Title: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 04:50:09 AM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 04:50:09 AM
Six years ago I attended my first Dual Sporting the Free State. I had a great time and have been to every one since. Last years was cancelled due to every thing being shut down due to the Corona Virus. So I was looking forward to this years event despite the fact that the weather forecasters were predicting gloom and doom for this weekend. I knew even if it rained all weekend it would still be great to see the friends I had made at the previous events.
I headed out Friday morning with my bike and my "luxury" camping equipment all loaded in my truck and drove a little over an hour to the McDougle hunting camp in the Bankhead National Forest. When I got there a little after ten Rich (2372ighost) and John (TWJohn) were already there. Over the next couple of hours more people showed up including Al and Melony who organize and host this great event.
Al brought this trailer which he checked out from work:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-KHSd5SX/0/33c893d7/XL/P4090001-XL.jpg)
And this truck was filled with more stuff:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-bj7KCkX/0/6d3ef683/XL/P4090002-XL.jpg)
Many people had decided to upgrade from tent camping, maybe due to the monsoons last year.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-wGhzwcw/0/494a32c2/XL/P4090004-XL.jpg)
John had a truck camper and Randy (Sweeper) had a cargo trailer that he would sleep in.
We headed out for an afternoon ride. A few miles of pavement and we were soon on a dirt road. I lead with Rich in my rear view mirror and 5 others behind him. Its a fun dirt road, not particularly challenging but rough enough to make you glad you are on a dual sport bike. I approached a small water crossing. A few weeks ago there wasn't much water in it so I just blasted through. The wall of water I threw up pretty much soaked my pants!. Maybe all the recent rain had raised the water level? Who would have thunk it :D
I looked in my mirror, Oh oh! Nobody behind me so I headed back to find Rich and Chris stopped in the road. They didn't see anyone in their mirrors so they had stopped. We headed back but soon ran into everyone else riding towards us. What happened? John was riding along and hit a big bump which caused his tail box to pop open and created a yard sale of his stuff all over the road. He didn't notice anything was wrong until he didn't see anyone in his mirrors and turned around. He found the last two riders picking his stuff up, much of which had ended up in a puddle including his phone and a small air pump.
I headed out Friday morning with my bike and my "luxury" camping equipment all loaded in my truck and drove a little over an hour to the McDougle hunting camp in the Bankhead National Forest. When I got there a little after ten Rich (2372ighost) and John (TWJohn) were already there. Over the next couple of hours more people showed up including Al and Melony who organize and host this great event.
Al brought this trailer which he checked out from work:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-KHSd5SX/0/33c893d7/XL/P4090001-XL.jpg)
And this truck was filled with more stuff:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-bj7KCkX/0/6d3ef683/XL/P4090002-XL.jpg)
Many people had decided to upgrade from tent camping, maybe due to the monsoons last year.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-wGhzwcw/0/494a32c2/XL/P4090004-XL.jpg)
John had a truck camper and Randy (Sweeper) had a cargo trailer that he would sleep in.
We headed out for an afternoon ride. A few miles of pavement and we were soon on a dirt road. I lead with Rich in my rear view mirror and 5 others behind him. Its a fun dirt road, not particularly challenging but rough enough to make you glad you are on a dual sport bike. I approached a small water crossing. A few weeks ago there wasn't much water in it so I just blasted through. The wall of water I threw up pretty much soaked my pants!. Maybe all the recent rain had raised the water level? Who would have thunk it :D
I looked in my mirror, Oh oh! Nobody behind me so I headed back to find Rich and Chris stopped in the road. They didn't see anyone in their mirrors so they had stopped. We headed back but soon ran into everyone else riding towards us. What happened? John was riding along and hit a big bump which caused his tail box to pop open and created a yard sale of his stuff all over the road. He didn't notice anything was wrong until he didn't see anyone in his mirrors and turned around. He found the last two riders picking his stuff up, much of which had ended up in a puddle including his phone and a small air pump.
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 04:52:50 AM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 04:52:50 AM
I took off ahead of everyone to get these pics:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-GbvhX27/0/af238105/XL/P4090005-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-xbCr99X/0/58adf9d9/XL/P4090006-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-kSjBF5V/0/cefcc2b1/XL/P4090007-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-krJH4xF/0/0af9aa4f/XL/P4090008-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-8Q5GZQL/0/8e7e4ddf/XL/P4090009-XL.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-GbvhX27/0/af238105/XL/P4090005-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-xbCr99X/0/58adf9d9/XL/P4090006-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-kSjBF5V/0/cefcc2b1/XL/P4090007-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-krJH4xF/0/0af9aa4f/XL/P4090008-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-8Q5GZQL/0/8e7e4ddf/XL/P4090009-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 05:00:27 AM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 05:00:27 AM
We came to an intersection and turned right, rode a mile or two and came to another intersection. Rich was right behind me but no one else was ::)
What??? It was a fairly straight paved road. What could have gone wrong???
So we headed back until we found everyone parked on the side of the road by the last intersection. Chris had a flat rear tire. No one had an 18 inch tube but I had a tube patch kit so:
We figured we could fix it by all staring at the tire :D
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-MCNV7Dh/0/ba464e9f/XL/P4090011-XL.jpg)
My Quick Jack came in handy holding up the bike.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-swShqZ9/0/46ba8160/XL/P4090012-XL.jpg)
After waiting for the glue to set up, chris put the tube and tire back together. John had a small air pump but it had been in a puddle from the "yard sale" and no longer worked. Chris had a CO2 pump and tried inflating the tire. It didn't hold so we went to plan B. Randy rode back to camp and got his truck and trailer and hauled the bike back to camp.
What??? It was a fairly straight paved road. What could have gone wrong???
So we headed back until we found everyone parked on the side of the road by the last intersection. Chris had a flat rear tire. No one had an 18 inch tube but I had a tube patch kit so:
We figured we could fix it by all staring at the tire :D
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-MCNV7Dh/0/ba464e9f/XL/P4090011-XL.jpg)
My Quick Jack came in handy holding up the bike.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-swShqZ9/0/46ba8160/XL/P4090012-XL.jpg)
After waiting for the glue to set up, chris put the tube and tire back together. John had a small air pump but it had been in a puddle from the "yard sale" and no longer worked. Chris had a CO2 pump and tried inflating the tire. It didn't hold so we went to plan B. Randy rode back to camp and got his truck and trailer and hauled the bike back to camp.
