Big Bear, CA July 14th

holeshot

Crazy Russian

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Jan 25, 2000

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• Jun 11, 2001

• #26

Bull

Sounds like you'll need some "Red Bull" to get up "John Bull" so you can "Shoot the Bull" - no Bull! :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

 

mtngoat

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Jun 12, 2000

314

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• Jun 11, 2001

• Thread starter
• #27

Just back from the weekend.

Glad to see all the responses. All are welcome.
BTW, more info on Big Bear can be found at www.bigbear.com

Let's see:

Eel, I'm still planning for an early morning valve adjustment for Cap. You guys are welcome. Cap, alternatively, we might try the adjustment in Orange County. I'm in ANaheim during the week. E-mail if interested.

Kali, that's the story I'm getting on red sticker too. Weird!

Terry, great. We're trying to make sure you guys will be challenged this time.

sgr, you're in. Mary Jo does some quad riding, but no bikes.

No word from the local club or forestry on green stickers. Good news is that some closed trails opened so despite green staging away from John Bull, I can route the "green path" through some very challenging stuff; if needed.

re: john bull
On the posted map, the trails are "rated" by the Forestry; circle (easy), square (moderate) and diamond (most difficult). Trail difficulty is so subjective, especially in light of rider skill. Our ride last summer (holcomb and deep creek, both diamond runs) didn't really challenge most of the group, but I hadn't expected so many very skilled riders. Anyway, John Bull is a definitely a diamond run-plus. It winds up hill thru boulders and requires carrying momentum thru off-camber boulder-ous turns. Most locals consider it one of the toughest single-tracks. The reward for making it is an incredible north view of the desert from the edge of the mountain.

Also, 1W11 on the map is open!! (been closed since the Willow Fire) This trail is deservedly sponsored by Malcolm Smith and Honda, running from Big Pine to the entrance of Deep Creek. Without the canopy of trees (burned down), the wild flowers have gone crazy, creating a surreal ride thru burnt trees and beautiful flora. May try to work this ride in also. Taking it downhill is a diamond-rated run. We took it uphill yesterday and I'd rate it as very tough (due mostly to tight switch backs, loose rocked hill-climbs). May try to work it in, with a bypass too.

I'm planning to have a 4X4 quad in standby for bike rescue (only way to get a dead bike out of some the areas). I always carry a tow strap too, but it won't work for many of the areas I'm planning.

 

gospeedracer

Chat Mom

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Feb 8, 2000

3,133

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• Jun 11, 2001

• #28

ummm, er, uhhh, "bike rescue"..... "tow straps"........ ummm, maybe TTRGuy and I will just stick to some of those "square" trails. :o

 

F

fred2

Sponsoring Member

May 10, 2001

282

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• Jun 11, 2001

• #29

How often do you guys ride in Big Bear and what kind of riding is it? Sounds like some killer trail riding!!!! My wife and I are going there about that same time for our anniversary so I think riding is out of the question. But I would love to join you guys sometime. A buddy of mine has a cabin in Fawnskin and I've been wanting an excuse to rent it out. Keep posting your outings.

 

scar tissue

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Dec 27, 2000

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• Jun 11, 2001

• #30

I am definatly IN IN IN!!!:) Thanks for hosting the ride. Let me know if I can help out at all.

You mentioned possible green sticker acceptance. Any Idea about red sticker??

It doesn't affect me but Thumbs would be in also but he's got the red.

Either way my XR600 and me will be there with camera and more than likely some entertaining crashes. :p

 

scar tissue

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Dec 27, 2000

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• Jun 11, 2001

• #31

Re: Stickers and Out of Sate

Originally posted by mtngoat
Just picked up a voice mail from the Forestry. red sticker is OK. I was very surprised with that and saved the voice mail. I'll try for more confirmation.
]

Click to expand...

Glad to here it I'm sure Thumbs is in and possibly 1 more. and of course your still stuck with me:confused:

 

mtngoat

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Jun 12, 2000

314

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• Jun 11, 2001

• Thread starter
• #32

Sticker Status

I'm planning to drop by the Forestry office in BB to confirm the red sticker OK deal.
I'm still trying to get some leniency for "sticker riders" for the entire planned route, although there is still a one mile ride on the road from the Wedge Ranch to the forest. It's a pretty remote area, but technically ...

Great Scar. (what a name!)

Fred, we ride almost every weekend thru the summer. Our favorite areas are north of Fawnskin.

Tree, Big Pine is real nice, but it is remote. Advance reservations are necessary at the posted number above. Your wife might enjoy Serrano more, since there are walking trials from the campsites throughout the north lakeshore. Also, a new discovery center (shops, displays, snack bar, etc.) has opended nearby.

 

T

thumbs

Tony 'da Rat

Oct 16, 2000

2,480

2

• Jun 11, 2001

• #33

I'm sooo there!

Provided that red-stickers are a go, Digger Dave (my buddy on the 00' yz that crashed 1/2 mile into the ride at Gorman) and I will be there. More than likely we will drive up Saturday morning unless I can talk Dave into camping.

Scar - will you be able to do the camping thing or just a day ride?

