Utah and Big Bend and stuff
Re: Utah and Big Bend and stuff
Ok December BB trip is done, one to planning February.
I'm going to sit down with the Boss man this week and get a feel for projects and timelines so I can dial in my days off ASAP.
So far my packing list includes:
Head Lamp
Timberline tent - not as fancy as a garage tent but it's cheap, small, fast and easy up, fast and easy down.
tarp
Chair
Sleeping pad (air)
Sleeping bag
Folding shovel
AWP
Camping Pillow
Dromedary bag (water)
Camel Back
Air Compressor
Patch Kit
9mm
280watt 67,500 mah battery bank - I have a 40K one that JUST powers my cpap for one night, and another lipo that goes about 10 hours, I stack them in series. Problem is as soon as I charge anything else I don't have enough power so I am bringing the bigger bank, even if I don't charge I can get days of power between the two batteries.
Jetboil
Dehydrated food
Road snacks
Extra layers (heavy thermals) - my sleeping bag is not heavy enough so I'll make up the difference with layers
My normal travel pack (tooth brush, tooth paste etc)
First aid kit
Minimal clothing changes, mostly going to just change under layers and keep wearing the same other layers.
I'll find a way to sneak a few beer in a bag
Sneakers - any walking around is more comfortable in sneakers
Park entry permit, I think it's $20 for a bike, don't remember
We'll need to hit Panther Junction to get a camping permit, I think it's like $10 then see what sites are available, telephone canyon is off the beaten path by a lot:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/29.2021 ... m2!4m1!3e0
If that's taken Grapevine 4&5 are also off the beaten trail, there won't be any cars back up in either of these locations:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/29.3383 ... 074769!3e0
After that we just go down the list, pine canyon etc etc about the only place I won't go is anything off of river road, old maverick (crazy wash board right now) or black gap.
Showers are available in town, $2 for 6 minutes of water, I don't expect to shower but, if one is needed there are places we can go.
Boarder agents and checkpoints are very active so Sam make sure you have all your info with you, I hear they can be pricks if you don't and just in case they pick up an accent. I've watched other non gringo's go through these checkpoints with 0 harassment and 0 issues because they had their ID's so I don't expect any problems just don't forget your ID/Passport.
While I was there, you could see the milkyway - fun fact, this is the darkest sky in the U.S.
If it rains I'm out, if it doesn't you can expect humidity in the single digits.
I'm going to sit down with the Boss man this week and get a feel for projects and timelines so I can dial in my days off ASAP.
So far my packing list includes:
Head Lamp
Timberline tent - not as fancy as a garage tent but it's cheap, small, fast and easy up, fast and easy down.
tarp
Chair
Sleeping pad (air)
Sleeping bag
Folding shovel
AWP
Camping Pillow
Dromedary bag (water)
Camel Back
Air Compressor
Patch Kit
9mm
280watt 67,500 mah battery bank - I have a 40K one that JUST powers my cpap for one night, and another lipo that goes about 10 hours, I stack them in series. Problem is as soon as I charge anything else I don't have enough power so I am bringing the bigger bank, even if I don't charge I can get days of power between the two batteries.
Jetboil
Dehydrated food
Road snacks
Extra layers (heavy thermals) - my sleeping bag is not heavy enough so I'll make up the difference with layers
My normal travel pack (tooth brush, tooth paste etc)
First aid kit
Minimal clothing changes, mostly going to just change under layers and keep wearing the same other layers.
I'll find a way to sneak a few beer in a bag
Sneakers - any walking around is more comfortable in sneakers
Park entry permit, I think it's $20 for a bike, don't remember
We'll need to hit Panther Junction to get a camping permit, I think it's like $10 then see what sites are available, telephone canyon is off the beaten path by a lot:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/29.2021 ... m2!4m1!3e0
If that's taken Grapevine 4&5 are also off the beaten trail, there won't be any cars back up in either of these locations:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/29.3383 ... 074769!3e0
After that we just go down the list, pine canyon etc etc about the only place I won't go is anything off of river road, old maverick (crazy wash board right now) or black gap.
Showers are available in town, $2 for 6 minutes of water, I don't expect to shower but, if one is needed there are places we can go.
Boarder agents and checkpoints are very active so Sam make sure you have all your info with you, I hear they can be pricks if you don't and just in case they pick up an accent. I've watched other non gringo's go through these checkpoints with 0 harassment and 0 issues because they had their ID's so I don't expect any problems just don't forget your ID/Passport.
