3/29 & 30: Freeman Off-Road Resort Spring Adventure Ride

[troy]

COMING UP IN JUST A FEW DAYS!

Freeman Off-Road Resort Spring Adventure Ride
http://www.freemanoffroad.com/dualsport.html

The route is guaranteed to be great. I've put in a 1,000 miles in this part of the Mark Twain and it's all fantastic! Bring any size machine as there is something for every one.

I'm keeping an eye on the weather which is not looking "perfect", but that area is very rocky, so wet weather is not a show-stopper. I'm hoping it won't be sub 50 for the ride. My current plan is to haul my bike in the bed of my pickup Thur night to ride Fri. I might stay Fri night and ride a bit on Sat, too. I have to be home Sat night for Easter Sun. I have easy room for another rider and should be able to borrow a trailer to easily haul 4 riders & bikes.

So chime in if you have interest in this ride. I plan to take my F800GS.

[Andy]

Finally, a chance to redeem myself!

Edit: Not for sure in yet, but I've been looking for a way to get out of KC that weekend anyway, so this is looking like a pretty good option. May stay through Sunday though. I'd probably truck it down too, just...in...case....

[allkidd]

COMING UP IN JUST A FEW DAYS!

Freeman Off-Road Resort Spring Adventure Ride
http://www.freemanoffroad.com/dualsport.html

The route is guaranteed to be great. I've put in a 1,000 miles in this part of the Mark Twain and it's all fantastic! Bring any size machine as there is something for every one.

I'm keeping an eye on the weather which is not looking "perfect", but that area is very rocky, so wet weather is not a show-stopper. I'm hoping it won't be sub 50 for the ride. My current plan is to haul my bike in the bed of my pickup Thur night to ride Fri. I might stay Fri night and ride a bit on Sat, too. I have to be home Sat night for Easter Sun. I have easy room for another rider and should be able to borrow a trailer to easily haul 4 riders & bikes.

So chime in if you have interest in this ride. I plan to take my F800GS.

Wish I could make it as Link's place is great riding. Easter weekend is really tough. My plan is to be out of town riding several weekends over the next two months so I need all the good will I can get. Being away from home on Easter weekend wouldn't score me points so I better say no on this one.

Why did Link schedule the ride over Easter weekend?

[troy]

Why did Link schedule the ride over Easter weekend?

Yes, it's not the best weekend for a ride event, and I tried to convince Link to do it another weekend. However, Link did not want to compete with other ride events--the WUDI and another big dualsport ride (that I don't know about) is the following weekend. Another thing is that while Link acknowledges it is Easter weekend, Easter rarely falls in March. Link would like to establish his Spring Adventure Ride as the last weekend in March. He's just fine with turnout being small for this first one.

Oddly enough, when I spoke to him yesterday he said his cabins were mostly booked and he even has a pastor bringing a church group out for a single-track ride the same weekend. So apparently plenty of folks can and do ride Easter weekend!

For me, Easter celebration with my family is pretty much a Sunday thing--we don't traditionally do anything on Good Friday or that Saturday. My employer gives me Good Friday off anyway, so this ride works for me...IF the weather agrees.

[stimmer6253472]

If anyone ever goes to Link's on a single track ride I would be interested in that. I have been wanting to get down there for years.
Jim

[troy]

If anyone ever goes to Link's on a single track ride I would be interested in that. I have been wanting to get down there for years.
Jim

Link is leading some guys on a single-track ride this Sat actually. I bet you could tag along, but you'd need to ask.

The "Adventure Ride" event is a self-guided thing using GPS routes. There is not any official start time. Just show up, sign in and make a donation, and take off. Repeat as desired.

[kendall_smith]

I might be up for this one. My only concern right now is that I have no confidence in my tires on the 990. Alissa and I went for some 2-up dual sporting on gravel roads last Friday when the temperature got up close to 80. The bike does great, but I managed to get a flat tire from what turned out to be a tiny piece of a sharp stone that made it through the tire and into my tube.

That little incident ended up being a several hour ordeal that involved calling a friend to pick me up, leaving Alissa on the roadside with the bike, going home and getting my truck and trailer, driving back to the bike and loading it up to haul it home. I will NEVER ride again without tire irons and patches due to that experience. The good part is that it didn't happen a couple of weeks earlier when we were gravel road riding down in the sticks of Arkansas- I don't know what I would have done if we'd gotten a flat on that deal!

