Ged here....I have a Garmin 60 Csx and I think I know how to download tracks....the sooner I get them, the sooner I know if I know how....have done it a few times before....Bob's first tracks sent out some weeks ago seemed to work.

I am close to being prepared....whatever that means. As for cameras, I will have a point and shoot and maybe a GoPro....

What about the camp coffee/oatmeal plan? Bob is reportedly packing his kitchen and I could bring a stove and pot (for boiling water, oatmeal, and rattlesnake eggs)....but won't unless it is essential.

Toroweep apparently expects you to bring your own firewood....who has a trailer for their bike?

Temps seem cool still from my searches around the north canyon area....my current challenge is figuring out which jacket to wear: the only waterproof one is my Darien, but it can be hot when slogging through the sand whoops (I work up a sweat picking up my loaded bike in deep sand)....so I hope the forecast will be for no rain so I can use an enduro jacket instead. Such fashion challenges keep me awake nights.

Bob, I really appreciate your invite to meet you guys a day or so before Vegas, but I am jonesing to taste a bit of Utah around Tropic/Escalante for a few days at that time as I don't get down that way often....unless Fallon has nicer terrain. I plan on being in Vegas Wednesday evening so I have a day to sort my shit out and see what I can do that has to stay a Vegas secret.

I have Googled Vegas hotels/motels to death a month ago and didn't really come up with a definite place....so am eager to see what you guys decide. When you do, let me know so I can get a room Wednesday instead of Thursday.

gps and phone numbers, cameras blah blah

I need a list of gps types and need to know if you can download the tracks your self or if i need to bring a computer to vegas . we need the model of gps so we can send the proper number of tracks and at the right size file . some are limited but we can work around that if we know before probably a good idea to get a list of cell phone contacts and your emergency contact info and i can print a list for every one are you bitches ready to ride? got plenty of cards for your cameras whos taking a helmet cam? anybody check the temps at gc park? only ged will be prepared hahaha

Whole trip is only about 1000 miles taking the direct route, that is why I am looking to add things here and there. We should still have a day or two to relax depending on our pace.

I added some reminders for Bobby so he doesnt forget about the oil again on his XR.

I am good with #3 as well. It would be nice to "get outta Dodge....and the local whoops"...
The ride beyond Mesquite will be sweet after an hour of slab...

Any rough estimate of total mileage for the whole ride?

I called the Bar10 or whatever it is called ranch, they were willing to feed us during the one day where we will not be hitting any towns. It is basically in the middle of nowhere, but as long as we can tell them about when we will be coming through they can be ready with some food. Might just be sandwiches to keep it simple, but it is better than beef jerky.

Bar10 is about 118 miles from where the track starts in Vegas (not sure if this is 100% accurate, but it will be close). The first day is always a mess, so I am not sure about telling them we will be there for dinner.

Option 1: We hit dirt ASAP, things go wrong as usual, and we do about 50-80 miles and camp south of mesquite. This will split the mileage and make it easy to get to Bar10 Saturday early for food (it will only be another 50-80 miles), another 13 miles after that is where we really want to camp (Tuweep Campgound). This makes for only about 130 miles in two days, and that is pretty sad.

Option 2: We all have our shit together Friday morning and tell Bar10 we will see them for dinner Friday afternoon/evening. We eat then go another 13 miles for camp on night 1 in Tuweep Campground. We could make this a better chance if we burn up 15 to Mesquite before hitting dirt. Normally I am anti pavement, but the dirt immediately around Vegas will probably be a hooped out fuck fest so this may not be a bad idea.

Option 3: Burn up 15, eat good at Mesquite, get to Turweep to camp and not need to eat at Bar10.

I know what you are thinking; we can just see what happens. The problem with that is that I still need to confirm a day and rough time with them, and give them a deposit. If we keep the food simple then they said they can probably accommodate us if we give them a window, if we want them cooking steak then we need to tell them pretty accurately.

I know this is long winded, but wanted to see what the group thinks. I am thinking option 3, but still try to haul ass and just see if we can scrounge some burgers at Bar10 using our good looks. And by “our” I mean “my”.

