StromXTc
0
Haha, practicing their lean into corners, haha great pic
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2020 Around the Bend
- Thread starter kubotamiketx
- Start date
First time in BBNP. Some of the best views I’ve seen and we just arrived today.
Not many big bikes at dinner tonight. I might be getting passed a lot on my KTM 1290 tomorrow on River Road.
kojack06
0
This year is one of the few Around the Bend rides that I will miss since 2010. This past Friday I had another bad on-duty work injury and tore my right patella while out on an occupied stolen vehicle. Positive part, I guess, was surgery on Saturday morning (14 hrs after injury) and I'm on the road to a full recovery. I was just at Big Bend in January and was looking forward to camping on this trip and just relaxing. The close friend that I am introducing to dual sport riding has been patiently pouring me in and out of doctors offices and vehicles. Many thanks Curt!
Please be safe on the trail. Will see everyone next year! Mark
Please be safe on the trail. Will see everyone next year! Mark
Not Dave
Technically I AM Dave
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The crew going to and at top of the world. I think there were 13 of us.
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Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
Not Dave
Technically I AM Dave
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Shenanigans ensued at the welcome dinner.
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Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
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Where is this top of the world, please send a google pin?
Not a very dirty day for us but we rode Old Marathon Rd twice and we had a blast (one way coming in, one way leaving). No drops so we were happy. I would say the road was a little more challenging than many of the dirt roads I’ve ridden in the Hill Country.
The hike in the canyon was pretty fun.
The ride from Santa Elena Canyon all the way to Chisos Basin was spectacular. Had a delicious burger at Chisos Mountain Lodge.
The hike in the canyon was pretty fun.
The ride from Santa Elena Canyon all the way to Chisos Basin was spectacular. Had a delicious burger at Chisos Mountain Lodge.
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TheD-Man
0
Mark - You will be missed this year! So sorry to hear about your injury. Sounds painful.
My visit to Round the Bend was cut very short due to a much, much less severe knee injury.
Healing thoughts being sent your way my friend. Hang in there and let's go back to BB to do that camping and relaxing as soon as you are able!! (just not in the summer)
TheD-Man
0
The Good, Bad and Ugly.
Writing up my short Around the Bend experience from home on Friday....
The Good -
But this is life, isn't it? We all know we could get hurt doing this, most of the people I have spoken to have a story to tell, many are much worse injuries than mine....so this just comes with the territory.
But - I did get a day of hiking in and 20 miles of fun dirt riding before I went down
I am proud of what I did accomplish riding those roads in Terlingua Ranch.
And the new DRZ worked great. No break downs this year.
THE UGLY (lessons learned; mistakes may be repeated...)
Writing up my short Around the Bend experience from home on Friday....
The Good -
- I was able to visit Big Bend for the second time! Last year's Round the Bend was my first visit to the area and I fell in love with that place.
- New DRZ! The Saturday before my Tuesday departure for BB, I traded in my '05 DRZ400S for a 2019 model that had been sitting for some time at Woods Cycle Country in New Braunfels. Great people at that dealership; it was a positive buying experience. I just barely had time to add the hand guards, rear rack, lower pegs, bar risers, and GPS power prior to leaving. The bike had only ~6 miles on it when I arrived at the Motel on Tuesday night.
- Arriving Early for some National Park browsing and hiking!
After a later than planned arrival Tuesday night, I slept in a bit and was in the park (in my truck) on Wednesday morning to do some hiking. Cool / Cold breezy day. Unable to find any parking spot at the Lost Mine trailhead (again), so I took my new Chevy 2500 4WD truck down to Glenn Spring Road then took a Right at Pine Canyon Road.
This was a blast to put the truck into "off-road" mode and to engage the four wheel drive!
Bounced along for 5 miles or so to the trailhead for Pine Canyon Trail and took a nice hike with a stop for PB&J Sammich and Fritos before hiking back to the truck.
- Met @Not Dave !!!
After the hike on Wednesday I met Mr. Dave who was bunking a few doors down from me at the Chisos Mining Co Motel.
We chatted for awhile and decided to go get some dinner - it's 6:15 on a Wednesday night in Terlingua; shouldn't be too difficult..... Starlite = 1.5 hour wait, Pizza Place down the road = full parking lot with people waiting inside, La Kiva...well La Kiva is like it's own universe where time and space don't behave the same way as the rest of the world. It was a longer than seemed necessary wait; good for two beers, then when the steaks finally arrived, they turned on the A/C full blast and our food was quickly cooled off....but hey, it's Terlingua….we went with the flow.
