Saw a route/trip report on a track around the Grand Canyon - about 1000 miles and a weeks worth of time.
The dude who established this route had some stunning pictures. Cant get it out of my head. I have been pondering a fall ride (Early Oct). Anyone here crazy enough to meander and camp in the wilds surrounding the Grand Canyon ......... I ain't getting any younger!
Wacked
Whoa, That sounds like an epic ride and the motorcycle school is closed for the season by then. Hmmmm? You have my attention and I'm subscribed to learn more. Was this a big bike ride suitable for the Tenere or something more appropriate for a light weight dual sport bike like the Beta 500 or DRZ?
Pretty sure its Big Bike Friendly .....
The Article/Report that got me going is titled "GCBAR - Grand Canyon Backcountry Adventure Route". YOu can find it on ADVrider.
Wacked
Hmmmm....????
I might be able to make time...
Well Wacked have you given this any more though or planning? What were you thinking of riding, Adventure bike or dual sport? If you were riding adventure bike were you thinking of hauling or riding down to the Grand Canyon. If you were thinking of hauling bikes and I'm able to go, I have a super cab pick up and or a four place enclosed motorcycle trailer I could offer up for use if needed.
Kevin -
If it's game on, let's make it happen!
I was planning on hauling bike(s) down most of the way and taking the Euro-Trash 640 and camping off the bike. I could be conned into taking the DRZ but I'd have to set up for some extra fuel. Depending how this plays out, I have an open trailer that hauls 2-3 bikes nicely.
Haven't asked for time off yet at work - was gunning for mid Oct. so it's not too scorching or too frigid. What weeks do or don't work with you?
Anyone else thinking about this trip?
Wacked
Best October dates for me are 12th - 19th or 26th - Nov 3rd. Bike choice debate is r1200gsa vs xr650...
Quote from: Wacked on August 04, 2019, 06:51:47 PM
Kevin -
If it's game on, let's make it happen!
I was planning on hauling bike(s) down most of the way and taking the Euro-Trash 640 and camping off the bike. I could be conned into taking the DRZ but I'd have to set up for some extra fuel. Depending how this plays out, I have an open trailer that hauls 2-3 bikes nicely.
Haven't asked for time off yet at work - was gunning for mid Oct. so it's not too scorching or too frigid. What weeks do or don't work with you?
Anyone else thinking about this trip?
Wacked
I'm in! The only question is, do i ride the Tenere or Beta 500 so I'll have to read the GCBAR thread to figure out the best bike for the job. Dates for me are open and flexible. I normally help a couple of brothers haul the annual sugar beet harvest for ten days starting October 1st, but if I have to leave early it's no sweat.
Kevin
Well I read a couple of the GCBAR ride reports on Adventure rider and it seems that most have ridden it on adventure bikes so I'm leaning toward the Tenere being the bike of choice.
From what I read, it sounds like September to early October is the best weather for the GCBAR that time of year. So Kevin's earlier October dates may be the best of the two.
How many days should I plan for?
This looks interesting and the early October dates would work for me.
Will be watching this develop. Would like a trip on my Tenere.
Thinking out loud with some of the factors .....
There's 3.5 people are interested in this run. 2.5 of you have big bikes. My wife is somewhat interested in coming down with the van maybe doing a chase vehicle thing or maybe just planting herself somewhere (St. George-ish area).
Unless you think highly of your Iron Butt abilities, it will take 2 days to get down to the start of this loop and 2 days to get back home. I'd be planning on 5 days for the actual loop - I'd like to stop and check things out from time-to-time. You'll likely be gone for 9 days.
My preference for days would be the first full week of October in hope that we could catch some of the Fall colors - plan on driving down the weekend before and back the weekend after 10/5-10/13 This is also 2 weeks after the local Fall Rally.
I don't have a big bike option. A trailer or trailer hitch is how the 640 will be getting down there. If I trailer, I may also throw in the DRZ for a spare - just 'cause.....
If you are leaning towards the Big Bike idea, it is possible to meet somewhere Southern WY or Denver-ish and ride as a pack while the trailered bikes are making way to the starting point as well.
What are your thoughts as we whip a plan into shape????
Wacked
I like being .5
Beg for Bonnie's permission and bump up to .9!
Quote from: Wacked on August 10, 2019, 02:12:26 PM
Thinking out loud with some of the factors …..
There's 3.5 people are interested in this run. 2.5 of you have big bikes. My wife is somewhat interested in coming down with the van maybe doing a chase vehicle thing or maybe just planting herself somewhere (St. George-ish area).
Unless you think highly of your Iron Butt abilities, it will take 2 days to get down to the start of this loop and 2 days to get back home. I'd be planning on 5 days for the actual loop - I'd like to stop and check things out from time-to-time. You'll likely be gone for 9 days.
My preference for days would be the first full week of October in hope that we could catch some of the Fall colors - plan on driving down the weekend before and back the weekend after 10/5-10/13 This is also 2 weeks after the local Fall Rally.
I don't have a big bike option. A trailer or trailer hitch is how the 640 will be getting down there. If I trailer, I may also throw in the DRZ for a spare - just 'cause.....
If you are leaning towards the Big Bike idea, it is possible to meet somewhere Southern WY or Denver-ish and ride as a pack while the trailered bikes are making way to the starting point as well.
What are your thoughts as we whip a plan into shape????
