Trans Am Trail OK/AR in Sept 8-11

[irondawg]

UPDATE: Date is set Sept 8-11

I was planning on going to Mid-Ohio this July but with work and a product release scheduled for July, that's out. So, since I haven't had a good adventure in a while and some vacation I was going to use, I'm thinking about a loop of the Trans Am trail going thru OK and AR sometime mid September.

My thoughts are to trailer up someplace in OK and ride the trail for four days, two days out, two days back. After talking with Sam, the Trans Am mapper and guru, the OK/AR loop is one of the best. A typical leg between stops is about 200 miles with gas breaks in between. So imagine 800 miles of dirt and gravel!!! Gotta luv it.

I don't know where the starting point in OK will be since I haven't recieved the maps yet but I'm thinking it's going to be wherever the trail crosses close to I35.

I don't plan on camping since hotel/motels are easy to come by. I'm not reserving hotels either since I don't have a set schedule. Might want to ride 200, 300 or 100 miles depending on how you feel.

Anyone up for it?

List of attendees....

Definite

Irondawg - DR350 camp/hotel
Wassabi - KLR650 hotel
GotDurt - DR650 camp

Maybe
DynaSport - ??? ???
Hood Ornament - ??? depending on dates
WoodButcher - DRZ400 ???
FastMonster - XL650 ???

[gotdurt]

Hmmmm, mid September eh? Sounds pretty cool, but I'll have to feel out the wife for a while on this one. Won't be able to afford hotels, so I'll be sleeping with the critters if I go.

[Tourmeister]

John, you riding the GS for this one or the three-fiddy?

[irondawg]

I'm taking the DR. Lot's of single track. The GS should be able to make the trip...but wouldn't be as much fun.

GotDurt - I may be talked into camping...I haven't completely ruled it out. My tent when packed is a bit big, not to mention sleeping bag. I'd need new gear and really haven't budgeted for it. Got any suggestions on a small tent and bag that packs small? I've got a Kelty that packs to 7'' by 22''. I'd like something that more in the 7'' by 14/16'' range.

[Tx Rider]

I might be up for it, I won't know till a couple of weeks before though.

[gotdurt]

GotDurt - I may be talked into camping...I haven't completely ruled it out. My tent when packed is a bit big, not to mention sleeping bag. I'd need new gear and really haven't budgeted for it. Got any suggestions on a small tent and bag that packs small? I've got a Kelty that packs to 7'' by 22''. I'd like something that more in the 7'' by 14/16'' range.
Come by the house and I'll show you my camping gear. I have a tent that packs about 5X14 (guessing) and a sleaping bag of similar dims. The bag is a fleece bag that is fine in temps down to about 50deg.

[irondawg]

Come by the house and I'll show you my camping gear. I have a tent that packs about 5X14 (guessing) and a sleaping bag of similar dims. The bag is a fleece bag that is fine in temps down to about 50deg.

I might just do that after work today. I'll PM you my cell.

BTW, didn't find the CD...but my buddy Art has a copy. I'll get it from him tonight.

[Hood Ornament]

I'd love to do this. The W/E of the 23rd is out for me though.

[Wasabi]

This sounds great. I am in. I would prefer the motel thing. I would share a room :-D . If you really want to camp we could camp in the motel room if you promise to keep the camp fire under control. :-P

[gotdurt]

This sounds great. I am in. I would prefer the motel thing. I would share a room :-D . If you really want to camp we could camp in the motel room if you promise to keep the camp fire under control. :-P
Only if we can find a hotel on the side of the trail with a scenic overlook and maybe a babling brook that cuts through the room. I can keep the fire under control. Oh, wait, I can't afford hotels anyway. Nevermind! I'll just camp on the trail and meet up with you guys in the mornings....

[gotdurt]

Got any suggestions on a small tent and bag that packs small? I've got a Kelty that packs to 7'' by 22''. I'd like something that more in the 7'' by 14/16'' range.
I found the tent like mine, looks like they changed the name.
'Inyo 2' tent (http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=9810-816&categoryid=11070)

[gotdurt]

Here's a trip report of the Trans Am trail
http://www.no2-online.net/americas-transamIntro.html#

[irondawg]

Thanks for the info Casey. I still haven't got the maps :evil: I called Sam again and he assured me that they are on the way. So I still have no details.

Like the pie runs...I'll keep a list of people on my first post.

