Insights on motorcycle camping, equipment and experiences through Colorado, Utah, Idaho and Oregon. Special interest is the Lockhart Basin, Utah and the crash/injury there. Tips to help plan your TAT Adventure!
Just watched your video of the TAT ride never seen anyone ride the whole ride with out crying moaning about this & that. Slow steady got it done thanks for sharing your trip and great adventure.
I love this comment. Never really thought about complaining. I signed up for the whole package. There was a guy in the group that did too much of that early on so he was invited to vacate. Companions can be a test or a blessing. Thanks for watching!
Great video. I rode the TAT solo last summer on a DR650. I only met up with five others during the entire trip. It was good timing as some were in CO and others in UT. It was great having people around when the going got tough!
Thanks for watching and comment. Much of the day I’d be solo meeting up at a town or at a camp that evening. I have no reservation to go solo. Just take precautions accordingly.
Hi Steve, I now am connecting you with your TAT ride reporting last year and now, on your Maine to Maine run. Looks like a great adventure. I have plans to be on the Wyoming BDR with my Son late this summer. More videos to edit!
Great stuff JR! I had a chance to ride the TAT last year and it was incredible. I also had a harrowing event in Lockhart Basin. The fires last summer closed Geyser Pass, so I used my Garmin to find another route out of Monticello and stumbled across the Lockhart Basin route. I was solo on a KTM 890 and not nearly enough water for the ass whooping Lockhart dished out that day, the high temp was 112 degrees. Glad to hear you made it through and was able to complete the TAT. Thanks again for sharing.
I admit, I have a DR. I like it, if not love it. But, I always like new and shiny. Every Video I see with a DR in it is really inspires me to keep it and not have any regrets about what I have.
Thanks for the video, I’ve been wanting to do this all my life but everyone I ever made plans with bailed out on me at the last minute, I’ve made plenty of road trips on street bikes coast to coast but never made the TAT yet and doesn’t look like I will, I’m 66 and still trying to talk a friend in to going well thanks again for your video
The trail that is closed now is called the "K" trail, stands for Kiamichi, it was the old mail route from Mena Arkansas into Oklahoma through the Kiamichi Mountains in SE oklahoma Its sad its closed now, but fun we got to make the trip from start to finish before it got closed. Dale
Hello JR I also go by JR I'm in minnesota and don't have the greatest places for adv. riding but make the best of it, I'm west central MN I THANK YOU for the video's and the commentary, I'm 64 and have good enough health yet to get out and adventure, I've done some short rides in Colorado pikes peak, evens pass. Also the blackhills a number of times, I also ride a street glide harley on the hwy, but more so enjoy back country, THX for the clean content, keep up the good god work.
Watching all the TAT videos, excited! I'm heading out to ride the TAT in two weeks now, solo (unless I find people on the trail). Just bracing myself for the humid heat before the western mountains. I can take the desert heat, the humidity is what gets me.
Your TAT videos popped up on my feed and Im glad I watched. Enjoyed very much and subscribed. This ride has been a dream for a few years. Looking forward to your videos.
Thank you for watching and kind comments. I wish the videos were better quality. I was completely new to it and very poor camera. Much better now. Check out other adventures on the channel.
what a fun trip sir, especially seeing that a lot of it at the end is not passable anymore. I took my cousin, on part of the Oklahoma adventure trial a few years back shortly after we made that adventure route, it was closed down and is no longer passable as well. It is fun to know you was one of the last few to ever get to do it. Thanks for sharing sir and may you still be riding and have a blessed weekend. DAle
I really like the way you've put these two videos together, by integrating your hints along with the ride!! In a later video you ride with your son, so I sure hope you get a chance to do the TAT again, but with him that time!
Would be fun. These two videos were in 2019 and first attempt. Cheesy Chinese action camera and no added mic. I attempted to learn editing and work with what I had. Seems people are getting some value and I am happy for that. The TAT is extremely popular.
