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Barstow to Vegas 2017 Planning Thread

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Well, the Texana race is a GO. It should be good LAB2V prep reminding me how open space feels. I'm looking forward to it after all my tree dodging and ledge hoping

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Thanks for that. Waiting to hear back. As much as I'd like to do it with my own bike, that's a lot of driving ...
 
I am signed up and have my rooms booked but haven't even tried to work out logistics.


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Meriden said:
Good luck on the race. I'll be interested to hear how the 300 does.

m
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Used my 450x... but it was a blast. Texas Desert Racing Assoc has another race scheduled at Notrees, Tx in late October...

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As we inch closer to the event I'm getting more and more excited. I think I've watched every youtube video out there that contains "lab2v". After talking to Donny out at his place about the event I'm beyond ready to go. He gave some great advise regarding hotels, check in, the banquet, and the ride. (Thanks again Donny!) I've got the hotels booked, time off of work, and registered #KC66:dude:
So I have my bike setup the way I want minus the Reklus (which I probably won't get to). All I need to do is adjust valves prior to departure. I've packed and repacked my tail bag and camelbak to make sure everything fits perfect. I've convinced my wife to come and drive a support vehicle.:angel:
It looks so far that there are 12ish folks making the trip. I think it would be cool if there was a TWT meetup somewhere before/after the ride.

Also, if anyone is looking for a riding partner or there's a small group I could jump in that would be cool. I'm planning on the harder routes.:rider:

Joe
 
JoePieper said:
As we inch closer to the event I'm getting more and more excited. I think I've watched every youtube video out there that contains "lab2v". After talking to Donny out at his place about the event I'm beyond ready to go. He gave some great advise regarding hotels, check in, the banquet, and the ride. (Thanks again Donny!) I've got the hotels booked, time off of work, and registered #KC66:dude:
So I have my bike setup the way I want minus the Reklus (which I probably won't get to). All I need to do is adjust valves prior to departure. I've packed and repacked my tail bag and camelbak to make sure everything fits perfect. I've convinced my wife to come and drive a support vehicle.:angel:
It looks so far that there are 12ish folks making the trip. I think it would be cool if there was a TWT meetup somewhere before/after the ride.

Also, if anyone is looking for a riding partner or there's a small group I could jump in that would be cool. I'm planning on the harder routes.:rider:

Joe
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I agree that a meet up would be fun. Some may want to work out trailering together, etc.

As for riding partners, at this point I'll be riding with the slow group doing all of the easy stuff. I know that Donny, SB (if he makes it) and probably Matt will want to hit the hard stuff.

Several people will be posting about riding partners, hotels, what to take, etc. etc. on AMA District 37 Dual Sport message board so it may be worth spending some time reading that every once in a while.

m
 
I completed my registration but I never really received anything from them. Is there a site with more info, or to login. I don't have a number like you have of KC66...

All the rooms are booked and I have the time off, I need to lose some weight and get some conditioning under my belt, otherwise will be ready.

Made an appointment with "Doc" to properly setup the Husky's suspension to handle the endless miles of woops out there.

I have a truck and enclosed trailer, but right now it is just me, figure there is plenty of time to sort out the other details.

Wish there was a good way to get back to Palmdale for the truck, hate the idea of riding that far. Did look at renting a small Uhaul box truck, that might be an option for a couple guys...

Really excited too!!!
 
The key to finding a riding partner is to find someone with similar skills. I think with the number of miles each day finding the right partner is crucial. Maybe we can try some pre-rides in Big Bend or something? That is the closest country anything like Barstow I can think of.
 
You are right about finding a riding partner who has a similar skill level. There are so many bikes out on the course that unless you are a fairly close match on pace and ability, you soon find yourself separated. Once this occurs it is tough to recognize your group members in the herd of moving two wheeled machines.
 
kubotamiketx said:
I completed my registration but I never really received anything from them. Is there a site with more info, or to login. I don't have a number like you have of KC66...

All the rooms are booked and I have the time off, I need to lose some weight and get some conditioning under my belt, otherwise will be ready.

Made an appointment with "Doc" to properly setup the Husky's suspension to handle the endless miles of woops out there.

I have a truck and enclosed trailer, but right now it is just me, figure there is plenty of time to sort out the other details.

