2015 Death Valley nOOb's Rally - March 26-29

Hey all you weiners out there. Don't forget to thank the vendor(s) who donated your prize(s)! Personally I like to go get on their Facebook page and thank them publicly. This one small step is huge to vendors, they love getting the warm and fuzzies! I also sent an e-mail to PSR thanking them for having us.

Thurs - Up Pleasant Valley, across Mid Park and down South Park.

Ended up riding with the Varsity Squad so there weren't a lot of picture opps. The most difficult part of the ride was a side track that was a never ending hill climb that of course turned into a dead end which meant a sketchy (for me) ride back down. Thought all the hype on the difficulty of South Park was a bit over rated.

Some tall and skinny guy that rides like a beast looking out over Pannamint Valley trying to find who might have left a brand new Husky on the side of the trail



Some cool geological formations



Up on Mid Park looking down into Butte Valley ... almost shocking how green it is.



South Park Canyon is that way!




Friday - Copper Top BBQ Ride

9 Hungry foodie adv riders looking for the long way to Big Pine for Yelp's #1 rated BBQ in the country took us the length of Saliine Valley Rd. with a stop at the Hot Springs.

The perfect DV machine



Todd Lite



I got out in front to find this great corner to get some shots and Danny G found the cut off instead



Arnie (AFRY) got it though ... showing off his new flat tracking skills



Gathering up for the run into the Hot Spings



Aftrer a nice dip in the pool, up and over North Pass, John (Catalina38) riding into the post card shot.



Death Valley Rd down into Big Pine is a really fun, curvey slab ... right to Copper Top BBQ



After an awesome lunch, rode up into the Alabama Hills then down Owens Valley Rd. where young Bentravelin got his first silt bath and powder donut experience ... he was up and rolling so fast, I never got the camera out.


Sat - Goler/Mengal Exploring

Catalina38 and I rode up through Goler and checked out all the little off shoot trails. First time I've had the temp warning light up on the 990 ... tight little canyons with rocks and sand is no bueno for the big bike.

Helped out a guy on dead DRZ going into Barker Ranch and hooked up wth Larry and Greg.





the whole area up there was exploding in flowers



the big BEASTIES



Dropping over Mengal Pass into Buttte Valley, the greenest I've ever seen it.



Stopped at the Geologist Cabin which turned into a 990 R convention (4 of them)





riding out of Warm Springs I picked up a nail and went flat on Warm Springs road, made a quick change. all we had was a few CO2 cartridges and a hand pump and we were having a hard time getting the tire to set in the bead. Then this dude we passed going up Mengal rolls up and saves day ... thanks again Noel and Val



Even with the flat, the wrecked front wheel and who knows what happed to the 525 it was great weekend with lots of AWESOME peeps. Can't wait until next year.

wow, so many awesome RR and pics, now i am embarrassed to post my ride report to ballarat....






darn, i need to get one of you guys to take my camera with you.

Here are few pics from my experience on this most amazing trip. Thanks to everyone for making this event happen - a truly remarkable experience.

Here's me right after my riding buddy LittleGroovy and I manually hoisted our bikes up a steep step of boulders in Echo Canyon. We got them up by re-situating some of the rocks on the steep incline to build our own steps, and by walking alongside the bike and inching it up a few inches at a time through finessing the clutch and throttle. You can't see the incline of boulders in this pic, but believe me - they're there. Remember kids, don't try this at home!



Inyo Mine



Inside Inyo Mine (which is kinda like inside yo mind!)





If you look closely, you can see our two bikes parked down the hill from Inyo Mine



Stopping to take a break between Echo Canyon and Beatty







Stopping in Echo Canyon for a break...







Enjoying a cool one after a day of riding...



Selfie time



Titus Canyon





Stopping to consult the map. We had GPS with tracks, but it was nice to compare notes with the old school paper map once in awhile. That's Littlegroovy on the left, my DR on the right. The very morning we were supposed to leave San Jose for DVNR, the bike stopped running but I managed to get it going and it ran great all weekend. Nothing like tearing your carb apart two hours before your buddy is supposed to pick you up and hit the road!



The view from my tent really sucked...



Littlegroovy, myself, and mramosc enjoying a cold one after a long hard day of riding!

Thanks to Joel and all the other volunteers who work so hard to make this such a great event.

