Hope this doesn't lose me my Gnarly Adventurer status

boyscout · 02-04-2002, 03:08 PM

My mom always wondered why I'm unable to learn from other people's mistakes and insist on making them for myself. I don't have the answer to that, but I sure hope my bike and I survive my off-road riding learning curve.

It all started Saturday riding in the West Foothills and having to avoid patches of ice and sand. I started to dream of twisty places free from unwelcome obstacles. Upon getting home I found myself packing minimal gear for a high speed trip to the Los Padres National Forest.

Saturday night found me setting up camp after dark at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Early Sunday morning found me wearing every piece of clothing I had inside my 10 year old 25 degree sleeping bag, planning to buy a new bag ASAP.

Got up bright and early Sunday morning and started what was to be a quick 30 mile loop through the forest over well maintained fire road. Gee good thing I came down here to get away from all that snow and ice

There was snow and ice in the shade on just about all the peaks. No sections longer than 30 or forty feet though and I only dropped the bike once which is when I discovered the super secret method of riding on ice which is to grab a big rock and make ice cubes.

OK, so here's where my mom would be shaking her head. I found this really cool peak overlooking the water and parked my bike so as to get a picture of it with the water in the background. As I was stepping back to frame the shot, the center stand sunk into the soft ground and I got to watch as my bike toppled over sideways.

Had I parked it four feet closer to the edge I would have had a very long hike out without my bike. This picture is after I had spun the bike around and dragged it back from the edge.

-BS

cRAsH · 02-04-2002, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by boyscout
My mom always wondered why I'm unable to learn from other people's mistakes and insist on making them for myself.

Welcome to the club...

Quote:

... which is when I discovered the super secret method of riding on ice which is to grab a big rock and make ice cubes.

Great idea - we don't call you boy scout for nothing, my friend...

Quote:

I would have had a very long hike out without my bike

Sobering thought sometimes, ain't it?

boyscout · 02-04-2002, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Sobering thought sometimes, ain't it?

Yeah it is. After this experience I may start carrying a rope with me when riding alone or for that matter with others. It was a real pain to get back up as it was pointing somewhat down hill, in neutral and the cylinder was dug into the ground. Would have been nice to be able to tie it to a tree so as not to worry about it taking off as soon as I stood it up.

-BS

fish · 02-04-2002, 07:50 PM

There are a number of lessons to be learned here. Can you count them?

fish · 02-04-2002, 07:51 PM

Great ride and post, boyscout. It has my gears turning.

freaking RT · 02-05-2002, 09:51 AM

good story!!!!

boyscout · 02-05-2002, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fish
There are a number of lessons to be learned here. Can you count them?

Let's see

1. Pack for the coldest weather you might encounter not the warmest

2. Don't go riding off into the middle of nowhere alone, or at least not without telling someone where you're going and when you intend to be back.

3. Always leave the bike in gear when putting it on the center stand off-concrete and pay attention to where it will fall if it does.

How'd I do?

-BS

Chopperman · 02-05-2002, 10:38 PM

Dood. I luv the pic.

armadillo · 02-06-2002, 08:31 AM

Great post and great pic. I laughed so hard I had to read it to my wife. I think we all can see ourselves in this position one way or the other....

cRAsH · 02-06-2002, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by boyscout

Let's see

1. Pack for the coldest weather you might encounter not the warmest

2. Don't go riding off into the middle of nowhere alone, or at least not without telling someone where you're going and when you intend to be back.

3. Always leave the bike in gear when putting it on the center stand off-concrete and pay attention to where it will fall if it does.

How'd I do?

-BS

4. Always go ahead and take the picture.

5. Don't forget the rope...

02-06-2002, 09:28 AM

Good Post ! now that is what I call a great "End of the trail picture"

02-04-2002, 03:08 PM	#1
boyscout ^OP sittin' down Joined: Oct 2001 Location: Cascadia Oddometer: 1,319	Hope this doesn't lose me my Gnarly Adventurer status My mom always wondered why I'm unable to learn from other people's mistakes and insist on making them for myself. I don't have the answer to that, but I sure hope my bike and I survive my off-road riding learning curve. It all started Saturday riding in the West Foothills and having to avoid patches of ice and sand. I started to dream of twisty places free from unwelcome obstacles. Upon getting home I found myself packing minimal gear for a high speed trip to the Los Padres National Forest. Saturday night found me setting up camp after dark at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Early Sunday morning found me wearing every piece of clothing I had inside my 10 year old 25 degree sleeping bag, planning to buy a new bag ASAP. Got up bright and early Sunday morning and started what was to be a quick 30 mile loop through the forest over well maintained fire road. Gee good thing I came down here to get away from all that snow and ice There was snow and ice in the shade on just about all the peaks. No sections longer than 30 or forty feet though and I only dropped the bike once which is when I discovered the super secret method of riding on ice which is to grab a big rock and make ice cubes. OK, so here's where my mom would be shaking her head. I found this really cool peak overlooking the water and parked my bike so as to get a picture of it with the water in the background. As I was stepping back to frame the shot, the center stand sunk into the soft ground and I got to watch as my bike toppled over sideways. Had I parked it four feet closer to the edge I would have had a very long hike out without my bike. This picture is after I had spun the bike around and dragged it back from the edge. -BS __________________ Who me?

02-05-2002, 09:51 AM	#6
freaking RT will golf for food Joined: Nov 2001 Location: just outside Richmond, VA Oddometer: 27,269	good story!!!! __________________ IBA#10787 “We, the people, are the rightful masters of both congress and the courts - not to overthrow the constitution, but to overthrow men who pervert the constitution.” – Abraham Lincoln "Fathom the odd hypocrisy that Obama wants every citizen to prove they are insured, but people don't have to prove they are citizens". -Anonymous WV VA Good Eats Map

02-05-2002, 10:38 PM	#8
Chopperman I am dead Joined: Sep 2001 Oddometer: 27,033	Dood. I luv the pic. __________________ dead

02-06-2002, 08:31 AM	#9
armadillo Sandtrap Joined: Dec 2001 Location: Austin, TX Oddometer: 122	Great post and great pic. I laughed so hard I had to read it to my wife. I think we all can see ourselves in this position one way or the other.... __________________ chuck d '05 YZ250F '03 VFR '01 R1150GS--Sold

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: .
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

02-04-2002, 07:50 PM	#4
fish Banned Joined: Jul 2001 Location: Gold Country Oddometer: 47,709	There are a number of lessons to be learned here. Can you count them?

02-04-2002, 07:51 PM	#5
fish Banned Joined: Jul 2001 Location: Gold Country Oddometer: 47,709	Great ride and post, boyscout. It has my gears turning.

02-06-2002, 09:28 AM	#11
Tracker Guest Oddometer: n/a	Good Post ! now that is what I call a great "End of the trail picture"