Sand, Flats and Broken Bones: LA-B-LV '06

[AZcacti]

Misery Goat and I headed out of Phoenix on Thanksgiving afternoon to the fall classic, LA-B-2LV Dual-Sport Ride. I have been wanting to do this ride for years and finally got the chance this year. Rolling west on I-10 is only so exciting on a bike. Not much to look at...


We arrrived in San Bernardino and checked into the 'oh so posh' Motel 6 then off for a Thanksgiving dinner at Mimi's Cafe.

Next morning we headed to the start to get checked in and tech inspected. There was over three hundred riders this year and most were on small single cylinder machines. Saw a handful of 950's, HP's and GS's. The folks at District 37 did a great job getting things organized and handing out doughnuts.

Tech Inspection



Sign-in


GPS Geeks (Thanks, I wouldn't have made it to LV without you!)


We headed out on a 177 mile day that would take us up and over the San Berardino Mountains, though Big Bear and down to Barstow. The terrain was mixed hard pack with loose rock and some sand. It was particulaly dry so dust was always a consern.

Misery wishing for goggles.


This GS was ready to quit after 15 miles.


Misery was hoping for good Karma when he loaned a follow rider his 21' tube. 3 miles down the road my Karma gave me a rear flat.


Lucky for me I had extra shine in the scalp to warn traffic.


We made it to Big Bear a little late for lunch but there were still lots of folks to ride with. Everybody having fun!!!


Now my Karma took another blow, I realized my handle bars were just about to fall off. Some how, the nut on the risers had vibrated off on the trail. Lucky us there was a Kawisaki dealer nearby. Unfortunatly they didn't have the size I needed. Misery Goat found a Lumber store down the road and saved the day with a 17mm nut. Problem fixed but huge time delay.

Bad Nut to lose.


I made a new friend while Goat was shopping.


Barstow on arrival. Damn the sunsets early around here!