            

Let me know what you think.

Zilla sent me some more tracks and I will get working on them this week if I can ever get done with these bikes.

I correctly installed Bobby's air filter this time, and even filled his bike with oil. Almost 100 psi for the base compression test, so it looks like the top end is solid at least.

GPS that makes lattes????....AND keeps an eye on me??? multi-purpose tool, huh? Still, I want name tags....I hear that Bob is arranging a mixer for the evening of the 19th and apparently is wondering what theme to go with..... that's a good time to pass out name tags don't you think?....

There no stopping me now gentlemen.  i officially have access to a gps for the trip.  And from what i heard this baby is sweet.  i'll be able to put it on cruise control, sit back and relax, take in the sights and maybe even catch a little family guy while it brews me a latte.  the evil arab will now be eatting my dust....Muhahahah.  Dont worry Ged, my doubles as a Ged Positioning System so we wont leave you.

I'll be the guy following this gang of hoodlums and miscreants...holding on for dear life imagining Hunter S. Thompson created the routes and tracks... Fear and Loathing on the Grand Canyon Trail...I'll be the Samoan.

Wednesday, March 7th

Howdy guys,
The 690 is in getting her nails done...weather is warming, so some riding is around the corner up here. Mentally packing my stuff and think I had a spatial breakthrough...these things please me.

Packing food is good with me, but Bob won't let me eat sardines. ..

It's great to be riding with a group that knows one another...likely no trips there. But you're going to have to wear nametags for me for the first few days.

I'm with you bob on having a days worth of food packed every day, just in case. I have 30 MREs if any one would like me to bring some for them, they work out great especialy if you take them apart and only bring the stuff you want and they were free to me so let me know. Myself and gay Dave are planning on sharing a stove and fuel for the stove. The beer run idea sounds good to me but I'm also able to mix vodka with my own piss if I have to.

I am ready to change and fix a flat, but not the spark plug. I can bring a multi-fuel stove and small pot w/lid that can be a fry pan...but I won't pack it if it isn't needed. Fuel for a few breakfasts w/ it.

Will we camp tout each night , or do any motels in between....doesn't matter, just wondering? Ready for both.

My tool kit is basic w/ some repair goop and zipties. Have a hand pump that works. A master link sounds better than a riveted chain. Who has the chain breaker and press? Anvil? Ball Peen hammer?

Tent works and bag is good for around freezing or thereabouts...better bag is too big to pack this trip...

New tires and chain/sprockets, and a good attitude.

tools and model bike

what tools are you bringing and what bike are you riding you need to have with you a way to change tires and spark plug. and be able to do that alone. you also need to have 2 master links and at least 4 complete links of THE SAME CHAIN THATS ON YOUR BIKE. we can discuss the need to have dulplicates of the other tools that may be needed. we can look at this a few ways are you ready to be part of the group or is it possible that you will split from the group. it could also be a pair of riders that will stay together and they have the tools to support each other.

adult beverage

adult beverage/substance prefrences lets see what we are going to enjoy around the fire at night. i truly enjoy a cold beer but that is not usually do able. somteimes its worth 2 guys riding 40 miles round trip for some beer and ice but usually its vodka with gatoraid, burbon/scotch/ schnapps. what do you llike and will your bring i know there are a few 420 guys on the trip and i will be happy to provide..... just tell me how much you want and ill bring for you if you want. what ya got?

FOOD

lets talk about one of the logistic problems i like road food and can usually get something that works at any greasy spoon as long as i dont have to eat fish. fish needs to be wigglin when you cook it we plan every day to eat a meal with fuel but for sure one. we (kevin) are working on that day we have had some days turn into pavement miles because of lack of food or water so i want to be ready. i am going to be able to spend the night out after every fuel stop. i like to have some oatmeal , hot choc. and coffee, trail mix, i will try to find some kind of rice i can make with hot water and some canned/bagged chicken. a snickers and nuts (winning) is good too. i am not taking stuff to cook in but to boil water. i have a small grill that fits in a 1" dia piece of stainless 10" long. if we want to ues this i will carry it if yo tell me what we will cook. herc and i used it for hotdogs once and maybe something else. you guys got ideas as what to eat on the trail for a night stomach filler?

