Mar. 28-31, 2013 Death Valley Noob's Rally

[Lost Rider]

I just hate it when someone I don't know tells me where I should or shouldn't ride on the bike I'm on, or assumes because they wouldn't ride a certain model bike somewhere that nobody should.

But With that said, sharing experience and looking out for others is good too, I've lucky to have been to DV many times this year, rode most of the big loops and usual rides quite a few times in various capacities; solo, small groups, and with riders with varying experience levels.

Saline valley rd, lipencott pass and even the wash leading to Cerro Gordo are all much different than last year, rumor has it a big storm in October did the damage, I wasn't here though for it but either way those roads are different and much more tore up.

Please excuse me, since there's already discussions with similar viewpoints I thought I'd throw mine out too in agreement.

Dirt N00bs on any bike will be challenged on those rides, inexperienced dirt riders on big bikes will be very challenged or a liability to the group, especially with a moderate pace needed to get back to camp before dark.
While I'm all about promoting folks to pushing their limits, ride what you got where you want kind of thing, IMO in a big group with many miles involved beyond the challenging bits isn't the necessarily the right place to do it for some folks. Those places are far from camp and very difficult for 4 wheeled vehicles to come get someone.

I think people should go concur the various challenges around DV to be rewarded with great views and have the satisfaction, maybe just try to do it in the appropriate group, or smaller groups, or even just closer to camp.
There's nothing stopping anyone at any skill level from starting up shorter rides with like minded riders, everything doesn't have to be a loop ya know. A ride leader just needs to be a leader and have a plan.

Think Ice Cream Ride, extreme. Lol

Give yourself lots of time, don't make it a monster ride, be prepared to be out late if things go wrong, make sure folks at camp know where you're riding and when you should be back and go get to it.

There is plenty of excellent riding around Panamint valley or even within just 10 or 20 miles from camp with all the rocks, sand, washouts, big elevation changes and great views anyone could want.
you don't have to go do the Big Stuff that is so common at these ADV rallies so far away from camp to have a good time. You dont have to ride 160+ miles to get out of your comfort zone, see cool stuff, have fun and learn.

There's more challenging ways into Darwin, or to Osborne Cabin, Lookout Mountain will have similar climbs as lippincot with spectacular views, the canyons above Ballarat offer neat stuff, hidden cabins and challanging routes, the escape route is fun, etc etc.
have fun be safe and go ride!

My $.02, posted from Furnace Creek, coffee done, time to ride! ;)







This was a Mobile posting using Tapatalk App

[slugdad]

nevertheless, we still need 2 volunteers, each one to haul 1/2 truck bed of wood.

i have a butt load of fire wood in north san diego county if any vols
wish to make the trip.

i will probby go down the wknd prior to pick up my share for the cause.
interested parties shoot me a line

[AZ TOM]

Originally Posted by Lost Rider

I just hate it when someone I don't know tells me where I should or shouldn't ride on the bike I'm on, or assumes because they wouldn't ride a certain model bike somewhere that nobody should.

But With that said, sharing experience and looking out for others is good too, I've lucky to have been to DV many times this year, rode most of the big loops and usual rides quite a few times in various capacities; solo, small groups, and with riders with varying experience levels.

Saline valley rd, lipencott pass and even the wash leading to Cerro Gordo are all much different than last year, rumor has it a big storm in October did the damage, I wasn't here though for it but either way those roads are different and much more tore up.

Please excuse me, since there's already discussions with similar viewpoints I thought I'd throw mine out too in agreement.

Dirt N00bs on any bike will be challenged on those rides, inexperienced dirt riders on big bikes will be very challenged or a liability to the group, especially with a moderate pace needed to get back to camp before dark.
While I'm all about promoting folks to pushing their limits, ride what you got where you want kind of thing, IMO in a big group with many miles involved beyond the challenging bits isn't the necessarily the right place to do it for some folks. Those places are far from camp and very difficult for 4 wheeled vehicles to come get someone.