Wacked
Well, I'm super flexible. I can ride or haul the Tenere down and back if anyone else is riding big bikes or I can throw the Beta 500 in the back of the pickup or trailer and haul bikes. The Beta is set up for light adventure with 4 gallon tank + 1 Gallon Rotopax and luggage rack. I've thrown my Giant Loop Great Basin over the back of the 500 and ridden a modified 900 mile DakAL in 4 days with camping gear in Western South Dakota. It's just a matter of which bike is the best for the job, matches the riding type we will be doing, or if I ride down or haul down.
10/5 - 10-13 is not an option for me, I will bow out on this one. Enjoy and share lots of photos. 8)
Well this Grand Canyon trip has consumed my thoughts the last couple weeks. This trip and the Fall rally in Custer has been the only thing I've had to look forward to in this motorcycle riding train wreck of a summer. Shit is hitting the fan here making a commitment to this ride and the fall rally uncertain. My mother is alone in Texas and has been learning about some inoperable lung cancer, lymph node cancer medical issues and in the last couple days and things are starting to look gravely uncertain.
With up coming medical care treatment and possible end of life planning, the best I can offer right now is a play it by ear commitment. I'll have the Tenere or the Beta 500 ready to go if things work out for the better or there is a break in the cancer treatment program but any commitment will have to be on the back burner till we learn more.
I just got off the phone with my mother and it sounds like we won't learn much more or formulate any type of medical treatment plan until September 10th.
I'm sorry to Brad and others I've led on not knowing this information. After a life commitment shit show this summer, I was really looking forward to some catch up riding this fall. >:(
Cancer is Shit.
If you can roll - great......... If you can't - understand.
Dad will be living in Rochester/Mayo 5-6 weeks in Sept for big "C" BS.
Wacked
Yes...Cancer is shit.
Aber/Kevin- sorry to hear about your Mom.
Wacked- my Dad did a 9 week stay in Mayo. Will be there early Sept for the big 5 year check up..
Hope for a grand 'bell' ringing for your dad at the end.
OK - This is going on the bucket list
Due to scheduling, family needs, and Doctoring, the GCBDR just ain't going to happen this year for the Dakota contingent. We tried .......
Wasn't in the mood do it Solo.
But, I have to do something. So, just got signed up for the 3-Step Rondevous in LaSal - saw it on ADVrider :P. Why not. It's only a couple of days after our Fall Rally and will scratch my Moab/High Desert itch.
Stay tuned. Looks like a cool place to hang out.
Wacked
Nathaniel and I stayed there last spring for a week. Scott and Julie are wonderful hosts. We had a blast.
I thought that could be the place you stayed..... want me to go out and scout for your drone? :evil
But on a serious note, what bike of mine is better suited to that area? Was thinking of the 640, but dunno?
The 640 would be a good choice yes.
Sent from my BND-L24 using Tapatalk
Quote from: greatbuffalo on September 11, 2019, 10:19:25 PM
The 640 would be a good choice yes.
greatbuffalo recommends KTM motorcycles.
Hahahahahaha, You funny man!! I was gonna say he needs a KLR but didn't... :evil :evil
Really?....... yea, the 640 is a hopped up KLR with sexy body lines.
Come to think of it, the last time I was in Moab area it was with Dan and Mark on the KLR. Although a good bike, just never bonded with that machine
Quote from: Bogus Jim on September 11, 2019, 10:35:15 PM
Quote from: greatbuffalo on September 11, 2019, 10:19:25 PM
The 640 would be a good choice yes.
greatbuffalo recommends KTM motorcycles.
they all come to their senses eventually Jim....
3-Step Rondevous in LaSal? Is that an organized group ride. I was unable to find it on ADV rider other than a DR650 3-Step Rondevous in LaSal from september 5-8th last week.
I'll be in Rochester with mom next Tuesday and Wednesday and will learn more about treatment timing if you're still looking for someone to tag along.
https://3stephideaway.com
This will give you the info you seek. The 3 Step Rendezvous is a regular event. They provide you with GPS tracks for different routes. They cannot do "led rides" or "Guided rides" as they would need a guide license. So its easier to do the scouting and give the GPS tracks so you have your own experience. There is some beautiful terrain both on the ranch and the surrounding area.
Its about 60 miles South East of Moab.
If you go, a word of warning. When leaving the property on your bike for the first time be aware that the sharp turn to the left creeps up on you..... don't over cook it, it could end badly.
Thanks greatbuffalo!
So your talking about the
ALPINE RENDEZVOUS
September 26 - September 29, 2019
at the 3 Step Hideaway?
Like I said earlier, I'll know more about availability by next Wednesday - Thursday if you looking for company.
Kevin - The more the merrier
I'll be taking the Sprinter down with wife, "1/4 Dog", and the 640 strapped to the back. Plan on showing up to 3-step Hide-Away mid-morning/noonish on Thursday and then bugging out mid-afternoon on Sunday. You'll have to e-mail Scott to see if there is still room - I was scared they were sold out - don't know how many he lets in or how many are coming.
Wacked
Brad, Sue and Julie will get on very well. She is a very cool lady.
Wish I had the extra time to join you.
going to bump this topic back to the top of the year for thought...
being I now have a big bike...with a magic start button. Need to start consideration of trips. Even if not toward the west. May be looking East also.