beat escaping to the Hills and enjoying some vacation time.  No schedules, no demands, no worries.   

(http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh527/chandke/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140911_172747Medium_zps789cbb53.jpg) (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/chandke/media/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140911_172747Medium_zps789cbb53.jpg.html)

(http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh527/chandke/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140912_083910Medium_zpsa45ee235.jpg) (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/chandke/media/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140912_083910Medium_zpsa45ee235.jpg.html)

(http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh527/chandke/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140912_083854Medium_zpse1dc888e.jpg) (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/chandke/media/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140912_083854Medium_zpse1dc888e.jpg.html)

(http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh527/chandke/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140912_090101Medium_zps5017c5cb.jpg) (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/chandke/media/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140912_090101Medium_zps5017c5cb.jpg.html)

(http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh527/chandke/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140912_084423Medium_zps6d545002.jpg) (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/chandke/media/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140912_084423Medium_zps6d545002.jpg.html)

(http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh527/chandke/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140912_085749Medium_zps06324512.jpg) (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/chandke/media/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140912_085749Medium_zps06324512.jpg.html)

(http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh527/chandke/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140913_193922Medium_zps4a1e78c5.jpg) (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/chandke/media/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140913_193922Medium_zps4a1e78c5.jpg.html)

(http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh527/chandke/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140913_193820Medium_zps0cffa234.jpg) (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/chandke/media/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140913_193820Medium_zps0cffa234.jpg.html)

(http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh527/chandke/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140913_122914Medium_zps803a0df4.jpg) (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/chandke/media/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140913_144825Me%5BURL=http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/chandke/media/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140913_122914Medium_zps803a0df4.jpg.html)

dium_zps5b93f16e.jpg.html](http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh527/chandke/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140913_144825Medium_zps5b93f16e.jpg)[/URL]

(http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh527/chandke/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140913_124417Medium_zpsb5fee8e1.jpg) (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/chandke/media/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140913_124417Medium_zpsb5fee8e1.jpg.html)

(http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh527/chandke/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140913_124405Medium_zpsc0533c16.jpg) (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/chandke/media/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140913_124405Medium_zpsc0533c16.jpg.html)

(http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh527/chandke/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140913_210555Medium_zpsa5dcfdae.jpg) (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/chandke/media/2014%20fall%20ddsr/20140913_210555Medium_zpsa5dcfdae.jpg.html)

Thank you to all who helped put another rally together.  Very appreciated!
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: Osnabrock on September 16, 2014, 08:56:44 PM
I wish I could have been there.  I love the photos.  I've grown to love the changing weather of the seasons.  It looks like you capitilized on some good riding.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: liverup on September 16, 2014, 10:22:53 PM
A few pics from my phone.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: liverup on September 16, 2014, 10:28:37 PM
A couple more
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: ryani on September 17, 2014, 06:57:17 AM
Had a great time!  The snow and mud reminded me to be a kid again!   Here's link to some photos during the weekend.  Kaden my 12 yr old is ready to come back out this weekend.


https://plus.google.com/photos/101173635028274467473/albums/6059848096780811441
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: mitchn06 on September 17, 2014, 10:12:57 AM
Great pics everyone! Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: woodsrider 53 RCSD on September 17, 2014, 02:23:26 PM
Thanks again everyone for the good riding  ,good trails and good food had fun . I went for a hundred mile ride today trails are dried out now. My wrist is still a bit sore. And on the trails I crossed 2 of those ugly green things NO CRASHES.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: Lonesome Dave on September 17, 2014, 08:03:33 PM
Quote from: woodsrider 53 RCSD on September 17, 2014, 02:23:26 PM
My wrist is still a bit sore. And on the trails I crossed 2 of those ugly green things NO CRASHES.

From now on, I think those green ugly drive-over things should be called "Woody Gates" !!   :evil
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: ryani on September 17, 2014, 09:11:35 PM
I 2nd the motion.  Woody gates has nice ring to it.

Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: greatbuffalo on September 17, 2014, 10:05:31 PM
Poor Woody. He needs to find some Woody Gate Tires so he can find some grip when he crosses them. ;D
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: sandhillrider on September 17, 2014, 10:29:33 PM
Bonnie and I would like to thank everyone for making another great rally. :)
The riding was great thanks LD. We did another 60 miles Sunday afternoon.
I will have to get Bonnie some Woody Gate Tires for her new XT250.
Have some pictures to post once I get a account set up.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: woodsrider 53 RCSD on September 18, 2014, 08:01:47 AM
WOODY GATES ANY RELATION TO BILL LET ME KNOW.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: liverup on September 18, 2014, 07:36:16 PM
I created an album on Facebook with the few pics I took at the fall rally and thought I'd try to share.  You shouldnt have to have Facebook to view the album.


https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10204576621646430.1073741837.1560696478&type=1&l=96114bd9c5
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: grubbie on September 18, 2014, 09:00:59 PM
Didn't visit with Tucker at all,...did he have a good time? He sure rode well!
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: grubbie on September 18, 2014, 09:04:30 PM
Hope this works,.....I posted the video to photobucket, youtube reaaly sucks the quality out of the videos. Might be something I'm doing wrong. Anyway, it was slow to load but played good on my computer so here is a try, just some random clips. Had a great time, thanks all!
http://vid918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/grubbie01/Fall2014rally_zps1bb71da4.mp4
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: liverup on September 18, 2014, 10:04:15 PM
Hey Grubbie,  Nice video!  Tucker had a great time.  I couldn't keep up with him.  We're looking forward to the spring rally.  Take care.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: revmaaatin on September 24, 2014, 02:55:33 PM

DDSR friends,
As always a special pleasure riding with a diverse group of folks.

My friend Armand from Baltimore indicated it was more than he expected.
It was more than I expected as well.  I think I set some kind of a record...I dropped my KLR twice in 12" and THEN the young people (younger than me) rode it out of the rock field (looked effortlessly) while I tried to tried to get my breath.
Young people = 2 "Buffalo" and an Armand.  Reminds me why it is (usually) best to ride in pairs....
cough.

Around the campfire, I asked about the road to Bear Tooth, via Big Horns and Chief Joseph Highway, etc.
Well, I made the trip!
It was beyond my dreams or expectations. WOW fails to convey the beauty.

I am reposting here my initial ride report, from the DSN_KLR650 site.

revmaaatin.


#212380  22 Sept 2014
Broken Chains, Broken Hearts, and other KLR tales from the Sioux Empire

PROLOUGE

My latest chapter of KLR adventure is nearly complete...the bike is in the barn, some of the things like tents and drop cloths were dried today, and except for picking up and replacing the broken pieces, it will be completed with this ride report.

Believe it or not, none of the broken stuff is attached to me, well, if you don't include the blown out gloves.  None of the broken stuff is so bad that a few green-back photo's of Ben Franklin shoved across the counter won't cure; yet I digress. 

The GPS shows some 1495 miles, slightly more miles were actually  ridden as the GPS fails to record anything after power is lost when the plug loses electrical connection...and it does not reflect the distance the Sturgis rescue posse dragged my BLUE MULE, aka the Blue Pig, dragged it home the last ~130 miles. sigh.



Chapter 1. (Day 3)

It was a dark and stormy night.
Really.

It is about 9pm (2100) on a Friday evening, I peered up into the heavens near Sundance, WY, and I wondered, "Where did all the clear skies and bright stars go?"
I was immediately answered by the soft pelting of rain.
In the dark.
In less time than it took you to read this, I asked the question and was answered with rain.
And it is still 50 plus miles to Sturgis, and I am NOT wearing the rain liner for my pants.

sigh.

Fortunately, it is just a passing shower, but enough rain to beat the mosquitos that are glued to the face shield, beat them into a mush that is swept away by the 75mph blast across my face shield-- and I press on, following as often as possible in trace of another East bound automobile towards their own destinations, known only to them.  I use their headlights to give me an additional sight-distance, hoping that it will serve as additional warning of deer or elk that may be on the highway.


The day (Day 3) began in Red Lodge, MT where Ross Linberg and I met the day before.  Waiting for our lodge-host to prepare our breakfast, we are treated to the long, piercing, howl of a wolf.  Our host mentions to others, 'that is a wolf' which the first howl is immediately responded/replied by a second, and perhaps a third answering wolf, which precipitates some nervous twitter of conversation and laughter.  Not to be out done, a cacophony of yelps, coyotes who foolishly join into the yodeling contest, much to the amusement of the citified folks standing in line for breakfast. 
Q. "Why do wolves like city folks best for breakfast?"
A. 'They taste like chicken."
More nervous laughter follows as I describe a serious wolf encounter in Siberia where the wolves come into town and feast on children going to/from school.  Not likely to happen today, but it is something Sam Colt/John Browning contemplated many years ago, and I for one am grateful/prepared by their efforts.   


