[OakCliffThumper]

For the last few years there has been a semidisorganized ride in Big Bend National Park in February. I went last year and really enjoyed it. There were probably about 150 riders of all types and skill levels. Everyone meets up in the morning and finds riding partners based on what they want to ride and off you go.



For 2011, the dates are Febrary 24-27. It's free to attend (that's the semidisorganized part). You only have to account for your own expenses and travel arrangements. I plan to go again this year.



You can get further information at the link Around the Bend 2011.



If anyone is able to make the trip, let me know and I hope I can see you there.

 

[owtcast]

I've been looking into it for a while now. I have lived in Texas most of my life and never have made it out to Big Bend.

I always seem to be headed somewhere past it and end up passing it by all the time. (it's so far from anything else) But I've been riding with the TWTex guys for some time now and feel it's a must now. I need to get things lined up to do it but hopefully I can pull it off. Will probably bring the TW as well as my XR. What gearing and jetting did you use last year with your TW? Was it correct for the riding you did? How much pavement did you run??? How cold did it get while riding and at night?

 

[OakCliffThumper]

I bought mine used, but as far as I know the gearing is stock, as is the jetting (that I checked). The TW200 does great out there. For one, all of the park roads are 45 mph and it seems to be strictly enforced.



I spent one day on trails and did Old Ore Road and part of River Road East/Glenn Springs Road. There was nothing there the bike (and I) couldn't handle. I laid it over a few times, but never at any high speed. I was told that River Road West and Black Gap Road are the really tough ones. My skills are not very advanced, so I didn't take those on.



The second day I rode Old Maverick, which is really an easy ride, and did pavement the rest of the day, stopping at the various scenic outlooks and just taking my time. I was riding solo that day and didn't want to take any offroad as a precaution. Even on slab it was still a great day.



Weather in the morning was pretty cold, and I bundled up pretty good. I stayed about 10 miles out of Terlingua, so that first ride into town, and then into the park were pretty brisk. As the day wore on, layers came off. But as soon as the sun goes down, layers start going back on.



I'm still planning to attend at this point. Let's touch bases closer to time and compare plans. BTW, I'm travelling from Dallas. Where in Texas are you located?

 

[owtcast]

So far it's looking favorable. Anything can, and sometimes does happen in a month.

But for now, it's looking good. My brother might join me too. He usually rides my old 89 XR250. I live in Beaumont right on the Louisiana border. It's I-10 all the way to Hwy 90 west of San Antonio. Then follow it to 385 south in Marathon. Pretty straight forward.



So what are your accomodations while there? You camping or staying in a hotel/lodge? I plan on bringing my little hybrid trailer and setting up somewhere. I'd like to camp somewhere off the beaten pathe... some sort of seclusion but not sure if that will happen or not. Really depends on when we arrive. If it's late in the evening I'm not venturing out into the unknown desert dragging a travel trailer.

My problem seems to be finding a spot to camp that either has 1) Electricity or 2) A spot without electricity that will allow me to run my little Honda generator. There is practically no where that has hookups and the only places that allow generator use only allow it from 8am to 8pm. Which just so happens to be when I don't need it.

I'm thinking if I can find a backcountry site in the park that is away from people that I won't bother them with my little Honda EU2000. Wide open it might be as loud as an air conditioner. It's more quiet than the stock TW by far. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUA-ih4HPRw&feature=related



Definately keep me updated and I'll do the same.

 

[OakCliffThumper]

I live in Dallas, but I'm in your area sometimes. My in-laws live about 10 miles North of Deweyville on Hwy 87.



Last time I stayed at the Longhorn Ranch Motel (http://www.longhornranchmotel.com/index.html). It's about 10 miles North of Terlingua. I'm pretty sure they had hook ups, but wouldn't swear to it.

 

[owtcast]

It's looking like I have all the time off I needed. It's a good full day of driving to get there so I'll be pulling out of here Wednesday and retuning on Monday.

 

[mudpuppy]

An Illinois riding buddy of mine loves the Big Bend area so much that he now winters in Terlingua-- taking his BMW roadbike, Kawasaki dual sport, and his small travel trailer down every November and not returning to IL until April. He loves riding the curving blacktop to Presidio, and he gets spotted so much out in the desert that this Two-Wheeled Texan's post with pictures of the area even includes his picture, and jokes about him being like Waldo because he seems to be everywhere (he rides about 40,000 miles a year altogether) http://www.twtex.com...?t=35485&page=2 . He is almost fanatical in his praise for the area as a motorcycling paradise, but he admits it is pretty far off the beaten path (the nearest Walmart is about 150 miles away). He likes the eclectic (and sometimes eccentric) mix of people who visit and live in this remote area.



I haven't been able to make the three day drive to visit the area yet, but I have gathered a few websites with info on the area, including some of the lodging choices. Hope this helps someone plan a trip---- it really is supposed to be a fantastic area to ride a motorcycle (street or dirt).



http://www.visitbigb...taycamping.html



http://www.terlingua...erlinguatx.html



http://brewstercount...d=57&Itemid=125



http://www.tpwd.stat...big_bend_ranch/



http://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm



http://www.nationalp...CFUdrKgodaE6eCg







Corey

 

[owtcast]

An Illinois riding buddy of mine loves the Big Bend area so much that he now winters in Terlingua-- taking his BMW roadbike, Kawasaki dual sport, and his small travel trailer down every November and not returning to IL until April. He loves riding the curving blacktop to Presidio, and he gets spotted so much out in the desert that this Two-Wheeled Texan's post with pictures of the area even includes his picture, and jokes about him being like Waldo because he seems to be everywhere (he rides about 40,000 miles a year altogether) http://www.twtex.com...?t=35485&page=2 . He is almost fanatical in his praise for the area as a motorcycling paradise, but he admits it is pretty far off the beaten path (the nearest Walmart is about 150 miles away). He likes the eclectic (and sometimes eccentric) mix of people who visit and live in this remote area.