@@jrdepew Absolutely! That's part of the fun with posting stuff to RU-vid since you can also see how the skill set progresses along the way too!! If we had to post perfect videos each time, there would sure be a lot less for us to watch out there!
So much goes unsaid in the video. Luck, guarding angel, tough DR650, pain, broken clutch handle, dead battery, …. Thanks for commenting and check out my How the West Was Run series in progress! Looks like you have your own adventures too. Ride em safe.
@@jrdepew LOL I'm trying but it's slow going for me - I hope to have more content up soon. I'll be watching as you post as well as catching up. Ride safe 👍
Very cool 😎 video. Well done on keeping your cool and getting out of a difficult situation. The DR is an amazing bike very tough reliable and good road and off road manners. After 12 years and 97000ks I got a 300 rally. It makes life even easier then the 650 in the tight trails. I kept the dr, too many good memories but the 300 is superior and so similar in many ways to the DR.
Great 2 videos. Thank you for share them. I tried to contact Mr Correro to get the gps tracks with not luck. My DR is more than ready and my time is this July. I hope I can get the gps tracks by then. Thanks again for all the info.
JR.. I'm impressed, that was a great video. You made it through the landslide!! I don't see many videos of riders passing through the gauntlet, most turn around... Lockhart Basin I didn't ride but I sure give you credit for making it to Moab after the crash. Your one tough guy!! I'm looking forward to your next video adventure.....
Thank you Dan. You know how gratifying it is for others to enjoy the hard work that goes into producing a video and I am still watching all of your 2021 ride. What impresses me most is your attitude and ability to talk to the camera in such a casual natural manner! Trying to nail down what I’m doing this summer but WYBDR is on the books for late August. Latest pics available show the slide truly impassable now.
I know IM commenting alot but i watched the whole 2 part video. There is a guy called Jeremy rides is his channel. i belive he used gps kevin also. his trip was full of that stuff. looking forward to next video. ty,
I watched all of Jeremy’s TAT trip before mine. It was good. Their episode at the rock slide and downed trees was tough and we had fewer trees to hack because they had already been through there. Kevin does not update his route much if at all, so you can expect to run into issues including private land. Be careful. Thanks for watch, sharing and comments.
I've watched many TAT vids. No one ever says at the end of them, how they got back home? Did they ride the TAT back? Interstates and hiways? Ship the bikes back? Can you give some insight to this please. Brand new subscriber today. Thanks!
I left my bike in Washington and returned to ride the BDR's in WA, ID, WY and OR returning to Virginia on the bike 2023 on dirt. Check out my channel for those videos and thanks for watching. Three of my buddies took their bikes back east in a rental truck splitting the cost. You can ship your bike back from Eugene, Or with a shipper.
Thank you JR for the video and the tips. You briefly show the terrain when you injured your leg. Is that part of Kevin's trail or Sam's? I'm doing this solo in August. Had few other questions. Would it be possible to connect directly?
It is part of Kevin’s route from Moab to Los Angeles. My complete ride report on ADVRider.com with more details here. advrider.com/f/threads/mad-tater-2019-a-trans-america-trail-journey.1393198/ Thanks for interest. Try DM me with Messenger.
holy cow jr. that section of lockheart could have killed you man. im sitting here in the comfort of my house feeling evry emotion of that deal. thanks for letting us know and great job getting out of there, your a tough dude
True Dat!. There is so much more I could have related on that survival experience. Bent foot brake, windshield removed, clutch lever broken and jery rigged with a Honda one, dead battery AND jump pack. Lost contact in the dark with partner. There were times I was praying fervently! A word to the wise is sufficient, as the saying goes. I’m wiser now. Others have been caught unawares in Lockhart also. Maybe not as drastic though.
Really enjoyed your videos, thanks for the effort put I. And sharing your experience. I’m interested in an XR or DR 650 to do BDRs. I’ve read in forums that the XR can get hot when pushed too hard. Did your riding partner experience such issues? Any other issues experienced with XR that should push me to the DR?