While I was there, you could see the milkyway - fun fact, this is the darkest sky in the U.S.
If it rains I'm out, if it doesn't you can expect humidity in the single digits.
K1600
- dufremle
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Re: Utah and Big Bend and stuff
How many nights were you thinking of staying? My CPAP battery should be able to last two without charging.
From the Big Bend website:
Head Lamp
tent - I have one but might buy a new one
Chair
Dromedary bag (water)
I might need help wiring up the PDM and charging in the top box.
From the Big Bend website:
Things I still need:The National Park Service (NPS) announced that Big Bend National Park will modify its entrance fees to provide additional funding for infrastructure and maintenance needs to enhance the visitor experience. Effective June 1, 2018, the entrance fees to the park will be $30 per verhicle or $25 per motorcycle. A Big Bend annual park pass will cost $55. All of the money received from entrance fees remains with the National Park Service, with at least 80 percent of the revenue going to Big Bend National Park.
Head Lamp
tent - I have one but might buy a new one
Chair
Dromedary bag (water)
I might need help wiring up the PDM and charging in the top box.
Jim
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
2017 Toyota 4Runner
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2017 Toyota 4Runner
- dufremle
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Re: Utah and Big Bend and stuff
What size dromedary bag do you have?
Jim
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
2017 Toyota 4Runner
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
2017 Toyota 4Runner
Re: Utah and Big Bend and stuff
No clue but I think I have more than one, I'll need to go look.dufremle wrote:What size dromedary bag do you have?
I used them for my no mount cave diving rig so I had several
K1600
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Re: Utah and Big Bend and stuff
I think I have most of the equipment I would need. Going down Rick's list...
Head lamp and backup flashlight - check (make sure batteries are fresh)
Tent, ground tarp, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, - check. My bag will be sufficient for any reasonably expected temperatures, pillow will likely be clothing in a stuff sack
Plug kit, air pump, other tools - check
Gas stove, pot, instant coffee, - check
Aux Battery - 20K mah, can jump start bikes or charge devices
Camelback, 2nd Camelback, extra water jugs - check
First aid and Toiletries - check (don't forget the TP)
Chair - I'll need to figure something out
AWP - I don't think I need a Sniper Rifle
9mm - Closest thing I own to a 9mm is a .22, otherwise I only have real guns
Food details are TBD, but shouldn't be a big deal. (Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam...)
Clothes will be layers and depend somewhat on the forecast, but whatever the forecast I should be set
Rain gear, maybe even if not in forecast
Handheld Ham radio
Extra Gas, being that I don't have an 8 gallon tank like some of you
I'm thinking about recovery equipment (ropes, pulleys, anchors)
I have a National Park Pass. Should cover entry for up to two motorcycles, but not camping. Assuming we are only in the National part and not the State part.
I'll need to switch back to knobby tires before we go. Fortunately I can do this myself now and the 'Strom wheels are pretty easy.
I'll want to trial pack the bike well ahead just to make sure I know how to make everything fit.
Head lamp and backup flashlight - check (make sure batteries are fresh)
Tent, ground tarp, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, - check. My bag will be sufficient for any reasonably expected temperatures, pillow will likely be clothing in a stuff sack
Plug kit, air pump, other tools - check
Gas stove, pot, instant coffee, - check
Aux Battery - 20K mah, can jump start bikes or charge devices
Camelback, 2nd Camelback, extra water jugs - check
First aid and Toiletries - check (don't forget the TP)
Chair - I'll need to figure something out
AWP - I don't think I need a Sniper Rifle
9mm - Closest thing I own to a 9mm is a .22, otherwise I only have real guns
Food details are TBD, but shouldn't be a big deal. (Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam...)
Clothes will be layers and depend somewhat on the forecast, but whatever the forecast I should be set
Rain gear, maybe even if not in forecast
Handheld Ham radio
Extra Gas, being that I don't have an 8 gallon tank like some of you
I'm thinking about recovery equipment (ropes, pulleys, anchors)
I have a National Park Pass. Should cover entry for up to two motorcycles, but not camping. Assuming we are only in the National part and not the State part.
I'll need to switch back to knobby tires before we go. Fortunately I can do this myself now and the 'Strom wheels are pretty easy.