And those of you that are camping.....what camp site have you decided on? I don't want to be classified as the loner that wouldn't camp out with everyone else.

mtngoat - very kind of you to put this together and gather all the information.:)

LT - Will this be your fist post-recovery ride?

Can't wait to meet some more DRNers.

 

Tree

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Aug 26, 2000

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• Jun 11, 2001

• #34

My wife says she up for the camping trip, so i'm in. :) I know my wife would probablly like Serrano better but we plan on taking the motorhome and trailer for the bikes so I wanted to be close to the trail access (green sticker bikes). My son (11yrs.) also has a yz80. He wouldn't be going on the Sat. ride but I thought that me and him could just putt around on some of the easy trails on Fri. and Sun. If you know of something better let me know. I'm looking forward to seeing everone.

 

Last edited: Jun 12, 2001

T

Tony Williams

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Mar 23, 2000

592

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• Jun 12, 2001

• #35

I've tentatively placed this ride on my calender. It would be my 12 year old (YZ80) and I (YZ400F).

Both bikes have green stickers, however neither bike has spark arrestors at he moment. Also, I'm not sure what kind of range the YZ80 has (poor at best), so I'll have to tanker fuel and oil for the little bike (I have a 3.4 gal IMS tank).

I've never ridden in Big Bear.

 

mtngoat

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Jun 12, 2000

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• Jun 12, 2001

• Thread starter
• #36

Based on interest and "sticker issues" so far, I recommend Big Pine as the camp and alternate stage area, especially considering that 1W11 is open. In the event I can't get "sticker leniency", this will be the "no risk" staging area and route for stickered bikes. It can also be one of the stops and if I may impose on those camping there; a gas top-off stop for bikes staging from the Wedge Ranch that may not have 55-60 mile range. Bikes staging from Big Pine are looking at a 20-30 mile round trip. I plan to ride the routes this weekend and nail down trip distances.

In light of new trail openings, I'm also considering two routes (one a "diamond-plus and a "diamond-minus"), with intersecting stop points to make sure we don't lose riders. I'll provide maps of both routes before the the ride. The "diamond-minus" run will have similar difficulty and some of the same trails that sgr, rmjeff, placelast, & ktmboy rode last month. It's mostly moderate with some boulder areas, which might require some "bull-dogging" of bikes. The diamond-plus will include John Bull, 1W11 to Crab Flats,where we'll all meet for the Deep Creek run. On the return trip from Deep Creek, the most challenging route for those interested will be 1W11 (malcolm smith trail)...uphill. Please don't be confused, I'll get this sorted and mapped out for everyone. All these trails are on the map I posted.

For those of you who ridden the area, I'm betting that Devils Hole is also open and may try to figure this in or save it for another day.

Tony, this ride is probably too much for a 12 year old. I am still planning a kids ride soon though. Or, if you camp out, it looks like Tree's son could partner up for a Sunday ride and I can map out a very fun moderate ride for the kids.

Finally, Big Pine fills up quick in the summer, so get reserved at www.reserve.com or call (877)444-6777. Big Pine is in the San Bernardino National Forest.

BTW, spark arrestors are absolutely mandatory. We cannot risk another fire up here. And I highly recommend full gear (lots of rocks), including hard chest and elbow/knee protectors.

Terry, I'm counting on you for duct tape. I'll post odds on the LT "Downtime" pool next week. Our local Indian casino wants to syndicate the bets:p

Seriously, I hope you're healed up enough by the ride LT.

 

longtime

Member

Oct 7, 1999

843

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• Jun 12, 2001

• #37

I should be healed up enough for at least a diamond-minus. Diamond, even, maybe. Diamond plus -- doubtful.

As to the pool -- no way. Not gonna break nothin'. No-how. No-way. (okay, okay, bring the duct tape anyway, and don't call off the helicopter just yet).

 

Ol'89r

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Jan 27, 2000

6,958

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• Jun 12, 2001

• #38

Duct tape.

I ordered a whole case. Should last us most of the season.:p

 

T

thumbs

Tony 'da Rat

Oct 16, 2000

2,480

2

• Jun 12, 2001

• #39

Camp site & Saturday riders

Just got off the phone with the Discovery center in Big Bear and they said Big pine flats is first come first serve and they only have 17 camping sites. :( Looks like I'm going to take off work early on Friday to secure a spot (for friday night only). If anyone else plans on camping here but will not arrive until late Friday let me know and I will get a site for you (if they let me).

Camp sites are $12 per day and $5 for an additional vehicle. Amenities include and are limited to: running water, fire pits and pit toilets.

If I save a site for you the cost will be $12 per site, per day + 24% interest compounded on an hourly basis from the time I arrive (Friday 3am) to the time you arrive (don't rush) and a one time $20 processing fee.;)

I also made a quick list of Saturday riders. (no charge)
mtngoat
Dave
Yvo
John
Larry
Tim
Dale
LongTime
dirteater + 1
sgr
gospeedracer
TTRGuy
RMJeff
ktmboy
Ol'89r + 2
holeshot
the Eel
Captain Jack
Scar
Thumbs
Tree
Tony W.
Kiwi Bird
Gyrros
Aares
cavo1
KTMster? (heal, heal, heal.....hope that helps)
Guilty (my nephew from Florida & new member)
KAV

32 riders and growing! :cool:

 

Last edited: Jun 15, 2001

scar tissue

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Dec 27, 2000

1,429

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• Jun 12, 2001

• #40

I'm so stoked for this ride. :cool:

Thumbs I may be up for camping Friday, gotta check, I already moved my 2 year olds birthday party to Sunday.

