I think it is a mistake to plan such a trip for a "central" location. Riders who plan to attend will, many are all talk and the book of excuses will come out when it is time to roll. To accomandate the talkers and pick a less desireable location makes little since to me.
What Epic riding areas are found in the suggested region(s) Eastern Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas? Sure the locals have places to ride, but would that same local rider take the time to travel a 1000 miles to ones favorite local spot? I know of many good spots to ride within a few hours of my home. Would I drive a 1000 miles to come ride here, No. Because there is no place to camp for a week and ride. Sure plenty of good places to ride for a day and even campout on a weekend. However, one would be riding many of the same trails, on day 2 and for sure, on day 3.
The Epic spots to ride are Epic because there is no MX track nearby. Areas with a few trails, less than 50 miles, many of which are Quad routes and a MX Track are not known as Epic spots, but Squid Pits. They sure beat having no place to ride.
I do not understand the desire to take unskilled riders? I think one should learn to ride before heading out on a multi-day adventure.
To me it is like hitting the National MX series before one has won a race in ones local MX series.
Nothing destroys a good riding area faster than having a beginner area near/in a campground. Campgrounds are for camping. Ride out quitely and stay away for the day. Having your kids doing loops thru the campgound all day, only gets us thrown out of another campground. If you can't ride, go to your local squid pit and learn to ride. Then plan an Epic adventure or join a group like this one.
I thought this forum was about Dirt Bike Addicts? I think Dirt Bike Addicts would have a spirit of adventure and seek out the best riding, when gathering with other Dirt Bike Addicts.
As a former Pro MX rider, my sights were set on getting as fast as I could. Riding the Florida winter MX series, the National MX Series and Supercross. I raced Mammoth Mtn., a must do event for an MX rider. I cannot imagine in my race days, driving a great distance to join guys on a forum, to ride a track. If your a racer, you should go race the best riders in your area, if your winning at the highest level, start hitting regional events and then hit the Nationals. If your looking to be the fastest rider on a forum, one has serious mental issues, sell your bike and check into a mental hospital today.
None of my comments are to bash MX, I love MX, its a great sport. Those of you that have a variety of good tracks in your area are very fortunate. I will tell you present MX riders that you do not know what your missing out on, camping and riding technical single track trails in the desert or mountains. I ride with a lot of former pro MX'ers. Getting together for a trail ride adventure is a lot of fun. Sad that some riders never give it a try. They ride a trail at the local squid pit track and "think" they tried trail riding. But they have no clue...
My experiance is leave the non riding family members and entry level riders at home. Nothing wrecks a great epic adventure ride more than having non riding family members in camp. This is multiplied by many factors if your spouse gives you "the look" when you return late. One or more days, you will need to plan to spend time with the non riding family members, just to keep the peace. When riding, your going to feel guilty thinking of your family "left" in camp. You will be looking for an excuse to cut the ride short. Riding unfamiliar terrain and not being focused on the trail ahead is not a good idea. The exception is those of you who have non riding partners who enjoy camping and are self motivated. If you and your partner are going to "miss" each other or feel the need to do things together on the trip, plan a seperate trip with them.
Rent cabins in the area or have the camp food catered. Nothing weeds out the talkers, faster than a deposit for the cabin or the caterer... Why jump thru all the hoops of the talkers who will not attend the ride. Having the food prepared for you on a multiple day ride allows one to focus on riding, prepping bike...no need for Ice runs, taking trips to the grocery store for the stuff your forgot...
Moab is a great destination. It is very scenic. Not much single track in the Moab area. The majority is 4wd drive roads. Easier access if you have a plated bike. Otherwise you will need to haul the bikes to various staging areas. White Wash is nearby and has a day of good trail riding. San Rafael Swell is a couple hours away? Not a lot of single track, mostly jeep roads, sand washes and the 5MOH.
I think a trip like this requires a minimum of six months lead time for a highly motivated group of riders. A year is better. Many need at least six months lead time to get time off work.
The time of year is important as well to have the best chance at Epic riding conditions.
If one plans a trip to Moab, it can get very (deadly) hot in the summer. Winter riding can be cold and flash flooding can occur. When rain is in the area you need to stay out of the canyons and washes. Also need to plan around the jeepers. They have a major gathering in April?
Spring can be great in the Mountains, but high water crossings, snow drifts and down trees are likely. Fall can be the best time of year if one is a local and you can take advantage of those perfect ride days. But rain and snow can ruin a planned trip in the Fall. I think July 15th-September 15th are the safe times to plan a high country trip.
Having ride leaders that are familiar with area trails helps. I think ten riders in a group is max.
Personally I love the adventure of exploring, new to me areas. I study maps of the area and go see what I can find. This does not work so well with less experianced riders, as no one knows whats ahead and things can get most challenging, fast. Never proceed down something you cannot ride back up. Turn around.
Pick the destination, then the dates, send in the deposit for the cabins, caterer or reserve the campground...
One option is to load the bikes/gear into a large rental truck. One or two riders drive the truck and the rest fly in and rent cars, if staying in cabins or rent RV's.
We bring bikes, guns, and red meat! Most of which has been garnered by our own hand! I speak for myself!
make things happen
