Yeah, I thought about tethering the two events, but Pablo had already reached out to me to connect RMAR with WestFest.....So, it will still be a great week of riding. My suggestion for RMAR and WestFest is for some of you to organize a Colorado Dirt Ride between the two events. Besides, I am going to need a month of recovery after RMAR to run off a second event.
And I plan to wear John out...someone has to setup at RMAR to lead a Big Bike ride because I got to haul John out on some single track. So I am hoping he won't want to ride for another 3 months.
It sounds like fun but I'm a little confused here. You're making this sound a bit like an extreme enduro, and one would need the last name of Blazusiak to finish (OK, slight exaggeration). The pictures however don't convey that level of difficulty. So, on a scale of 1-10, 1 being a newbie on, say, a KLR, and 10 being Taddy on a Christini, where does this ride fall as planned to date? I'm sure others are wondering. Also, what are the ranges of elevation?
Stinky...I've ridden a lot of these passes some on the Scrambler and some on the Honda XR650L...and there is going to be a mix of challenging and just fun riding. A lot is going to be on how your bike is set up and how experienced a rider you are...not necessarily a racer, but capable of handling different terrain situations. The thing is this...we're all going to be there to help one another as needed, so just prepare well and relax and have fun. There's lot's of time I've fallen and had to have help and have helped others, but we all have had our spills. This is a good opportunity to enjoy some georgeous areas of Colorado that a lot of people never see and that's why I'm going!! Score 7-9, KLR's have been everywhere, but still depends on riding capability and preparation. Elevation from 7,000 to 14,000 feet. Remember it's a ride event...not a race!
Thanks SD. That definitely helps scope things. I'm riding a 450EXC so that should be fine. While I can't quite ride like Taddy, it sounds like this is a nice mix of fast and smooth and slow and gnarly. Perfect! I've always wanted to ride the back country of Colorado and this sounds like a great way to do it. My biggest challenges will be re-jetting and logistics. I'll be watching this thread close and really hope to make this one.
That may have been my problem. I was looking in the general direction of Kansas. Now, I want to see you bring that HD on the CAM. Only thing is you have to ride in the back and bring your own support team.
The 450 EXC will do an excellent job with the right rear spocket for steep hills and correct jetting for high altitude. Pack light but well for outdoors camping for the week if you choose.I'm sure someone who has one of these can guide you as far as that bike's setup. Needs to be street legal!
Is there a place I can rent a bike for a week? Something like an XR or a DRZ? I will be coming from Rhode Island thanks
Thanks. Any tips on renting a bike? I was also thinking of maybe buying a new DRZ 400 in colorado and then having it shipped back after I am done. Any thoughts?
I'd think buying a used one that is already set up for a ride like this would be better. Lots of people around here that would inspect one for you. A new drz is lacking in tires, crash protection, luggage options, etc.
Don't think I will be able make the RMAR this year but boy this sounds like fun. Just bought a 6.6 gal. tank for the Husky. Got room for a flatlander? Glen