I'll want to trial pack the bike well ahead just to make sure I know how to make everything fit.
Jeff - Street Triple 675R / GSX-R600 / F850GSA
Re: Utah and Big Bend and stuff
I've requested off the 22nd and the 25th of February
my .50 is a bit big for the saddle bags so 9mm is efficient
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glh-3zM5r0UJeffStrom wrote:I think I have most of the equipment I would need. Going down Rick's list...
Head lamp and backup flashlight - check (make sure batteries are fresh)
Tent, ground tarp, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, - check. My bag will be sufficient for any reasonably expected temperatures, pillow will likely be clothing in a stuff sack
Plug kit, air pump, other tools - check
Gas stove, pot, instant coffee, - check
Aux Battery - 20K mah, can jump start bikes or charge devices
Camelback, 2nd Camelback, extra water jugs - check
First aid and Toiletries - check (don't forget the TP)
Chair - I'll need to figure something out
AWP = "Ass Wiping Paper"JeffStrom wrote: AWP - I don't think I need a Sniper Rifle
9mm - Closest thing I own to a 9mm is a .22, otherwise I only have real guns
my .50 is a bit big for the saddle bags so 9mm is efficient
you licensed?JeffStrom wrote: Food details are TBD, but shouldn't be a big deal. (Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam...)
Clothes will be layers and depend somewhat on the forecast, but whatever the forecast I should be set
Rain gear, maybe even if not in forecast
Handheld Ham radio
I doubt you'll need extra gas, we ran sport bikes down 90 (~130-140 miles) at high speed and didn't' have issues with gas.JeffStrom wrote: Extra Gas, being that I don't have an 8 gallon tank like some of you
I'm thinking about recovery equipment (ropes, pulleys, anchors)
We'll have to keep an eye on the shutdown, we may get pushed to the state park sideJeffStrom wrote: I have a National Park Pass. Should cover entry for up to two motorcycles, but not camping. Assuming we are only in the National part and not the State part.
I'll need to switch back to knobby tires before we go. Fortunately I can do this myself now and the 'Strom wheels are pretty easy.
I'll want to trial pack the bike well ahead just to make sure I know how to make everything fit.
K1600
- dufremle
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Re: Utah and Big Bend and stuff
How many nights were you thinking of staying?
I'm also on call the last week of Feb.
I'm also on call the last week of Feb.
Jim
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
2017 Toyota 4Runner
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
2017 Toyota 4Runner
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Re: Utah and Big Bend and stuff
I've tried the Helinox chairs at REI, they are nice and comfortable but fairly expensive. REI has a store brand knock-off that is about half the price. I may consider it. I'd prefer to be able to try before I buy.
I have a general class Ham license. There is a 2M linked repeater network that covers most of Big Bend and gets you all the way to Fort Stockton. While i'm likely to be able to get someone most times of the day, I assumed you'd take your Spot for real emergencies. Anyone bringing FRS/GMRS/MURS radio(s)?
If the shutdown is still going at the end of February it will have been 3x longer than the previous longest shutdown in history. I'd like to predict that it won't be an issue but I don't want to jinx it.
I have a general class Ham license. There is a 2M linked repeater network that covers most of Big Bend and gets you all the way to Fort Stockton. While i'm likely to be able to get someone most times of the day, I assumed you'd take your Spot for real emergencies. Anyone bringing FRS/GMRS/MURS radio(s)?
If the shutdown is still going at the end of February it will have been 3x longer than the previous longest shutdown in history. I'd like to predict that it won't be an issue but I don't want to jinx it.
Jeff - Street Triple 675R / GSX-R600 / F850GSA
Re: Utah and Big Bend and stuff
Fri night Sat night Sun night - what does it matter if your on call that last week?dufremle wrote:How many nights were you thinking of staying?
I'm also on call the last week of Feb.
K1600
Re: Utah and Big Bend and stuff
You have a step bit and plugs?dufremle wrote:How many nights were you thinking of staying? My CPAP battery should be able to last two without charging.
From the Big Bend website:Things I still need:The National Park Service (NPS) announced that Big Bend National Park will modify its entrance fees to provide additional funding for infrastructure and maintenance needs to enhance the visitor experience. Effective June 1, 2018, the entrance fees to the park will be $30 per verhicle or $25 per motorcycle. A Big Bend annual park pass will cost $55. All of the money received from entrance fees remains with the National Park Service, with at least 80 percent of the revenue going to Big Bend National Park.
