Moab in October?

[rbrADV]

I will be 4-wheeling in Moab on October 17, 18, and 19.
Anyone want to do some dual-sport riding around Moab on October 20, 21, 22?
I have previously ridden many of the roads and trails around Moab. This year I want to ride the White Rim Trail on one of the days.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c14c20_0b9b31a9d5b949b29ef9c4e6b6904b50.jpg/v1/fill/w_883,h_1177,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/c14c20_0b9b31a9d5b949b29ef9c4e6b6904b50.jpg
The unpaved back roads are constantly rough. There are long stretches of exposed rock.
I have a 2016 RX3 with the 19-inch front wheel - but a stock 18-inch would be fine IF you also have knobbies and a skid plate. There are enough sandy stretches that I would NOT recommend the stock "dual -sport tires". (As you can see from the picture above, if it rains all bets are off!)
I am open to trail suggestions. Who is interested?

[rbrADV]

I should have mentioned - obviously - any TT250 riders would be right at home on any of these trails.
In either case, you should be prepared for a long day of riding and also be equipped to handle minor repairs including flat tires.
This is NOT a guided or supported ride.
Everyone would be responsible for their own meals and lodging.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c14c20_4d1ed192e65744bbb29cfb8acf4f89e5.jpg/v1/fill/w_672,h_378,al_c,lg_1,q_80/c14c20_4d1ed192e65744bbb29cfb8acf4f89e5.jpg

[SeerAtlas]

back in 89 my dodge 4x4 cummins was built by Chrysler specifically for me to take to Moab to show Ford and Chevy "HOW IT WAS DONE" :) When the magazine guys saw it, they christened it "DODGEZILLA" . There's a picture on the cover of one of the off roading mags of her with me standing on the hood on the top of the imperial dunes surrounded by a gaggle of paddlewheeled, fuel injected and blower ladened jeeps taken a few months later:) No one could remember anyone EVER getting a truck up there -"Too BIG, too damned heavy for the sand" In fact, she may have been the first. :)

Hell of a trip to moab that year tho, there used to be a rock slab trail there up a thing called 'Lionsback' which is what it looked like. dangerous as hell climbing that fin if you didn't know your stuff. The year before, I was two cars behind a cj5 crawling up that thing like at train of catepillars. the cj driver missed an indentation and the jeep reared up like a wild mustang coming right over on its back sliding back down the rock face.. There was NO place on that rock to hide, cliffs on either side, 80 maybe a hundred ft on one side, little less than that on the other, most of it less than two early (cj5's and cj3's) jeeps wide.
Pucker factor was EXTREME!!! fellow started sliding towards the edge,then a Miracle, one bar of his roll cage caught on a small rock bump, spun him around and he started sliding towards the other side. Bout six passenger guys jumped out of their jeeps, ran up and grabbed the slowly moving cj and started throwing winch cables/tow straps whatever they had handy to get the guy stopped. Driver was frozen white hanging upside down in his four point harness with the injected motor still turning, gas everywhere. Battery cables were cut, fellow dragged to safety, and the cj secured. Then we got the hell off the rock, was gas Everywhere which made the 'slickrock' REALLY FRIGGin SLICK!!
That night, we all sat around discussing how much would've been bet that the guy would've bought it and figguring out how the hell to get that cj down off of there. A few drinks and a lot of jawboning, and it was finally decided.
The next morning a crew of us went up to get it. Snaked a few jeeps up the hill behind it, (no small feat itself), stablized it with a few below and then we rolled it over with winches, and dead sticked it back down the fin. Been a while but I *think* the cj owner had the cojones to deadstick his own vehicle back down while tethered to a bunch of inline strapped/winched together jeeps. Took most of the day.
Sometime later the park service closed Lionsback to vehicles of any kind.
Gotta tell you, i was the second vehicle below that guy (and on the really narrow part of the fin) when the cj reared up and over. All I could visualize was him plowing in to the guy in front of me and all three of us going over the cliff. NOT a good picture.
Even had a few nightmares bout that for some months later. God only knows how the driver felt :(
Moab is a beautiful place, but it can be seriously unforgiving. I quit going when the idiot drunks started spring breaking the Easter Safari. Killed some people, got others hurt, incredible vehicle carnage. Oh and yeah, about that MUD!

[detours]

This is more than a little tempting. I love Moab but haven't been in quite a while ... and never on a motorcycle. I'll have to check with the family tho.

[FastDoc]

I'd love to go but no time on my end.

Ive been there on a mountain bike (bucket list thing to go back), including I believe on the very trail pictured.

Highly recommended.

I've not done it on the Suzuki DRZ but would love to someday.

BTW that snot-mud looks terrible. Glad you made it through.

