550 dirt miles, So Cal Desert Style 02/26/07

[slowxr]

I've been trying to figure a green sticker friend overnight trip for a while. I finally pieced together a good route and got it on the calendar.

Staged at California City and spent the night in Primm, Nevada.

Spent the night here.

Hey, where did that beer come from?

Alot of gas stops.

And adventure.

[MDS55]

What was the route? I have some friends that would love to do this ride. Was it all green sticker bikes?

[slowxr]

The forecast was for wind and we got wind. This is my normal break spot on the way towards Mojave. A few clouds this morning.

One Xr 650, one KTM 450 and a CRFX450. Unloading.

First gas stop in Johanesburg.

Past Cuddleback Dry Lake towards the Husky.

The Husky Monument. Not many people out there on a Monday.

It was a real sunny day. Nice rock formations.

The view looking back towards the Black Mtns, over Harper Dry Lake. There were a few puddles on the lake. Must have been some rain in the prior week.

[babyarmholdingapple]

How fun would that be.

[slowxr]

Here we are in Hinkley. I think this is about mile 95.

Taking a break.

And off we went.

I was zooming along and didn't see the fella's behind me. After back tracking, this is what I found.

A little trail side flat repair.

We managed to pinch the first tube but got the second one in safely.

Street signs waaaaay out in the desert.

I believe this is the fence that's been extend in the Fort Irwin area. Fortunately the fence was open but there were alot of these warning signs in the area.

[slowxr]

Onward. This is the gas station near Calico Ghost Town/Yermo area. It was howling at this point of the ride. Thankfully, the wind was going to be at our backs for the straight road to Primm.

This was about mile 180 for the day.

Lunch and gas stop.

As described in other trip reports, this powerline road is graded and fast. It's about 100 miles from this point to Primm.

The second 50 miles is the best part. You gain about 4000 feet of elevation, the mood improves. More twistys as well.

This is the road crossing the could take you up to Dumont Dunes.

Ahhhh, we made it. Whiskey Petes Casino/Hotel.

This was 280 miles for the day. We left Cal City at 815am and arrived at Petes at 530pm.

A cable lock in the valet area and we were good to go!

After getting our room keys, it was over to the bar for a Heiny. Damn that was good.

[slowxr]

Who's that guy in MX gear? I think we got a few looks from the gamers in the casino!

What next? Well we had a couple beer, showered and destroyed the buffet. We were all pooped and hit the sack.

Breakfast at 6am and on the bikes by 7am for the return trip.

The wind has howling all night. We weren't really looking forward to plowing into the wind for the first 100 miles of day 2.

This was a really fun canyon that runs next to the poleline when you leave Primm.

The group. There were clouds building and a little drizzle when we approached the summit.

Near the summit when the sun started to come through. Lot's of Joshua's in that area.

Beautiful cloud formations and a bright blue sky. What a great combo. It must have rained that morning because the was moisture under the top layer in alot of the sandy sections.

More desert color.

[palmdaleRider]

I'm glad the trip was a success. Boy o Boy, that is a lot of miles.

[Tattooart]

So here is my addition....

My bike waiting and willing for the great adventure in front of us. I swear I heard it whining.

The Husky...

The road to inscription canyon...

Hinkley...

Power line road With the dust storm off in the distance..

Ahhh Primm...

After a good night's sleep this is what we walked out to.

Sand wash going up in to the hills With our fearless leader....

Damn that's alot of joshua tree's(sorry it's so blurry it was a little windy)

Black Canyon.....(fixed)

560 miles later 2 worn out tires and a cold one we are on our way home...

I can't wait for the next one.

[Dust_Devil]

HEY!! I recognize that crazy baldhead!!!

Looks like a killer ride guys!

[Homey55]

That looks like it would be an awesome trip! If I ever get a desert tank I'll be all over that. Looks like you guys found Hinkley okay!! I think this would make for a good organized guy's trip for a weekend.

[Beyond The Pale]

That looks like it would be an awesome trip! If I ever get a desert tank I'll be all over that. Looks like you guys found Hinkley okay!! I think this would make for a good organized guy's trip for a weekend.

Actually you might not need one. I think that the longest stretch is from the gas station at Minneloa road to Primm. Others have reported that the distance was right at 100 miles. I can almost do that with my stock tank. I would just carry an extra quart or two.

One thing though. It is not quite a 100% green sticker legal route. I know of no way into Hinkly that is really green sticker legal. However, I have gassed a green sticker bike at Hinkley several times with no issues.

This trip does sound like great fun!

[palmdaleRider]

Actually you might not need one. I think that the longest stretch is from the gas station at Minneloa road to Primm. Others have reported that the distance was right at 100 miles. I can almost do that with my stock tank. I would just carry an extra quart or two.

One thing though. It is not quite a 100% green sticker legal route. I know of no way into Hinkly that is really green sticker legal. However, I have gassed a green sticker bike at Hinkley several times with no issues.

This trip does sound like great fun!

You have to skoot down less then a mile or so of paved roads to get gas. The gas/snack station employee says the police don't care. Just ride cool and pay your money, and slink back out of town.

[Tattooart]

You have to skoot down less then a mile or so of paved roads to get gas. The gas/snack station employee says the police don't care. Just ride cool and pay your money, and slink back out of town.

Exactly.....

[Tattooart]

That looks like it would be an awesome trip! If I ever get a desert tank I'll be all over that. Looks like you guys found Hinkley okay!! I think this would make for a good organized guy's trip for a weekend.

I think you would probably enjoy a ride like this. It was a blast.

[Tattooart]

HEY!! I recognize that crazy baldhead!!!

Looks like a killer ride guys!

Who you callin bald?

[slowxr]

Hey, those tires aren't worn out! You've got another 500 miles on them!

[slowxr]

Well, we're almost through.

One more gas stop in Hinkley.

Dropping down towards Harper Dry Lake.

Detour up Inscription Canyon

Hey, get down from there!

[slowxr]

Nice sunlight in the afternoon. Still pretty windy.

Yeah! We made it. Back to the truck in Cal City. 550 miles round trip. All dirt.

I think I'll have a Beck's!

I've got 1589 miles on that Maxxis. Not bad.

A good two days. 550 miles and 17 gallons of gas! All bikes ran great.

Something I found interesting regarding the CRFX450. John ran that bike hard(sustained 5th gear) for over 500 miles. It didn't lose a drop of oil. I thought that was pretty impressive.

[EM_rider]

Well Lou, now I know you made it out and back in one piece. Excellent pics and ride report. Wish I could of been there. Next time!

R