I don't have the time (or money) to get new tires for the bike right now, so any dual sporting it will have to be done with the Scorpions that are on it, so I'm a little hesitant to sign on for a ride at this point, but I might change my mind by the weekend.

Put me down for a maybe.

[Foster]

This sounds awesome!! But...I have in-laws in town this weekend. If I were kidnapped in the night though, and "held for ransom" until "miraculously escaping later in the weekend" I might be able to make this happen.

[KC]

I don't have the time (or money) to get new tires for the bike right now, so any dual sporting it will have to be done with the Scorpions that are on it, so I'm a little hesitant to sign on for a ride at this point, but I might change my mind by the weekend.

Dude, as your friend, you have to get those Perelli Scorpions off your bike as soon as possible!!
I put the first and last set of Scorpions on my KLR for the 2005 Fall Color Tour. I blame them for almost losing my(in perfect condition w/ no scratches) new to me KLR off the side of an Ozark mountain gravel road. The bike was completely off the road, my butt was planted on the edge, and I was keeping it from sliding down into a ravine with one hand on the bars until other riders rushed over to help. After one ride they were well worn and quite a few side knobs were chunked off.
Riding w/ Link is always a good time, wish I could go. Enjoy all

[kendall_smith]

Dude, as your friend, you have to get those Perelli Scorpions off your bike as soon as possible!!

Lol! I guess we could get a tire fundraiser going for my safety!

In all seriousness, the tires actually work pretty decent on the 990. I'm kind of at a crossroads with how I want to set the bike up at this point. As is (completely stock, clear down to the tires) it works really well as a street bike and decent as a gravel road bike (even 2-up). I'm a little bit leery of turning it into an all out dirt setup because I don't want to ruin its street-ability, but I agree with you- the Pirellis have got to go. I think what I'll most likely end up with is the Heidenau K60s or some other 50/50 type of tire.

Now I just need to decide if the likelihood of possibly fixing flats all weekend is enough to keep me from doing this ride.

[stimmer6253472]

In all seriousness, the tires actually work pretty decent on the 990. I'm kind of at a crossroads with how I want to set the bike up at this point. As is (completely stock, clear down to the tires) it works really well as a street bike and decent as a gravel road bike (even 2-up). I'm a little bit leery of turning it into an all out dirt setup because I don't want to ruin its street-ability, but I agree with you- the Pirellis have got to go. I think what I'll most likely end up with is the Heidenau K60s or some other 50/50 type of tire.

I was in the same boat when I bought my 990. Wanted a dual sport\street bike not a 999cc dirt bike. Mine was used but it came with the Scorpions. I thought they were OK on the gravel and great on the street. After trying several combos I settled on the TKC up front. MUCH more secure feeling on the gravel and surprisingly still very good on the street. Just replacing the front tire made all of the difference. I run the MEFO super explorer rear mainly because it last so much longer than any other rear tire I have ran on my Adventure. With the right tires it is amazing how these big bikes feel so planted on the gravel at 70+ miles per hour. Can't say I tried the Heidenau though.
Jim

[kendall_smith]

From a lot of the research I've done, it appears that the TKC front/Mefo Rear is pretty popular. I might have to give it some consideration since I haven't pulled the trigger on any other tires yet.

I didn't mean to turn this into a 990 tire thread, so back on track- Troy, what is the final plan for the ride? Have you had any other takers? I'm leaning towards going, but not quite 100% yet. Were you planning on doing a hotel both nights (if you end up staying Friday night too, that is)? If I do end up going, I'm good to leave anytime after about 3:00 on Thursday.

The forecast is looking good- 55 on Friday and 61 on Sunday according to weather.com. Only a 20% chance of rain on Saturday too.

[troy]

Troy, what is the final plan for the ride? Have you had any other takers? I'm leaning towards going, but not quite 100% yet. Were you planning on doing a hotel both nights (if you end up staying Friday night too, that is)? If I do end up going, I'm good to leave anytime after about 3:00 on Thursday.

I'm watching the weather, but it looks promising. Remember that a little rain wont hurt this ride--the ground is so rocky. Water crossing might be high, though.