[WoodButcher]

Hmm, sounds interesting. Definitely would have to pad the seat on the DRZ. Plus get that larger tank I wanted, plus that tank bag I keep looking at. Oh yeah, I just tossed the old backpacking tent so I will need a new one. Better get permission from the wife for the trip before I mention the extra gear :lol:

[Tourmeister]

That's a pretty funny report!

[irondawg]

Got the maps yesterday. All I can say is WOW!!! :shock: Very detailed 745 miles in OK alone!! Only thing I can't tell is the road/trail type. Not sure how much single track, fireroads, gravel CO roads. But does it really matter?

I've found where the trail crosses I-35 and there's a hotel/motel where we can use as a staging area.

Still haven't decided on a date but it will be in Sept. Maybe first or second weekend.

[Hood Ornament]

Hmm, sounds interesting. Definitely would have to pad the seat on the DRZ. Plus get that larger tank I wanted, plus that tank bag I keep looking at. Oh yeah, I just tossed the old backpacking tent so I will need a new one. Better get permission from the wife for the trip before I mention the extra gear :lol:

What tank bag are you thinking of getting? I finally put the IMS 3.2 gallon tank on my bike this week and of course it leaked like crazy around the petcock. Gonna have to order a new gasket for it.

BTW, don't bother buying the gel seat, the thing isn't anymore comfortable then the stocker. It does drop the height a bit though.

[Tx Rider]

Got the maps yesterday. All I can say is WOW!!! :shock: Very detailed 745 miles in OK alone!! Only thing I can't tell is the road/trail type. Not sure how much single track, fireroads, gravel CO roads. But does it really matter?

I've found where the trail crosses I-35 and there's a hotel/motel where we can use as a staging area.

Still haven't decided on a date but it will be in Sept. Maybe first or second weekend.

From what I understand it's mostly gravel roads, some of which are more two track trails. Doable on the big DS bikes etc. That's just from ride reports though.

[Tourmeister]

:tab The ride report linked to somewhere above where the three Brit guys do the whole trail is a great read. I got the impression that that vast majority of the route is unpaved. Often times, it was navigation more by dead reckoning than following a visible route. Much of it would be doable on the big DS's, but I think I would not want to take anything much larger than an XR650 R or L.

[fastmonstr]

This sounds like fun. I am a definate maybe, depending on the dates.

How can I get the maps?

[gotdurt]

Got the maps yesterday. All I can say is WOW!!! :shock: Very detailed 745 miles in OK alone!! Only thing I can't tell is the road/trail type. Not sure how much single track, fireroads, gravel CO roads. But does it really matter?

I've found where the trail crosses I-35 and there's a hotel/motel where we can use as a staging area.

Still haven't decided on a date but it will be in Sept. Maybe first or second weekend.
Try maps.google.com . I'll use the map to find the general area/roads etc, then click the "satellite" in the top right to see what the area and terrain look like.

[WoodButcher]

What tank bag are you thinking of getting? I finally put the IMS 3.2 gallon tank on my bike this week and of course it leaked like crazy around the petcock. Gonna have to order a new gasket for it.

BTW, don't bother buying the gel seat, the thing isn't anymore comfortable then the stocker. It does drop the height a bit though.

Wolfman tank bag. Buck000 has one on this DR650 and it is small, but will fit a DRZ nicely. Looks to be good for a digital camera, phone and wallet. Not too much else.

I'm planning on getting a Clarke 3.9 tank for mine. Mine's an S model and the Clarke is for the S only. I think the IMS fits both, and the Acerbis the E only. If my memory is correct, that is. I remember reading that there is some space on the S petcock that you are supposed to remove when putting on the Clarke tank, otherwise it will leak. Also, but I'm not positive on that. Something I was going to worry about when the time came.

[irondawg]

This sounds like fun. I am a definate maybe, depending on the dates.

How can I get the maps?

Go to www.transamtrail.com you can buy the maps there.

[fastmonstr]

This sounds like fun. I am a definate maybe, depending on the dates.

How can I get the maps?

Go to www.transamtrail.com you can buy the maps there.

I would really like to make this trip. Have you pinned a date yet?I am open any weekend except for the 17th.

I would share the expense of the maps if I could borrow them for a few days. I would like to create a GPS route with them.

Let me know.

[irondawg]

For those who are going to tag along on this little adventure, I'm setting the dates of Sept 8-11 due to work and personal schedules.

The plan goes something like this...

9/8/05 Thur - Head up to OK after work to a staging area where cars can be left securely
9/9/05 Fri - Packup and head out east on the trail to AR
9/10/05 Sat - head east on the trail to AR
9/11/05 Sun - head west on the trail to OK
9/12/05 Mon - head west on the trail to OK, Packup and head home

Each day will be roughly 200 miles with stops to smell the roses.