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 05:03:30 AM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 05:03:30 AM
The rest of us continued the ride.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-n94ff4x/0/ea15ff6a/XL/P4090014-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-BKNQT75/0/3ef0bba1/XL/P4090015-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-TsML88r/0/df44ae03/XL/P4090020-XL.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-n94ff4x/0/ea15ff6a/XL/P4090014-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-BKNQT75/0/3ef0bba1/XL/P4090015-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-TsML88r/0/df44ae03/XL/P4090020-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 05:28:13 AM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 05:28:13 AM
We got back to camp. I had an 18 inch tube in my truck so Chris got back to work.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-PwX8KQ9/0/0820102e/XL/P4090021-XL.jpg)
He found a stump just perfect for a stand for his bike.
So we tried installing the tube. We couldn't get the valve stem through the hole in the wheel. Crap? It was a street bike tube and the valve stem was too thick :o So we decided to try patching the old tube again. The patch we put on earlier had held but we found another hole and patched that. We tried inflating it again but it was still leaking >:( Time for plan C. I would drive him down to All Sport in the morning. Someone else came up with plan D. They rode a bit down the road to where there was a cell signal. They got a hold of someone who was still coming. He would bring a couple of tubes.
Time to hang out.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-2brB6st/0/f411744e/XL/P4090022-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-2HqMMvP/0/bc9b57e4/XL/P4090023-XL.jpg)
After the tube arrived Chris was able to finally fix the tire.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-rdgFRwj/0/2596faa9/XL/P4090025-XL.jpg)
We hung out some more. This next pic is real blurry but I'm posting it for a reason.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-xzNJHMT/0/3264c497/XL/P4090026-XL.jpg)
There was a string of lights hung around the top of the EZ up. Al had brought a generator but it hadn't been run for two years. It started up but was surging so the lights were flashing on and off. It was like being in a disco, or maybe a bad horror movie :D
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-PwX8KQ9/0/0820102e/XL/P4090021-XL.jpg)
He found a stump just perfect for a stand for his bike.
So we tried installing the tube. We couldn't get the valve stem through the hole in the wheel. Crap? It was a street bike tube and the valve stem was too thick :o So we decided to try patching the old tube again. The patch we put on earlier had held but we found another hole and patched that. We tried inflating it again but it was still leaking >:( Time for plan C. I would drive him down to All Sport in the morning. Someone else came up with plan D. They rode a bit down the road to where there was a cell signal. They got a hold of someone who was still coming. He would bring a couple of tubes.
Time to hang out.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-2brB6st/0/f411744e/XL/P4090022-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-2HqMMvP/0/bc9b57e4/XL/P4090023-XL.jpg)
After the tube arrived Chris was able to finally fix the tire.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-rdgFRwj/0/2596faa9/XL/P4090025-XL.jpg)
We hung out some more. This next pic is real blurry but I'm posting it for a reason.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-xzNJHMT/0/3264c497/XL/P4090026-XL.jpg)
There was a string of lights hung around the top of the EZ up. Al had brought a generator but it hadn't been run for two years. It started up but was surging so the lights were flashing on and off. It was like being in a disco, or maybe a bad horror movie :D
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 05:45:07 AM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 05:45:07 AM
The predicted rain finally showed up around 10 as we were all ready to head for bed. It rained off and on all night but never got very windy. By the time we were ready for breakfast the next morning the rain stopped but it was a bit cold and gloomy.
David's luxury camping setup.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-GPNC5BM/0/d5bfeebf/XL/P4100027-XL.jpg)
Rich and his truck tent setup.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-gvmnHvk/0/aed5996a/XL/P4100028-XL.jpg)
That reminds me of another story. At the last of these events two years ago Rich had locked his keys in his truck on the last day and had to get his wife to bring him the spare set. This time he managed to lose his key fob ::) I'll let Rich tell the story but he ended having to go back home Saturday morning to get the spare.
The tent just left of the outhouse belonged to a gal that came all the way from East of Atlanta for this event.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-xjjdnGh/0/2057d4b9/XL/P4100029-XL.jpg)
Al cooking up some bacon for breakfast.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-NKQfG7m/0/7fab0f36/XL/P4100030-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-KSw8Zrb/0/49c4ee58/L/172107769_4127598147307435_3970532609397691482_n-L.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-sM6gj58/0/7997652a/L/172092658_4127599607307289_3634129104805577545_n-L.jpg)
The last two pics were taken by Melony
David's luxury camping setup.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-GPNC5BM/0/d5bfeebf/XL/P4100027-XL.jpg)
Rich and his truck tent setup.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-gvmnHvk/0/aed5996a/XL/P4100028-XL.jpg)
That reminds me of another story. At the last of these events two years ago Rich had locked his keys in his truck on the last day and had to get his wife to bring him the spare set. This time he managed to lose his key fob ::) I'll let Rich tell the story but he ended having to go back home Saturday morning to get the spare.
The tent just left of the outhouse belonged to a gal that came all the way from East of Atlanta for this event.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-xjjdnGh/0/2057d4b9/XL/P4100029-XL.jpg)
Al cooking up some bacon for breakfast.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-NKQfG7m/0/7fab0f36/XL/P4100030-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-KSw8Zrb/0/49c4ee58/L/172107769_4127598147307435_3970532609397691482_n-L.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-sM6gj58/0/7997652a/L/172092658_4127599607307289_3634129104805577545_n-L.jpg)
The last two pics were taken by Melony
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 08:43:01 AM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 08:43:01 AM
Greg (Mojo1) showed up on his new Himalayan
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-7gz9KFd/0/7e57c4b8/XL/P4100031-XL.jpg)
Greg is a hard core rider. He often shows up for rides having ridden farther than anyone else to get there. In this case he got up real early and left his house in the rain to meet us for a day of dual sport riding. Another pic of his new bike.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-qTGvff2/0/b286318c/XL/P4100032-XL.jpg)
Al gives the ride briefing.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-xGjw4j8/0/fbb1df18/XL/P4100033-XL.jpg)
We had 15 riders. It would have been 16 but Rich was off getting his spare key fob. I think we would have had more but the weather forecast probably scared a few people off.