Ross and I joined up on Thursday afternoon after he has ridden his KLR , uh, upgrade-to-Tiger, from Williston, ND.  We attempt a highlands ride into the face of an approaching storm, and disgression being the better part of valor, we high tailed it back into Red Lodge, acquiring a room at the inn after a mild wallet biopsy performed to escape 5 hours of rain.

Our breakfast has been properly stowed, our bikes are loaded and no tourist or and tourista have been harmed by wolves or tall tales, we head in a Southerly direction out of Red Lodge.  What begins as a day, planned to ride the Bear Tooth, Chief Joseph Highway into Cody, WY, and US14 across the Big Horn Mts., this day will ultimately end in Sturgis, SD for me.  Ross and I will ride the Bear Tooth Pass South of Red Lodge into Cook City, MT, then the Chief Joseph Highway to Cody, WY.  While eating our early lunch of Chedder Bomb Burgers at the Buns and Bed CafĂ©, I realized, I need to be a long way down the road.  Some things can't be helped, can't be helped unless you actually, get up and go help.

The trip had started for me early on a Wednesday, and the cell phone dutifully recorded two calls from a friend who still lived/ranched in the previous parish I have previously served.  I retrieved these two calls as I was setting up my tent in Cody, WY, just as the sun passed below the horizon.  The first call is date/marked at 08.36; it is chatty and without urgency;
"How are you doing, hey, call when you can." 

The second call is at 2.47 (1447); more direct, more dire,
"Janet [his sister] has died from the brain tumor; service will be on Saturday."   

Janet actually passed away on Tuesday, but some new travels slowly; more slowly when you live 250 miles away, and even more slowly if you are strapped to a KLR, WOT on secondary roads where cell phone service is spotty and actually encounter worse coverage =  in and out of cell phone coverage while riding in the Wyoming Mts.  The phone is traveling buried in a pocket somewhere and this operator is not looking at a phone unless it is early in the morning or late at night.   

I listened to the phone messages, called my friend Steve, and was left to contemplate these calls for the next 36 hours, and wished I was not so far away. sigh.

I am reminded of the axiom I coined for a time such as this,
"Death is inconvenient for the living."
Always has been, always will be.

Fortunately, my friend Janet did not suffer pain, but she is gone and my friends that I have shared meals with, chased cows, rode horses, and killed deer with, are now without a wife, a mother, a sister, and a friend, and gone is a genuinely good person, and I am far, far away.

I seem to do a lot of contemplating while mounted on a horse or this thing we call the KLR650.  I don't listen to music or other electronic noise while riding...it interferes with the contemplative value of the motorbike.  This contemplation of Wed evening, all day Thursday, up until 1200 on Friday occurs on the back of a KLR 650 while attacking the roads of WY and MT that look like they were lifted from the Swiss Alps.  I had no idea how beautiful and how rugged (and incredibly dangerous) this part of the world could be...and not all the danger is the road or the terrain but the fellow drives who are apparently equally mesmerized by the immense beauty, but still behind the wheel.  Ross and I dodge other drivers more often than we dodge fallen rocks scattered about the highway.  The rocks have a larger clue of their purpose and are easier to predict.

The ride is not over at noon on Friday, it just goes in another direction, perhaps sooner than the plan, but goes on nevertheless. 
I will arrive in Sturgis at 10pm (2200) and will be back in the saddle again at 445am (0445) Saturday morning.  I arrive in Highmore, SD 30 minutes before the service with time to spare. 

It is a long haul from Sturgis to Highmore, and I do the mental-how-much-gas-will-it take, but I fail to factor in the wind and heavy throttle setting...and I pass by possible gas refueling stations because, I am confident of my fuel range. 
Seems easy enough,
Whack. 
Boot to the Head,
as Cheech and Chong's skit described the young student that was not-always, so-bright.
--some 60 miles from the destination, but only ~11 miles to the next fuel station, the bike flat dies without warning and does not respond to 'RESERVE' fuel while coasting to a stop, still in gear, ever hoping it will 'hit' and I will be on my way.

