gotdurt
01-08-2006, 11:45 AM
First of all, if you haven’t visited the original thread (http://twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2757) to answer the questions, please do so.
**There will probably be additions and or addendums to this post so please subscribe to it or check back regularly to stay caught up.**
The number of participants will be limited to 10 people.
Fee - $310
:tab Upon registration, participants will be given access to a private forum with detailed route info and information about the areas where we will be riding. To sign up, go to your USER CP and scroll down to the "Paid Subscriptions" and pick the "Arizona DS Tour". If you prefer not to use Paypal, then you can mail the payment to the following address:
AZ DS Tour
Scott Friday
1617 Woodland Lane
Huntsville, Tx. 77340
:tab All users must fill out a Registration and Liability Waiver form completely, no exceptions!
PDF Registration Form (http://backroadmotorcycletours.com/06-EVENTS/AZDSTOUR/form.pdf) or HTML Registration Form (http://backroadmotorcycletours.com/06-EVENTS/AZDSTOUR/form.htm) AND PDF Liability Waiver Form (http://backroadmotorcycletours.com/06-EVENTS/AZDSTOUR/waiver.pdf) or HTML Liability Waiver Form (http://backroadmotorcycletours.com/06-EVENTS/AZDSTOUR/waiver.htm)
:tab The fee does not include any park fees, required permits, fuel, lodging, food, bike maintenance, toilet paper, or transportation of the bikes to or from the event. A $15 state land recreational use permit will need to be aquired, the required form will be provided to you after sign-up.
Registration Deadline: If you are sending a personal check, it must arrive by April 1st. After that date, payment will only be accepted via Paypal. The deadline for all registrations is April 14th.
Refund Policy: After April 14th, there will be no refunds unless we have a full group and there is someone waiting to take your place. We have to rely on your commitment to the ride to make the plans and people cancelling at the last minute really messes things up.
Bike requirements: - It will require a dual-sport or adventure-touring bike in good repair, with a ground clearance absolute minimum of 6" (Vstrom, suspension fully extended, sans rider and gear). It will also require a minimum fuel range of 150 miles. Spare parts for things like clutch, shift and brake levers are highly recommended!
The Route:
:tab The ride will be the first week in May (Sun April 30 - Fri May 5). It will be around 900 miles long and span six days. Mileage as follows are rough approximations, and % dirt is assuming they haven't paved anything in the last 2+ years:
Day 1, Sun - 130 miles, about 80% dirt, some slightly technical (no alternate route). Camp.
Day 2, Mon - 200 miles, 80% dirt (regardless route chosen). Hotel.
Day 3, Tues - Rest day or buffer day (in case we get behind on one of the previous days). Hotel.
Day 4, Wed - 200 miles, 80% dirt. Camp.
Day 5, Thurs - 200 miles, dirt/ pavement ratio depends on route you choose. Hotel.
Day 6, Fri - 200 miles, 60% dirt. Sleep where you want (we'll be back at the trucks).
:tab Please note! that these dates and mileages are tentative, and may change before or during the trip due to varying potential circumstances such as road and trail closures and forest closures, and other unexpected situations that may arise.
:tab I have a shortened version of a movie I made of my time in AZ. It has some of the places we'll visit on the tour, as well as some general adventure clips, mountain biking, motorcycle (crash), and 4x4. There are some ghost towns, mines and indian ruins. Note that there is a water crossing that some will cross (the one taken from within the truck), should they opt for that route.... There is also some family stuff, and stuff that you won't get without me explaining, sorry about that... Go here:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6776927968502399315&q=
Be sure to ‘view original size’ (Down arrow at the lower right corner of the viewer).
FAQ:
Q: Will the routes be difficult?
A: As for surface technicality, that depends on what you want, but for the most part, no. It will be mostly dirt roads, with some jeep trails and pavement. Anytime there is a technical route, there will be an easy (but still good) bypass, with one exception. I plan to take everyone through one semi-technical (compared to a dirt road) trail on the first day as a test, just to gauge the abilities of the group. No one should have any real problems though. There is a bypass for it, but it won’t be the least bit entertaining. After this trail, I will be able to advise participants on the hardest trail later in the trip (for which there will be a nice alternative).
Some may, however find the duration and other circumstances difficult. For instance, I wouldn’t hop on a bike that you haven’t ridden in a month and expect to be comfortable…
Q: Will a moderately packed (BMW R1XXX) GS be acceptable?