Not real familiar with the XR650L except that it has a great reputation and reliable. It relies only on air fin cooling for the engine. Some owners install an air /oil cooler which the DR already has. My partner had issues which I believe stemmed from his install of the cooler which he may have done improperly. But other than a broken clutch cable, it made it to the Pacific.
Very much injoyed both part 1 and 2 and yes its on the to do list. I also have a DR650 and just woundering is there anything you would change, add or take away on your bike?
Minor things maybe. Cogent suspension, fat bars and risers, Procycle carb kit, LeoVince muffler, barkbusters, wide pegs, Seat Concepts seat, Mosko bags, Acerbi tank and skid plate, bypassed clutch and kick stand switches. I have busted a couple stock turn signals so now have smaller LED ones. It’s ready for another TAT as is. Thanks for watching!
Great vid. My dad and I are planning a trip for the western section this yr. Any thoughts on the “must see” areas between Salida and Port Orford and maybe some areas that you would skip if you only had limited time?
Awsome to do this with your Dad. Salida to Moab area is a must. It includes the Rockies / passes. I have 3 vids covering that area eastbound this year on my channel. Check them out. If you are time limited, skip Nevada or Idaho to pick up again in eastern Oregon to Port Orford.
@@jrdepew thanks for the advice! I’ll check those vids out. We have 2 1-week sections. I will be flying out to meet him, so have to pick up near an airport city. Thinking either Salt Lake or Arco/Idaho Falls to Port Orford/Eugene, then Salida (fly into CO springs) to past Moab (maybe fly out of salt lake). Not sure we can make it to Salt Lake from Salida in a week. Any thoughts?
Colorado Springs to Salt Lake is do able, probably some pavement required. Recommend Boise to Port Orford time wise if you’re allowing only 1 week each time. Arco, maybe. You have to allow for unknowns. Fires, weather, unforeseens.
What a great video, very well narrated and filmed. how long did it take you to complete the TAT ride ? I hope to come over from the U.K Next year With my Son who's into this sort thing. What's the best time of year to take on ? All the best. S.T Bristol U.K
Other than expected power loss there were no starting or running issues. Had plenty of power for the Rockies. I did have the Procycle carb needle and jet with opened airbox and LeoVince exhaust. I just finished 3,500 mile trip with 10-11,000 ft riding in Wyoming with same bike and equipment. No problems!
Thanks for taking us along on your adventure. I’m looking to do a partial TAT from Texas to Oregon, solo and travel very light on my KTM 350 EXC. I am on the vintage sided of life with about 50 years of riding on and off road. I am researching gas stops and hotel accommodations as I will not be bringing camping gear. Just tools, water, tire repair kit and a few extras. I’ll throw away dirty clothes and buy new along the way. Light and nimble is what I prefer, it may cost more but I figure we deserve it getting to this stage in life LOL. Question… Would you do solo? Would you try and travel lighter? Possibly staying at hotels ? Just wondering and thanks again!
When this season comes around I’ll be nearly 73 so 4 years older than this video ride. I still camp and ride as my channel @jrdepew shows. 2022 I did 3 weeks and 3,500 miles with the same TAT set up. Going forward I see some changes I will probably make. 1. Go lighter..means no camping and or shorter trips. Use WR250R..smaller, lighter. 2. Solo has added risk factors but I would do it unless it’s a very compatible partner..VERY. On your 350 you will need to be very light for sure. Biggest factor is not to have a set deadline to be anywhere or done. Enjoy the journey!
awesome, i really want to do it but my drz 400 kills itself everytime i drop it from draining the battery trying to overcome the carb. toying with the idea of trying to do the trail with one of the honda 125 trails
Let the bike sit upright for several minutes before cranking. Also, hold throttle wide open as you crank. Should fore pretty quick. A good strong battery is always a plus too. DRZ will do it.
@@jrdepew theres some mod for a bigger battery box so a bigger one will fit i'll look into. luckily its a supermoto so its 90% of the time on the street lol. how long did the trail take you to complete?
