Kokopelli's Trail Ride, March 23-25, 2012

[Big_John]

Originally Posted by Blakebird

For those doing an out 'n back, I want to see pictures going up Rose Garden Hill

One option for a return trip is to loop east through Gateway and come up Sheep Creek. I think we will make that decision, once we go down the Rose Garden.


By the way, compliments of Lark....here is an awesome link with pics and a nice writeup..... CLICK HERE

[Blakebird]

Originally Posted by Big_John

One option for a return trip is to loop east through Gateway and come up Sheep Creek. I think we will make that decision, once we go down the Rose Garden.

or just continue on down Onion Creek to 128 and get back on the Kokopelli across from Dewey Bridge on the Dome Plateau side.

[SgtMarty]

You're welcome for most of those photos, John.

I did the Kokopelli Trail on the overloaded KLR and regretted it. Of course, I'm a (marginally) better rider now than I was back then, The DRZ400 will be a lot easier. The last time I started the Kokopelli Trail on the DRZ, my wiring harness grounded out and fried. I'd like to give it another try.

If we join in on this ride, Laruie will possibly drive a support truck with room on the trailer for extra gas and all the camping gear. She's done that before, and we gassed up at Dewey Bridge, as Blake mentioned.

And I, too, would like to see the group try Rose Garden Hill upwards.

[Big_John]

Originally Posted by SgtMarty

And I, too, would like to see the group try Rose Garden Hill upwards.

Hey....if you will lead us up.....we will follow.

Originally Posted by Blakebird

or just continue on down Onion Creek to 128 and get back on the Kokopelli across from Dewey Bridge on the Dome Plateau side.

Yeah....good point and it probably won't hurt us to take a couple of short cuts on the way back....as we still have to drive home on Sunday afternoon.
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[ironbrewer]

Last time i went down rosegarden on my KLR Ned was buzzing up and down it no problem.

[Mac]

Since Marty is a marginally better rider (than he was), and I'm just plain marginal, it appears the "marginal" factor is covered.

[RideFreak]

Originally Posted by Blakebird

For those doing an out 'n back, I want to see pictures going up Rose Garden Hill

Me too, esp with the big tanks.





These pics really don't do it justice, it's a pretty radical climb with some big ledges near the top and lots of bowling ball sized rocks the entire length. Expect some carnage, just going down will challenge you. There isn't a go-around nearby but there might be an alternate route from Onion Creek up to the top, not sure. I'm not trying to discourage you guys because it sounds like an awesome ride that I plan on doing one day but having gone down it on the XRR I wouldn't try it uphill on that large/heavy of a bike. My 300 sure, but not the pig. You'll get to ride it downhill on the way to Moab so you'll have a chance to decide if you want to ride it uphill on the way home Don't miss top of the World when you're in that area.



Sounds like a great ride!

[oldmanb777]

If i can make this, i would probably ride much of it in an out and back fashion. I have ridden the whole thing several times, and just missed so much that way. But if you have never done it "Adventure" style. It is great. But some of it isn't really practicle on a loaded bike. But there are ample alternate routes that bypass those areas. Also there is a great camp ground near where Marty broke down on his DRZ that time. Some killer single track starts out there too. If I can make this trip, I would plan to go early by a day or 2, and then come home a day late.

[aiMhi]

Originally Posted by oldmanb777

If i can make this, i would probably ride much of it in an out and back fashion. I have ridden the whole thing several times, and just missed so much that way. But if you have never done it "Adventure" style. It is great. But some of it isn't really practicle on a loaded bike. But there are ample alternate routes that bypass those areas. Also there is a great camp ground near where Marty broke down on his DRZ that time. Some killer single track starts out there too. If I can make this trip, I would plan to go early by a day or 2, and then come home a day late.

Where is the camping spot that you are referencing?

[bikepikespeak.com]

I'm pretty interested in joining. I'd say it's about 75% right now. I'd have a 3.4 gal tank w/ a spare liter or two strapped on so hopefully should be good there. Looks like a fantastic trip!!

[aiMhi]

Originally Posted by Big_John

Hey....if you will lead us up.....we will follow.



Yeah....good point and it probably won't hurt us to take a couple of short cuts on the way back....as we still have to drive home on Sunday afternoon.
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My 2 cents based on how Rose Garden looked last year in Spring; I would not want to go up Rose Garden unless you want to be obnoxious about the whole thing . On the other hand I was "lone wolving" it so having a team of guys might change my mind. I also understand there is a way to bypass that section. When I went down it (to Moab), it was literally torn to hell and I was having to jump from rock to rock, right on the limit of my ability.

Coming back you can hightail it back on 128 at many of the trail intersections. I actually ended up riding next to the railway line that intercepts the river since my GPS died and that was some fun wide open riding in the sand .

[Big_John]

Originally Posted by oldmanb777

....... But if you have never done it "Adventure" style. It is great. But some of it isn't really practicle on a loaded bike. But there are ample alternate routes that bypass those areas. Also there is a great camp ground near where Marty broke down on his DRZ that time. Some killer single track starts out there too......

Norm....you ought to know me by now, that my motorcycle travel decisions aren't always based on practicality. I am all about Adventure and Challenge. While I love to ride single track, trips like this.... "A True Adventure Ride"......are all about loading the bike and doing what is incredibly challenging . I am not looking at this ride as a dirt bike outing. I need this to be an Adventure Ride......as I am prepping for the CAM1000 in August. I am happy to ride very rough stuff with a loaded adventure bike.

Adventure is what it is all about for me.....carrying my gear, tent camping, cooking over a fire, etc....

But the cool thing here is.....we can have flexibility. If Marty and Laurie come, then there will be a support truck and anyone can have their gear hauled if they want.


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[Mac]

Originally Posted by Big_John

Adventure is what it is all about for me.....carrying my gear, tent camping, cooking over a fire, etc....

....

So, let's plan to not stay in Moab. Up for a night or two of wilderness camping?

[Big_John]

Originally Posted by Mac

So, let's plan to not stay in Moab. Up for a night or two of wilderness camping?

I am totally up for that. Although, I might like one night....maybe Friday.....we we stay at Ron's Pack Creek, so that we can get a shower. Terry's feet really start stinking after the third day....I can smell his funky toes while riding behind him at 30mph.


But, if we do this, then we probably split the group. Some wanting to do the Moab trip as planned.....and the other half wanting to stay out in the boondocks and hunt for BigFoot.

[Big_John]

So.....can I assume that the area notated by the RED ARROW is the Rose Garden? And the loop to the north, notated by the GREEN ARROW is the bypass on the way back....so as not to have to climb up the Rose Garden????