After the brief I took off early to set up somewhere along the route to take some pics. Unfortunately my skills as a photographer were lacking and I got mostly blurry pics. I'll post them anyway.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-dP6xSjJ/0/7ec3eddc/XL/P4100034-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-GZG9JQF/0/8dcb7513/XL/P4100035-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-rv7HQJt/0/238015aa/XL/P4100038-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-Nh9Bmg8/0/68b095d3/XL/P4100039-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-rTPqcpk/0/b853ccf7/XL/P4100040-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-PMTG72J/0/75cdfdf0/XL/P4100041-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-DJ93nrX/0/6bad9b7b/XL/P4100042-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-ZFhVKcQ/0/dd465fd8/XL/P4100043-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-Hnj5QgM/0/ee608f83/XL/P4100044-XL.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-7gz9KFd/0/7e57c4b8/XL/P4100031-XL.jpg)
Greg is a hard core rider. He often shows up for rides having ridden farther than anyone else to get there. In this case he got up real early and left his house in the rain to meet us for a day of dual sport riding. Another pic of his new bike.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-qTGvff2/0/b286318c/XL/P4100032-XL.jpg)
Al gives the ride briefing.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-xGjw4j8/0/fbb1df18/XL/P4100033-XL.jpg)
We had 15 riders. It would have been 16 but Rich was off getting his spare key fob. I think we would have had more but the weather forecast probably scared a few people off.
After the brief I took off early to set up somewhere along the route to take some pics. Unfortunately my skills as a photographer were lacking and I got mostly blurry pics. I'll post them anyway.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-dP6xSjJ/0/7ec3eddc/XL/P4100034-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-GZG9JQF/0/8dcb7513/XL/P4100035-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-5dnTFvV/0/a92b06b0/XL/P4100036-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-GgtS8mg/0/24b949f3/XL/P4100037-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-rv7HQJt/0/238015aa/XL/P4100038-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-Nh9Bmg8/0/68b095d3/XL/P4100039-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-rTPqcpk/0/b853ccf7/XL/P4100040-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-PMTG72J/0/75cdfdf0/XL/P4100041-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-DJ93nrX/0/6bad9b7b/XL/P4100042-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-ZFhVKcQ/0/dd465fd8/XL/P4100043-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-Hnj5QgM/0/ee608f83/XL/P4100044-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 11:15:37 AM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 11:15:37 AM
I caught up with the group but it turned out we still had two riders coming so I took this pic while we waited.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-hm663ZH/0/b5585d33/XL/P4100046-XL.jpg)
Then we headed off for the two dead end trails down to the Sipsey River.
I stopped and got this pic of Kay and Randy.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-s3jwW4p/0/64e6f8ae/XL/P4100047-XL.jpg)
Kay was a new rider. Before this day she had never ridden off the pavement or even wet pavement ??? This road had a lot of sand and I thought it was pretty squirrely so I can only imagine what she thought of it.
Al was waiting for us at the point where the road turned into more of a trail. With all the rain it promised to be a muddy mess. Kay and Randy opted to wait there. Al and I took off. We went through some pretty good mud holes and then got to the mother of all mud holes ??? OK, it wasn't that bad but it was the one where so many people dropped their bikes last year. So we stopped and Al made a comment about it being a real mess. I had been leading but I said "go ahead". He said "no you go ahead". After we repeated that a couple of times he went through. After watching him nearly disappear in a couple of mud holes I wimped out and decided to wait there and get pic when they came back out. Well I failed again in my role as photographer as a lot of the pics turned out blurry again.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-JpKjmRc/0/7f45c726/XL/P4100051-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-jWhQqNX/0/57a6a9eb/XL/P4100052-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-X3B23MP/0/4e794440/XL/P4100053-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-6HHKTB9/0/3c6c825a/XL/P4100055-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-4vCxnjW/0/ea72d990/XL/P4100062b-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-975tgm7/0/4f8a6e08/XL/P4100063-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-vqwF4tS/0/4c1b9cff/XL/P4100064-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-4NnCpZv/0/3d9087fc/XL/P4100065-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-g58jvHF/0/d643af05/XL/P4100066-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-RNgvR9d/0/27082e34/XL/P4100067-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-czZsQmP/0/edec76c0/XL/P4100068-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-w48Njxb/0/871abf6b/XL/P4100069-XL.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-hm663ZH/0/b5585d33/XL/P4100046-XL.jpg)
Then we headed off for the two dead end trails down to the Sipsey River.
I stopped and got this pic of Kay and Randy.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-s3jwW4p/0/64e6f8ae/XL/P4100047-XL.jpg)
Kay was a new rider. Before this day she had never ridden off the pavement or even wet pavement ??? This road had a lot of sand and I thought it was pretty squirrely so I can only imagine what she thought of it.
Al was waiting for us at the point where the road turned into more of a trail. With all the rain it promised to be a muddy mess. Kay and Randy opted to wait there. Al and I took off. We went through some pretty good mud holes and then got to the mother of all mud holes ??? OK, it wasn't that bad but it was the one where so many people dropped their bikes last year. So we stopped and Al made a comment about it being a real mess. I had been leading but I said "go ahead". He said "no you go ahead". After we repeated that a couple of times he went through. After watching him nearly disappear in a couple of mud holes I wimped out and decided to wait there and get pic when they came back out. Well I failed again in my role as photographer as a lot of the pics turned out blurry again.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-JpKjmRc/0/7f45c726/XL/P4100051-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-jWhQqNX/0/57a6a9eb/XL/P4100052-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-RNgvR9d/0/27082e34/XL/P4100067-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-czZsQmP/0/edec76c0/XL/P4100068-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-w48Njxb/0/871abf6b/XL/P4100069-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 11:26:12 AM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 11:26:12 AM
Then it was time to go to the second trail. This involved back tracking, going past the road we came in on and going straight to the second trail. Most of the riders where well ahead of me. I came to a fork in the road and John was waiting so I knew which way to go. So I stopped to wait for the riders behind me. I waited.........and I waited. After a while I decided to go back and see what happened. I came to the intersection where straight was where we came from and right was the road out. Which way to go??? While I was trying to decide Greg, Kay and Randy came from the first trail. Kay had crashed and now had some problems with her brakes. So Randy and Kay headed for the lunch stop while Greg and I waited for the rest of the group. After we re-grouped we headed for the "Bridge".
