Any Death Valley news?

[larryboy]

Mengel hasn't changed, it's the same as always.

Rode South Pass the other night on the 1150, nicely torn up, the 70 mph tail wind gave me some trouble...had to wait for the wind to slow so I didn't get knocked upside down in a trench.

Took Steel Pass on the way out, easiest I've ever seen it. Then N Eureka to Dyer...fuel run was 162 miles from Olancha. Sand was dry and fluffy around Eureka Dunes, handful on the big beast.

Keep in mind that the morning report is written to keep the Camry peeps safe and sound.

[cbig]

Just got off the phone with the ranger. He said Mengel is in rough shape but passable for dirt bikes with some talent. He described a 13 ft drop off at the Mengel Pass. Not sure how to read that. I mentioned we'd be going thru on xr400's and 530 KTMs . He felt west to east was doable but the drop off might be too much east to west. Rutted thru Warm Springs Canyon but doable. I figure Mengel will be our go no go decision point, carry max fuel in case we got to turn back. Hope to hit Echo while out that way depending, and Titus. Next day hit the northern sections.

Any Papoose Flat news?

[larryboy]

Originally Posted by cbig

Any Papoose Flat news?

PM this guy: dirty adventurer

I sent him that way on Sunday.

[slidewayes]

cbig,if I'm reading that right ranger says its easier to go up 13' then down, Your going this weekend? looking forward to your report. I'll be on a fuel stretchier took about 5 gal to top off at panamint springs last time

[cbig]

Not ad good at making reports as I should. From what the ranger said down (west to east) is easier. That's also how I remember it tho it's been about 5 years since I passed that way.

[loner]

Originally Posted by slidewayes

Planing on D/V on NOV. 23 to 25 First choice is coming from south / east up warm springs threw butte valley, down goler but dose not sound promising, Any input would be helpful I don't know all the little roads or if there is any other way over that ridge

Dan,

Based on what I have read recently Warm Springs Canyon Road has been graded up to Warm Springs Camp, it must have been in bad shape because this section was always very easy. The road past the Camp is in a wash and got hammered by the big storm in August. It too was easy enough, and I still expect it to be easy for a bike or a 4WD. Butte Valley Road past the wash area is smooth dirt and should be in good shape. Most say Mengel Pass is in normal condition, but there has been mention of a 13' dropoff in the Pass. The road past the Barker Ranch turnoff was the most affected part with deep washouts on the road. I expect it to be doable on a small bike. Spafxr reported that he had to turn around in this area, he was on a fully loaded 990 going West to East. Goler was hammered, but the County filled in the road with gravel so it should be passable.

I should be based out there by the time you come through. Check the cabins for a white Toyota truck, I'll have extra gas if you need some. This is the only through road in Butte Valley. I'll try to get a report out while I'm there, but may not find internet access.

PS: We met briefly on the Pioneertown run last year.

Paul

[slidewayes]

Again thanks to all we will be on 950&990 sons first ride&camp off bike fuel well be tight but should be OK LC8's are not known for MPG . The 13' drop concerning? well bring a block and tackle ,Congrats to JCR & team

[cbig]

Rode some of DV in 2007 with one. May be a bit much for the pass, but will let you know if I get the chance. Don't remember fuel range being much of a problem for those out there but it's been a while. Sort of miss that bike. Had a guy ride with us thru Mengel some years back on his 950. I opted at the time for the lighter bike, wanting to preserve the 950. He made it, barely. Was some serious work for him, but he was a solid rider. Good luck.
Shameless pic of the old KTM..

[larryboy]

Originally Posted by slidewayes

The 13' drop concerning?

It's bypassed, just don't bomb down the road and fall into it.

[cbig]

How far is it from Panamint to Furnace? Looked like about 120 eyeballing it..

[DSM8]

Originally Posted by cbig

How far is it from Panamint to Furnace? Looked like about 120 eyeballing it..

55 miles on the pavement.

[spafxer]

120 via Mengal

[slidewayes]

Again you guys are cool all info is useful, If its rideable well ride it Just some times slower and some times faster

[dirty adventurer]

Originally Posted by larryboy

PM this guy: dirty adventurer

I sent him that way on Sunday.

Yeah.........

I had all intentions of making it down to Papoose Flats. Sounded like a good idea at the Springs at least.


I really was enjoying the ride.

I was going up North Pass cruising in 5th gear all loaded up with camping gear, when as I approached the Waucoba Mountain I went to downshift, and the shifter was gone......


Long story short, I looked for my shifter, but could not find it. Ended up having to make it the rest of the way in 4th gear, with a lot of clutch action in the Mountains.

Then when I got to the highway it was ....40 MPH for the next 150 miles or so.

Make sure you pack small vise grips.

I'm looking into buying a new shifter, and have it welded on. Hopefully that will work.

Any recommendations on a good welder in Orange County?

[cbig]

That's a sad story for sure. Coincidence? I plan on riding my xr400 up there quite a bit too. Also from OC. Did a bolt check 2 months ago but your tale is a good reminder so when I arrive on site will do so again.

Hope to make it up there looks neat.