Head Lamp
tent - I have one but might buy a new one
Chair
Dromedary bag (water)
I might need help wiring up the PDM and charging in the top box.
K1600
- dufremle
- Club Staff/Treasurer
- Posts: 12567
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Re: Utah and Big Bend and stuff
I don't have a step bit. What do you mean by plugs?
Jim
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
2017 Toyota 4Runner
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
2017 Toyota 4Runner
Re: Utah and Big Bend and stuff
to go in the hold for the powerdufremle wrote:I don't have a step bit. What do you mean by plugs?
K1600
- dufremle
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Re: Utah and Big Bend and stuff
What tires are you going to run? I'm thinking I might replace my rear tire since I have been commuting quite a bit on mine. Running the Karoo 3 right now. Think we might need more of an off-road tire?
Jim
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Re: Utah and Big Bend and stuff
I am just going to put the Shinko 804/805 back on. I don't know how much tread they will have left after all the slab between here, there, and back.
Jeff - Street Triple 675R / GSX-R600 / F850GSA
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Re: Utah and Big Bend and stuff
I still have decent tread on mine, but after the ride down I'm not sure how much will be left for the ride back. Figure I'll be safe and replace at least the rear tire. I think the front will be good.
How are the Shinko's in mud? I had some issues last weekend in sticky mud with the Karoo's. Wondering if I should go with the Shinko's instead.
How are the Shinko's in mud? I had some issues last weekend in sticky mud with the Karoo's. Wondering if I should go with the Shinko's instead.
Jim
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2017 Toyota 4Runner
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Re: Utah and Big Bend and stuff
I got laid off work last week, so I don't know how things will go in February with job search and all... Most likely I will be able to make the trip. Might as well while there's time.
I still have the rallycross tire from Utah trip I could throw on, hoping it'll hold up for the trip down and back.
I still have the rallycross tire from Utah trip I could throw on, hoping it'll hold up for the trip down and back.
-Sam
2019 Suzuki GSXR 750
2017 Yamaha WR250R
2009 Subaru WRX
2013 Kawasaki KLR 650 (sold)
2014 Triumph Daytona 675R (RIP)
2013 Triumph Street Triple R (sold)
2019 Suzuki GSXR 750
2017 Yamaha WR250R
2009 Subaru WRX
2013 Kawasaki KLR 650 (sold)
2014 Triumph Daytona 675R (RIP)
2013 Triumph Street Triple R (sold)
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Re: Utah and Big Bend and stuff
Sam: Bummer. But at least you see the bright side that you will get to spend more time on your motorcycle for what is hopefully a short down period.
Jim: The Shinko 804/805 combo is a little sketchy for mud in that they do tend to slide side to side. That said, they clear themselves pretty well and will push forward if you can keep the back in-line with the front.
Jim: The Shinko 804/805 combo is a little sketchy for mud in that they do tend to slide side to side. That said, they clear themselves pretty well and will push forward if you can keep the back in-line with the front.
Jeff - Street Triple 675R / GSX-R600 / F850GSA
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Re: Utah and Big Bend and stuff
Sam, that sucks. Good luck in the job search.
The Karoo's would hold the mud to the point the front tire would not turn. Even going down the road it did not want to throw it off the tire. I'm leaning toward getting a set of Shinko's to try on this trip and running the Karoo's for commuting. The Shinko's are a bit cheaper, too.
The Karoo's would hold the mud to the point the front tire would not turn. Even going down the road it did not want to throw it off the tire. I'm leaning toward getting a set of Shinko's to try on this trip and running the Karoo's for commuting. The Shinko's are a bit cheaper, too.
Jim
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
2017 Toyota 4Runner
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- dufremle
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Re: Utah and Big Bend and stuff
Scrap the Shinko's, they don't make them in the size I need. Continental does make a 40/60 (on road/off-road) tire in the size I need. Any opinion on the TKC80?
Jim
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
2017 Toyota 4Runner
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
2017 Toyota 4Runner
Re: Utah and Big Bend and stuff
I have an open position - pm me if your interested and we can see if your a matchSputnikSam wrote:I got laid off work last week, so I don't know how things will go in February with job search and all... Most likely I will be able to make the trip. Might as well while there's time.
I still have the rallycross tire from Utah trip I could throw on, hoping it'll hold up for the trip down and back.
K1600