We rode quite a while on some nice paved back roads.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-CNbwJmJ/0/1629a049/XL/P4100071-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-tpbM42T/0/f0a95fb7/XL/P4100072-XL.jpg)
Approaching the bridge.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-wFvVfN7/0/9efa163e/XL/P4100075-XL.jpg)
So all 13 of us rode out on the bridge and parked. Why were we parked??
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-kb5Km5T/0/33da4c8b/XL/P4100077-XL.jpg)
Nice view.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-MfnLXtg/0/02a4e6ec/XL/P4100078-XL.jpg)
I walked up to find out.
Houston we have a problem ???
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-HsfQKZS/0/fa1cf81d/XL/P4100079-XL.jpg)
We rode quite a while on some nice paved back roads.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-CNbwJmJ/0/1629a049/XL/P4100071-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-tpbM42T/0/f0a95fb7/XL/P4100072-XL.jpg)
Approaching the bridge.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-wFvVfN7/0/9efa163e/XL/P4100075-XL.jpg)
So all 13 of us rode out on the bridge and parked. Why were we parked??
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-kb5Km5T/0/33da4c8b/XL/P4100077-XL.jpg)
Nice view.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-MfnLXtg/0/02a4e6ec/XL/P4100078-XL.jpg)
I walked up to find out.
Houston we have a problem ???
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-HsfQKZS/0/fa1cf81d/XL/P4100079-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 11:31:40 AM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 11:31:40 AM
Time to take some more pics.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-4vGWH4m/0/a53d72dc/XL/P4100080-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-xRRhtnN/0/8071a147/XL/P4100081-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-6FKDCjz/0/61f43da7/XL/P4100082-XL.jpg)
Time for some good ole redneck engineering?
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-CgctWpH/0/427151ef/XL/P4100085-XL.jpg)
I don't think so!
This bridge has seen better days.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-MGdGD8R/0/659367f0/XL/P4100087-XL.jpg)
But it probably didn't have as much character when it was in better shape.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-4vGWH4m/0/a53d72dc/XL/P4100080-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-xRRhtnN/0/8071a147/XL/P4100081-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-6FKDCjz/0/61f43da7/XL/P4100082-XL.jpg)
Time for some good ole redneck engineering?
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-CgctWpH/0/427151ef/XL/P4100085-XL.jpg)
I don't think so!
This bridge has seen better days.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-MGdGD8R/0/659367f0/XL/P4100087-XL.jpg)
But it probably didn't have as much character when it was in better shape.
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 11:37:15 AM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 11:37:15 AM
I climbed down to the bank to get a different view.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-qjWqmth/0/01506200/XL/P4100088-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-Nf7NFdF/0/019754cf/XL/P4100092-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-qcsD33K/0/9001d4a4/XL/P4100093-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-RVMsrx3/0/27b06e29/XL/P4100094-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-tMZCpb6/0/96bb66c7/XL/P4100095-XL.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-qjWqmth/0/01506200/XL/P4100088-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-VrdKV8v/0/ac52e5dc/XL/P4100090-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-tMZCpb6/0/96bb66c7/XL/P4100095-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 11:43:51 AM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 11:43:51 AM
Time to head to Houston for lunch.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-6cjVkf7/0/0475c15d/XL/P4100098-XL.jpg)
As always, lunch at Chef Troy's was great.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-KmZwnT8/0/033a19d0/XL/P4100101-XL.jpg)
They put in this outdoor seating area in the past year. At this time it was in 70s, perfect for sitting outside.
John and Paula joined us for lunch and then rode by us on their Ural when we stopped for gas after lunch.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-xHs8KBs/0/4f0fed6e/XL/P4100102-XL.jpg)
Randy and Rich sporting the latest in Moto fashion.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-CHpGxQJ/0/69901dae/XL/P4100104-XL.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-6cjVkf7/0/0475c15d/XL/P4100098-XL.jpg)
As always, lunch at Chef Troy's was great.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-KmZwnT8/0/033a19d0/XL/P4100101-XL.jpg)
They put in this outdoor seating area in the past year. At this time it was in 70s, perfect for sitting outside.