So this is the new tank I was looking at getting.  Not sure if the make a male for you Dave.

Yeah your winning Dan

Dan, to ask another man to check you oil every day,,,,,,, WINNING

Ged ya made it. good job Dan your still fast and have the greatest saves ever Talked to Ziggy yesterday..............still blah blah blah want to go blah blah im waiting on parts for Herc's bike. i leave on saturday for 3 weeks. Dan i still got a gps for you to use but its about time you got your own.....new montana looks pretty good but $600 is pretty steep. at least from rei you can return it when it breaks anybody look at the weather in the trip area? wonder how much snow they have..........could be interesting. had some real cold days last time and some hot ones too. do i take a down coat for nights or just be cold and wear the riding coat? hhhmmmm who will have the gayest shoes this time?

Ha....you can't stop me now....I am on a roll with this.

Too cold to ride in Kamloops these days, but it should be possible in a few weeks. That gives me time to prep the bike and get some riding time in before April 20th. I hope to be down there several days before we all meet in Vegas and spend a few days riding ....maybe in the Kingman/Meadview/Peach Springs area or around or Bryce Canyon area....don't know for sure yet...

Bob said he invited me just so there was another old fart riding with him....and I only accepted because I want to see if he really is as crusty a bugger as he looks like in his ADV Rider avatar...the rest of you sound like a group that hangs out together well ...

Thanks for the invite :)

Geezuz....I just lost another incredibly witty post to this blog.

Guys....really.... I can ride and tell jokes better than I can figure out blogging.

Ged here....hoping this try will get me on this blog....

The BARE Crew

Ok, so I guess I need to write something witty, and or brilliant.  I too am looking forward to this adventure.   Since retiring I have been fortunate enough be invited with the cool, beer drinking guy's, to a few adventures.  I'm pretty fast, or at least that's what I tell myself.  If I'm not that fast at least my hair makes me look fast.  So I will promise to ride hard and not wine.  I will see about getting a Wal*Mart gift card to make sure we have everything we need.  Kevin and Bob thanks for the tracks, oh yah, I don't have a GPS, I've been using Herc's guess I will let him use it this time around.  Besides I like riding in the dust, because I'm not allowed to pass Kevin. Dave I will look forward to celebrating your last ride for at least the next 12 or so years, you know your life is over for a bit.  It's OK though Bob will be there to let you know about it.  Bobby you must video us and you are in charge of checking everyones oil daily.  Ged, don't know you but any friend of Bob's is a friend of...... well I 'm guessing your a good guy and I'm sure you will find your way to Vegas just fine.  Gentlemen I look forward to the adventure.

PS  Bob did you let Steve know about this blog.  He might as well be jealous.  Besides I'm sure he will say something in his comments to stay in the lead.  That is if Dave doesn't take it over for him.

this is from Ged he cant figgure out how to do this................hope he can find his way to Vegas Bob, I have tried several times to make an entry into your trip blog, but to no avail. I have a google account (monkeyed with it so that may have screwed up your “invitation” to the blog). Do I need another invite or a 8 year old to teach me how to do this? Packing: My dry bags are short the “Perfect One” for the secondary bag after the Coyote bag….I have a letter off to Dear Abby, so that problem should get worked out soon J Bike: Sorting out the new Rally Light (7’ from Trail Tech) and signal lights (LED) Training Program: I was up and down the stairs at least 6 times yesterday Pre-trip Excitement: Barely managing it….need to see the doctor about changing my prescription…. Travel: Once my Parole Officer gets off stress leave, he should approve the border crossing as long as I continue to wear the ankle GPS unit Ged ....