Drug two of my fellow soldiers from Ft Irwin with me this year and took the knowledge gained from the last two years to show them a little about what this whole adventure riding stuff is all about.

Bill had never ridden a motorcycle up until last fall when after listening to all of my misadventures talked his wife into this. He found a bike that didn't require a huge investment and after a bit of work he had a great bike to get out and explore on, his Cap'n America 1987 XL600R. Steve after the prodding of a motivated seller and fellow soldier he purchased his XR650R.

We got a late start Thursday after getting into camp around 5pm. We quickly unloaded the bikes and rather than setting up we changed and headed out and were able to run the loop through Darwin Falls.

Friday we headed out with a plan to hit the hot springs, Lippencott(Hats off to the couple on the White 990 Adventure that were 2-up coming down Lippencott, Mrs Odiegreen would have probably killed me if I tried that.), Race Track, Ubehebe Crater, and then back to camp in time for dinner. We underestimated out fuel consumption and the first bike ran out of gas about 30 miles from Stovepipe Wells. I told them to check out a low tire on the back of Steve's XR while I headed out to get fuel. I ran to fill up my Rotopax and when I got back we realized what we hoped was a slow leak was much more serious. Two tubes later(good practice after pinching the first tube) we were back on the road and hustling to get back before dark(whats a day of adventure without a little of adversity along the way). After we stopped to refuel in Stovepipe my 990 wouldn't start, its had the same battery since I bought it used in 2012. They had already pulled out as I offered to ride sweep up the pass and back to camp. With no way to signal them to my dilemma I was stranded. Someone was nice enough to give me a jumpstart. After getting the big Katoom running something was seriously wrong(Dash Board would continuously run through the power up test, and wouldn't idle.) The battery in my 990 Adventure finally gave up on me on the way back to camp and the way the ole' girl was acting I was a little terrified that there was something else severely wrong.

Saturday morning after a little help from the neighbors, (stripped a bolt on the skid plate, gotta remember to get a set of six point sockets for the tool roll) we figured out that it was only the battery and rushed down to Ridgecrest and were able to locate a new battery. We made it back to camp about 12:30, I put my bike back together and she fired right up. So after a late start we decided to run up to Beatty and hit Titus Canyon. As Bill kicked over his bike it decided to KICK back leaving his ankle sprained. Bill was quite the trooper though and refused to give up. We stopped in Beatty to top off on fuel and the old XL600 refused to start. After all three of us were at muscle failure trying to get it to fire off, all while trying to avoid getting kicked by the ole' mule she decided to come to life. We had a blast taking in the sights heading up to Red Pass and the desert was as beautiful as I've ever seen it with all the flowers in bloom. Along the way down from Red Pass, Bill said his seat had come off. After he got stopped he realized the frame on the XL had broken on both sides.(I blame it on the lucky lead bricks he must have been carrying on the luggage rack) The exhaust was about the only thing holding the rear end on. We managed to do a trail side repair getting creative with zip ties some hose clamps and properly placed tools and made it back to camp in one piece. We even managed to make it back in one piece.

All in all a pretty EPIC weekend, can't wait for next year. Somewhere along the way Bill's kickstarter decided to kick back and he's limping around a badly sprained ankle. So if you know anyone looking for a temperamental old Honda with a broken back - I might know a motivated seller

Until Next Year

Odie

ENJOY THE PICS not necessarily in chronological order, enjoy the night pictures--love the night sky in the high desert!! Amazing what you can see when you get away from the big city lights!

Headed home this morning after a relaxing breakfast and cup o' coffee. No drama loading the bike (really like the new trailer!).

Another great time!!!!

The plan was to leave after work Wednesday, but, I couldn't quite get my act together. Set the alarm for 4:30 am, gah, finished packing the van, went to load the bike and it wouldn't start. Battery! Local bike shop doesn't open until 9 (another 2 1/2 hours:huh). I spew out a bunch of pms for somebody to let Joel I won't be leading the Titus ride at noon, but I will be there for the Slo-Off.

NOT a happy camper



Finally, ready to roll!




Did an easy ride, with Chu leading and Bill (c.t.) sweeping, to Ballarat, Wild Rose, Charcoal Kilns and Agueberry Point. Beautiful day and nice group of riders.

Most of the boys at Ballarat



Inside a kiln would be a cool place to camp. Don't think the park service would approve.