[FastDoc]

Funny I just noticed the Artic Circle sign in your Avatar.

Is that on the Dalton north of Fairbanks?

If so I have a picture of myself (and Jimmy) at that same sign!

[RedHawk47]

I'm planning a "time-out" trip to the Moab area about that time. I may be interested in joining up for some excursions.
Permits are needed to White Rim Trail these days - too popular.
Onion Creek is a nice ride. Also Hurrah Pass and beyond. Basic dirt skills are enough for both of those.

[GSC]

Never done that before, sounds like a good trip. Count me in if you would.
gary

[DanKearney]

Yes, you need a permit for day use on White Rim now. It's easy on-line though.

https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/dayusepermits.htm

I might be able to bring the TT250 out there in October. I'll keep an eye on this thread.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[3banger]

I might be in, pretty much right in my back yard and I haven't done on a moto yet. MTB it a few years ago.

[Azhule]

Spoke with the Mrs. about it... and I won't be able to make it.

We would have no sitter or a way to get all the Home Schooling done for the kiddo if I was gone for a week...

Those who go, post up plenty of pics for me please :D

[DanKearney]

Never done that before, sounds like a good trip. Count me in if you would.
gary

I might be in, pretty much right in my back yard and I haven't done on a moto yet. MTB it a few years ago.

Good to see you Gary and Dave.

Gary, I can't make Sipapu this year. My wife is returning from China the day before I'd have to leave. I didn't think it would be a good idea to take off immediately upon her return. :)


Hopefully I'll see you guys in Moab.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[Mudflap]

I've done the White Rim Trail twice, once each direction, with my daughter on our Chinese bikes. Great scenery and not a difficult ride except for deep sand on the west side. It was hot, nearly 100 degrees and there isn't much shade.

https://s15.postimg.io/5m1zfdi4r/IMG_5768.jpg

Don't forget to stop at Mussleman Arch for a pic.

https://s10.postimg.io/cgtf6mvbd/IMG_5798.jpg

A ride up to the top of the LaSalle Mtns is a good way to escape the heat and the aspens are real nice in the fall. This was at the end of September.

https://s12.postimg.io/63liaikrh/IMG_5688.jpg

[rbrADV]

Definitely need to get a day pass for the White Rim Trail now. It is a formality to get a count of the number of vehicles per day.
I also rode the Onion Creek Road as part of the UTBDR last year - excellent!
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c14c20_df9b643a7f6f49fcaebd5394e22963be.jpg/v1/fill/w_883,h_662,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/c14c20_df9b643a7f6f49fcaebd5394e22963be.jpg
The LaSal Mt Loop is on the way to Onion Creek - should be great color that time of year.
May also be able to include a stop at 3 Step Hideaway - a camp that caters to ADV bikers.
If you haven't ridden to Chicken Corners that is worth the trip. Long stretches right along the Colorado River.
Of course, a quick ride through Arches Nat'l Park is a possibility. (It is free if you make a loop and ride in from the north side - although several miles of sand.)
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c14c20_5737d38749834df5bb7951bff2112e72.jpg/v1/fill/w_883,h_662,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/c14c20_5737d38749834df5bb7951bff2112e72.jpg

[rbrADV]

Got my RX3 ready for Moab!

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c14c20_4d1ed192e65744bbb29cfb8acf4f89e5.jpg/v1/fill/w_672,h_378,al_c,lg_1,q_80/c14c20_4d1ed192e65744bbb29cfb8acf4f89e5.jpg

This is a picture down the Shafer Switchbacks and looking into Canyonlands.

I will be riding October 20, 21, and 22 if anyone wants to ride.
Of course, TT250 riders are welcome, too

[GSC]

Good to see you Gary and Dave.

Gary, I can't make Sipapu this year. My wife is returning from China the day before I'd have to leave. I didn't think it would be a good idea to take off immediately upon her return. :)


Hopefully I'll see you guys in Moab.

Cheers,

Dan K.

Yes Dan that sounds smart. Sipapu rally will be there next year. Wouldn't it be great to get the gang back together in Moab.

Just back early from a road trip to Grand Mesa. We cut it short after the Capt. crashed out on a left hander. He'll be ok, got his clock cleaned pretty good, bruised and few scrapes. Speed and 76 years old are the main reasons I think. Sure gives me pause to witness that crash! ATGATT saved the day for him.
gary

[rbrADV]

I am planning to stay at 3 Step Hideaway (http://3stephideaway.com) near LaSal.
http://3stephideaway.com/img/car1a.jpg
After 4-wheeling a few days, I am going to 3 Step on Wednesday night, October 19th. I have a cot in one of teepees reserved.
If you haven't heard of 3 Step, it is a dual-sport bikers resort! Close to Moab and other great riding near Monticello, UT. They have cabins and teepees, and also accommodate campers.
They serve fantastic breakfast and supper, plus have cold beer on hand after the ride. Hot showers, too!
Check out the website (http://3stephideaway.com)!

