Going for Broke: TAT 2011

[leftystrat62]

Did you do much camping in NV & OR,and if so what were the coldest temps you experienced while camping and on the trip overall. Thanks

[simonpig]

Colorado, the morning riding after camping in Lathrup State Park, the night before wasn't terrible. The higher I got the colder it got so I would ride, stop, zip up and repeat that until all the were closed and then I layerd up with the North Face Hoody, and then finally the balaclava. Climbed from 6000ft to 9000ft that morning and it felt like 15-20 degree difference.

The really cold days took place in Oregon for 2-3 days but that was abnormal because of an icy front that swept the Northwest—around the time was I was passing through Silverlake, Oregon to visting Crater Lake. It was chilly and got pretty miserable riding during the late afternoons and twilight. I didn't camp at all in Oregon.

Originally Posted by leftystrat62

Did you do much camping in NV & OR,and if so what were the coldest temps you experienced while camping and on the trip overall. Thanks

[leftystrat62]

I have no worries riding in the cold-I'm well prepared for that. I just came back from a week long trip where it was never above 24F in the morning (camping)and was usually in the low to mid 30's during the day. The reason I asked that question was so I could figure out what type of sleeping bag I will need,because I plan to camp the tat unless I know I'll be in the rain. My sleeping system left me a little cold in the 20's, so I'm trying to decide if it's worth buying and carrying a 20 degree bag for this trip.

[simonpig]

If you want to be covered, get the 20 degree bag,—mine was a 40 degree summer bag. I've been told and from research that you have to add 10-15 degrees the bag rating depending on how your hot or cold you run. If theres not strange weather patterns, I think a summer rated bag or at least a 30 degree bag should be ok.

I think the lowest temp at night it got was around 25 (+/–3) degrees for those 3 frigid days in Oregon.

Originally Posted by leftystrat62

I have no worries riding in the cold-I'm well prepared for that. I just came back from a week long trip where it was never above 24F in the morning (camping)and was usually in the low to mid 30's during the day. The reason I asked that question was so I could figure out what type of sleeping bag I will need,because I plan to camp the tat unless I know I'll be in the rain. My sleeping system left me a little cold in the 20's, so I'm trying to decide if it's worth buying and carrying a 20 degree bag for this trip.

[KJD19892]

How much of the trail would you say was actually unpaved?? I know people say 80-90% but I was wondering what your opinion was since you've actually ridden it. Im trying to get the motor rebuilt on my dr and talk a buddy into getting a dual sport and riding it with me this summer.

[simonpig]

80 percent feels about right, thanks to Tennessee. Still I enjoyed TN for what it was and it allowed me to acclimate early in the trip.

Originally Posted by KJD19892

How much of the trail would you say was actually unpaved?? I know people say 80-90% but I was wondering what your opinion was since you've actually ridden it. Im trying to get the motor rebuilt on my dr and talk a buddy into getting a dual sport and riding it with me this summer.

[KJD19892]

Tennessee is my home state so I know there are very few unpaved roads of much length left but there are still a lot of fun roads. Thanks a lot for youre opinion!! Now I've just got to get my bike rebuilt and talk a buddy into going with me....