I haven't had a chance to look over the maps yet to find a staging area. I'll let everyone know once I do. I'll do some searching for a biker friendly hotel/motel/campground where we can leave cars/trailers.

I'm pretty busy with work and getting ready for a scorcher of a ride thru West Texas, so bear with... :-D

[fastmonstr]

FY06 KICK OFF MEETING FOR MSO/CEN/WST/TS will take place Fri-Sat, Sept 9-10, 2005
at: HAWTHORN SUITES, near Sacramento Airport
321 Bercut Drive

Just got the email above from work.:angryfir: I'll be out of town.

I would still like to see the maps.

[bushwhacker]

I also am a definate maybe. I just have to talk my buddy with the pickup truck into going also so I don't have to ride the DRZ all the way to OK.

I would be more interested in showers and soft beds than streams and hard ground. While I have all the necessary camping gear, I hate to sleep in the yard and can not even imagine trying to haul all that crap along the dirt trails on a DRZ400S. I will be lucky to be able to haul my butt and a change of clothes.

-

[Tx Rider]

Sept 8-11, if it doesn't interfere with our now rescheduled N.C. rally I'll probably want to go.

[XR650Rocketman]

Irondawg.....Let's talk about this ride under a shade tree in West Texas this weekend...If we can find one that is....They are few and far between...

Sounds like your ride could be a lot of fun....I'm a soft bed and hot shower guy by choice....

[Hood Ornament]

Unless something comes up I'm in for those dates.

[bushwhacker]

Ok, guys, I am a bum.

I have three bikes and a Mustang.

My buddy with the PU and the KTM has decided not to go on this trip.

So -

If anyone has extra room for a DRZ400, I would love to go along and pay expenses up and back.

If you have room and do not mind a bum tagging along email me at bushwhacker@usa.com

Thanks.

Bill Stephens

[Wasabi]

9/8/05 Thur - Head up to OK after work to a staging area where cars can be left securely
9/9/05 Fri - Packup and head out east on the trail to AR
9/10/05 Sat - head east on the trail to AR
9/11/05 Sun - head west on the trail to OK
9/12/05 Mon - head west on the trail to OK, Packup and head home

Each day will be roughly 200 miles with stops to smell the roses.

:-D

This plan sounds great, count me in. :chug:

Bill

[Tourmeister]

Geez Bill, you must have a few years of vacation saved up... ;-)

[Squeaky]

When do I get to be retired and ride whenever/wherever I want???

[Hood Ornament]

Just as soon as you turn 64.5 or become independantly wealthy. :lol:

[backspinnn]

I might be in for this ride, if I can follow the guy with the maps. I think the KLR could make it, if it has not rained like a monsoon before the trip.

[bushwhacker]

The plan goes something like this...

9/8/05 Thur - Head up to OK after work to a staging area where cars can be left securely
9/9/05 Fri - Packup and head out east on the trail to AR
9/10/05 Sat - head east on the trail to AR
9/11/05 Sun - head west on the trail to OK
9/12/05 Mon - head west on the trail to OK, Packup and head home

Each day will be roughly 200 miles with stops to smell the roses.



What time are you planning on leaving on Thursday and what will your route be. If I make it, I will be coming from Houston and would like to meet up some where along the way.

-

[irondawg]

For those of you planning to attend, please send me your email that way I can send specifics.

I've had a change of plans, the wife and kiddo will be riding up with us an acting as a chase vehicle. Casey has already claimed one spot on the trailer. I've got one more if anyone wants to tag along.

Since the wife is coming, I won't be camping. What I'll do for those who wish to camp is locate the nearest campgrounds where we will be staying.

For everyone else, we will have room in the Jeep or in the trailer for people's gear so you don't have to carry it on the trail. Room is first come first serve. There may be a little room in the Jeep but don't count on it. If you plan on having us haul your gear, I suggest it's in a waterproof pack of some sort and can be tied down. Bring bungie cords since I won't have enough for everyone.

For those who send me emails, I'll send out a gear list.

More to come tomorrow.

[Tourmeister]

Take your cameras!!