[GSC]

anybody staying in Moab? I like the Super 8 next to Denneys on the northside. my Debra heard about it and may be tagging along?

[RedHawk47]

I'm planning a trip to the SW about that time. I'll be pulling my trailer with a bike in the back of the truck; probably the TT250, maybe the RX3.
I'm thinking of meeting you at 3 Step on the 19th and staying there the 20th also. Where are you planning to ride?

[rbrADV]

Hi Dan,
I am staying in Moab during the week earlier. On Wednesday I am going down to 3 Step (where I will be leaving my bike.)
There are lots f options for riding around Moab. The LaSal loop is great, especially through Onion Creek. The ride out to Chicken Corners is pretty cool along the Colorado River.Weather permitting, I would like to do the White Rim Trail either Thursday or Friday, this is about 150 miles total, with about 90 dirt roads.
I will ride Saturday morning and then head back hoe to Arizona for 2.5 days of riding.

[rbrADV]

I will probably stay at the Super 8 earlier in the week while I am 4-wheeling.
I am going to drop my trailer and RX3 at 3 step on my way through ad go back there on Wednesday night. They are great folks and live for dual sport riding! There are cabins but I am staying in a Teepee. They provide breakfast, shower, towels, etc. Supper is optional. Just need to provide a sleeping bag for the cot.
PS. It is no problem staying in Moab since I have to come through town to start the trails.

[rbrADV]

PS. I would like to use this ride as an advance exploration for a larger CSC Rally in Moab next Spring 2017!!!

[3banger]

What day do you think you will be riding white rim? I'll likely ride out the night before and find somewhere to camp, ride the rime the next day and then he'd home.

[GSC]

So I read its possible to hook up as you come threw Moab? If I read that correctly it sounds OK for me to join ya'll from the Super8 as you come threw town?
gary of taos

[rbrADV]

GSC, 3banger and others:
I would like to ride the White Rim Trail on Thursday - weather permitting.
A heavy rain would be reason to delay until Friday and ride a shorter trail on Thursday.
But assuming the weather is typically great, we could meet at the Super 8/Denny's parking lot at 8:00 am on Thursday morning.
Sound like a plan?
(We should be back in Moab for supper! But plan to bring plenty of water and snacks if we run into delays. The last 30 miles or so back into town are highway so riding after dark isn't a big deal.)

[GSC]

I'll be there, thanks for organizing this Great ride rbr.
gary

[RedHawk47]

Reminder: you need a permit to ride White Rim. Check with the park.

Change of plans; I will not be coming to Moab.

[GSC]

permit is on- line available and no more than 24 hrs ahead I believe. we should dbl ck?
sorry you can't make it dan, it would have been nice to see you again.

[rbrADV]

I will be there Wednesday and will check on the permit. If online permits are gone (not likely in October) we can pick p a permit at the check station at the start of the trail.

[rbrADV]

3banger - are you going to be able to make it on Thursday?
Any other RX# or TT250 riders ready for Moab?

[3banger]

Yes, I'm gonna try to get over to Moab Wednesday after work. My plan will be to finish up the white rim with enough time to ride back to Fruita Thursday night.

Gary we're are you planing on staying in Moab? Camping or hotel?

[GSC]

Super 8. I booked a double, so I was hoping to share David?
Debra's not going as it turns out.

[3banger]

I'm in, at least for Wednesday night, how many days will you be in Moab?

[DanKearney]

Still fence sitting a bit. I'm going to keep an eye on the weather. I think I can get out of work around noon on Wednesday. It's about 5 hours to Moab for me. I'll carry the TT250 out on my truck.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[rbrADV]

I am arriving in Moab on Sunday, October 16th for a few days of 4-wheeling.
I am trailering my bike and will ride Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning.
Let's plan to meet at the Denny's lot at 8:00 am on Thursday. Weather permitting, we can ride the White Rim Trail on Thursday!
(I can get the permit on Wednesday after I get back to town.)

[GSC]

Roger That

[detours]

I was really wanting to join you in Moab, but I won't be able to make it. My mom died and I had to use my vacation days for the funeral and to be with family.

You guys are going to have a great time and you know we expect lots of pics!

:)

[AdventureDad]

My condolences, I lost my big sis last week. Not fun times. Family comes first.

[3banger]

Sorry to hear of your loss detours.

[rtking]

Sincerest condolences for your loss, Detours.

AdventureDad, sorry to hear of the loss in your family as well.

I will keep both of you and your families in my prayers.

[detours]

Thanks guys. My condolences to you too, AdventureDad.