My plan is to leave Thur as soon after 3 as I can. I have one "maybe" right now. My truck can hold 2 adventure bikes in the bed, so if a 3rd or 4th wants to carpool, we'll need to borrow safiri Mike's trailer...if he doesn't chime in here, I'll ask him about this.

My plan--what I want--is to stay Thur & Fri night in Link's cabins. I just spoke to Link and depending on who actually shows up, the cabins might be full, but he has a trailer house on the property we can stay in. $20/night per person. (It is ALWAYS an experience with Link!) A coworker might come with me on his WR450. I think he would need to return Fri night...so it's possible I'm only planning to go for the one day of riding. Sorry to be up in the air!

Let's go ride, Kendall!

[kendall_smith]

Sounds like a plan to me. What is the backup plan in case there isn't any space available at Link's? Just curious- I suppose worst-case scenario we can figure something out. I have a trailer that we could use, but I'm not sure how many big bikes will fit on it. I've had two street bikes on it (a Ducati 900SS and a Suzuki SV650) so I'm assuming that a couple of adventure bikes might fit. My 990 and your co-worker's WR should fit on it together. The only downside is that the wiring has been on the fritz lately and I haven't had the time or motivation to look into getting it working consistently. Sometimes I have lights, sometimes I don't.

I'm going to go to Cyclegear after work and grab a new tube and a patch kit, so my bike should be ready to go as of tonight.

I'm flexible with the schedule too, so don't worry about that. I'll keep an eye on this thread and we can talk later to get a final plan going.

[troy]

There are about zero lodging options anywhere in that area....so Link will get us under a roof somehow. Bring a bag and pillow regardless. He sometimes has bedding, but don't count on it. Always an adventure.

[kendall_smith]

There are about zero lodging options anywhere in that area....so Link will get us under a roof somehow. Bring a bag and pillow regardless. He sometimes has bedding, but don't count on it. Always an adventure.

Ah, I see......... so it's going to be one of those kind of adventure rides.

I will bring my sleeping bag, pillow, and my yet-to-be-used Thermarest in case we end up on some hard ground. What should we plan on doing about food? I would assume we'll get something on the way for dinner on Thursday, but what about meals on Friday? Should we be planning on packing lunch and snacks for the ride?

Just trying to get a plan going in my mind.

[troy]

What should we plan on doing about food? I would assume we'll get something on the way for dinner on Thursday, but what about meals on Friday? Should we be planning on packing lunch and snacks for the ride?

Only food I plan to bring is trail mix bars for the trail. Breakfast can be had at Koy's Restaurant a few miles down the route from Link's. Lunch can be had at a deli along the route...assuming we make it that far. I'm willing to risk nothing but trail bars during the day but hope and expect to reach the deli. Dinner can be had a Koy's again.

You won't see Koy's Restaurant highlighted on the Food Network!

[Andy]

But koys is delicious! The make a fantastic latte!

I am planning on going. Ill definitely stay through Saturday, planning on going camping sat night at Johnsons shut ins sat night, but I could be convinced otherwise. I plan on driving my pickup, probably could stuff a second bike in the bed if need be, or on a trailer.

Can I pitch a tent at links place?

[troy]

I am planning on going. Ill definitely stay through Saturday, planning on going camping sat night at Johnsons shut ins sat night, but I could be convinced otherwise. I plan on driving my pickup, probably could stuff a second bike in the bed if need be, or on a trailer.

Can I pitch a tent at links place?

Yes. Per his website, camping is $10 a night and you get access to the nice shower house and toilets.

But koys is delicious! The make a fantastic latte!

Funny story! Andy was with me when the waitress came to our table to take drink orders and I comically asked for a Skinny 2 Pump Vanilla Machiato with whip. She gave me quite the look and explained things don't work that way around them parts.

[Andy]

I am planning on going. Ill definitely stay through Saturday, planning on going camping sat night at Johnsons shut ins sat night, but I could be convinced otherwise. I plan on driving my pickup, probably could stuff a second bike in the bed if need be, or on a trailer.

Can I pitch a tent at links place?

Yes. Per his website, camping is $10 a night and you get access to the nice shower house and toilets.

Perfect. I'll head down there after work Thursday, probably 5ish.