- Riding to Top Of The World - Meeting @Mextrekadv !
I am an off-road noob to the max, so I am looking for some routes to get experience on the DRZ and tolerant groups to allow me to go slow and learn. @Mextrekadv (Peter) welcomed me to ride with a group he was leading on Thursday thru Terlingua Ranch to Top O The World.
@Not Dave decided to join us as well and offered to stick close enough to keep an eye on me. Nice guy.
We departed from Pasado Milagro around or after Noon ish. (great breakfast and coffee at that place, by the way)
Started up South County Road with a group of 10-15 riders.
This was a blast for me.
I was my normal slow conservative self, keeping it under 30mph on the easy parts and much slower than that on the technical or spooky stuff. I am still struggling with proper position while standing and some other techniques, but I was making it up and down all of those hills and arroyos, etc.
Then.... about 1000 yards from the finish at Top o World, I went down. (See BAD section below for details) - Seeing Friends at the High Sierra on Thursday Night.
I limped my way through a shower and prep after the ride and made my over to High Sierra.
Had good food and conversations with many folks, including @JT , @SpiritAtBay , @Monica , @dmanhart , @Ocho , and others.
- Good People Helped Me
@Mextrekadv (Peter) Was fantastic after I went down. I had plenty of time to recover, take a handful of Advil, get some water and food in me. He sent the rest of the group on their way and he and Tim and Bill, and Justin or Dustin? all volunteered to escort me back out the 15-20 miles to paved roads.
I was embarrassed, hurting, and lost some confidence, but they made it all OK. Peter even offered to let me ride his KTM 500 out because the DRZ had the factory 50/50 tires on it + too much gear making it tougher to ride in that terrain.
I declined, but appreciated this gesture.
I made it back with only one more spill in deep pea gravel - going too slow. Tim was especially awesome on the trip back.
My deepest thanks to the guys that helped me out through this!
@Not Dave decided not to ride on Friday so he hooked up my trailer to my truck, loaded my bikes up for me and carried the heavy stuff to the truck so I could head home on Friday.
I could NOT have done this on my own. Dave is a good man.
THE BAD - I took a spill and got hurt enough to end my riding before it really even started.
Very close to reaching the peak in Top of the World, I had battled through some incredible terrain for a rookie like me.
I was ascending a right curve/corner that was totally covered in loose rocks. Not really sure what happened, but I lost control and the front swerved a bit, ending up hitting the hump on the right side of the road. I put my left leg down while still moving, and twisted it pretty good (bad). I felt a "pop" inside the knee and was in so much pain initially that I was actually felt like throwing up. This is the same knee I hurt in a similar fall in a water crossing during the Hill Country 500 - that ended my riding for that outing as well. That was diagnosed as a class 3 sprain in the outside ligament(s) and it took me about 10 weeks to fully recover. This latest injury is the same place, and seems worse. I fear it is a tear that needs repair, but maybe not since I was able to get around some albeit in pain.
My wife made an appointment for me on Monday at 2:30 so we will see.
Like everyone participating in Round the Bend, I had been looking forward to this for many months. I was so excited to be in Big Bend again, excited and nervous about riding in dirt again, and most of all looking forward to riding with my buddies. I used up PTO, money for gas andMotel fees, etc.
But this is life, isn't it? We all know we could get hurt doing this, most of the people I have spoken to have a story to tell, many are much worse injuries than mine....so this just comes with the territory.
But - I did get a day of hiking in and 20 miles of fun dirt riding before I went down
I am proud of what I did accomplish riding those roads in Terlingua Ranch.
And the new DRZ worked great. No break downs this year.
THE UGLY (lessons learned; mistakes may be repeated...)
- Too Much Stuff -
I brought way too much with me; it took me many hours to get ready and despite taking 1/2 day of work off on Monday, it still took me until late Tuesday to be packed and rolling despite a goal to leave Tuesday at 7:00am.
This made the trip start with frustration, stress and driving at night with two bikes in tow which I don't like to do.