Hercfe9 commited

I'm now committed, the wife AKA bobzillas daughter says go have fun with the boys. I'm pretty stoked about this ride, it's been a while since Dave and I have ridden together ( remember Fernly motox) Those were the days. Good advice about FedExing my gear thanks. Like bob said i don't have much desert experience but I guarantee I won't be the slowest (gay Dave).

grand canyon

maybe we can use this to exchange alll the info for the upcoming trip
first of all welcome to the ride
if you are getting this email you seem to be pretty commited to this trip
there may be others that join us but you are the start

PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS E MAIL SO WE KNOW YOU ARE HERE AND REPLY ALL
i cant make a board or whatever page you call it so we can do emails unless somebody makes a page

i am pretty disorganized and cant spell so deal with it

we are planning on having 2 of the group fly in to las vegas and do a fly and ride arriving on april 19
we plan on riding by 8;30 am april 20
we will park all the trucks at a friends dads house. address to be supplied at a later date

parts of this trip I did already back a couple of years but some parts new with some amazing views

we need to have our shit together from the start.....the last gas on day one will also be the gas and food stop for 2 days unless we can get a meal at Bar 10 (kevin is workin on it)

fuel range needs to be 200 miles each, group total....some have plenty and some need to carry a little sometimes... Kevin has mileages but i like to add a cushion incase we find a "scenic" i mean boonie bashin detours

flat tires suck and we all have them so do what you can to prevent and be prepared. flats can fuck up a tirp

make sure your shit will stay on the bike........if you are prepared never mind . if this is new try it at home.

this will have some really easy stuff and some that will have several of us working and some just enjoying but this is not a dirt road only trip we have some river bottoms and sand washes, some dunes, slick rock and some scenery that will make you crash

gps.,who has what (we can make the tracks work for each gps but we need to know the model) experience level. we will take paper maps also for the big picture

music: if you ride with it we want every body that does to make a 4 hour playlist. not bullshit music but stuff you like to ride with, and we will trade players in the morning and get our own back 4 hours later. I have thought about this for several years and want to try it.kind of lets you know your buddy a little bit better, if you dont use a player enjoy the sound of the bike

we will try and get a meal in a restaurant once a day at minimum but be ready to stay out all night with what you have at gas stops

i aint carrying the extra water for everybody again. I need 1 gallon a day for me. you carry what you need

i can boil water every morning for coffee and oatmeal and if you need water for dinner. if you want and need to cook more bring the shit and we can share.... a spoon ,bowl and cup work well

the plan is pretty flexible for speed............its up to us how far we go......we are making some side trips incase we get ahead.............i guess we can decide when we hit the trail the pace.

speaking of pace............ill dont mind hanging in camp until we have agreed to leave but when that time is here i am leaving... i am trying to say when i put my shit on im gone. dont say lets go until you are ready to go.............. if you want to hang out say so and we can relax

the group is my making.... fucked up as it may be

Kevin Roche.........started a chance meeting, now a great partner, the brains behind these trips, he lets me kind of keep up and think im in charge but picks up my bike if i need it

Dan O .......my oldest friend that rides. many miles together, shit we were fast back in the day, new adventures in retirement bud,

TravisThompson ( herc) married my daughter and became my son. kind of new to this ...we took a cross country trip but this is more my style boy. natural talen but little experience in the dez. fly and ride guy
Dave Henderson. not my son but kind of is. Dave has started ridding with Dan and I about 10 years ago but he dont have 10 years experience. oh yeah travis (herc) and dave are best friends since kids
Bobby Beck. East coast guy tryin to learn the dez. he can teach you how not to pack your shit. i think he has it figgured out now. this will be his third trip with me.oh yeah Kevin and Bobby good friends from back in the day. fly and ride guy
wild cards:
Travis Tinner........happiest fucker i have ever met,,,,,had the pleasure of meeting him at KTOW and have wanted to spend time with him since. VERY solid rider, he has his shit together but cant navigate with a gps for shit.
Ged Schwartz....only know him from the interthingie ( fuck you kevin your fault)rides a 690 too and has help figure it out. read a report of his where he broke his leg and partied and rode for another month in Mexico . must be a tough old goat........i needed a old guy like me Ged, the rest are kids
invited but needs to commit
Ziggy, crazy, fast, fun , blah blah blah thats ziggy blah blah blah lest go bitch quit wanting to go and go
lets get this fucker started i am so ready
bob