Great Divide trail? Anyone?

[gotdurt]

Some of the guys on the XRL user group were talking about this, so I went to advrider to see if I could find a trip report. Here's one:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48357

I had heard a lot about it in mountain bike magazines and such, but didn't know you could motor it. Looks like an incredible trip! Would make a great summer ride (not this summer though).

I have got to get another dual sport. :-?

[Tourmeister]

:tab I just had a guy send me a TON of stuff about that a few days ago! :lol: He has been researching it for several years, collecting GPS tracks, reports, etc,... I would definitely want something other than the GS for that trip!!

Adios,

[Hoop]

more info:::

http://www.kenackerson.com/

Awesome photos, and manly men on manly bikes!

[Tx Rider]

I'd be up for it next year maybe, how long does it take to do it all?

[Hoop]

I don't think this is a job for the V-Strom. XR650L or a KLR, or a big KTM. Since I don't own any of these, it would take some planning! Maybe it's because I've never done it, but I have a hang-up about hauling camping gear on the dirt bike and having to be self-sufficient for an overnighter.

I think it would take a week to 10 days or so of riding to do it justice, could be done shorter by skipping the slow (fun) sections.

[Tourmeister]

I read some guys that did it on their GS's!! Was a pretty wild report! If they could do it on the big pigs, I figure something like a KTM, KLR or XR would have no problem, other than being able to carry enough gear.

[gotdurt]

I read some guys that did it on their GS's!! Was a pretty wild report!
That's what a couple of the guys used in the report I'm talking about. It really didn't look/ sound that difficult though, in fact, they didn't seem really experienced either.

If they could do it on the big pigs, I figure something like a KTM, KLR or XR would have no problem, other than being able to carry enough gear.
That's no problem at all, as long as you can live without a lot of gear ;-) .

The lighter you pack, the more fun you have... Both of these bikes are packed for a week (plus small backpacks):
http://www.clfry.com/images/adventure/pdc_0467.jpg

We didn't have any problem getting them airborne :twisted: , of course, I did suffer a broken sub-frame.... :roll:

[Tx Rider]

Provided I don't sell it before then I'll have a spare KTM to lend out. I'd just want any breakage paid for. :)

Since riding the new one I think my old one may not get ridden very much :-( . I'm going to also beta test a mix and match gear set on it with low 1-2, 2 teeth jump to 3rd and 4th and a real high 5th.

Trying for a do it all gear set that doesn't leave me wanting to swap sprockets for offroad and always reaching for another gear on the highway. A few of us on the adv site have worked it out, and with 10+ years of LC4 bikes both street and dirt to pull from I think it'll be a go.

[gotdurt]

Provided I don't sell it before then I'll have a spare KTM to lend out. I'd just want any breakage paid for. :)
Since I'm doing the AZ tour next year, It'll be at least until the following year before I can go... so it may be a while, unless everyone goes without me :-(

Lender eh? We may need to talk if I don't have a DS bike by the time the AZ trip rolls around... when are you going to put it up for sale? Any idea what price?

[Tx Rider]

Well I haven't decided to sell it yet, I'm thinking I might get more value out of it as a spare bike/loaner than selling it. That and I just hate selling anything. :)

I haven't read up on that trail, but the little I've seen looked like mostly dirt roads, some worse off then others.

[DrBlackbird]

I had heard a lot about it in mountain bike magazines and such, but didn't know you could motor it. Looks like an incredible trip! Would make a great summer ride (not this summer though).

I have got to get another dual sport. :-?
.
I've read about this ultimate trip for awhile.....Quote....("You get to see and ride area's that less than 1% of americans get to see")........I've read ride reports from Adventuer riders that aren't new to the sport and they all say it's one of their best trip experiences ever!!........I've already commited myself to doing this July /August next year.......would love to have some fellow TWT'ers along......There are always riders on the ADV site that are wanting to go or put together rides.........The one major sticking point I see is how to get bikes to starting point,.......Montana /Canda border. Riding a mid size DS bike is not an option.......Either, shipping and then flying, rental U-haul truck ( But having to lose 2 days driving up)........One group trailered to start with chase vehicle........every 4th day you drove Suburban, set up camp and cooked for other riders..........Think this excursion would be one of those ultimate trips that you'd remember for a really long time.................I'm doing it in '06

[Teeds]

John at DFW KTM has done the trail from Canada south to just north of Albuquerque. It took them 10 days and they used a sag vehicle to carry gear. They met at campgrounds every evening.

There were three 950s and one GS if I remember correctly. GPS tracks are available from http://www.adventurecycling.org/. John said that 90% of the route is on existing two track, fire roads etc.

I have seen his photographs and this looks like a wonderful trip.