Thanks for sharing your experience. I wonder if you could tell me (us) the dates of your ride (start, finish) because I'm wondering when may be a good time to leave. I'm planning on doing the TAT late July to August and so I"m prepping by watching your videos. Thanks!
Crossing the Rockies ( via the passes the TAT uses) earlier than first week in July you are likely to be blocked by snow. We left Virginia July 6 with that in mind . Most complete the trip in 4 to 5 weeks. You should be fine with those dates. Thanks for watching.
Geez, as hard as I looked I couldn't find your kitchen sink! You guys are older so you need comfort. I am 78 and only carry a very small bivy sack to stuff my sleeping bag into., a lightweight single liquid fuel stove with a small bottle of fuel, a backpack with a hydration bladder, a dozen energy bars, coffee, 3 dehydrated foodpackss, and some meds and first aid gear, a GPS emergence beacon. everything fit in one rear fender case on my 1150GS. The only hard part was Black Bear pass steps, and a huge snowstorm going down the gulch into Ouray. If you are a flatlander, be sure to spend a few days at altitude. Exertion at altitude can kill you. A wonderful three-day excursion in Lake City, Durango, Silverton, Ouray......Lake city doesn't offer much, but they have a nice Cafe where you can eat outside on the main street, the food is great and beer is ice .
That’s light indeed. Would you do that for 5-6 weeks? No spares, no tools, no pump, no rain gear? I could leave my chair behind but why? I still ride the bike everywhere I want including 4 BDRS. No kidding, if you can do that in a bivy at 78 you are tuffer en me!
Awesome video thanks. I went to the Alpine Loop last summer solo, never felt alone, so many nice people. How did that fancy handlebar do through the big drop?
Excellent videos ! Very informative and helpful. I have the TAT on the bucket list.Hopefully in 2023. I am curious as to how you got your bike back home. Ride or have it shipped ?
Thank you for comment and good question. I still have the bike stored at my daughters house in. Washington State. I rode it on a two week run through Washington and Idaho in 2020 . A video of that should be up soon. I hope to do more with it in the west. Wyoming in August.
Thanks for an excellent and very encouraging video! The exact location of that blocked road is 42.69151, -124.04691 on FR 3343. The way around is using FR33. I ran into that blockage last year on my 4x4. Most of the time you rode side by side with your buddy on 690. So what's your impression about DR650 vs 690: which bike is more suitable for such a long and complex trips? 690 is 1.5 times more powerful, same weight, twice more expensive. Did it experience more breakdowns than the DR during the TAT? I have DR650 for local trips, it's fantastic bike on dirt, but I always wish to have more power on freeways...
He had no mechanical problems. Got short on gas more easily. A better rider than me, he took some tougher trails but so did another DR650 with us. Both DRs had no issues not self induced! I have 20,000 trail miles on the DR now and it’s ready for more. Series on my channel shows additional trips. 690 is more a thoroughbred and the DR a pack horse.
@@jrdepew Thanks for sharing your experience! DR650 is very capable offroad rig that's no question. Whether or not it's adequate on freeways I hope to figure out very soon once finish re-valving my rear shock. Unless it start raining again ;) Our (we're neighbors) area is too wet this year...
Moose Racing armored shirt. About $100. Barely adequate. I like armored shirts for hot weather and all around enduro style versatility. I use and like the Forcefield Pro XV-2 now. $250. MUCH better.
I've completed watching both Episodes and love your off road adventures. Question for you,,,, in your opinion with what you experienced ,,could you have completed the TAT with a Ural side car? Thanks
I have no experience with a side car. I know amazing things can be ridden with them. With careful planning the TAT could be done. There are always work around for given areas. The trail conditions change with weather and time. The Colorado passes can be rough. I suggest watching Dan Sutton's TAT videos as they cover the TAT almost section by section and he has ridden it both directions. I am editing footage of a ride from WA to VA now so subscribe for all that!
