“2010 Forever West” Featuring The Best Of The West On Big Trailies

[leftystrat62]

Thanks guys,and I PM'd you Tony. Look forward to giving this one a go.

[eakins]

Originally Posted by byways

Tribal units: Here is a GE overview of the route, which I've expanded and revised some since DP's journey.

It's also no long called "Forever West ADV Route," which has a strong tie to Wyoming. It's now "Heart of the West Adventure Route," which better reflects that it takes in six Western states.

[matjas]

Originally Posted by byways

The tires with air in them seemed to go flat most often.

c'mon they were flat only at the bottom!

[leftystrat62]

Originally Posted by johnpitts01

I am the reason we made this trip so late. Due to some business engagements I was not able to start the trip before 18 September. We agonized almost a year over the dates. I was really worried we would miss the prime Aspen colors and we ran the risk of really cold weather and the possibility of snow.

Well the Adventure Gods smiled on us as they always seem to. The weather was absolutely perfect and the Aspens were at their color peak. As you can see from the photos the colors were exploding!!!

It's one of the amazing things about our trips and the group we have - the weather always cooperates and there are lots of small things that occur during our trips that have no explanation other than good luck.

What time of the year would you guys recommend for this trip? I've never been to this part of the country and would like to do this ride. I'm guessing the 2nd/3rd week of Aug. so I miss the snow. Also,any reason not to ride my GSA; I'll probably be doing it solo,but from the picture-it all looks pretty straight forward.

[DockingPilot]

1st 2 weeks of Sept.


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[leftystrat62]

Originally Posted by DockingPilot

1st 2 weeks of Sept.


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Thanks Frank. What do you think of choosing the GSA, I'm probably riding solo for this trip. I did your New England ride 2 seasons ago (only to the end of Maine),and had no problems with the GSA on that. What's your thoughts?
I'm rereading this thread right now,and remember your picture of the gas milage taped onto your fairing,do you list this info some where on the thread-if not can I obtain that? I'm sending $ to Tony this week for the tracks-maybe he lists all that info? Thanks Keith

[DockingPilot]

Well that's a good measure. Comparable but only you can answer on how comfortable you are solo on the Beemer to be honest Keith.
Here is that fuel list. I still had it.



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[bigborefan]

Hey Lefty, I 'll go with you. I might as well start pissing off the East Coast, lord knows I got the Midwest covered.

[blaisew]

Lefty, we did this this year in September. It is an easy ride and the only places that you'll have watch out for are the sandy two tracks along the Oregon Trail section in Wyoming, and the long down hill after Echo Park. There is the odd rough forest service road, but none of this is difficult if you just take it slow and easy. Almost all of the trip is fast and smooth dirt, gravel or pavement. Mostly pavement and gravel. As for solo, you'll be all alone in some remote spots, so be prepared!

[bigdon]

What Ken said!

[leftystrat62]

Thanks for the input guys. I've ridden my GS on some challenging stuff solo,but usually on my home turf so to speak. Just wanted to be sure there weren't any major hidden surprises,other wise I might opt to take the WR250R if I go at it alone.
I'm going to ride the tat solo this summer,R.I. to OR,so I'm actually starting to research this Forever West trip for the following summer. My job requires me to pick my vacations a year in advance,that's why it's hard for me to find people to ride with. What are you doing in two years Bigborefan?

[leftystrat62]

Originally Posted by blaisew

Lefty, we did this this year in September. It is an easy ride and the only places that you'll have watch out for are the sandy two tracks along the Oregon Trail section in Wyoming, and the long down hill after Echo Park. There is the odd rough forest service road, but none of this is difficult if you just take it slow and easy. Almost all of the trip is fast and smooth dirt, gravel or pavement. Mostly pavement and gravel. As for solo, you'll be all alone in some remote spots, so be prepared!

Hey Blaisew, what were the dates you did it in Sept? What were the temps you rode in,and temps at night if you camped. Also,if I rode it 2 up with my wife, when I reach those tricky sections,is it easy enough to have her walk it while I ride it,or is it too long for her to walk those sections? We've done a little off road riding together and camped in 30F weather,but if that were the norm-it might be too much for her.:

[leftystrat62]

Originally Posted by johnpitts01

The descent of Blue Mountain Road was the most challenging stretch of the trip. By the time we reached the bottom the stock suspension on my KLR was not working. The fluids had pretty much given up by then. A bit of a rest at the bottom and everything was fine.

Your decision depends on how much of a challenge you want. The lenght of the road added to the challenge. If it was only a half mile you wouldnt think anything of it. The length combined with the condition makes it a workout.

None of us really had any issues on the road nor did any of us ever feel in danger. Just a fair amount of work over an extended stretch. There were spots that you could stop on the descent to take a break if you elect to use the road.


I am certain you caould make the descent based on your description of your experience.

Traveling by yourself, and being a bit cautious, the paved alternate is a wise choice. Some nice scnery on the descent, but you will have seen simlar scenery on other parts of the route.

For us the satisfaction of getting to the bottom was a large part of the fun!

My final advise would be to check in with yourself at the point where you must make the choice for the paved alternate. We do this all the time. If we are feeling tired, or we're running late, or someone is sick, or......, we discuss and take an alternate if we decide it is best. Occasionally the group even splits up, or one rider will take an alternate. Plan the trip with the alternate and waypoint the decision point. When you get there, get off the bike, make an honest evaluation of your condition, the road and weather conditions, time of day, etc. and make your decision.


John boy

Jonh, how long is that decent-distance wise?

[zeegman]

Originally Posted by leftystrat62

Jonh, how long is that decent-distance wise?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP0RC...QC3x-A&index=1

Video of it here from 2011.
Did it with a KTM 950 Adventure fully loaaded with camping gear.

Mike Z

[johnpitts01]

Lefty

If you check in with Byways Huegel I'm sure he can give you some details of the length of the section. My best recollection is it took us 20 minutes or so to make the descent.

If you elect to do it and your wife is in shape and doesnt mind walking down the stair step rocks you could certainly do it I would guess it will take her 2-3X as long to get to the bottom.

Again check with Tony Huegel for details.

Good luck!

The route is the ride of a lifetime. you will have no regrets.


JB

Originally Posted by leftystrat62

Jonh, how long is that decent-distance wise?