Nope, not today.  The Blue Pig coasts to a stop...without a secondary whimper.  So close, yet still so far away.
Same song, second verse from Friday's previous bad gas (more on that later);
Drag out the tools and drain the carb bowl again for the second time in 18 hours and the bike fires immediately.  I know I am on reserve and nervously watching my watch.  I should have gone to max range (~45mph), but I choose to go at 55mph and nearly pay a steep price.  As I crest the final hill to Ft. Pierre, SD, I can see the Missouri River in the distance and I believe I have it made in the shade, ah, no, the bike dies a second time, out of fuel but not out of gravity.  I immediately pull in the clutch, shift into neutral, and hunker down over the tank to minimize drag.  I coasted over a mile, coasting into the only gas station for the next two miles, with 3 feet of coasting-energy left in the bike. I push out the kick stand directly in front of the gas pump, and dig out the credit card.   

That was close.

No double secret reserve required by me!  Using double secret reserve when the Blue Pig is loaded like a BLUE MULE is not a good option...and I am grateful I did not have to use it.

revmaaatin.
note: double secret reserve is laying the bike on the left side and sloshing trapped fuel in the right  wing of the gas tank, into the left side.  You only have to do that once to teach you, better fuel management.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: greatbuffalo on September 25, 2014, 01:09:34 AM
Thanks for that post Rev. I didn't even know my kid rode your bike out of that rock field. I had headed up the hill to slowly navigate the other mud holes. He is not one to pat his own back or look for others to do it. I think he's real neat kid. We really enjoyed riding with you and Armand that day.

I really loved the last day of our GDR ride on Bear Tooth Pass. What an amazing road. I never would have guessed we rode enough to drain my tank that day, but we did. It seemed like we rode 50 miles. I
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: ryani on October 04, 2014, 10:07:12 AM
Here's a couple  short clips of my 12 yr old on Sat.  He did great!  We all had fun in the snow and mud.

http://youtu.be/WW053Q0_4Xo


http://youtu.be/YunC2VJtVuE


Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: grubbie on October 04, 2014, 08:03:19 PM
Faster than I was through the mud, for sure. Nice vid!
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: Hank on October 05, 2014, 09:25:20 AM
Very cool, thanks for posting those!
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: ryani on October 05, 2014, 11:37:47 AM
It was the first time using the cam. Still working out the settings and mounts. Should have it dialed in next time.

He was so excited to get out and ride! We had a blast.  Hes turning out to be a heck a rider. Proud of him for sure.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: greatbuffalo on October 06, 2014, 06:50:40 AM
Nice to see kids out there. The vid looks great.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: revmaaatin on October 06, 2014, 06:49:30 PM
Quote from: ryani on October 04, 2014, 10:07:12 AM
Here's a couple  short clips of my 12 yr old on Sat.  He did great!  We all had fun in the snow and mud.

http://youtu.be/WW053Q0_4Xo


http://youtu.be/YunC2VJtVuE

R yan,
I don't recognize any of that...Do you know a trail # that started the -4xo video, etc.
martinearl.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: revmaaatin on October 06, 2014, 06:51:09 PM
Quote from: greatbuffalo on September 25, 2014, 01:09:34 AM
Thanks for that post Rev. I didn't even know my kid rode your bike out of that rock field. I had headed up the hill to slowly navigate the other mud holes. He is not one to pat his own back or look for others to do it. I think he's real neat kid. We really enjoyed riding with you and Armand that day.

I really loved the last day of our GDR ride on Bear Tooth Pass. What an amazing road. I never would have guessed we rode enough to drain my tank that day, but we did. It seemed like we rode 50 miles. I

Did QuietBuffalo ride my bike out?...I have no idea...I thought it was Armand.  I was to busy trying to get my breath after the 2d tipover in 2feet. Ha.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: Lonesome Dave on October 06, 2014, 07:31:22 PM

Did QuietBuffalo ride my bike out?

Now that's a great name for Zippy.
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: ryani on October 06, 2014, 07:45:08 PM
Rev

That was shot just a bit down the trail leading out of the campground.  Not sure what that number is off the top of mu head though sorry.

He was showing all his friends today at school.  His first youtube video and its on a dirt bike!
Title: Re: Fall Rally 2014
Post by: greatbuffalo on October 10, 2014, 03:04:12 AM
Ah, It probably was Armand. I had left the scene knowing you and they had it under control.

Hmmmm, QuietBuffalo. Now that's funny........... and appropriate I guess.