I haven't been able to make the three day drive to visit the area yet, but I have gathered a few websites with info on the area, including some of the lodging choices. Hope this helps someone plan a trip---- it really is supposed to be a fantastic area to ride a motorcycle (street or dirt).



http://www.visitbigb...taycamping.html



http://www.terlingua...erlinguatx.html



http://brewstercount...d=57&Itemid=125



http://www.tpwd.stat...big_bend_ranch/



http://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm



http://www.nationalp...CFUdrKgodaE6eCg







Corey

Hey thanks for the links Corey! It sounds like your buddy is really enjoying the good life.

I'm jealous.

Everything I've heard sounds just like what you describe. I hopefully will have similar results. The TW will be getting a workout for 4 days.

 

[jbfla]

...it really is supposed to be a fantastic area to ride a motorcycle (street or dirt).

Corey

Yes, it's well worth the trip. The countyside is spectacular, even for this east coaster who likes trees and grass.

jb

 

[mudpuppy]

Hey thanks for the links Corey! It sounds like your buddy is really enjoying the good life.

I'm jealous.

Everything I've heard sounds just like what you describe. I hopefully will have similar results. The TW will be getting a workout for 4 days.

Yeah, he is definitely enjoying his retirement time in the Big Bend area, but keep an eye on the weather report for the days you go there so you can pack clothes accordingly. Even as far south as they are, they can still get pretty damn cold in the winter (and being a desert climate, nights can cool down pretty fast). Here is an excerpt from an email I received just today from my friend--- who is living in his 19 foot long travel trailer in Terlingua:



"Right now its about 35 degrees out and since Tuesday its been real cold. Think it got to about 10 TUE, 18 WED and THUR with highs about 25 and very windy. Today the sun came back out; the wind is slower and the temps are getting above freezing in the daytime. For the last three nights our pulse furnace had been coming on several times an hour with the little electric space heater running on HI full time. Tomorrow and Sunday, the highs are to be back into mid-60s or even to 70. We have about a 12 lb. icesicle hanging on our water hose going into the RV as there is a drip there at the regulator and I've got that wrapped to keep it from freezing. " Temps listed are in Fahrenheit, of course.



Enjoy your trip. I'm the one who is really jealous! Hopefully things will warm up by the time you leave for your adventure.

Corey

 

[owtcast]

That arctic blast seems to have affected the whole country. I had to cancel some camping reservations this weekend because of it.

And yes, I'm familiar with the desert temps dropping like a rock. I've been caught out in the desert after dark in my Jeep with no top. It was a bitter/painful thing I do not wish to repeat.

Layered clothes are our friends.

 

[owtcast]

Oakcliff!!**** You still going?

 

[owtcast]

Looks like I'm going to make it. Things just seemed to fall into place. Probably arrive there Wednesday evening right after dark... if we don't hit too much traffic in Houston or San Antonio. The rest should be a breeze. Probably going to set up at BJ's rv park. That way I don't have to use the generator.

 

[Gerry]

Outcast, it was good to hear your geneator. I just purchased a Kipor 1000 to charge the battery on a recently purchase 1988 Toyota Dolphin. The generator seems to have an electronic throttle control to save gas by pulsing. It is not loud, but the pulsing is annoying. The motorhome project seems to be something Saskia put in place to keep me busy since I sold the Baja Bug. It might be nice to tow (slowly) the TW and explore the outer reaches of the state and still have a warm homebase and a comfortable bed. Gerry

 

[owtcast]

Definitely. I love minimalist touring but, to get the most out of a few days, sleep is a must. If I had a month to do Big Bend, of tent camp and bathe in the Rio Grand. But since I only have 6 days, I need those conveniences. As for that little Honda generator, it was a little pricey. But I haven't regretted it one bit. The load manager does a great job of providing just the right amount of revs. No surging at all. It will rise then settle when hooked up to a fridg e when the compressor kicks on but it never gets loud. I'm going to buy another one and link them together for 4000 watts. That will run my complete rv with everything on.

 

[owtcast]

Heading out in the morning. : )

 

[owtcast]

We made it. Pulled into the campground st 9:30 pm. With no moonlight, its DARK! out here in the desert. Oakcliff, I will be on my 05 Tdub or XR 400. If I see any other TWs I'll chase 'em down to see if its you. ; )

 

[OakCliffThumper]

Owtcast, I couldn't make it after all. A huge and unexpected project got dumped on me at work and I just couldn't get away. Enjoy yourself, the riding is great. Take lots of pictures and I'll be looking forward to your ride report.

 

[owtcast]

This area is pure dual sport Zen. Lovin' it!

 

[admiral]

Glad you're having fun. For our sake, I hope you are taking lots of photos' (and maybe some video?) to share with us when you get back?



Lots of us our suffering from the winter riding disease, (Lack-o-ride-itis) and we need some pic's to help us return from this coma like state!