John and Paula joined us for lunch and then rode by us on their Ural when we stopped for gas after lunch.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-xHs8KBs/0/4f0fed6e/XL/P4100102-XL.jpg)
Randy and Rich sporting the latest in Moto fashion.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-CHpGxQJ/0/69901dae/XL/P4100104-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 12:05:55 PM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 12:05:55 PM
After lunch was a mix of dirt and paved back roads.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-smNKW8j/0/8d4c694a/XL/P4100108-XL.jpg)
Because of the rain the night before there was no dust which made this ride so much better than the previous years where the dust was sometimes so bad it was hard to see the road.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-9F38q9g/0/dee984d7/XL/P4100109-XL.jpg)
We stopped at the rock wall that David and Al rode up several years ago. Since then there have been no more daredevils willing to risk it. I climbed up on foot to get this pic.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-wKnKnQw/0/0e2f54c0/XL/P4100111-XL.jpg)
There are a couple of dirt trails on either side of the wall that are easier. Finally the guy on the least powerful and lowest tech bike rode up.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-nBdV2tn/0/165a7d1d/XL/P4100112-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-Qp6bwrX/0/76068c5c/XL/P4100113-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-PCz7ztK/0/8bff8bc2/XL/P4100114-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-hz7cTdz/0/64f6da42/XL/P4100115-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-7LvDt7h/0/8ad76b3e/XL/P4100117-XL.jpg)
Just in case someone is thinking "that rock wall isn't that steep", Al and David rode up the steepest part on the right side.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-9kLNk9P/0/109246ef/XL/P4100118-XL.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-smNKW8j/0/8d4c694a/XL/P4100108-XL.jpg)
Because of the rain the night before there was no dust which made this ride so much better than the previous years where the dust was sometimes so bad it was hard to see the road.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-9F38q9g/0/dee984d7/XL/P4100109-XL.jpg)
We stopped at the rock wall that David and Al rode up several years ago. Since then there have been no more daredevils willing to risk it. I climbed up on foot to get this pic.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-wKnKnQw/0/0e2f54c0/XL/P4100111-XL.jpg)
There are a couple of dirt trails on either side of the wall that are easier. Finally the guy on the least powerful and lowest tech bike rode up.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-nBdV2tn/0/165a7d1d/XL/P4100112-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-Qp6bwrX/0/76068c5c/XL/P4100113-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-PCz7ztK/0/8bff8bc2/XL/P4100114-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-hz7cTdz/0/64f6da42/XL/P4100115-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-7LvDt7h/0/8ad76b3e/XL/P4100117-XL.jpg)
Just in case someone is thinking "that rock wall isn't that steep", Al and David rode up the steepest part on the right side.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-9kLNk9P/0/109246ef/XL/P4100118-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 12:38:09 PM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 12:38:09 PM
More riding.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-x89g42w/0/0285f0a2/XL/P4100121-XL.jpg)
There was one spot on a dirt road that had a rocky uphill with a giant mud hole just over the crest. Ron (Merkur Man) went blasting up the hill and right into that hole. He hit a rut in it and had what i heard was a spectacular crash. I wish I was there to get the pic but by the time I got there he was already up.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-2D8sbzP/0/f070d436/XL/P4100122-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-HkQBcKJ/0/d6b2cc4f/XL/P4100123-XL.jpg)
More pavement.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-SNX4VqP/0/9192b0a0/XL/P4100124-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-nCqg2xk/0/766f22d7/XL/P4100127-XL.jpg)
Al decided to cut the long loop of dirt roads off the end and head back to camp. I still ended up riding 139 miles for the day.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-x89g42w/0/0285f0a2/XL/P4100121-XL.jpg)
There was one spot on a dirt road that had a rocky uphill with a giant mud hole just over the crest. Ron (Merkur Man) went blasting up the hill and right into that hole. He hit a rut in it and had what i heard was a spectacular crash. I wish I was there to get the pic but by the time I got there he was already up.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-2D8sbzP/0/f070d436/XL/P4100122-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-HkQBcKJ/0/d6b2cc4f/XL/P4100123-XL.jpg)
More pavement.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-SNX4VqP/0/9192b0a0/XL/P4100124-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-nCqg2xk/0/766f22d7/XL/P4100127-XL.jpg)
Al decided to cut the long loop of dirt roads off the end and head back to camp. I still ended up riding 139 miles for the day.
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 01:04:27 PM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 01:04:27 PM
I really like the riding we do at this event but just as enjoyable to me is being able to hang out with the great people who come to it.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-CRRZPCD/0/585eee6a/XL/P4100128-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-Fqm8qnZ/0/2631b689/XL/P4100129-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-9m5RTPm/0/f4ccd29b/XL/P4100130-XL.jpg)
Someone built a fire but we didn't really hang out around it like we did on some previous years.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-DPNLP87/0/00c35dc1/XL/P4100131-XL.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-CRRZPCD/0/585eee6a/XL/P4100128-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-Fqm8qnZ/0/2631b689/XL/P4100129-XL.jpg)
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-9m5RTPm/0/f4ccd29b/XL/P4100130-XL.jpg)
Someone built a fire but we didn't really hang out around it like we did on some previous years.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-DPNLP87/0/00c35dc1/XL/P4100131-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: Al Goodwin on April 12, 2021, 02:05:40 PM
Post by: Al Goodwin on April 12, 2021, 02:05:40 PM
So far, EXCELLENT ride report.
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 02:42:29 PM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 02:42:29 PM
Quote from: Al Goodwin on April 12, 2021, 02:05:40 PM
So far, EXCELLENT ride report.
Thanks Al!
One more day to go!
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 02:55:35 PM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 02:55:35 PM
After a Chilly Saturday night I got up and headed over to a group of early risers and joined in on the conversation.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-LN5MjHV/0/04d75ed7/XL/P4110132-XL.jpg)
Soon Al got up and heated up the leftover bacon and biscuits and we had breakfast. We hung out a bit. Some people left for home. QUITTERS!!!
Some of us headed out around 9:30 for more riding. We turned south on 33 and quickly turned right on to some Forest service roads. This area has some long dirt gravel roads and you can ride for a long time without hitting any pavement. So we rode for a while before finding ourselves on a rough and steep paved road. It didn't look familiar so that's how I knew we were lost ::)
No problem, we turned around and got back on track. Now IMO to be a true adventure three things should happen. Get lost at least once, have at least one bike break down and someone needs to fall down. Well we had one out of three and plenty of time left. Well it turned out we didn't need much more time. We're riding along and suddenly no one is in my mirrors.
Oh, OH!
I turned around and didn't go far before finding the rest of the group parked on the side of the road.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-kqkT5RK/0/c9ac14a3/XL/P4110133-XL.jpg)
Rich's chain had come off. So we worked on getting it back on. It was so loose it went back on pretty easily. Now we needed to tighten it. Someone had a socket that fit the Axle but the adjuster nuts were 13mm. We had plenty of 12 and 14mm wrenches but no 13s. Someone had an adjustable wrench. While Rich was messing with his bike it fell over knocking him over as well.
Picture Time!!!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-KKDLGvS/0/17099932/XL/P4110134-XL.jpg)
.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-zNfSVR8/0/bdc2de99/XL/P4110136-XL.jpg)
This ride was now officially an adventure!!
Rich finishing the job.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-WzWXT9S/0/62d993b0/XL/P4110137-XL.jpg)
After a bunch of comments about "cheap china bikes" we were soon ready to ride. :D
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-LN5MjHV/0/04d75ed7/XL/P4110132-XL.jpg)
Soon Al got up and heated up the leftover bacon and biscuits and we had breakfast. We hung out a bit. Some people left for home. QUITTERS!!!
