JMZ
0
Although not TWTourist, I also hung back for most of the morning to help a guy attempting the Challenge on a DL-1000 with street tires. He probably dropped the bike at least 20 times on River Road, once even on a hill, straight into the rock garden, after which I had to ride it out for him. He was getting increasingly distressed, tired (as was I after helping him pick this beast up so many times), dehydrated and had cut his mouth. I eventually persuaded him to wait by the trail for the sweep team and recover.
So I head off, finally getting to enjoy the beautiful weather and trails. Hah Kemo-Sabe, this was not to last! About 8 miles into Black Gap the bike started stalling on me, finally dying on that gnarly little loose hill. I managed to get it to the top and after checking the usual suspects to no avail, told Ralph who was with me at the time, to head off & let Uncle know I was stranded.
Since I had loooooots of time I stripped the bike down and found I had no spark at all. Checked all the electrics but nothing seemed obvious but by now I have a flat battery too (I'm actually thinking my charging system is weak or defective although it meters fine).
After hanging by the trail for a couple of hours a family in a Toyota 4WD pickup stopped and offered me a lift. We had to re-arrange their entire load but got the bike in and I settled down in the bed, under a kayak sun shade, for the long ride to Rio Grande Village. Actually it was very pleasant lying back in the shade and I found myself nodding off! About that time the sweep crew caught up with me and after reassuring them I was 100% OK just chilling in the truck, they headed off.
After a couple of hours at Rio Grande uncle and Elzi showed up with the trailer and we made the long trek home underneath a beautiful sunset.
So...long story short, not much mileage (63 total) and no award for me, but that's why they call it Adventure Riding!
I saw that guy on river road just after he dropped it in some sand. My question is , why would you bring a strom on a ride like that. ? I have one and there is NO way I would do it. There are plenty of roads in the area that I would like to ride on my strom but not the desert challenge .
Personally I feel there were people not prepared for the ride physically and mechanically. I might be out of line with that but it's just the way I feel. I do realize anything can happen even to even the best riders though. Sorry if I offended any one.
Signatures ???? We don't need no stinking signatures !!!!!