A: No problem. I'll be tailoring the ride to the bikes attending, but the GS can pass the most difficult trails that I have in mind for this ride. It may be a real challenge in some places, but we can get it through. You will have the option to go around these routes If you'd like, and the alternates will be good routes too.
Q: How about a Vstrom?
A: The Vstrom won't be a problem on most of the routes, but you'll want to take the alt routes for a couple, otherwise there will definitely be a risk of dents and scratches... If it falls over, you’ll have the most to lose; the rocks out there are big and jagged, and will win over plastic! I would also be concerned about the low header pipe on the more difficult of the trails. It can get through any of the routes though, if you don’t mind the risk of damage. Except for one portion, there will always be an ‘easy way ‘round’.
Q: …and a KLR650?
A: The ideal bike for the trip I have in mind (any route).
Q: Are we talking about carrying camping gear on the bikes?
A: You betcha. If you are creative you'd be amazed at what you can pack on a dirt bike. In these pics, the bikes are packed for a week, on my bike you can see the sleeping bag, tent, tools a tripod, gas can and a few other items, clothes were in a back pack. We were packed for speed, mass and weight, for this trip I'll be a bit more liberal.
http://www.clfry.com/images/adventure/pdc_0456.jpg
http://www.clfry.com/images/adventure/pdc_0467.jpg
Q: (sorta)....Don't forget to limit the number of riders so that permits are not needed in many of the areas.
A: Actually, due to the nature of the ride and terrain and the sensitivity of the places we'll visit, we'll limit the ride to the first 10 to sign up. As far a permits go, there are several reasons I'm limiting the group size, one of them being for state trust land group permits. A permit is required for access regardless the size of the group, and is limited to 20. The NF and BLM lands don't require any permits where we will be going. We will avoid the Indian reservation lands for red tape reasons.
Q: So this is southern to northern Arizona?
A: Well, sort of. In Arizonan terms, yes. They consider Flagstaff "northern", even though it's really more central. We’ll make a figure-8 loop from I-10 SE of Tucson, up to just south of Flag, and back down. I considered putting the Grand Canyon in the route, but just can't work it in time-wise. Besides, the point of this tour is to provide you the opportunity see some things that you wouldn't get to see on any given trip to Arizona. The GC is another trip in itself anyway.
Q: Any bike can break, like a busted side cover from a fall etc. What plans do you have in mind for recovery of a downed bike?
A: Ultimately, everyone is responsible for themselves and their own bike. We will help get the bike to the nearest town/community. It will be the owner's responsibilty from there. The owner is responsible for all costs incurred for retrieving, towing, and medical treatments. There will be two leaders, one helps, the other continues. The ride pace of the leaders WILL NOT be agressive. This is NOT A RACE.
Q: Will there be a 4X4 chase vehicle?
A: No.
Q: What can we expect weather-wise?
A: It might be kind of warm in the lower areas (90's), but it's pretty safe that there won't be any snow closures in the mountains. Over nights should be comfortable in the desert, but chilly in the mountains, so plan accordingly. It shouldn’t get too cold in the areas we’ll be camping in, maybe the 40‘s.
:tab For those that aren't familiar with the southwestern climate, the 90's are really very comfortable... in the shade. Problem is, there isn't a lot of shade where it's warm, or on the road. I'll be leaving dark clothing at home .
:tab In the higher elevations we'll see highs in the 70's, maybe some areas in the 60's, overnight lows in the high 30's to low 50's. In the high elevations lower temps are much more comfy than what we experience here. I never had a problem camping even in higher freezing temps without a heat source.
Q: How much water will we need to carry? I assume if we get gas every day, we've got a chance to buy snacks and water, but if we gas up at noon, then ride the rest of the day to someplace remote, then get up the next morning and ride another 50 miles before the next gas stop, I might need to carry a gallon of water? Or will we be camping where there is potable water? Or should I bring a water purification thingy?
A:That’s a great question... water is going to be very important. My hydration pack holds 72oz, usually enough for a day. With at least one stop per day, I should be okay most of the time, but I'll be carrying a couple of 1qt bottles as well. A water purification thingy comes in quite handy. My buddy brought one to Baja, a hand pump kind, and it came in handy a couple of times. So if you have one that packs small, I'd bring it. The more water you have available to you, the better off you’ll be.