Some of us headed out around 9:30 for more riding. We turned south on 33 and quickly turned right on to some Forest service roads. This area has some long dirt gravel roads and you can ride for a long time without hitting any pavement. So we rode for a while before finding ourselves on a rough and steep paved road. It didn't look familiar so that's how I knew we were lost ::)
No problem, we turned around and got back on track. Now IMO to be a true adventure three things should happen. Get lost at least once, have at least one bike break down and someone needs to fall down. Well we had one out of three and plenty of time left. Well it turned out we didn't need much more time. We're riding along and suddenly no one is in my mirrors.
Oh, OH!
I turned around and didn't go far before finding the rest of the group parked on the side of the road.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-kqkT5RK/0/c9ac14a3/XL/P4110133-XL.jpg)
Rich's chain had come off. So we worked on getting it back on. It was so loose it went back on pretty easily. Now we needed to tighten it. Someone had a socket that fit the Axle but the adjuster nuts were 13mm. We had plenty of 12 and 14mm wrenches but no 13s. Someone had an adjustable wrench. While Rich was messing with his bike it fell over knocking him over as well.
Picture Time!!!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-KKDLGvS/0/17099932/XL/P4110134-XL.jpg)
.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-zNfSVR8/0/bdc2de99/XL/P4110136-XL.jpg)
This ride was now officially an adventure!!
Rich finishing the job.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-WzWXT9S/0/62d993b0/XL/P4110137-XL.jpg)
After a bunch of comments about "cheap china bikes" we were soon ready to ride. :D
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 03:02:17 PM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 03:02:17 PM
On the road again.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-CXwqvzs/0/4c25f73e/XL/P4110138-XL.jpg)
We saw a sign for some trail head. I figured it was a dead end but we turned to check it out. The road started out fairly straight and not that exciting but soon got better.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-prCtBmm/0/202afe28/XL/P4110140-XL.jpg)
It did dead end in a canyon but was worth the ride.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-cTGpb93/0/c7908721/XL/P4110141-XL.jpg)
This bridge was in better shape than the one yesterday.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-6gMCgf4/0/b3efa631/XL/P4110144-XL.jpg)
But it just wasn't as much of an adventure.
We rode some more and ended up in Double Springs were we got gas and took a break.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-snVwHhF/0/9cbb5c7f/XL/P4110145-XL.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-CXwqvzs/0/4c25f73e/XL/P4110138-XL.jpg)
We saw a sign for some trail head. I figured it was a dead end but we turned to check it out. The road started out fairly straight and not that exciting but soon got better.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-prCtBmm/0/202afe28/XL/P4110140-XL.jpg)
It did dead end in a canyon but was worth the ride.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-cTGpb93/0/c7908721/XL/P4110141-XL.jpg)
This bridge was in better shape than the one yesterday.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-6gMCgf4/0/b3efa631/XL/P4110144-XL.jpg)
But it just wasn't as much of an adventure.
We rode some more and ended up in Double Springs were we got gas and took a break.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-snVwHhF/0/9cbb5c7f/XL/P4110145-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 03:10:05 PM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 03:10:05 PM
Now it was time to find the Forest Service road i had found on Monday but turned around when it got rough. So we headed south on 33 until we got to an intersection and turned left. That turned out to be the wrong road. So we back tracked and headed south on 33. We took another left which also turned out to be the wrong road. The FSR I was looking for was on the Bankhead map, which I had left at home but wasn't on google maps or Rich's GPS.
No problem, we would eventually find it. While riding down the second wrong road I saw a cool creek running below some cliffs. I was looking for a way to get to it when I saw a narrow path going off the road towards it. It wasn't marked. Time to explore. It was some interesting single track that was actually a small stream for a bit.
Cool spot.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-25jHS4P/0/de14fee3/XL/P4110146-XL.jpg)
.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-cpzVm2m/0/d41ae25a/XL/P4110147-XL.jpg)
There were more trails down there but we decided they were horse or hiking trails so we headed back to the road.
Time to find that Forest service road!
No problem, we would eventually find it. While riding down the second wrong road I saw a cool creek running below some cliffs. I was looking for a way to get to it when I saw a narrow path going off the road towards it. It wasn't marked. Time to explore. It was some interesting single track that was actually a small stream for a bit.
Cool spot.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-25jHS4P/0/de14fee3/XL/P4110146-XL.jpg)
.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-cpzVm2m/0/d41ae25a/XL/P4110147-XL.jpg)
There were more trails down there but we decided they were horse or hiking trails so we headed back to the road.
Time to find that Forest service road!
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: SoloRider73 on April 12, 2021, 05:19:30 PM
Post by: SoloRider73 on April 12, 2021, 05:19:30 PM
The conspiracy theorist in me thinks Rich was setup. Rich's chain came off and Win just happened to be there with a camera? Coincidence I think not.
Looks like you guys had a great time. I was watching the rain on radar and it looks like everything worked out.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Looks like you guys had a great time. I was watching the rain on radar and it looks like everything worked out.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 05:33:10 PM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 05:33:10 PM
The next road we turned of on led us to the road I was looking for. We headed down and stopped before it got rough. John let some air out of his tires. I suggested the young guys do ahead because I would be going slow. David and Chris blasted ahead. It did turn out to be pretty rough and rutted in spots but I didn't feel like I was in over my head. I was glad I wasn't on my 400 pound KLR. Eventually the trail ended at a bluff on the Sipsey River. As soon as I stopped and parked I heard motor coming towards me.
Whaat????
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-HJTjr5H/0/557b5936/XL/P4110149-XL.jpg)
It was this boat coming down a little creek.
I looked around. What a cool spot. My pictures don't do it justice.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-PLfw75x/0/05172506/XL/P4110151-XL.jpg)
The pic doesn't show it but just before getting to the bluff was a low area covered with about 8 inches of whale snot. It was real slick but no one dropped it there.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-HQz2MNr/0/7f153063/XL/P4110152-XL.jpg)
There was a waterfalls across the river. I took a pic but you can barely see it. It was pretty loud.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-rCXzRhK/0/293379ed/XL/P4110153-XL.jpg)
.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-rKkDR5Q/0/b5406b35/XL/P4110154-XL.jpg)
Whaat????
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-HJTjr5H/0/557b5936/XL/P4110149-XL.jpg)
It was this boat coming down a little creek.
