Reno-'rump-Reno...Solo

[brad21]

Thanks for all the comments folks. Couple things of note regarding this solo ride...

a) I had a personal locator beacon with me that I rented from these guys, just in case: http://www.plbrentals.com/

b) my cell phone worked in a lot of places you would think it wouldn't. Thanks Unicel!

c) I rode totally within my limits and at times I was thinking to myself "man, I am just putting along huh?"

d) I only fell down once and I don't think I actually hit the ground. Can't remember. I did however drop the bike a couple of times trying to turn around. Pretty heavy beast full of gas and camping stuff.

e) I had a spare GPS unit and RAM cradle with me in my backpack and a lot of batteries. One basic NV/UT paper map with me, wished I had had a couple good BLM maps too.

f) spare clutch cable, didn't need it in the end.

g) trickle charged my battery before I left just to make sure it was good to go. Never had any problems with the bike, but like I said I kinda rode in "self preservation" mode a lot. There was a lot to see out there and I wanted to look around versus having to pay super close attention to the trail all the time.

h) I can count on one hand how many people I saw out there in the middle of nowhere. Desolate for sure.

i) my gps tracks were pretty easy to follow. Only had a few instances where I was off track and had to turn around or follow a different route to connect back.

j) I carried two full 2 liter Camelbak bladders in my pack most of the time. On the way home it was cool so I only carried one and a half. I also had a Katadyn filter in my bag, but sent it home with my clothes and computer from Pahrump.

[taco250]

Glad you made it back safe and sound. Reading through this report makes me think that you've got to learn to trust your gps. It's good to know youi were able to enjoy the ride, not just get it done. Great pics too. You should write a book. Oops, guess you sorta did here!

[drrags]

Man, it looks like there were some brutal "trails" you hit. Right on man, excellent report!

Sigh... I miss the desert.

[jesusgatos]

Looks like a great trip Brad.

[CA Stu]

Very cool.

Thanks for posting it,
CA Stu

[brad21]

Just re-read my report as I sit here in ass-freezing temps. C'mon spring!

[PacificPT]

Thanks for the report. Have ridden some of the areas around Hawthorn and had a great time.

[cristofa]

In our crowded little island, it's really difficult to imagine that kind of SPACE! Your pics are very evocative - I would love to ride in that country.

Thanks for the report and excellent photographs.

[DownDirty]

Gotta bump this great RR, I need a smaller bike!

[brad21]

Thanks for reading!

[KHVol]

How did I miss this reprot the first time ? great companion RR with Larryboys On Sleepless Roads RR....you guys rock

[turbotiger]

Great ride report!

Being a flatlander living in Illinois, this is great to see.

Lance

[brad21]

Thanks Turbotiger!

[brad21]

Just re-read a part of this... wow that was fun. Great memories.

[Michaelfish]

Originally Posted by brad21

Just re-read a part of this... wow that was fun. Great memories.

I think of this report each time I ride from Beatty to Tonopah or Beatty to Vegas. I look at the trails & roads out there & wonder which ones you rode.

I met some of those guys that were part of the race that left all the ruts. They stolled in to restaurants like they were gods & acted like they should get immediate service because they were in a hurry. I think the whole thing left the locals with a strong dislike for city people who plow through their little towns with such disrepect.

Its just my opinion but I think when guys like you cruise thru & visit & shoot the bull it kinda redeems the off-road community. We need more of these type of reports. I like the human interaction as well as the geo stuff.

Again..... fine job!