Little Donkey2 at Agueberry Point.



Bill and his Transalp. I have a 2001 waiting for me in southern Ireland for the summer, Bill let me take his for a test ride. Likie!



Pretty!



Saturday. What to do, what to do? Little Donkey2 was having fuel issues, gas, no gas, gas, no gas:huh Lior fiddled with him Saturday morning, but still running badly. He pronounced the bike fine to ride, so off for a solo Titus ride.

As long as I was at full throttle, no problem. Back off and it felt like I was in a car with someone who was having a really difficult time learning how to drive stick. Sheesh. Made riding the slower parts of Titus "interesting". But I made it and it was a great day. Ran into a couple of adv groups, had some lunch with one. They suggested putting the bike in neutral and coasting through the rest of the canyon, OMgosh!!!!, it was so cool! Have to do that again from a higher point in the canyon.

I have about 10 pics from over the years of this view.



Kicking back in Titus.



Won a great prize at the raffle from Masters Paint and Body, was thinking about paint schemes all the way home today.

Another great rally, finally got to put some more faces to handles - what a great group of people you all are!

You did it again Joel! Thank you!!!!!

Well, what can I say…Death Valley, 2015 Noob’s Rally was an epic adventure. I will first say I have made some great friends due to this event and I am looking forward to many more adventures with them. Secondly I am looking forward to 2016!

It all started a little before 7am with Tae rolling up ready to hit the road.


The bikes are looking great and ready to slab it up the 395.




Dropping down into the Panamint Valley.


Yup, looks like we made it to Death Valley. Just prior we got buzzed by two F-18s, never screamed so proudly…Merica!



Next stop was Panamint Springs Resort, we finally made it.


After a little camp setup we started to plan our first ride. The first goal was Titus Canyon but speaking with Frank he mentioned that it might be a little to late and something closer might be a better deal. So he recommended Reward mine and even offered to lead the ride. I was a bit skeptical a first but the deal was sealed and off we went.


The dirt section was pretty short but fun, after a few hundred miles of slab it was great to get the taste of some dirt.


Once we arrived the wow factor washed away the doubt that I had. I would have never expected this ride to be so cool. Thanks again Frank for showing us the mine.





Frank said he wanted to check out a old ghost town up Cerro Gordo. Still having plenty go time we all agreed we needed gas and then lets go check it out.



The ride up was pretty fun. Smooth road with a few corners you could really slide around.


Before checking out the ghost town we wanted to see the peak that over looked the valley. Be warned, the two track isn’t for the faint of heart. Lots of loose shale rock with a nice drop on the side. The end result was pretty nice though.




Now the Ghost Town, wow it was pretty cool. Robert (think thats his name) came down and showed us around.




The man himself!


After looking at the time we realized that we needed to beat feet and make it back to camp for our burgers and beer. After a few burgers and beer it was meeting up with Chris to start planning on Friday ride. Tim came by and noticed we had the map out and after a few noob like insults he sat down and helped us plan our ride. All kidding aside thank you Tim & Jim for taking the time and helping us out and plan our ride.

The goal was to head out to Beaty, gas up, stop by Rhyolite for a photo op with the naked lady, head down to Titus Canyon, head over to the Ubehbe crater, then race track, down lipicot, and then take Saline Valley to the 190! More on that to later.

Thanks to Joel and the huge number of good people that put on such a great rally. I've always wanted to get into the DV backcountry. Here are just a few pics from our rides

View From Dantes


Badwater from the Westside Rd


Panamint Valley from South Pass heading to the Saline Valey


Saline Valley


Saline Valley


Fearless Leader


Salt Tram Tower


Shade was hard to come by


Ballarat


Hotel Ballarat


The Angel of Ballarat

I can't believe I'm actually endorsing hashtags, but for those who indulge in the social media experience known as Instagram, be sure to use:
#dvnr15
#noobsrally15
#advrider

I'll have my RR up here soon! Love the great photos and stories that are coming up so far!

Isaac, NO! Say it isn't so! First you buy a KTM, now you're promoting Hash Tags :huh Buddy, step away from the Kool Aid...

Just one drink Bill. It's not even a full glass!

Ha. I know the feeling. I'm begrudgingly starting to use them for event and vendor promotion as well.

