I did not take Lockhart Pass. THAT was a little beyond my solo comfort level while on a 36 day trip. I took the east option and went over La Sal Pass which was fantastic.
We did Hurricane Creek last year and it was on Sam’s 2018 map as a challenge section. It was a bit of a test for me riding an 09 R12GSA, if it’d been any wetter I would’ve had to turn around. We ran into a local who said that it was probably going to be gated off “in the near future” due to the 4x4 crowds chewing it up. He didn’t have a date nor could he confirm for certain that it would be closed but even if you get to the decision point the main route continues around it so really no issues. If you’re on sub-800cc bike it would be a lot fun for you.
I bought Sam’s tracks in 2019 and it doesn’t look like there’s a track on Hurricane Creek Rd. Not sure if that’s my fault or if he removed it? If you google “Hurricane Creek Road” you do get some hits that it is open only to North Carolina plated vehicles and that it’s only a one way trip. I didn’t see any signage to that effect but I also didn’t look. Great ride though, nice job doing it on the big bike.
I need to double check my files, the maps I bought might’ve been 2017. And it was definitely two way traffic when we did it. At one point I had to lean the bike into the bank and stand on the seat to let a parade of jeeps go by. We didn’t see any signs at the eastern end but we weren’t even sure we on the right track at first. There was 4 possibilities to choose from (not including the road we came up) and it took awhile to confirm which was the correct one. I’ll check later and clarify
Read Big Dog Adventures dot com Id second what others have said, maybe the 200 is a tad small. You can do this. Take your time and not only smell the roses, but smell each state, each road and each day. Jeff Fletcher Author of Marilyn Across America a dual sport adventure, the t.a.t. on Amazon
Hi Jeff, What a coincidence that you responded to my question. I just read your ride report last night and it made me want to leave for the TAT right away. I also ordered the book on Amazon. Can’t wait to read it. Anyways, I ended up passing on the 200, but I’m still looking for a 250.
Having just purchased a 250L about 3 weeks ago, I love seeing all the small bike riders on this thread. I am tentatively planning my own solo run at the TAT in September. Things are still up in the air a bit with work, so I am not sure how much time off I will be able to swing. Bike: 2019 Honda CRF250L Time: September 2020 (maybe starting on the 1st) Tracks: TBD. While I would really like to use my phone, it appears that it might be a lot more simpler to just bite the bullet and get a GPS unit and load in Kevin's card. Sleeping: Planning 100% hotels and packing zero camping gear. Start: Emerald Isle, NC -ish. The plan is to just get to the coast, and hopefully get the wheels wet without getting locked up. No way will I take the time and effort to get all the way out to Cape Hatteras (two ferries?) Since I am located in IL, the logistics of how to get to the "start" is still up in the air. I could ship the bike "somewhere" and fly into Raleigh, or I could rent a one-way truck and drive (about 15 hours). Neither sound too fun. Gear: Still way up in the air. I'm just going to come out and say it.....I hate Adv Jackets and pants...there I said it. I've ridden off road for decades and just used MX pants with knee pads underneath, and a jersey or long-sleeve shirt up top.
Thank you for the book order. Id be appreciatibe of your feedback after reading. Like yourself, I agree that the general consensus of a 250 cc bike like a wr250r or honda 250l is tough to argue with. Cant go wrong with a well sorted klr, xr650l or dr650 either. Good used ones are in excellent supply. Ride safe. Jeff
Hey there, there are 4 of us flying out from Chile to Denver on July 31. We will be picking up the trail on Saturday August 1st in Trinidad CO and heading to Oregon. Have read many threads and everything is very very useful. We want to buy 4 KLR´s and sell them August 21st when we leave. Any insights?
Hey there, there are 4 of us flying out from Chile to Denver on July 31. We will be picking up the trail on Saturday August 1st in Trinidad CO and heading to Oregon. Have read many threads and everything is very very useful. We want to buy 4 KLR´s and sell them August 21st when we leave. Any insights?