I think people should go concur the various challenges around DV to be rewarded with great views and have the satisfaction, maybe just try to do it in the appropriate group, or smaller groups, or even just closer to camp.
There's nothing stopping anyone at any skill level from starting up shorter rides with like minded riders, everything doesn't have to be a loop ya know. A ride leader just needs to be a leader and have a plan.

Think Ice Cream Ride, extreme. Lol

Give yourself lots of time, don't make it a monster ride, be prepared to be out late if things go wrong, make sure folks at camp know where you're riding and when you should be back and go get to it.

There is plenty of excellent riding around Panamint valley or even within just 10 or 20 miles from camp with all the rocks, sand, washouts, big elevation changes and great views anyone could want.
you don't have to go do the Big Stuff that is so common at these ADV rallies so far away from camp to have a good time. You dont have to ride 160+ miles to get out of your comfort zone, see cool stuff, have fun and learn.

There's more challenging ways into Darwin, or to Osborne Cabin, Lookout Mountain will have similar climbs as lippincot with spectacular views, the canyons above Ballarat offer neat stuff, hidden cabins and challanging routes, the escape route is fun, etc etc.
have fun be safe and go ride!

My $.02, posted from Furnace Creek, coffee done, time to ride! ;)







This was a Mobile posting using Tapatalk App

A great $.02c Hopefully read & digested by all participants

[BogeyMan]

Originally Posted by theGrinch

I was riding in but can change to driving in with wood...

The things I could do with a statement like that...

[NSFW]

lippencott coments - thanks everyone for you input.

in this event, either you're riding solo or with your own group - nobody is responsible other than yourself. since we're there too, if something happens to you - we care.

ride within your skill level, challenge yourself but act for the common good of the group.

we're just over a month from dvnr day....get the bike ready.

Originally Posted by theGrinch

I'll take a load of fire wood if there is a place to park the truck. I was riding in but can change to driving in with wood...

...either way let me know.



.

peter, bring the truck then and i will ask ersin to get you a spot to park.

please contact slugdad.

thank you.

Originally Posted by slugdad

i have a butt load of fire wood in north san diego county if any vols wish to make the trip.

i will probby go down the wknd prior to pick up my share for the cause.
interested parties shoot me a line

thanks bill. PM me with the cost of getting a wood....

Originally Posted by BogeyMan

The things I could do with a statement like that...

the lizard ladies at the truck stops have the answers....hahaha

[GalacticGS]

Originally Posted by Lost Rider

My $.02, posted from Furnace Creek, coffee done, time to ride! ;)

Excellent post Finn!

As Joel says, everyone must take personal reponsibililty for themselves! However, it's a caring group that will help as much as possible. It's best to not put yourself in position to require help though. Try not to be "that guy" (and I've been "that guy" before). Everyone should ride within the capabilities of both yourself and your bike. No matter what, it's gonna be FUN!!!



BTW Joel, I should be able to bring a bit of firewood along (but it will probably be just some bundles from Lowes).

[Pointman0853]

Lost Rider speaks with straight tongue!

There is absolutely zero excuse for anyone, noob or otherwise, to show up at this event unprepared bikewise, skillwise, or with inadequate equipment. It is called Death Valley for crissakes!

If you have doubts about a trail or certain route, go with your gut, that is why you have one.

These should be fun experiences where everyone goes home at the end of the event, not a Search and Rescue exercise...

Expect the best, but prepare for the worst. This includes always a spare 21" tube, and the tools and knowledge to fix it. A tow rope, snack bars, 3 liters of water, matches or a lighter, and a space blanket, and basic First Aid kit.
These are bare minimums..

If you break down or are incapacitated two hours from camp, it may take a minimum of 5 hours to expect help to return for you. It gets very dark and cold depending on where you may be.

End of sermon!

Pointman

[NSFW]

Originally Posted by goodcat8

Practice.
Figure if I can survive in the mean time with street tires then I may actually have a chance staying upright in harder stuff with tkc's.
Attachment 314260

jesse, yeah burn those street tires and put on the TKCs.

nice pics.

Originally Posted by GalacticGS

Excellent post Finn!