If you have any additional questions or comments, please post them to the original AZ thread. This way we can avoid eleventy-seven pages of stuff here, and keep it clean and to the point.
**There will probably be additions and or addendums to this post so please subscribe to it or check back regularly to stay caught up.**
The number of participants will be limited to 10 people.
Fee - $310
:tab Upon registration, participants will be given access to a private forum with detailed route info and information about the areas where we will be riding. To sign up, go to your USER CP and scroll down to the "Paid Subscriptions" and pick the "Arizona DS Tour". If you prefer not to use Paypal, then you can mail the payment to the following address:
AZ DS Tour
Scott Friday
1617 Woodland Lane
Huntsville, Tx. 77340
:tab All users must fill out a Registration and Liability Waiver form completely, no exceptions!
PDF Registration Form (http://backroadmotorcycletours.com/06-EVENTS/AZDSTOUR/form.pdf) or HTML Registration Form (http://backroadmotorcycletours.com/06-EVENTS/AZDSTOUR/form.htm) AND PDF Liability Waiver Form (http://backroadmotorcycletours.com/06-EVENTS/AZDSTOUR/waiver.pdf) or HTML Liability Waiver Form (http://backroadmotorcycletours.com/06-EVENTS/AZDSTOUR/waiver.htm)
:tab The fee does not include any park fees, required permits, fuel, lodging, food, bike maintenance, toilet paper, or transportation of the bikes to or from the event. A $15 state land recreational use permit will need to be aquired, the required form will be provided to you after sign-up.
Registration Deadline: If you are sending a personal check, it must arrive by April 1st. After that date, payment will only be accepted via Paypal. The deadline for all registrations is April 14th.
Refund Policy: After April 14th, there will be no refunds unless we have a full group and there is someone waiting to take your place. We have to rely on your commitment to the ride to make the plans and people cancelling at the last minute really messes things up.
Bike requirements: - It will require a dual-sport or adventure-touring bike in good repair, with a ground clearance absolute minimum of 6" (Vstrom, suspension fully extended, sans rider and gear). It will also require a minimum fuel range of 150 miles. Spare parts for things like clutch, shift and brake levers are highly recommended!
The Route:
:tab The ride will be the first week in May (Sun April 30 - Fri May 5). It will be around 900 miles long and span six days. Mileage as follows are rough approximations, and % dirt is assuming they haven't paved anything in the last 2+ years:
Day 1, Sun - 130 miles, about 80% dirt, some slightly technical (no alternate route). Camp.
Day 2, Mon - 200 miles, 80% dirt (regardless route chosen). Hotel.
Day 3, Tues - Rest day or buffer day (in case we get behind on one of the previous days). Hotel.
Day 4, Wed - 200 miles, 80% dirt. Camp.
Day 5, Thurs - 200 miles, dirt/ pavement ratio depends on route you choose. Hotel.
Day 6, Fri - 200 miles, 60% dirt. Sleep where you want (we'll be back at the trucks).
:tab Please note! that these dates and mileages are tentative, and may change before or during the trip due to varying potential circumstances such as road and trail closures and forest closures, and other unexpected situations that may arise.
:tab I have a shortened version of a movie I made of my time in AZ. It has some of the places we'll visit on the tour, as well as some general adventure clips, mountain biking, motorcycle (crash), and 4x4. There are some ghost towns, mines and indian ruins. Note that there is a water crossing that some will cross (the one taken from within the truck), should they opt for that route.... There is also some family stuff, and stuff that you won't get without me explaining, sorry about that... Go here:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6776927968502399315&q=
Be sure to ‘view original size’ (Down arrow at the lower right corner of the viewer).
FAQ:
Q: Will the routes be difficult?
A: As for surface technicality, that depends on what you want, but for the most part, no. It will be mostly dirt roads, with some jeep trails and pavement. Anytime there is a technical route, there will be an easy (but still good) bypass, with one exception. I plan to take everyone through one semi-technical (compared to a dirt road) trail on the first day as a test, just to gauge the abilities of the group. No one should have any real problems though. There is a bypass for it, but it won’t be the least bit entertaining. After this trail, I will be able to advise participants on the hardest trail later in the trip (for which there will be a nice alternative).
Some may, however find the duration and other circumstances difficult. For instance, I wouldn’t hop on a bike that you haven’t ridden in a month and expect to be comfortable…
Q: Will a moderately packed (BMW R1XXX) GS be acceptable?