Hey there, there are 4 of us flying out from Chile to Denver on July 31. We will be picking up the trail on Saturday August 1st in Trinidad CO and heading to Oregon. Have read many threads and everything is very very useful. We want to buy 4 KLR´s and sell them August 21st when we leave. Any insights?
Wow! OK, where to start. Buying 4, decent, used KLRs will be challenging enough without going through the paperwork that you'll need (taxes, registrations, inspections, etc.). Topar Racing in Trinidad, CO, might be a good place to start. Lots of non-US citizens buy bikes here then sell them before they leave. There may be a broker or consignment dealer in Portland, OR, that could sell them for you and save you the hassle of dealing with classifieds or Craigslist. Are you camping or doing all hotels? Are you bringing all of your riding gear with you? Prepare for occasional rain as it will be monsoon season in the American West. Just my 2 cents but smaller bikes may be better. Also leave yourself some flexibility based on what bikes may be available. Like I said, Topar Racing may be able to set you up with great bikes that aren't necessarily KLRs.
PackinDirt, thanks for the reply, need all the advice we can get. We picked these dates because we wanted to do the Colorado mountains and we were told these were the best dates. We plan to do camping / hotels, but call it as we go. we will bring riding gear, but none of us have rain gear. What do you suggest?
Mesh riding gear (or motocross armor and jersey) and get lightweight and waterproof "shell" jacket with hood (for under the helmet) and pants that zip up to the hip. Same for gloves. Relatively cheap and pack down small. Also good for chilly mornings. Go on easy and come off easy. Lots of options but don't cheap out and make sure it's "waterproof" not "water resistant". Good base layers in the mountains and wicking layers in the desert. NO COTTON!
I have Revit summer jacket and pants, but it is still hot..!!! Do you think motocross armor and jersey is better? One can always put on more layers, but I believe Idaho will be extremely hot with a jacket.....it is also bulky...
I believe in full protection at all times so don't compromise there. In my experience, full mesh gear with a waterproof outer layer or a motocross set up with layers for warmth and waterproofing is your best bet for this trip. Like I said, it could be chilly in the mountains and in the morning then REALLY hot in the afternoon. Your gear must be flexible and accommodate all the conditions coming your way in the American West. I wore nothing under my mesh pants except synthetic underwear and a synthetic, wicking shirt under my mesh jacket. As long as I was moving, this was a fine setup. Lots of REI stores in Denver: https://www.rei.com/product/894313/patagonia-torrentshell-jacket-mens https://www.rei.com/product/127336/rei-co-op-rainier-rain-jacket-mens https://www.rei.com/product/127338/rei-co-op-rainier-full-zip-rain-pants-mens
I've been conversing with @rrumble and may join his group. We are looking for one more rider to join our group to make it four riders. @rrumble is targeting 07/30 to meet in Trinidad, CO. Any other rider starting TAT in the same time frame interested in joining our group? Thanks. Jon
Have you tried those rain jackets with the hoods? They look like they are permanently attached. I'm concerned about them tucking into a helmet comfortably. Really like the full side sip pants. My Frog Togg pants are a PIA to get into and out of.
The attached hood takes some getting use-to when putting on your helmet. Like exactly how far over your head do you pull the material so the front of the hood doesn't cover your eyes? But you NEVER get rain down your neck again, front or back. The front zippers up to your chin so the helmet strap holds it in place. Only get pants that zip all the way up to the hip to make the on/off dance easier. Snug and dry. I won't go back to expensive jackets. This is the most flexible set-up for riding gear for most of the year in most conditions. In the colder, "shoulders" of the season, I have heavy, ADV jacket and pants but for everything else, it's mesh and waterproof outer layers. I posted those items from REI because they are readily available in Denver but any single-layer, waterproof jacket from Colombia, EMS, North Face, etc., would work fine. Just make sure it is "waterproof". Also stay away from underarm vents or gussets as they will let in water. Get a big size so it'll fit over your armor and get it long if possible for best coverage over the pants when seated. Bright colors are also a good idea to be more visible in bad weather (red, orange, even blue). My buddy had Frog Toggs and I was always dressed, mounted, and ready to ride long before he got his FT gear on.