I looked around. What a cool spot. My pictures don't do it justice.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-PLfw75x/0/05172506/XL/P4110151-XL.jpg)
The pic doesn't show it but just before getting to the bluff was a low area covered with about 8 inches of whale snot. It was real slick but no one dropped it there.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-HQz2MNr/0/7f153063/XL/P4110152-XL.jpg)
There was a waterfalls across the river. I took a pic but you can barely see it. It was pretty loud.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-rCXzRhK/0/293379ed/XL/P4110153-XL.jpg)
.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-rKkDR5Q/0/b5406b35/XL/P4110154-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 06:17:00 PM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 06:17:00 PM
David headed up trail along the little creek so I followed him.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-bwSfHsw/0/a8f264d3/XL/P4110155-XL.jpg)
What a beautiful and peaceful spot.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-WJzGgd3/0/dc6f9f6d/XL/P4110158-XL.jpg)
The water looks dirty in the pics but it wasn't.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-QZNk2NT/0/c07b168c/XL/P4110159-XL.jpg)
I hiked up to a spot where I could look down on our bikes.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-PMwCXhH/0/b0cd2d81/XL/P4110160-XL.jpg)
I told the rest of the group they needed to do the short hike up the creek.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-rpp4Q7v/0/598200f8/XL/P4110161-XL.jpg)
.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-RmxL2QC/0/913f84d5/XL/P4110162-XL.jpg)
.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-mBtph5g/0/20965071/XL/P4110163-XL.jpg)
John was so impressed with this spot he said he would come back with his jeep and camp back here.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-9Nh3MPQ/0/f8ff4417/XL/P4110164-XL.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-bwSfHsw/0/a8f264d3/XL/P4110155-XL.jpg)
What a beautiful and peaceful spot.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-WJzGgd3/0/dc6f9f6d/XL/P4110158-XL.jpg)
The water looks dirty in the pics but it wasn't.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-QZNk2NT/0/c07b168c/XL/P4110159-XL.jpg)
I hiked up to a spot where I could look down on our bikes.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-PMwCXhH/0/b0cd2d81/XL/P4110160-XL.jpg)
I told the rest of the group they needed to do the short hike up the creek.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-rpp4Q7v/0/598200f8/XL/P4110161-XL.jpg)
.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-RmxL2QC/0/913f84d5/XL/P4110162-XL.jpg)
.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-mBtph5g/0/20965071/XL/P4110163-XL.jpg)
John was so impressed with this spot he said he would come back with his jeep and camp back here.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-9Nh3MPQ/0/f8ff4417/XL/P4110164-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 07:10:43 PM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 07:10:43 PM
It was time to ride back up the trail. I didn't get any pics coming down and I planned to fix that going back. I headed up first so I could find a good spot. I got to a rough spot and stopped to plan my route when I heard a bike coming behind me. I guess this would be the spot. I parked the bike and got off...... just in time for Chris to stop beside me and...
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-CtLCGT2/0/4300fced/XL/P4110166-XL.jpg)
He thought quick enough to jump off as he was falling and not get trapped under the bike.
David came by next. He didn't even slow down.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-Pb2wp26/0/3a9ff6e4/XL/P4110167-XL.jpg)
I rode up a bit and stopped again.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-3Zh2G5s/0/386c8bc6/XL/P4110168-XL.jpg)
I know the trail doesn't look rough in the pics but....you know how pics are. In reality it's pretty easy if you are an expert dirt rider. It would even be easy for me if I would just keep my speed up and keep going. Instead I make it hard for myself because I'm chicken.
At least I'm not the only one.
David liked it so much he went back down and back up.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-CRxrzkD/0/27362c53/XL/P4110170-XL.jpg)
John goes slow but nothing stops his mighty TW.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-Sd8H9jT/0/2d9e2e0f/XL/P4110172-XL.jpg)
.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-B7M5jxF/0/196095ef/XL/P4110173-XL.jpg)
.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-HhnCrWC/0/08ff5b2d/XL/P4110174-XL.jpg)
.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-vR9tWtL/0/8b59b061/XL/P4110175-XL.jpg)
After that we headed back to camp. Al fired up the grill and we had plenty of food left for lunch. Then we all packed up and headed home.
Oh yeah, Rich managed to get out of there without locking his keys in his truck :D
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-CtLCGT2/0/4300fced/XL/P4110166-XL.jpg)
He thought quick enough to jump off as he was falling and not get trapped under the bike.
David came by next. He didn't even slow down.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-Pb2wp26/0/3a9ff6e4/XL/P4110167-XL.jpg)
I rode up a bit and stopped again.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-3Zh2G5s/0/386c8bc6/XL/P4110168-XL.jpg)
I know the trail doesn't look rough in the pics but....you know how pics are. In reality it's pretty easy if you are an expert dirt rider. It would even be easy for me if I would just keep my speed up and keep going. Instead I make it hard for myself because I'm chicken.
At least I'm not the only one.
David liked it so much he went back down and back up.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-CRxrzkD/0/27362c53/XL/P4110170-XL.jpg)
John goes slow but nothing stops his mighty TW.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-Sd8H9jT/0/2d9e2e0f/XL/P4110172-XL.jpg)
.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-B7M5jxF/0/196095ef/XL/P4110173-XL.jpg)
.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-HhnCrWC/0/08ff5b2d/XL/P4110174-XL.jpg)
.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/2021a/Free-State-2021/i-vR9tWtL/0/8b59b061/XL/P4110175-XL.jpg)
After that we headed back to camp. Al fired up the grill and we had plenty of food left for lunch. Then we all packed up and headed home.
Oh yeah, Rich managed to get out of there without locking his keys in his truck :D
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 07:16:25 PM
Post by: klaviator on April 12, 2021, 07:16:25 PM
Some final thoughts. First a big thanks to Al and Meloney. Without them this event wouldn't even happen. They brought the grill, food and a bunch of other stuff (Like the surging generator :D) that really help make this such a great event.
Thanks to everyone else who pitched in and brought stuff and helped out.
It was great seeing old friends, some of whom I haven't seen since the last time we did this 2 years ago.
It was great making new friends. James, Chris and Kay were there for the first time. Hopefully it won't be the last.