So our “first” day of riding is upon us as a group. Chris, Tae, and myself have been riding together for a few months prior to the Rally. Upon arriving to the rally we picked up a new addition to the group and we we knew he would fit right in as he was a noob and rocken a new DR650. Thursday night Chris, Tae, Joe, and myself sat down and pulled out our map and started planning. The ride plan was simple, head out to Beaty, gas up, stop by Rhyolite for a photo op with the naked lady, head down to Titus Canyon, head over to the Ubehbe crater, then race track, down lippincott, and then take Saline Valley to the 190 to camp. We figured it was a solid day of riding and we would need to start a little early and make sure we never passed a gas station. So after a good night of planning it was off to bed so we could be up early for a epic ride we had planned.

I slept like shit as I forgot to rock some ear plugs and I might have a few people close that snore... So I woke up semi early opened my tent and look at the bike. Right away I knew the day was off to a great start…turns out 20psi and rocks don’t mix. My first flat in nearly 3 years of riding.

I walked over to let Chris, Tae, and Joe know I might be a little bit due to a flat. Over all the the tube swap went easy but putting it all back together sucked as the front brake pad kept falling out. After a little cussing and redneck ingenuity I used a velcro strap to hold the pad in just enough to get the wheel mounted up.


Now we top off on water and head out, the start to our trip[ was finally under way!


Just as we are about to head up the hill I noticed a bike being pushed back. After a quick chat we realized that the BMW was down for the count and I volunteered to tow him back to camp. I told Chris, Tae, and Joe to go on and I would catch up with them after I towed Tim back. After dropping Tim off I twisted the throttle back and set my sights on catching the guys. I finally cought up to the guys at the Sand Dunes and after a quick photo we knew we had to hit the slab and make out way back up to Beaty.




After a quick gas up we headed over to KC Outpost for some food. I will say for out in the middle of nowhere the food was great and the service was even better.



Now it was time to head up to Rhyolite to grab a quick photo then head out to Titus Canyon.






Now it was time to finally make our way to Titus Canyon which I was very exited about as from the photos it looked amazing. It definitely held up to my expectations! We did have one crash on the way down to the canyon…not good its Joe’s first down of the trip.

After heading back to look the bike and Joe over it appears nothing was to banged up other then Joe’s leg which got pinned under the bike for a moment.
We all met back up and found some shade for us to grab a quick bite and check over the bikes. I noticed my bike was burning more gas then everyone else and for being stock it shouldn’t be living that life. Turns out my choke was broken and was being stuck open casting the bike to run a little rich. after a quick adjustment of my fuel screw to compensate of the choke we were set to go.




Sadly I didn’t grab to many photos from the canyon but I did get a lot of video on my gopro so I should hopefully start working on that video soon.
As we completed the canyon it was time to head to the crater. That was almost immediately halted by a mini van that tried to Austin Powers itself in the middle of the trail.


After they unfucked the van we were able to pull around them and make our way the crater. DR650 parking only!




Now it was time to head to the Race Track, being it was almost 3pm we knew we needed to make good time if we wanted to be back by dinner.


And then after the photo ops I had my first and only dirt nap. Nothing to bad, I thankfully walked off the bike as it fell over.


Finally get to see TeaKettle Junction. Damn looks like I forgot my pot.



Dropping into the the Race Track.





Now it was about 4:30ish and we knew we needed to head back so we did;t really see any racing rocks…
F you rock…why you not race?




Now it was time to head down Lippincott, something I was really looking forward to. Next time I really want to head up Lippincott
as it looks nice a techey! I was a little worried about the guys as they are still a little new to riding and this was probably some of the harder riding they would encounter on this trip.



Tae had one drop at this point and after dusting himself off he was back up and running until he went over again.

After realizing something was up I parked my bike and hiked up to Chris and Tae to see what was wrong. Bike was dead and would turn over so I hopped on the bike and rolled it down to were my Joe and my bike were.

After trying to start it the battery went dead so I was able to bump start it and get it running. At that point I handed the bike back over to Tae who then stalled a few moments later… now the bikes dead. I tried to rebump start it and got nothing. Being it was now almost 5:30 we knew we might be in trouble as it was going to start getting dark and were about 50miles away from camp. We tried to tow it for a little and got nothing so we pulled backer and started to look the bike over. We tried fuses, jumping it, kill switch connections, and got nowhere. Looks like were gonna have to tow it the rest of Lippacott and hopefully finish before midnight.