Next time I am going to start prep earlier and try to simplify some. - Wrong Tires
The guys on the ride told me after my fall that I had the wrong tires for that terrain. The factory Bridgestone Trail Wings were slipping on the loose rocks. I need to get some knobbies on the DRZ if I want help with stability off road. - Bike Set Up or Technique for Standing
I was never able to comfortably stand on the DRZ. I was working so hard pulling on the bars while standing on the uphill climbs that my arms and shoulders are sore even now. I have pegs that are lower than stock, and 1.5" risers on the bars, but I cannot find a position to stand comfortably with a loose grip on the bars. I did ask the guys on the ride during a break and they had some good advice: "You are not coming forward enough over the bars; you have to trust that you can lean way forward" I tried this but could not manage it on the ascents. - Poor Physical Conditioning / Critical Weaknesses
I know this already, but having a sedentary desk job with no exercise program (NONE) is making off road riding really tough. I am at the age that there is starting to be significant lean tissue degradation. I am too weak which leads to trying to compensate other ways and creates more risk for injury.
I have bad shoulders that need surgery and rehab, a torn labrum in my right hip. I use these as excuses not to go to the gym because the shoulder issues pretty much negate any ability for upper body work. And I hate public gyms.
This has to change. I like riding. I am excited at the prospect of more off road dual sport rides on the DRZ. I need to get in shape and get the bad parts repaired.
I will be back to Big Bend to ride the dirt! Hopefully sooner than later. Gotta take care of this knee first.
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Trail wings = Death wings... 
Good tires make a big difference on any bike.
I hope the knee doesn't take too long to recover!
I HIGHLY recommend doing some kind of training class, like D.A.R.T. or RawHyde. It is WELL worth the money and will do wonders for your confidence and skill. I wish I had done that when I first started riding adventure bikes. It would have saved me from a LOT of pain and expense! Having good folks to ride with also helps a lot. I was fortunate to hook up with some patient and skilled riders that taught me a lot on different rides. Good suspension also makes a world of difference. I did not realize this when I had my KLR 650, but then I got a KTM 530 EXC and WOW, what a difference! The lack of good suspension creates tension and fear because you are fighting the bike. Good suspension helps you to relax and trust the bike to do what it is supposed to do so you aren't riding around its inadequacies and learning bad coping skills. I had a LOT of unlearning to do going from my KLR to the KTM.
I am a lot like you in terms of activity. I have a desk job. When I do get out for a ride, like today, and do about 250-300 miles, I am SORE when I get home
I used to knock out days like that without giving it a second thought. Now I start the day with ibuprofen and end with it 
My shoulders are bad. Both of them are really stiff and I get a lot of rotator cuff pain. I am a side sleeper and it often wakes me up at night. What actually helps me though is getting out and riding, using those muscles and joints.
I hope you didn't tear up the new bike. It's nice to know so many folks helped you. That is one thing I have always enjoyed about the various events I have attended over the years. There never seems to be a shortage of folks willing to help riders in need!
Good tires make a big difference on any bike.
I hope the knee doesn't take too long to recover!
I HIGHLY recommend doing some kind of training class, like D.A.R.T. or RawHyde. It is WELL worth the money and will do wonders for your confidence and skill. I wish I had done that when I first started riding adventure bikes. It would have saved me from a LOT of pain and expense! Having good folks to ride with also helps a lot. I was fortunate to hook up with some patient and skilled riders that taught me a lot on different rides. Good suspension also makes a world of difference. I did not realize this when I had my KLR 650, but then I got a KTM 530 EXC and WOW, what a difference! The lack of good suspension creates tension and fear because you are fighting the bike. Good suspension helps you to relax and trust the bike to do what it is supposed to do so you aren't riding around its inadequacies and learning bad coping skills. I had a LOT of unlearning to do going from my KLR to the KTM.
I am a lot like you in terms of activity. I have a desk job. When I do get out for a ride, like today, and do about 250-300 miles, I am SORE when I get home
I used to knock out days like that without giving it a second thought. Now I start the day with ibuprofen and end with it My shoulders are bad. Both of them are really stiff and I get a lot of rotator cuff pain. I am a side sleeper and it often wakes me up at night. What actually helps me though is getting out and riding, using those muscles and joints.I hope you didn't tear up the new bike. It's nice to know so many folks helped you. That is one thing I have always enjoyed about the various events I have attended over the years. There never seems to be a shortage of folks willing to help riders in need!
Not Dave
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@TheD-Man, you rode well the first 40 miles until the hill got steep and gravely. I could've fallen a few times on that trip but somehow kept it upright. Hopefully you'll heal up and get back on the bike.
On the same trip I noticed a funny noise coming from around the engine on decel only that I never noticed before. I usually wear more ear protection so maybe it's been there a while. At any rate I thought it best to be cautious and not ride anymore until I figured out what it was.
