Another Utah Backcountry Discovery Rider Solo UTBDR

[eakins]

Originally Posted by blacktiger

Please excuse my ignorance but what does UTBDR stand for?

http://www.butlermaps.com/Motorcycle...26-Documentary

[ezrdr55]

Originally Posted by eakins

http://www.butlermaps.com/Motorcycle...26-Documentary

I bought the map/DVD combo and watched the DVD just to get a taste of what I was in for. I also loaded up the free tracks which saved my a$$ because without a GPS and those tracks I would have gotten really lost and probably run out of gas even though I have a 300 mile range. One of the gas stops was closed when I got there so I was on fumes (still had 1/2 gallon in my agri-tubes) when I got to the next gas stop. I used the map to mark my progress as I went. Because I was solo I decided not to do any of the alternate "expert" tracks. Since I was going North to South and the route is laid out on the map South to North, I was a little surprised that over 5 days and 800+ miles I only met three other riders and they were just doing a day ride. They were locals going North on KTM's (990's and a 950SE) and warned me that just up a head that I was in for a really tough section on my Wee-Strom. They even recommended that I not try it because even on their KTMs it was tough go. It was a tough section that cut through an extremely rocky area, but I made it even on my "inferior" machine. Still there were a few sandy areas that tested my ability to maintain forward progress and where I wished that I was on my 450EXC rather than the Wee-Pig. I started the trip on a new set of K60s and airing down did help a little, but I was really wishing for TKC80s at least on the front. In a couple of sections were the sand was finer than baby powder I sunk in up to the rear axle and had to dig my way out. And at times, I may have had to go a little slower and exert a little extra effort, but overall the Wee did it's job. More pics to follow.

[The Walrus]

Nice ride, good to hear your bike kept up with your plans.......

[ezrdr55]

Great road on the way to Natural Bridges


Stealth camping on a beautiful mesa overlooking a scenic valley





One of the three Natural Bridges




And another Natural Bridge



Just entering Monument Valley area. There is more riding to be had here than I had time for.

[scarysharkface]

When Cainer and I were out there last month we wanted to ride at least some of the UTBDR, but after encountering just a bit of deep sand decided it wasn't going to be any fun on my loaded KLR and his loaded 1150GSA so far from home. Seems maybe we were looking in the wrong places and should have toughed it out and ridden a little further down the trails. I hope he forgives me to not wanting to push it, when apparently it would have been okay..

Looking forward to all the pics you've got from this..

John

[ezrdr55]

Originally Posted by scarysharkface

When Cainer and I were out there last month we wanted to ride at least some of the UTBDR, but after encountering just a bit of deep sand decided it wasn't going to be any fun on my loaded KLR and his loaded 1150GSA so far from home. Seems maybe we were looking in the wrong places and should have toughed it out and ridden a little further down the trails. I hope he forgives me to not wanting to push it, when apparently it would have been okay..

Looking forward to all the pics you've got from this..

John

There was an area on the Butler map that had the deep silt sand marked on the route. This was at the southern most part of the route. It took me about 2 hours to go that 10+ miles and my front tire was more of a rudder than anything. Not fun, and had I known it was that bad I would have re-routed. Your buddy should buy you a cold one. You did the right thing.

[scarysharkface]

Originally Posted by ezrdr55

There was an area on the Butler map that had the deep silt sand marked on the route. This was at the southern most part of the route. It took me about 2 hours to go that 10+ miles and my front tire was more of a rudder than anything. Not fun, and had I known it was that bad I would have re-routed. Your buddy should buy you a cold one. You did the right thing.

Yeah, it looks like it would be a spectacular ride on my DR350. I worry that when I biff on the KLR (and I will biff) that it will be me that breaks. Perhaps the answer is to just haul the DR out there one of these days. So much beautiful country to see. Keep the pics coming!

John

[ezrdr55]

Another one of Monument Valley


Cars on the right one and people on the left one And a long way to the bottom


North Rim of the Grand Canyon very scenic and not as nearly as crowded as the south side


I was told that the haze is pollution. It seam to me that all the pictures I took had some haze in the mountains.

[ezrdr55]

Another shot of the North Rim



These last three are of the Vermilion Cliffs area. Headed to Durango and then on home to St. Louis.

[Southmt]

Thanks for posting! Great photos, looks like a great trip.

[WhicheverAnyWayCan]

Thanks for sharing!! Good report!

[CamelBill]

Nice job on the report and pics. Looks like it was a great trip

[nwcolorider]

Great Pics


I will help you out on locations of a couple, as these are in my back yard almost.
Gates of Lodore, Browns Park Colorado--Green River. John Wesley Powel lost one of his boats inthere in 1869 at Disaster Falls
This is right by the old 2 Bar Ranch

The Dugway road going to the Yampa Bench and Echo Park
This is fun going up in the rain!

Echo Park Road, just above Whispering Cave

[4badboyz]

spectacular! Solo ride...I'm green with envy

[Britome]

If you have the touratech video and butler maps, i'm in the market.