Hooray! We are finally into the count down for this one. Only 6 short weeks from now we will be throwing and stowing our bikes & riding gear in the hauler, and headed west out to the SoCal desert! Can't wait to do this ride again!!! This year we have more Texas riders going too! Well, at least we have more riders in TX this year "saying" they are going. But then we all know how that good old Texas bragg is sometimes...
Better start putting your cold weather riding gear together. Think multiple layers, even with the gloves! Plan to ride in sub freezing temps, snow, rain, and 60 plus degree full desert sunshine. Sort out your storage bags on the bike for all gear, spares, and tools you plan to carry. Don't overlook the need for plenty of water when out in the desert. Any mishap could potentially have you out there on your own for many hours. Carry an inexpensive space blanket some where in your gear! You need to load up said bags, and vigorously test ride with them so you know they can be trusted to remain in place while you ride across endless rough terrain, and 6 straight miles of continuous sand whoops amidst a thundering pack of other riders. You do NOT want to lose all your most precious and needed gear out there in the desert boonies! Add any final touches to your bike now. Then if you are seriously thinking of doing this, you better get out and ride some dirt on your fully loaded for bear bike. Ride for long periods of time. Figure out if you need to reset your sag and fork stiffness to compensate for all the extra weight, and be ready for riding in the inevitable deep sand. Learn your balance on the loaded bike while you also are carrying full hydration in your already over stuffed back pack. Figure out now if you are carrying too much stuff to feasibly ride well. Do these things now, BEFORE you set out on a pair of first light to nearly dark 200 plus mile days of Mojave desert expedition riding. Remember you are riding in SoCal, expect the hard ways to live up to their name. Practice on your rocks and sand riding! Work on your all day in the saddle stamina. Then go practice up more on riding over nice big rocks! See ya there...
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