Perfect Desert Dirt 3 KTM's and a Honda XR

Professor seems OK and is riding fine



Killurtv handles that beast





Still no KurtW so N2 goes back to see if he’s OK





Kurt shook something electrical loose but they got it sorted pretty quick and back on the trail




Let’s get going!





No pictures of the 35 mile deluge we rode through to get to Fields about 4PM. I was completely soaked and going through the list of stupid things I did not bring with on this anticipated sunny desert tour. Face mask, Latex gauntlet gloves (XXL that slide right over moto gloves), hand guards, extra layers, lip balm, SPACE BLANKET! Kurt had one and we split it for the 35 miles back to camp. Stuffed that thing into my gear and we headed north into the weather and just hoping the playa is crossable back to our camp.







Hey don’t laugh too hard - those things actually work!




So many shots we didn’t stop to take. Followed N2 onto the super slick and gooey surface. He had no problems but my bald-assed rear tire was quite thrilling on this surface. Professor out there soldiering on.







I didn’t see Killurtv behind me so I stopped and got off my bike - another mistake





It doesn’t look that bad but you could barely walk on that stuff





Killurtv had the out riggers down and rode for miles on that 990 but never went down. Got back to camp, there’s my ancient North Face VE25 tent that no longer sheds water.



N2Moto’s 2 wheel drive van and trailer




Sad camp



It kinda let up for a bit and we made the decision to high-tail off the playa



Packed up all our muddy crap and headed west for the shoreline



Killurtv went ahead in his 4WD Tundra and told us to go 45 mph or we’d get stuck




That worked great till we spun the Sprinter van - scariest thing I’ve been through in 2013 but KurtW got us off the mud and we paid to camp across from the hot springs. Took a soak and hit the hay. My brother and his contingent decided to stick it out at camp and hope for better conditions the next day. I couldn’t risk it due to work.

There were some others soaking when finally got there.


4 people from camp decided to get their rig completely stuck in the perma-puddle down from the springs. The next morning it was better but they were completely stuck out there. They had been warned



Paul form the ALvord ranch stopped by to coordinate the tow.



We headed for Crane to have breakfast and possibly soak.



Crystal Crane Hot Springs



Brothers, OR



Rainbow near KurtW’s house



There’s more but that’s all I have - thanks for the ride Kurt!

The Prof: not looking too chipper in those pics!

Wox has girlie handguards.

That wet lake bed gave me the chills!

Great report with great pic's.

HOLY freakin epic. Coming back to a lake on the playa is the stuff of nightmares, can't believe you guys made it out of there. I'll bet that ride out with two broken ribs was just peachy. Kurt I can't imagine the sigh of relief when your bike came back to life. Funny how quickly things can get sketchy out there.

Yes, especially if you're from 'out of town' (Killurtv shot). We were long gone at this point.

Both very true.

This is the kind of situation where you may get the front bumper and/or a chunk of frame, but the truck is staying.

Although it would have been an experience not to forget, I'm really glad I had to leave early on this trip!

Looks like fun stuff!

It sure looks like you had your share of "rescue me" too.

Youz guys were gassin' up at Fields when I, car bound, was there on Thursday & Sunday.
Y'all shoulda camped at WillowCreek HotSprings, just south of WhiteHorse Ranch. BLM free & no stuck on the playa goofiness. And a lot easier access to the Oregon Mountains area. The hot side is frickin' awesomest. Sat out the evening rain shower in hot water w/ adult beverage in easy reach.
How's the Little Sand Gap traverse? Always wanted to try it. Is there a trail through Big Sand Gap?
I was quite jealous. Of the moto action. Not the wet playa business.

NE

Last November

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=841464

I see you comphrende!
North end of the Steens

​

Fave pic from Fields Store


Hijack over

NE

This was a carnage filled trip.... wouldn't have missed for anything!!!! Heal up quick Professor!!!

Did you get a new front fender yet?

Working on getting it together. Going with the high fender this time. No more playa build up for me! That was scarey!

SWEET!!! There is that dead fender, hated to see it go, it hung in there for 36000 miles. rest In Peace (es)

Kent, I have a super moto fender in Orange laying around if you want it it's yours. Wachs seemed to think the sm ones worked good.

Thanks Kurt, I bought one the day I got back from the playa. Just waiting on the new wiring for the speedo and odometer. That was fun!!! Lets do it again.