A: No problem. I'll be tailoring the ride to the bikes attending, but the GS can pass the most difficult trails that I have in mind for this ride. It may be a real challenge in some places, but we can get it through. You will have the option to go around these routes If you'd like, and the alternates will be good routes too.
Q: How about a Vstrom?
A: The Vstrom won't be a problem on most of the routes, but you'll want to take the alt routes for a couple, otherwise there will definitely be a risk of dents and scratches... If it falls over, you’ll have the most to lose; the rocks out there are big and jagged, and will win over plastic! I would also be concerned about the low header pipe on the more difficult of the trails. It can get through any of the routes though, if you don’t mind the risk of damage. Except for one portion, there will always be an ‘easy way ‘round’.
Q: …and a KLR650?
A: The ideal bike for the trip I have in mind (any route).
Q: Are we talking about carrying camping gear on the bikes?
A: You betcha. If you are creative you'd be amazed at what you can pack on a dirt bike. In these pics, the bikes are packed for a week, on my bike you can see the sleeping bag, tent, tools a tripod, gas can and a few other items, clothes were in a back pack. We were packed for speed, mass and weight, for this trip I'll be a bit more liberal.
http://www.clfry.com/images/adventure/pdc_0456.jpg
http://www.clfry.com/images/adventure/pdc_0467.jpg
Q: (sorta)....Don't forget to limit the number of riders so that permits are not needed in many of the areas.
A: Actually, due to the nature of the ride and terrain and the sensitivity of the places we'll visit, we'll limit the ride to the first 10 to sign up. As far a permits go, there are several reasons I'm limiting the group size, one of them being for state trust land group permits. A permit is required for access regardless the size of the group, and is limited to 20. The NF and BLM lands don't require any permits where we will be going. We will avoid the Indian reservation lands for red tape reasons.
Q: So this is southern to northern Arizona?
A: Well, sort of. In Arizonan terms, yes. They consider Flagstaff "northern", even though it's really more central. We’ll make a figure-8 loop from I-10 SE of Tucson, up to just south of Flag, and back down. I considered putting the Grand Canyon in the route, but just can't work it in time-wise. Besides, the point of this tour is to provide you the opportunity see some things that you wouldn't get to see on any given trip to Arizona. The GC is another trip in itself anyway.
Q: Any bike can break, like a busted side cover from a fall etc. What plans do you have in mind for recovery of a downed bike?
A: Ultimately, everyone is responsible for themselves and their own bike. We will help get the bike to the nearest town/community. It will be the owner's responsibilty from there. The owner is responsible for all costs incurred for retrieving, towing, and medical treatments. There will be two leaders, one helps, the other continues. The ride pace of the leaders WILL NOT be agressive. This is NOT A RACE.
Q: Will there be a 4X4 chase vehicle?
A: No.
Q: What can we expect weather-wise?
A: It might be kind of warm in the lower areas (90's), but it's pretty safe that there won't be any snow closures in the mountains. Over nights should be comfortable in the desert, but chilly in the mountains, so plan accordingly. It shouldn’t get too cold in the areas we’ll be camping in, maybe the 40‘s.
:tab For those that aren't familiar with the southwestern climate, the 90's are really very comfortable... in the shade. Problem is, there isn't a lot of shade where it's warm, or on the road. I'll be leaving dark clothing at home .
:tab In the higher elevations we'll see highs in the 70's, maybe some areas in the 60's, overnight lows in the high 30's to low 50's. In the high elevations lower temps are much more comfy than what we experience here. I never had a problem camping even in higher freezing temps without a heat source.
Q: How much water will we need to carry? I assume if we get gas every day, we've got a chance to buy snacks and water, but if we gas up at noon, then ride the rest of the day to someplace remote, then get up the next morning and ride another 50 miles before the next gas stop, I might need to carry a gallon of water? Or will we be camping where there is potable water? Or should I bring a water purification thingy?
A:That’s a great question... water is going to be very important. My hydration pack holds 72oz, usually enough for a day. With at least one stop per day, I should be okay most of the time, but I'll be carrying a couple of 1qt bottles as well. A water purification thingy comes in quite handy. My buddy brought one to Baja, a hand pump kind, and it came in handy a couple of times. So if you have one that packs small, I'd bring it. The more water you have available to you, the better off you’ll be.
If you have any additional questions or comments, please post them to the original AZ thread. This way we can avoid eleventy-seven pages of stuff here, and keep it clean and to the point.