Bill rode his own route and met us in Oregon. He is pictured in the group picture on the beach. He rented a truck and four bikes returned east with him. I left my bike in Washington and returned 2020 to ride Washington and Idaho. And this year Wyoming and more still on the same DR650. Those videos are available on my channel. More in 2023! Thanks.
Thanks for episode 1&2, planning to ride the trail starting mid august, your tips will be helpful! I have GPS Kevin for guidance and the Oregon section you describe concerns me as I’ll be riding solo. What’s your advice for an alternative? I also will be running the reckless 80 and it seems that it worked well for you. thanks
Thanks for asking. Wish I had a specific answer for you. I don't have the coordinates of that landslide but it was maybe 90 or less miles from Port Orford. taking green route west of Diamond Lake to Tiller I believe would keep you clear since it is the blue route. Sam's route bypasses the slide.
Your presentation is excellent. I am interested in doing this trip in 2023 from east to west. In what month is it best to start the adventure? Where can I get the GPX files of this route. Thank you
Thank you. Late June from the east coast area is earliest due to snow melt in the Colorado mountain passes. They generally are open to travel first week of July. This is the limiting factor for early starts. Here is a source for GPX files. www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiJkKPv4pX8AhUEFVkFHUxlDGcQFnoECAkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.transamtrail.com%2F&usg=AOvVaw2B1VkEm8oY4CzV7LhotCN2
Generally speaking, 25 to 30 days should get it done. Weather and mechanicals issues along with stamina and how close you stick to the route could add to that.
No personal experience with the T700 but it would no doubt be up to the TAT. Deciding factor is your comfort level with it on any terrain. And if riding alone, the ability to pick it up. The DR isn’t exactly light either though.
Looks like a blast. Got a question actually 2 did you do any suspension upgrades to handle the extra load, and secondly is it necessary to have a 5 gallon tank or will the stock one suffice?
Sorry for so late of a reply. Somehow your question got buried, so this may too late to help. Suspension, yes. The DR needs stiffer front springs. It’s money but worth it. I went with Cogent suspension DDC and springs front and Mojave rear shock. World of difference. The stock tank is too small. You need 150 mile plus reserve range.
I can't comment from experience because of my injured foot I hit asphalt to Tremerton and joined the TAT there. Easy gravel to Sublette on that section. I've heard TAT out of Moab to Sublette in the southern section is rough then easy fast graven in north. Should be some RU-vid video covering that area.
We did have tracks loaded from two sources. www.gpskevinadventurerides.com and the preferred www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiqw-Kfv-r7AhU9JTQIHWuvBNAQFnoECAoQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.transamtrail.com%2F&usg=AOvVaw2B1VkEm8oY4CzV7LhotCN2
@@jrdepew ok thx. I’m talking2 bladders 6 liters total. I cramp up bad off i don’t drink a lot🤦♂️. Btw absolutely loved the video and I have watched a lot of them.
The power of the DR would be missed as well as pavement runs. Would prefer to pickup the WR after drops. For a TAT redo I'd take the DR out of the TWO.
No. I did have a carb needle, jet and airbox mod done before leaving. That was a performance mod to accompany a new exhaust but many attest to riding sea level to the passes in Colorado with stock carb without rejeting.
All non turbocharged engines loose power at elevation whether fuel injected or not. The DR has a lot more power to lose. Thanks for question and hope you get to do the TAT soon.
25 days more or slightly less depending on your tolerance for long travel days. Plan for 30. Here is another GPX source that starts on North Carolina coast. www.gpskevinadventurerides.com/trans-america-trail
Shinko 700. Started with expensive Dunlap 606. Loud on pavement and didn't need them really. Wore out by reaching the Rockies. Shinko was available and better than the rider. $$
![[Ep 2 of 2] Trans America Trail Tips and Insight. Rockies to Oregon with Lockhart Basin, UT](/img/logo.svg){kind=logo}