[GSC]

So very sorry to hear of your trouble. Prayers for you and family.
gary

[rbrADV]

Condolences to you. Riding is fun, but family comes first.

[rbrADV]

Looks like only GSC and 3banger and myself are able to ride the trails around Moab on Thursday, October 20th.
I will be staying at 3 Step Hideaway near LaSal on Wednesday night, but back in Moab in time to ride Thursday morning.
We will be meeting at Denny's at 8:00 am to ride the White Rim Trail.
I will also be riding on Friday and Saturday morning - not sure where...
Anyone else available to ride?

[GhostOfDanKearney]

Hey guys,

I've been locked out of my original ChinaRiders account for more than a week. Still trying to get that sorted so I created this temporary account so I could reply to this thread.

I was going to join you guys, but Joe Berk has organized a TT250 ride down to Baja for the following week. I've decided to join Joe's group as they're going to a section of Baja that I've not yet been to.

I've been to Moab many, many times, so I opted for something new.

Hope you guys have a good time, and I will be open to more TT250 and RX3 rides around Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado int he future.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[rbrADV]

Hi Dan,
Yes I am hoping to go with the RX3 group to Baja next March.
I am also hoping to organize a larger RX3 and TT250 ride in the Moab area next May after the Overland Expo near Flagstaff, AZ.

[BlackBike]

Hey guys,

I've been locked out of my original ChinaRiders account for more than a week. Still trying to get that sorted so I created this temporary account so I could reply to this thread.

I was going to join you guys, but Joe Berk has organized a TT250 ride down to Baja for the following week. I've decided to join Joe's group as they're going to a section of Baja that I've not yet been to.

I've been to Moab many, many times, so I opted for something new.

Hope you guys have a good time, and I will be open to more TT250 and RX3 rides around Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado int he future.

Cheers,

Dan K.

Hey, I like the cool refreshed signature:tup:

[GSC]

Com'on Dan you can do both!

[DanKearney]

Com'on Dan you can do both!

Me Too! However, I've got to parcel out the vacation days so they last.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[DanKearney]

Be sure to post some pics guys.

Enjoy the riding.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[3banger]

Photos from our White Rim ride in Canyonlands National park. Gary, Randy and my self road this loop on Thursday. We were on the trail about 9:00 am and finished the 100 or so mile loop Buy about 5:30 pm. It's an amazing ride with spectacular scenery. All three bike range great with out a single hiccup.

[DanKearney]

Great shots. I'm envious. I wish I'd had time to ride with you guys before leaving for Baja.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[rbrADV]

Great day of riding on the White Rim Trail. More pics and videos links to follow!
Thanks to 3banger and GSC!
https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14711218_1338161449528208_6316401189323054021_o.jp g

[detours]

Fantastic! I'm pretty jealous, but keep the pics coming!

[rbrADV]

A view from the Shafer Switchbacks, descending to the White Rim Trail


https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14589936_1338779736133046_667194274393136697_o.jpg https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1338779736133046&set=p.1338779736133046&type=3&theater

[rbrADV]

Here is the video as we drop down over 1,000 feet into the canyon on the White Rim Trail:
https://youtu.be/leGVXfn4L80

[DanKearney]

Gary,

You have 55,000 miles on your RX3 already?

Cheers,

Dan K.

[GSC]

Gary,

You have 55,000 miles on your RX3 already?

Cheers,

Dan K.

NO I have 5500 miles approx. on my RX-3.

Thank you Randy for the Videos. Nice to see the scenery a little more. So focused on riding at the time, you know.
It was a great trip in good company. Maybe again in March?

[woodlandsprite]

beautiful photos :)
Thanks for the virtual fix ;)

[rbrADV]

I hope to organize another CSC ride in May. match can still be a little cold!
We have dozens or great routes to choose from so there can be both easy and hard options. TT250's welcome, too!
Here is a video (https://youtu.be/CheHk6Kfazg) of the climb up and down Murphy's Hogsback. https://youtu.be/CheHk6Kfazg

[Silversprint]

I'm enjoying the videos.
What kind of mirrors do you have on your bike?

[rbrADV]

I replaced the stock mirrors with a set from DoubleTake. Best mirrors for off road = unbreakable!

[fjmartin]

I just ordered the adventure mirrors from doubletake. I wanted the same wide style of the current mirrors, but also wanted the indistructability, folding and convex lens. Found them on eBay new for a bit less than directly from doubletake. Can't wait to get them on!

[rbrADV]

Yes, 3banger had the newer wide style. Very nice.

[3banger]

Yep I went with the ADV styled coffin mirrors. I can't imagine ever braking them.

Thanks for posting the rbr; I need to learn to load the ones I took to the youtubes. The Facebook version I posted were of lousy quality.