I departed Study Butte early Saturday morning at 0515 and got home without issue (it's a 9 hour drive). My truck came with a 26 gal fuel tank and I recently replaced it with an aftermarket 52 gal. Only stopped twice for fuel: Ozona on the way to BB, Ft Stockton on the way home (1,000 miles round trip).
After unloading and cleaning the bike I started it up and listened. I thought maybe it's old spark plugs and maybe needs a valve adjustment. Melody and I went to meet some friends and the topic was brought up. Martin suggested what I'm hearing is the cam chain as the tensioner is loose. I'll have to check that out.
If I still have the DR next year I'll probably try to join the group again. Never went into the NP this trip and was fine with that, exploring Terlingua Ranch was fun and I'd like to get to Pinto Canyon.
It was fun seeing old acquaintances and meeting new people, as always.
On the same trip I noticed a funny noise coming from around the engine on decel only that I never noticed before. I usually wear more ear protection so maybe it's been there a while. At any rate I thought it best to be cautious and not ride anymore until I figured out what it was.
I departed Study Butte early Saturday morning at 0515 and got home without issue (it's a 9 hour drive). My truck came with a 26 gal fuel tank and I recently replaced it with an aftermarket 52 gal. Only stopped twice for fuel: Ozona on the way to BB, Ft Stockton on the way home (1,000 miles round trip).
After unloading and cleaning the bike I started it up and listened. I thought maybe it's old spark plugs and maybe needs a valve adjustment. Melody and I went to meet some friends and the topic was brought up. Martin suggested what I'm hearing is the cam chain as the tensioner is loose. I'll have to check that out.
If I still have the DR next year I'll probably try to join the group again. Never went into the NP this trip and was fine with that, exploring Terlingua Ranch was fun and I'd like to get to Pinto Canyon.
It was fun seeing old acquaintances and meeting new people, as always.
Doyle: So sorry to hear of your bad fortune. You and Mark don't seem to be having much luck in the knee department. On the bright side, it could have been much worse.
As you may recall, I am a genuine senior citizen and I had back surgery a few years ago. As much as I hated to give it up, I decided that two track riding is something that I now need to remember rather than do. However, there are some fantastic dirt roads (opposed to dirt roads) - typically what you see in the national forests. Arkansas is loaded with them. So, I ain't quitting, but, I am dialing it back a bit.
Hope to
Continued: be able to ride with you and Mark whey you guys get healed up. Chow
My first trip to BBNP started with a visit from the Terlingua EMTs (concussion) so don't beat yourself up here! It's called Adventure Riding for a reason
Too Much Stuff - I keep my dirt bike trip (except wearable gear) stuff in 3 plastic tubs with lids, once I've finished a ride I clean everything off & repack. Next trip just throw all 3 in the 4Runner & you know you haven't forgotten anything.
Wrong Tires - knobbies & something like the Tubliss system (http://tubliss.com/) will let you ride like a pro AND fix a flat with a plug. **** to install but you'll love them. On the subject of the round parts, you'll notice most of us are running steering dampers. There's a reason for that.
Poor Physical Condition - A great rider in poor condition will leave you in the dust...until hour 4. An average rider in good condition will still be picking good lines & getting up out of the seat when needed at hour 6. Unfortunately, the second too often meets the first at the crash site! In other words, you are correct, physical conditioning is key to being a safe, brisk & effective rider. I find Yoga (Iyengar specifically) is a huge asset to slowing the inevitable degenerating that comes with age but that's a whole 'nother subject.
Anyhow, next year you're welcome to join my Friday ride which is everyone at their own comfort level, no one left behind and if you're open to it, some tips & a little coaching. I promise fun.
sandman
0
Doyle -- great write up. Sorry to hear about your injury.... we have all been there. Get a good mx tire or a Michelin AC10 on the front of the drz and it will be a different bike in the gravel. In the long run but an mx bike and ride in the dirt for dual sport practice on a much little / forgiving bike.
As with every year - thanks to Richard for putting this whole thing together & thanks to friends old and new for hanging out and riding. I've been attending since 2012 and it just seems to get better & better.
