[TundraManDan]

Here are some pictures from yesterdays ride. The 14/55 gearing was barely enough but got me there. It was a beautiful blue sky day. Most of the ride was trail like this but I had to circle back to the trailer on some county road and highway so nice that it is a dual purpose bike.



Start of ride

Dropping into the canyon

Some mean rocks on steep downhill

Many very tight switchbacks

Took a side trail

TW barely fits

Back to the main trail and a stream crossing

Middle of long climb where a 13T front sprocket would be desirable but the 14/55 is such a nice compromise

Had to slip the clutch for the TW with 14/55 to pull this part (over 9000 feet)

Have a great day!

Dan

 

[bikerjosh]

wow, that looks like some technical riding. I would not have wanted to ride up those stair steps even with my 3" extended swingarm.

Thanks for the pics Josh

 

[Roninboise]

That looks like a really fun ride. That 55 tooth sprocket sure makes my TW climb like a tractor.

 

[B-dub]

Wow Dan! That's some gnarly stuff. Glad you made it through and lived to tell about it. Enjoyed your pictures too. Thanks for taking us along.

 

[peruano]

If you want to got to the outback you need a pair of hiking boots and a canteen, not a motorcycle. It will just encumber you. To each his own. Tom

 

[Lukester]

Cool pics.Looks like a crazy ride.

 

[rm_hm]

I think I'd park my Tw and use my RV 90 for that one.

 

[TundraManDan]

If you want to got to the outback you need a pair of hiking boots and a canteen, not a motorcycle. It will just encumber you. To each his own. Tom

I agree that we all like to explore in different ways. Just so you know this actually is a designated trail and legal for motorcycles but not ATVs. It is an official MVUM trail for motorcycles but not other motorized traffic. It is certainly one of the rougher ones but trials bikes make it look easy so a lot of fun for those riders. It is certainly not a trail you would attempt to take a KLR down as you would never get back out. Riding it on the TW was a challenge but increased my comfort level with the bike. I got this bike for my wife and I two-up but would never take her on a trail like this one but am breaking it in and learning how to ride it. This was a solo ride and I think I'm getting a feel for the TWs capabilities. It has great traction and smooth low speed torque and the low seat height helps. You do have to watch the clearance as it is wide and low. 9 lbs of air in the tires felt about right. It would have been an easy but long and boring hike for me, but an exciting challenge on the bike. There are many, many trails in this area that are designated foot only so when my wife and I hike those are the ones we pick for that.



Dan

 

[Bullspit]

Did you bottom out on any of those rocks? That trail looks like it wants a bit more ground clearance! Thanks for sharing this.

 

[d-nix]

Gnaaarly! Were you solo?!

 

[TundraManDan]

Gnaaarly! Were you solo?!

Hi,



I was solo on this day as no one to ride with so taking it carefully and slowly. I did touch bottom a few times but mainly the kickstand. I checked over the bike when home and not a dent in the plate or anywhere. I was a little worried about the motor as it got hotter than I wanted for only having 350 miles on it with a fresh oil change. But, all seems to be ok. On a couple of the switch backs I had to get off an yank the bike around with those super strong cycleracks. I can't claim that I was up on the pegs all the time as I'm still getting used to this bike and did not want to take any chances.



Dan

 

[Bagger]

Wow, rough trail, too bad you were solo, I would have loved to have seen some video if that trip, specially those nasty stair steps, and the top of the "middle of a long trail" piece. I am struggling to get that much traction out of the stock rear tire. . .



Nice pics and write up.



Bag

 

[Gerry]

Generally photos seldom depict how extreme or technical trail riding can get. Your photos it seems are the exception to that statement. Your bio did not include an age, but just getting off and on the bike in that kind of terrain would be a work-out. I really enjoyed your adventure and appreciate you taking the time to post it. I suspect, as hinted by others, riding alone in that sort of terrain is really pushing the envelope. Coming off the bike on any of those trails certainly suggests you're likely going to need some kind of assistance. Not sure you would be guaranteed a good signal, but a SPOT with 24 hour tracking might be a good thing for you to have.... Take care, have fun and stay safe. I have been on the forum for 5 or so years. I would be inclined to say those are the most technical sections of trail I have seen a TW on. Gerry

 

[darnold87]

That looks like some fun technical riding!!

Be careful going solo on rides like that...

Thanks for sharing.

 

[evan]

Wow, those do look like some tough trails. Back when I was younger I would be up for it but a lot more careful (and brittle) now even though I do ride alone at times. Your pics do make them look steep when sometimes a pic won't. Glad you made it back to show everyone some gnarly pics.

 

[TundraManDan]

Not sure you would be guaranteed a good signal, but a SPOT with 24 hour tracking might be a good thing for you to have....

Hi Gerry,



I agree with that - those spot's are life savers.



Dan

 

[admiral]

Good stuff. I worked up a sweat just looking at your photo's! giggle. I too have found on occasion the TW to sit too low in some circumstances in regards to foot peg height. Broke my foot once when I hit a boulder, and to be honest probably would've happened even with a higher clearance bike. Just to remind myself of this, I dinged the same foot off a rock earlier this year. More appropriate footwear kept this encounter down to bruising!



Thanks for sharing.

 

[twbertrand]

Thanks for sharing great pics

 

[DonBenito]

That's some crazy technical singletrack there man! I have a vicarious sense of accomplishment just knowing that my bike's sibling pulled off that run.



I guess some credit is due to the rider too of course.