Which route would you take?

maverick2076

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Texas
I’m heading to Utah (Dugway Proving Grounds) for training the first week of August. I’ve been approved to take leave before and after the training and to ride my motorcycle.

I’ve pretty much decided that, on the way home, I will cut through the SW corner of Wyoming and then head south through Colorado, doing at least some of the COBDR.

My debate is about the route to Dugway. I had originally planned to leave Leander and ride west through northern NM and Arizona, possibly going all the way to the Grand Canyon, and then heading north through Utah. However, I am concerned about the heat. The other option I am considering is riding highway north through Texas, OK, KS and Nebraska to get to SD, ride the Badlands, see Rushmore and Crazy Horse, and then ride west through Wyoming or maybe even southern Montana before turning south to Utah.

I will probably have 6-8 days total for the trip there, and 6-7 for the trip back. I’m riding a Super Tenere. I’ll most likely be riding solo. Other than TX and OK, I haven’t ridden in any of the states on either route. My dirt experience is just what I’ve picked up in a year of owning my Tenere riding Hill Country dirt roads. I do want to ride dirt roads as I can on the trip, but choosing them appropriately based on my skill level and my need to make it to UT for training. Which way would you go, and what would your suggested routes/attractions be?
 

AVGeek

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Mods, please delete duplicate thread.
Done!

Heat will be an issue in all of those states that time of year. That being said, I commuted full time by motorcycle while living in Vegas and Phoenix, so there are a few things you can do to combat the heat.

1) Use a hydration system. Constantly sipping on water while underway will help immensely. You also need to replace the fluids you sweat out, and doing it when you stop isn't enough to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke. But be sure to drink fluids with electrolyte replacements when you do stop.

2) Use convection cooling. I had and used one of those gel vests that are activated by water, and they really work. However, in extreme temps, wearing mesh gear over the cooling vest will dry it out way too fast. You're better off wearing regular gear with your vents open for the airflow you need, and it doesn't take much for the convection effect to work! Also, soaking a bandana in water and wearing that under your helmet will help with cooling as well. Using these two items, there were times I got too cold, even in the middle of summer!

3) Avoid riding during the hottest part of the day, if at all possible. Try to pass through the hottest parts of your route early in the morning, and head for higher ground as the day wears on.
 

Clawdog60

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Nov 14, 2018
Messages
560
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east central "ILL"
I’m heading to Utah (Dugway Proving Grounds) for training the first week of August. I’ve been approved to take leave before and after the training and to ride my motorcycle.

I’ve pretty much decided that, on the way home, I will cut through the SW corner of Wyoming and then head south through Colorado, doing at least some of the COBDR.

My debate is about the route to Dugway. I had originally planned to leave Leander and ride west through northern NM and Arizona, possibly going all the way to the Grand Canyon, and then heading north through Utah. However, I am concerned about the heat. The other option I am considering is riding highway north through Texas, OK, KS and Nebraska to get to SD, ride the Badlands, see Rushmore and Crazy Horse, and then ride west through Wyoming or maybe even southern Montana before turning south to Utah.

I will probably have 6-8 days total for the trip there, and 6-7 for the trip back. I’m riding a Super Tenere. I’ll most likely be riding solo. Other than TX and OK, I haven’t ridden in any of the states on either route. My dirt experience is just what I’ve picked up in a year of owning my Tenere riding Hill Country dirt roads. I do want to ride dirt roads as I can on the trip, but choosing them appropriately based on my skill level and my need to make it to UT for training. Which way would you go, and what would your suggested routes/attractions be?
It’s a dry heat.
 

Sierra1

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Joshua TX
I recommend a CamelBak, or similar type of system. I used the 2liter version for years; small enough to be unobtrusive/comfortable, and big enough to hold enough. I would pack it full of ice, fill with water, and put in a Replenish brand powder. The stores around here stopped carrying Replenish, so now I use the Propel w/electrolytes. AVGeek is absolutely correct about the hydration. Being able to sip continuously on cold liquid makes the rest of it bearable. I used to tell people it was filled with frozen margarita. :cool:
 

gunner

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Clawdog60

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east central "ILL"
I recommend a CamelBak, or similar type of system. I used the 2liter version for years; small enough to be unobtrusive/comfortable, and big enough to hold enough. I would pack it full of ice, fill with water, and put in a Replenish brand powder. The stores around here stopped carrying Replenish, so now I use the Propel w/electrolytes. AVGeek is absolutely correct about the hydration. Being able to sip continuously on cold liquid makes the rest of it bearable. I used to tell people it was filled with frozen margarita. :cool:
Very weak if it was frozen
 

artemedes

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Aug 11, 2018
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Topeka, KS
I have been to that area of SD 5 different times. Most recently last June. Always camped at Spearfish and used that as base camp.

Hard to tell from your images, but looks like you will be on 385 and highway 26 in Nebraska. I like that route too.

Be sure to ride Spearfish Canyon Rd while your there. Great road despite the 35mph zones.

If you are camping. Both the SpearFish City Campground and a place called Chris's campground are good. There is a cool trout farm at the edge of the city campground. If you are staying in Hotels, you might try Bells.

I had a great meal at a steak place called Steerfish in Downtown Spearfish.

Have a good trip
 

Madhatter

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buda texas
modular helmet allows quick access to water …… assume your military , thank you for your service , im just south of weird.
 

Clawdog60

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560
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east central "ILL"
I have been to that area of SD 5 different times. Most recently last June. Always camped at Spearfish and used that as base camp.

Hard to tell from your images, but looks like you will be on 385 and highway 26 in Nebraska. I like that route too.

Be sure to ride Spearfish Canyon Rd while your there. Great road despite the 35mph zones.

If you are camping. Both the SpearFish City Campground and a place called Chris's campground are good. There is a cool trout farm at the edge of the city campground. If you are staying in Hotels, you might try Bells.

I had a great meal at a steak place called Steerfish in Downtown Spearfish.

Have a good trip
Black hills riding yummmm
 

Sierra1

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Nov 7, 2016
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14,812
Location
Joshua TX
I know but, still :p
Actually, I would never put alcohol in a CamelBak. Or anything with sugar; I forgot to mention that earlier. Sugar in any hydration system can get "funky", especially in the heat. I don't think it would actually ferment, but it gets nasty and harder to keep clean. Splenda never caused any problems though.
 

CatBehemoth

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Aug 16, 2018
Messages
81
For the heat, my advice would be to wear cooling jacket. It really helped me on my latest trip, while riding at ~110F all day long.
 
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