[gotdurt]

Take your cameras!!
I'll dust off the helmet cam :twisted:

[Tourmeister]

Just try not to get any pics like the one in your avatar... or the vid you showed me :puke:

[Hood Ornament]

Just try not to get any pics like the one in your avatar... or the vid you showed me :puke:

I just notcied that. I had one just like it a few years ago from a crash in a WERA race. Those external fixators SUCK! :-(

[gotdurt]

Just try not to get any pics like the one in your avatar... or the vid you showed me :puke:
Good thing it's small and you can't look at it long, there were also 9 pins sticking out :-(

[Hood Ornament]

Well, the DRZ is finished and ready to rock! Got the IMS 3.2 gallon tank painted and mounted and it doesn't leak!! 8-) Installed a Pro Moto billet rear rack, cordura number plate bag, and a Wolfman tank bag.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/eusasc/drzds1.jpg

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/eusasc/drzds2.jpg

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/eusasc/drzds3.jpg

[Wasabi]

[quote="irondawg"]For those of you planning to attend, please send me your email that way I can send specifics.

For those who send me emails, I'll send out a gear list./quote]

Hi John

I PMed you my email address.

I would like to trailer to OKLA with one of the bikers going, who are on the Definite List ?

I have ordered the maps , bought a 276C GPS, and the KLR is gassed and ready.

16 days to go. :chug:

Bill

[Hood Ornament]

Hey wasabi, I've got room.

[Tx Rider]

I'm out, have a BOD meeting I have to do.

[Wasabi]

Hey wasabi, I've got room.

Sounds great, I'll PM you my phone and email so we can hook-up.

Thanks :-D

Bill

[irondawg]

16 more days!!

I've got a lot done yesterday and sent emails to whoever sent me email addys.

If y'all have been following, I'm not sure Casey's going to make it. He's pretty banged up...but we'll see.

[STCPO]

Man I really hope you guys have so much fun that you will want to go back and try this again in a few months.

Pete

[WoodButcher]

I emailed Irondawg, but it looks like I can't/shouldn't do this one. I'll share my reasons with you all so I can take some abuse for backing out :-)

1. Looks like vacation will be tighter than I thought. Have to take an extra day for a Woodturning Symposium at the end of Sept. that I must do. Which makes it harder to get the day or two I would need for this.

2. Money. Wife is watching the funds pretty tight right now, and the cost of a new tank for the DRZ, gas up there, food and a hotel would break the bank. Also the above mentioned event requires travel, food and a hotel.

3. Wife task list. I still haven't finished spraying the kitchen cabinet doors and she hasn't been on me too much, but I'm pushing my luck.

So, I'm going to preserve family peace and stick to local stuff. I'm still going to try to get the new tank for the DRZ so I can make it on the monthly dual sport rides. I'll even start riding sweep with the slower riders so the faster riders can keep going. It's more my pace anyway.

[gotdurt]

I don't see how I'll make this, ya'll have fun... John, you're still welcome to my trailer though. The way I have it set up, it should carry 3 bikes without a problem.

[Tourmeister]

So Casey, when do we get the story...?

[gotdurt]

So Casey, when do we get the story...?
I guess when I can get in front of the computer long enough to tell it, I was kinda hoping someone else would though... then I'll just tell the part from the ambulance on :roll:

[irondawg]

Well, I'm going to have to cancel this ride and hopefully reschedule. There are various reasons, work is brutal right now. I actually had to bring in a contractor to help me out...this is the FIRST time I've ever had to do this. A couple riders bailed for legitimate reasons, cut up knees and disaster recovery in LA. The last is the weather is not looking to good. Seems like the hurricane will be causing much rain for the next couple weeks. Mud is fun....in moderation...not all day.

We'll try this again later.

[Hood Ornament]

Just let us know when! As long as it's not the last 2 weeks in Oct and the first week in Nov I'm in.

[Tourmeister]

:tab I hate having to cancel rides, always bums me :-| Still pretty hot up there though so maybe a little later will be nice after it cools down some. And maybe... just maybe... I might have a bike suitable for this trip by then... ;-)

[fastraveller]

I'm taking the DR. Lot's of single track. The GS should be able to make the trip...but wouldn't be as much fun.

GotDurt - I may be talked into camping...I haven't completely ruled it out. My tent when packed is a bit big, not to mention sleeping bag. I'd need new gear and really haven't budgeted for it. Got any suggestions on a small tent and bag that packs small? I've got a Kelty that packs to 7'' by 22''. I'd like something that more in the 7'' by 14/16'' range.

Go to Whole Earth Provision company and rent exactly what you need if you can't afford to buy right now. Personally, I would try to find a way to pack as big a tent as you could get away with. I owned a Sierra Designs tent called the "Clip-flashlight" about 10 years ago, and it was cramped with almost no room for my gear.