Wish there was a good way to get back to Palmdale for the truck, hate the idea of riding that far. Did look at renting a small Uhaul box truck, that might be an option for a couple guys...

Really excited too!!!
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To avoid backtracking and Thanksgiving traffic, dump the tow rig in Vegas and moto to the start the day before

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And as far as skills go, there is a desert style race hosted by Texas Desert Racing Assoc in Notrees, Tx in late October.

I had a BLAST at the 80mi race at Texana Ranch and am going to try to go to Notrees too.

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kubotamiketx said:
I completed my registration but I never really received anything from them. Is there a site with more info, or to login. I don't have a number like you have of KC66...
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I haven't received any confirmation. I just assumed I'm KC66 because there were 65 entries before me.

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Matt the Hatt said:
And as far as skills go, there is a desert style race hosted by Texas Desert Racing Assoc in Notrees, Tx in late October.

I had a BLAST at the 80mi race at Texana Ranch and am going to try to go to Notrees too.

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This race is on my radar. However my race bike is 250xc and I'm taking my 500exc to LAB2V. I do plan to get a lot of seat time on some east Texas sand routes as soon as it cools down a bit. I do know this is little league compared to the desert sand.

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JoePieper said:
This race is on my radar. However my race bike is 250xc and I'm taking my 500exc to LAB2V. I do plan to get a lot of seat time on some east Texas sand routes as soon as it cools down a bit. I do know this is little league compared to the desert sand.

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I want to go, it just depends on getting off of work...

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I've got a big tank for my 300, but I am considering plating my 450x and bringing it... 2t would be fun, but not mixing would be a little simpler.

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Matt in the hat, I like your thinking about leaving the rig in Vegas... Great idea!!!

I just checked with Budget truck rental and can rent a 12' box van one way from LV to the start for $96.00

This might be the simplest way to go, that way I can have my nightly gear bag get sent along each day by the organizers. And it will save the bike for the ride!
 
Matt the Hatt said:
I've got a big tank for my 300, but I am considering plating my 450x and bringing it... 2t would be fun, but not mixing would be a little simpler.

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Frankly, I'd rather take a 350 or 500 on this ride, but I'm not buying another bike just to make that work. (I would entertain a trade...) After wrestling the X Challenge in the sand twice, that's not in the cards either. There is a part of me that is leaning toward the wife's DR200 and see if I can dominate the super slow group. Those CT90s are tough to beat though! ;-)

kubotamiketx said:
Matt in the hat, I like your thinking about leaving the rig in Vegas... Great idea!!!

I just checked with Budget truck rental and can rent a 12' box van one way from LV to the start for $96.00

This might be the simplest way to go, that way I can have my nightly gear bag get sent along each day by the organizers. And it will save the bike for the ride!
Click to expand...

I've been trying to find the tracks from our 2013 ride from Vegas to Barstow. It's pretty straight forward and the hardest part is riding into the setting sun late in the day. Once a rider is in Barstow there are plenty of secondary roads that are suited to DS speeds that will get a rider into Palmdale.

The amount of gear necessary to stay in the hotel for two overnights is day pack size, so carrying it out is not a problem.


In 2012 we left the trailer in Acton Canyon up the road from Palmdale. We camped there and it was pretty cold with no cell service. We came back through Death Valley and the Panamints. Some of the most surreal scenery I have ever seen. The lions in Acton Canyon were pretty cool, too.

There are two issues with leaving a rig at the start in Palmdale. First you have to drive in California. If you're pulling a trailer then you have to drive 55 which is a pain and adds a couple of hours. Also, they will take your apples at the border, and any other fruit too. The second problem is the door prizes at the dinner after the ride. Riders can easily end up with more stuff they they can carry on a bike. There is a concierge shipping service at the Casino that will box and ship it back home, all for a price.

m
 
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I have the roll charts from 2014, both days if someone wants a look. I may have the GPS route as well, but doubt it.

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Wish I could find an overview map of the routes. Would really like to get a feel of where you go.
 
kubotamiketx said:
Wish I could find an overview map of the routes. Would really like to get a feel of where you go.
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Routes are a closely guarded secret until 6am on Day 1. I bet you could find someone to share previous year gpx files for you to get an idea. I rode without gps, wish I knew about Spotwalla back then and I would have tracks off my Spot.

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