Father & Son take on the whole TAT

[XC Rider]

Alright, the RR is up to date! Here's a little introduction to the crew in no particular order.

Warren, aka Kawikazi



Richard (my father), aka 7cells



Clarence, aka agstacker



John, aka mrprez



And myself, Denis, aka XC Rider





Tomorrow, we hit the trail!

[NateLePain]

Happy Trails to you and your pop. I'm planning to make a similar trip, w/ my boy when he hits his teens. Right now he's my ready passenger. I hope you especially enjoy your time in Arkansas.

nlp

[airborndad]

Awesome

Subscribed to yet another great XC Rider RR

I will have to keep a close eye on this one

if you get anywhere near us again and feel like stopping by on your way through, or if you just need a place to stay or need any welding / fabricating, garage space, tools etc. you have my #

looks like a great group of guys you have there, already having a great time
I wish I had enough time off to do the TAT but until then I will have to live vicariously through your RR's


Have fun Guys

[XC Rider]

Just got in to Sparta & checked in at the Royal Inn. We looked but couldn't find any suitable camping nearby. Since I have wifi, I'll be updating later tonight.

[GotMojo?]

Great stuff so far! That Burkes Garden area is awesome... was just down there a few weeks ago.

Question on fuel.... do you have the stock tank on your DRZ, or something larger? And are you going to have to carry extra fuel with you once you get to some of the more remote sections out west?

[XC Rider]

Originally Posted by NateLePain

Happy Trails to you and your pop. I'm planning to make a similar trip, w/ my boy when he hits his teens. Right now he's my ready passenger. I hope you especially enjoy your time in Arkansas.

nlp

Love the RR of you and your boy, that's great! I can't wait for us to get into Arkansas!

Originally Posted by airborndad

Awesome

Subscribed to yet another great XC Rider RR

I will have to keep a close eye on this one

if you get anywhere near us again and feel like stopping by on your way through, or if you just need a place to stay or need any welding / fabricating, garage space, tools etc. you have my #

looks like a great group of guys you have there, already having a great time
I wish I had enough time off to do the TAT but until then I will have to live vicariously through your RR's


Have fun Guys

Hi Keith! Please say hello to the family for me. I'll keep you posted as I would love to make a swing thru CA to see friends I made last time I ran the TAT.

Originally Posted by GotMojo?

Question on fuel.... do you have the stock tank on your DRZ, or something larger? And are you going to have to carry extra fuel with you once you get to some of the more remote sections out west?

My dad and I both have the Clarke, 3.9 gallon tanks on the bikes, and are capable of doing 200 miles on a tank; from experience, I believe this to be enough as long as you don't get way lost or have to reroute a lot.

[One Less Harley]

I never had a problem w/ the 4.2 gal IMS tank on the DRZ. Just filled up every morning. Came close to hitting reserve once. I was getting an average of 65mpg, as low as 60 on the interstate, which didn't come into play until the ride home. Got upwards of 70mpg once!!!

3x3 mod, Dyna Jet carb rejet, and a freer flowing stock muffler, much to the dislike of my riding partners. Only one spot where it's 160 miles between gas stations. I think it was in Nevada.

So how far is everyone planning to go???

[XC Rider]

First and foremost, with it being 9/11 today, let us not forget those who perished on this day 10 years ago. I'm sure that those of you at home have seen plenty about this on TV or heard it on the radio; I just wanted you to know that we who are enjoying ourselves on our bikes out here in TN have not forgotten either.

The day started off great. First a little continental breakfast at the Days Inn.



It was a bit hazy and foggy out there in the morning, but it looked as though it would clear up.





We were all loaded up and riding through Jellico at 9am.











The first turn. Let the fun begin!







During the day today we were on and off gravel all day long. Mostly off, but all the roads we fun.









Stopped here to take a picture of the valley; Clarence was a little disappointed that the trail didn't follow this little path seen in the picture.



That's ok, this is good too.



















The much photographed oil pumping thingy in TN.





Snack break in Sunbright.









Next up, the Catoosa WMA. This place is beautiful and fun!













We got caught in a little rain and put on our rain gear. Luckily though it didn't last but 10 minutes or so and by the time we reached Ozone, we stopped to pull off the rain gear and have a snack.



Hmmm....I don't think we're getting a tan today, said Clarence!























At our afternoon gas stop we made another friend.





We also had a great talk with a local on a V-Strom 1000, sorry but I forget your name and we didn't get a picture, but you've got my card so post up if you come and take a look!

Back on the road, and heading to Sparta.





Next stop was at this river that's I'd spotted last time I ran the TAT. I couldn't help but go down off the bridge and play in the water again!





Some grafitti near by.





The final push to Sparta; about 20 some miles.









Around 5pm, eastern time, we reached Sparta and having not found any suitable camping we decided to just stay at the Royal Inn in Sparta as suggested by Sam. A slight shame as the weather would be perfect for camping, but there's always tomorrow.

For dinner we were recommended a local place.



The recommendation was SPOT ON!

I, and several others had the special of the night, an 8 oz. sirlion, and I had the side salad with mine and loaded baked potatoe.






STATS for the day:

[patiodadio]

Subscribed





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[NDTransplant]

Good grief- the pictures of the food alone are enough to get one excited about this trip!!!!

[Farkle_Adict]

Great report!

The difference between a good ride and a great ride is the food. You guys got it down pat!!

[DR BrianO]

Enjoying so far, keep up the great pictures.

[redog1]

Subscribed and following along, best wishes and Happy riding. Stay safe.

[Mistress of the dual]

You guys are off to a great start. One of the things I really enjoyed on my last trip was the campground cooking. If you run out of tinfoil I found they will give you some for free at the deli counter in the grocery stores.

[redog1]

Originally Posted by One Less Harley

The KLR rider is going to be lusting for one of those DRZ's...mark my word on that!!!!!! Is the KLR going all the way???

That KLR is more than capable depending on the riders ability. I did the Western states TAT last September riding with my buddy, he on a 09 TE610. I nor he had any problems with the exception of his battery shorted in the middle of Nevada. Can't blame that on the bike or the rider. We both went down an equal amout of times either from being careless or just tired and in need of a rest. Anyone can have a problem on any bike at any given time, You just never know.