I'm already looking forward to next year.
I told Rich to bring a spare key fob next year and give it to me as soon as he arrives :D
If anyone has any pics, stories or thoughts to share feel free to add them here.
Thanks to everyone else who pitched in and brought stuff and helped out.
It was great seeing old friends, some of whom I haven't seen since the last time we did this 2 years ago.
It was great making new friends. James, Chris and Kay were there for the first time. Hopefully it won't be the last.
I'm already looking forward to next year.
I told Rich to bring a spare key fob next year and give it to me as soon as he arrives :D
If anyone has any pics, stories or thoughts to share feel free to add them here.
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: Nice Goat on April 12, 2021, 07:43:39 PM
Post by: Nice Goat on April 12, 2021, 07:43:39 PM
Wonderful ride report! Glad you all had a good time!
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: Sweeper on April 12, 2021, 08:24:27 PM
Post by: Sweeper on April 12, 2021, 08:24:27 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210413/7c1957019b32c7d38e48e16777e6e91b.jpg)
Saturday was a hard day. A beer run was needed. 33 was a blast with the throttle pinned the entire trip.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210413/8e262d8e4624ca40bf5a47876d99fd4c.jpg)
Turns out a metal tent with no window sleeps pretty good. I slept until 7:30.
I plan to work on my gps skills so that I can use the fox tracks to do a better job of sweeping.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Saturday was a hard day. A beer run was needed. 33 was a blast with the throttle pinned the entire trip.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210413/8e262d8e4624ca40bf5a47876d99fd4c.jpg)
Turns out a metal tent with no window sleeps pretty good. I slept until 7:30.
I plan to work on my gps skills so that I can use the fox tracks to do a better job of sweeping.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: Sweeper on April 12, 2021, 08:28:49 PM
Post by: Sweeper on April 12, 2021, 08:28:49 PM
That trail to the river Sunday was a blast. I stopped and talked to Rich and then decided I had to go for it. Started down hugging the right side and found a ridge under the leaves. I was down in the first thirty feet. Made me get serious about.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: TWJohn on April 13, 2021, 06:59:49 AM
Post by: TWJohn on April 13, 2021, 06:59:49 AM
This was a great write up. I think everyone enjoyed the ride and company.
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: lazeebum on April 13, 2021, 07:15:31 AM
Post by: lazeebum on April 13, 2021, 07:15:31 AM
Great report on a great event. Maybe I can make the fall ride.
Sent from my LG-M150 using Tapatalk
Sent from my LG-M150 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: jrobinson on April 13, 2021, 09:36:18 AM
Post by: jrobinson on April 13, 2021, 09:36:18 AM
Great report. Loved all the pics.
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 13, 2021, 11:47:04 AM
Post by: klaviator on April 13, 2021, 11:47:04 AM
I've been thinking about the bridge. I think that if we bring enough zip ties and duct tape we could fix it and get across :D
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: norton73 on April 13, 2021, 04:09:49 PM
Post by: norton73 on April 13, 2021, 04:09:49 PM
Great report!
Thanks for taking the time to write it up and take all the pictures.
Thanks for taking the time to write it up and take all the pictures.
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: Guidedawg on April 13, 2021, 05:52:15 PM
Post by: Guidedawg on April 13, 2021, 05:52:15 PM
I always enjoy reading when MotorcycleAlabama members get together for an event! Thanks for all who work on it and for sharing it with the rest of us.
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: Mulley on April 13, 2021, 06:37:37 PM
Post by: Mulley on April 13, 2021, 06:37:37 PM
Quote from: klaviator on April 13, 2021, 11:47:04 AM
I've been thinking about the bridge. I think that if we bring enough zip ties and duct tape we could fix it and get across :D
Wait a minute. All of ya'll together couldn't figure out how to get over that little gap in the bridge? :o :D
It looks everybody had a pretty good time, minus a few minor mishaps. I was hoping to make it but just couldn't pull it off. Thanks for sharing the pics and report.
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 13, 2021, 10:02:18 PM
Post by: klaviator on April 13, 2021, 10:02:18 PM
Quote from: Mulley on April 13, 2021, 06:37:37 PM
Wait a minute. All of ya'll together couldn't figure out how to get over that little gap in the bridge? :o :D
It's not that we couldn't figure it out, we just didn't have enough zip ties and duct tape :D
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 17, 2021, 06:03:14 AM
Post by: klaviator on April 17, 2021, 06:03:14 AM
For those of you to chicken too ride up the rock wall (and that includes me :D), here's a pic of Al doing it back in 2016 on a KLR with 80,000 miles on it.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/You-Only-Live-Twice-2013/i-Mmjk4P4/0/b22b6384/XL/4153-XL.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/You-Only-Live-Twice-2013/i-Mmjk4P4/0/b22b6384/XL/4153-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: Al Goodwin on April 18, 2021, 04:05:09 AM
Post by: Al Goodwin on April 18, 2021, 04:05:09 AM
Quote from: klaviator on April 17, 2021, 06:03:14 AM
For those of you to chicken too ride up the rock wall (and that includes me :D), here's a pic of Al doing it back in 2016 on a KLR with 80,000 miles on it.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/You-Only-Live-Twice-2013/i-Mmjk4P4/0/b22b6384/XL/4153-XL.jpg)
When I look at that wall now, I think "WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING?"
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: klaviator on April 18, 2021, 04:14:33 AM
Post by: klaviator on April 18, 2021, 04:14:33 AM
I went back and found this video Johnny shot of that hillclimb.
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: Al Goodwin on April 18, 2021, 04:31:25 AM
Post by: Al Goodwin on April 18, 2021, 04:31:25 AM
Quote from: klaviator on April 18, 2021, 04:14:33 AM
I went back and found this video Johnny shot of that hillclimb.
I have never seen that video before. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Dual Sporting the Free State 2021
Post by: Al Goodwin on April 18, 2021, 04:38:36 AM
Post by: Al Goodwin on April 18, 2021, 04:38:36 AM
I found this video, shot in 2015, of Melony and I, 2-up, on the KLR coming up from the river. It was dry that year.
.https://youtu.be/_UTzNEF13ls
.https://youtu.be/_UTzNEF13ls