Thought I'd post some arty pictures first;
Terlingua Dawn from the front door of my AirBnB
Chisos Mountains from one of the pull off areas
Rio Grande at Santa Elena never gets old, but this year I snapped one in the other direction
I'd read about the Willow House development on a couple of architectural websites & was interested to see for myself. The locals told me there was scepticism at first but most naysayers have been converted especially as the owner has implemented her own water & power infrastructure to take pressure off the limited Terlingua resources. For myself, I was impressed, if you've seen Judd's "15 Untitled Works in Concrete" you can understand immediately where she's coming from.
Finally, what would Big Bend be without some abandoned vehicles?
Thought I'd post some arty pictures first;
Terlingua Dawn from the front door of my AirBnB
Chisos Mountains from one of the pull off areas
Rio Grande at Santa Elena never gets old, but this year I snapped one in the other direction
I'd read about the Willow House development on a couple of architectural websites & was interested to see for myself. The locals told me there was scepticism at first but most naysayers have been converted especially as the owner has implemented her own water & power infrastructure to take pressure off the limited Terlingua resources. For myself, I was impressed, if you've seen Judd's "15 Untitled Works in Concrete" you can understand immediately where she's coming from.
Finally, what would Big Bend be without some abandoned vehicles?
Last edited:
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- Groenewald
Lynn and I spend some time out in Big Bend as well
Thu with out better halves going to Boquias
Fri did Maverick, River Road, Black Gap, back on Glenn Spring to River Road and Rio Grande
Have quick lunch sandwich
Then back via Old Ore
Sat trip to Top of World
Saw Jerome (what is your handle?) there - small world
Had fun as always
Ben
Thu with out better halves going to Boquias
Fri did Maverick, River Road, Black Gap, back on Glenn Spring to River Road and Rio Grande
Have quick lunch sandwich
Then back via Old Ore
Sat trip to Top of World
Saw Jerome (what is your handle?) there - small world
Had fun as always
Ben
Attachments
Hey Ben - was great to meet you On Top of the World.... Jerome
First time to BB since being in High School
I had so many "Holy S$%^!" moments, good and bad.
First, I guess when you are kid you can be surrounded by incredible beauty but not really have an appreciation for it; now when I was in BB, I would just stop the bike, look around just be amazed. From about the time we rolled into Alpine until we left the park, I was overwhelmed by the space.
As for the experience, it was the people I met that I will remember more than anything. I saw so many riders helping riders. There was a group of guys I call "Tim's Angels" who helped me Rick and John when we were getting tired of fixing my front flat after 2.5 hours. They rolled up and in 20 minutes had it done. And then they rolled out, found another rider who was needing help, and got him squared away.
Anyhoo . . on to the pics!
Sunrise on Friday morning in Terlingua
Rick at St. Elena canyon. Rick bought my CRF 250x and Dual Sported the crap out of it. It was perfect.
Castelon
Me preparing to be shot into space.
I had so many "Holy S$%^!" moments, good and bad.
First, I guess when you are kid you can be surrounded by incredible beauty but not really have an appreciation for it; now when I was in BB, I would just stop the bike, look around just be amazed. From about the time we rolled into Alpine until we left the park, I was overwhelmed by the space.
As for the experience, it was the people I met that I will remember more than anything. I saw so many riders helping riders. There was a group of guys I call "Tim's Angels" who helped me Rick and John when we were getting tired of fixing my front flat after 2.5 hours. They rolled up and in 20 minutes had it done. And then they rolled out, found another rider who was needing help, and got him squared away.
Anyhoo . . on to the pics!
Sunrise on Friday morning in Terlingua
Rick at St. Elena canyon. Rick bought my CRF 250x and Dual Sported the crap out of it. It was perfect.
Castelon
Me preparing to be shot into space.
Thanks so much for the help on the front tire. The gentleman that showed up with this tool ! It saved us blood, time and frustration. I've seen it before but thought it was too expensive. Ha, worth its weight in gold.
You could run a Tubliss for about the same money & just use these -
Amazon.com: Dynaplug Ultralite Tubeless Tire Repair Tool Kit, Made in USA: Automotive
Buy Dynaplug Ultralite Tubeless Tire Repair Tool Kit, Made in USA: Tire Repair Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
Which fixed a 1/2" sidewall puncture on Charles' 790 on Old Ore Road, Friday in less than 3 minutes.
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Thank you everyone for a great time. By the way is anyone missing a Sony camera? Found one on North County Road. Its a little beat up but the owner may want the memory stick (which I have not looked at)
Here are a couple of short video clips I took with my phone. Feel bad for not taking more time to take more pics
Here are a couple of short video clips I took with my phone. Feel bad for not taking more time to take more pics