At this point Tae hopped on my bike and we strapped Tae’s bike to Chris’s bike and we set off. I had a bug up my ass and tried to bump it a few more times and boom its ALIVE! We unhooked and I told Tae to keep riding my bike until we get the slab. Thankfully I recently upgraded my headlight and added two 10w LEDs to the front of my bike as Tae’s bike was only utilizing the stock flashlight (headlight). So I stuck myself at his 4 o’clock and we rode all the way to the 190 under the lights. Excited and relieved we swapped bikes and road back to camp coming in right before the kitchen closed at the resort. Beer and food time!

After a much needed 3 beers and an amazing bacon cheese burger we headed to the table and started to plan tomorrows ride. The goal was hit Barker Ranch!

Nice! That guy on the Ural is a real ass though.

You have no freakin idea...
Rude
Vulgar
Looks like the ass end of a bull dog with the runs
Smells funny
and whines like a Stoke (too far?)

You're good. You didn't say I drink like him.

Whoa....now back up the bus !!!
I would be better off kicking your dog or slapping your kid before I would do that.

Come on, I have standards ya know....

Some pics from the Friday Chloride Cliffs-Titus Ride

Quick regroup before leaving the slab.


Summit of the Chloride Cliffs




Needed a jump after draining my battery. Bacon saved!


Lunch in Beatty


The telephone pole at Rhyolite


Red Pass at the top of Titus


The view just never gets old!


Gravel twisties on the way out


Back at camp for dinner





Dante's View on Saturday


Darwin Falls


Stopped in Olancha on the way out. Someone had stuck this bottle into the sand and the wind had sandblasted it opaque.

I know, fucker almost ran me over after Joe took a slide.

The ADVRider Death Valley Noobs Rally. One of the highlights of my year.

As a certifiable noob I enjoy this event a lot. It's great to get out with like-minded people and not have to stress too much that my form isn't perfect and my speed isn't mind-numbing. As an added bonus it's held at one of my favorite places to stay in the desert, Panamint Springs Resort. What's not to look forward to? Here is my poorly written ride report. I also am not very good about remembering to take photos.

This is my third Noobs Rally, for the past two years I went on my KLR650. Unfortunately back in June I managed to destroy the engine, the KLR will live again but I wasn't sure I could get all the repairs completed in time for the rally. When my friend told me he had a DR350 he'd sell me cheap I jumped on the opportunity, after all I'd been trying to come up with a way to get the wife to let me buy a light dual sport bike and this was the perfect excuse!



Of course, since I'm a glutton for punishment, once I got it I immediately tore it apart to fix a few annoyances. A state it kept until well into March thanks to a busy life of work, family trips, and Adopt-A-Trail volunteer work.



I corrected and oil leak here, rebuilt the shift drum actuators there, found more problems, ordered more parts, etc. This went on up through the Sunday before the event when I was welding a new kick stand tab to the bike. I came out there with 70 total miles, all on the street, on the "new" machine but I made it onto the trailer in time for the event! I don't know if anybody had a pool going but I sure hope somebody made money on me getting there on the DR.



Unfortunately due to the build, work, and home life I wasn't able to get quite as early a jump on the event as I wanted to. I got my Jeep and trailer packed up in the wee hours of Tuesday night / Wednesday morning, got some sleep, then hit the road about 11:15 am for PSR, about four hours later than I originally hoped to leave.



My route took me right by Ersin's workplace. I gave him a wave it couldn't see (don't worry, I used all my fingers) then hit the high speed run North.



The drive went pretty smooth once I got out of L.A. traffic. The reports of construction on Trona Road were true, they were running it as single lane to do some utility work. I pulled up to the zone right behind Keith/airborndad and company. We had to wait about five minutes then they let our lane go.



I topped off my fuel tank in Trona then continued on. I arrived at PSR at 4:15, exactly when I expected to.

Henry/Heakle met me in camp, jumped in my Jeep, and we set out to place the repeater. After some intel provided by Pablo we placed it along the ridge line on the North West side of Hunter Mountain Road, about a mile from where I was originally thinking of placing it.



We went back to PSR where I had a beer, set up camp, and tested the repeater. It seemed to be working but sounded scratchy plus I was unable to hail Pablo so I was getting concerned. I decided I would see how it performed in the morning and go from there.