As Joel says, everyone must take personal reponsibililty for themselves! However, it's a caring group that will help as much as possible. It's best to not put yourself in position to require help though. Try not to be "that guy" (and I've been "that guy" before). Everyone should ride within the capabilities of both yourself and your bike. No matter what, it's gonna be FUN!!!


BTW Joel, I should be able to bring a bit of firewood along (but it will probably be just some bundles from Lowes).

larry, hold off on the bundled firewood for now and thanks for your offer.


things are shaping up good. only 3 bailed out since last week. looking good people.

we just need a beautiful weather.......................and people to join me..

http://dvrides.robgadv.com/

[NSFW]

more donations....

wazoo is sending us a bunch of goodies. thanks to patrick (pomo) for hooking us up.

http://www.wazoosurvivalgear.com/

nameplate, paracord, whistle and fire starter all in one.



one gear i want with me....

check out their site, lots of useful survival items.

[r3r3r]

I agree with all of these comments. And, when put together, they say everything that I was trying to say.

Originally Posted by Lost Rider

I just hate it when someone I don't know tells me where I should or shouldn't ride on the bike I'm on, or assumes because they wouldn't ride a certain model bike somewhere that nobody should.

Saline valley rd, lipencott pass and even the wash leading to Cerro Gordo are all much different than last year, rumor has it a big storm in October did the damage, I wasn't here though for it but either way those roads are different and much more tore up.

Dirt N00bs on any bike will be challenged on those rides, inexperienced dirt riders on big bikes will be very challenged or a liability to the group, especially with a moderate pace needed to get back to camp before dark.
While I'm all about promoting folks to pushing their limits, ride what you got where you want kind of thing, IMO in a big group with many miles involved beyond the challenging bits isn't the necessarily the right place to do it for some folks. Those places are far from camp and very difficult for 4 wheeled vehicles to come get someone.

Originally Posted by NSFW

in this event, either you're riding solo or with your own group - nobody is responsible other than yourself. since we're there too, if something happens to you - we care.

ride within your skill level, challenge yourself but act for the common good of the group.

Originally Posted by Pointman0853

If you have doubts about a trail or certain route, go with your gut, that is why you have one.

These should be fun experiences where everyone goes home at the end of the event, not a Search and Rescue exercise...

I will add that, as a ride leader, I would want to be able to help folks get out of any challenging situation that may come up.

Not knowing peoples various skill levels or knowledge of the area, I had only intended to add a word of caution to the folks who hadn't ridden the route, just in case they didn't know.

Fairly recent videos of Lippencott, for anyone who hasn't ridden it before:

Originally Posted by prey4mojo

Video of ride up Lippencott:

http://vimeo.com/60058743

Video coming back down Lippentcott:

http://vimeo.com/60135188

Thanks for looking!
W

[BogeyMan]

Originally Posted by prey4mojo

Video of ride up Lippencott:

http://vimeo.com/60058743

Video coming back down Lippentcott:

http://vimeo.com/60135188

Thanks to both r3r3r and the original author for posting those up. For someone like me, who has never been to DV, that really helps paint a picture.

[traveltoad]

Just got back from DV...

Goler/Mengel is a graded dirt road. If you can ride pea-gravel you can ride it this year.

South Pass is clear of snow. Some of the damage has been repaired... a decent rider could get a bike 2-up through it.

Saline Valley Rd is in good shape but there are a few washouts that you should slow down for.

Steele Pass is as easy as I have ever seen it.

Echo Canyon is also as easy as I have seen it.

[GalacticGS]

Thanks for the update Aaron.

[AZ TOM]

Originally Posted by traveltoad

Just got back from DV...

Goler/Mengel is a graded dirt road. If you can ride pea-gravel you can ride it this year.

South Pass is clear of snow. Some of the damage has been repaired... a decent rider could get a bike 2-up through it.

Saline Valley Rd is in good shape but there are a few washouts that you should slow down for.

Steele Pass is as easy as I have ever seen it.

Echo Canyon is also as easy as I have seen it.

I watched the video's & now I read this & am really confused

[M1Jeep]

Originally Posted by galacticgs

thanks for the update aaron.

+1