LT when are you heading up. Fri. or Sat. I'm gald to hear your back at it.

I heard Thumbs just took his bike apart, Cleaned everything and put it back together, but was missing a bag of parts :scream: So that duct tape of Terry's might not go to waste. :p

 

longtime

Member

Oct 7, 1999

843

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• Jun 12, 2001

• #41

Thumbs -- I'll bet you missed a French Canadian and an old mx'er -- local boys who hang out up there with MrMtn.

 

KiwiBird

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Jan 30, 2000

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• Jun 12, 2001

• #42

Looks like I can make it that weekend, looking forward to meeting the hard core.

Kiwi

 

T

thumbs

Tony 'da Rat

Oct 16, 2000

2,480

2

• Jun 12, 2001

• #43

not true

For the record I did not lose a bag of parts. Scar just like to spread rumors. But if you must know...I had an extra bag of parts after it was all put back together.;)

I figure it's better to have too much than not enough.

mtngoat - LT says I might have missed 2. Are the local boys going?

 

mtngoat

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Jun 12, 2000

314

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• Jun 12, 2001

• Thread starter
• #44

Tanks Tumbs.

Strike April (not riding)
Add: Dave (ol mx'r that rode the ATK406 last time), Yvo (French Canook), John & Larry (bros-inlaw), Tim (younger son). Also expecting some of the riders from our club, who don't DRN.

We'll probably need to sort out which riders are staging where too.

Also, for first timers, starting altitude is about 7000', descending 1000-1500'. Most "low-lander" bikes do OK, but run rich. One size down on main and pilot jets should do it, if you're re-jetting.

 

T

thumbs

Tony 'da Rat

Oct 16, 2000

2,480

2

• Jun 12, 2001

• #45

Re-jet

Hey guys - I have never had the need to re-jet or mess with my carb. I ride a 00' cr125. Do you think this is something I SHOULD do before the ride? Will the performance of my bike suffer to the point of slowing me down without re-jetting? And how easy are they to install?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

BTW - one of the extra parts that I had after I put my bike back together was this thing that looks like a needle:eek:......Just kidding.

 

gospeedracer

Chat Mom

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Feb 8, 2000

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• Jun 12, 2001

• #46

thumbs, I had never rejeted my bike either prior to going to Kennedy Meadows (7,000-9,000 ft). DO IT! Trust me. I didn't listen when it was recommended to me (didn't have any jets). When I got up there and fired up my bike, it sounded HORRIBLE! Ask Kiwi. :) I lucked out when Kiwi produced a Mikuni main jet that pretty much did the trick. It is very easy to change the main jet on my bike, don't even have to take the carb off.

 

mtngoat

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Jun 12, 2000

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• Jun 12, 2001

• Thread starter
• #47

I agree with GSR, especially on 2-stokes. Four strokes don't seem to suffer near as much from the altitude, but do benefit from jetting.

The correction factor for Kehin carbs at our altitude and temp is .94 - .96. I'm not sure about Mikunis (Ol89r, help). For example, if you're running a 165 main on a Kehin (165 X .96 = 158.4), you'd go to a 158, which is 3 Kehin jet sizes down, ideally. THIS EXPERIENCE IS FOR 4 STROKES (MAYBE XRS) ONLY!!

I don't know much about jetting 2 strokes and don't want to give bad advice, but if no one else comments, I would not go more than 1 or 2 sizes down to be safe. It doesn't have to be perfect, just a little leaner to account for thin air at 7000'. Also, a very clean air filter helps breathing up here.

I suggest doing a search for jetting 2 strokes. As GSR said, accessing the jets should be easy.

 

G

Gyrros

Member

Mar 8, 2000

45

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• Jun 12, 2001

• #48

This seems like a great ride, mountain goat. Aares and I will try to make it out there. Mountain goat, I have a mx tank on my bike will that amount of gas be OK? I would't want to run out of gas, 20 miles out.

 

mtngoat

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Jun 12, 2000

314

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• Jun 12, 2001

• Thread starter
• #49

Hey Gyrros/Aares, I remember our last ride over a year ago. Looking like most stickered bikes will stage from Big Pine. I'll post distances next Monday. The "short loop" out of Big Pine should be in the 20-30 mile range, which I'd guess is good for you guys. If you know or can check your range beforehand, I'll provide trip distance to be sure.

 

gospeedracer

Chat Mom

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Feb 8, 2000

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• Jun 12, 2001

• #50

Thumbs, according to the guru on top of the hill, you should have a Mikuni carb. My stock main was a 350, however I had a 340 in there and it was horrible at the high elevation. went down to a 310 and it was much better. You might want to change your needle setting as well.