I have been wanting to do this ride for some time and need to get it on the calendar to make it happen.
Looking at possible dates of May 9th or 16th. We could encounter some snow but hoping by May it will be minimal, if any.
Ride will start at Verdi and head toward Stampede then cross 89 and parallel Jackson Meadows road. Continue heading West toward Bowman lake and drop down toward Hwy 20. Lunch will be at Emerald pools, very nice area down river from Spalding Lake. This will be mostly dirt road that follows Henness Pass emigrant trail. Some sections will be pavement, crossing 89 and part of the road to Jackson Meadows.
I have only been on sections of this, not the proposed route. Distance approx. 120 miles round trip so range could be an issue without a larger tank or spare fuel. Map give you an idea of route, we will not follow all the way to Nevada City.
If you want to go let me know what date you are available. This will be an awesome ride.
A little more history. This was a key route from Marysville to VC in the mid 1800's to support the mining effort.
http://www.sierracollege.edu/ejournals/jsnhb/v2n2/trails-Henness.html
Looks like it would be really fun. Wondering if it would be smarter to stage from Henness Pass rd & hwy 89. Not sure if I should risk a dirt ride this early as well. But I really like the idea.
I'm down to go in May, I'm busy the first weekend of May other than that either of the dates you mentioned will work for me.
I like the idea of starting in Verdi vs 89, I'd rather ride the dirt than drive 80.
Is the street riding just crossing roads? My bike is not street legal and with my exhaust being on the louder side I get nervous trying to sneak around on the streets with it. I don't mind crossing roads, if I'm not mistaken it's legal to cross streets at a 90°.
I've got a desert tank but I'll have to try and go easier than normal on the throttle to stretch the mileage. :(
I'm familiar with where the dirt road intercepts 89 and where Jackson Meadows road starts, that's about 1/8 mile of pavement we might have to ride on worst case. Looking at satellite views the dirt road crosses 89 so likely be just crossing the road. Jackson Meadows road is paved but we will be on Henness pass rd, dirt, that parallels for awhile. At some point toward Jackson Meadows the dirt road and paved road meet and we will be on the pavement for a few miles. I've been on this road quite a few times only have only seen campers and fishermen going to the lake. After Jackson Meadows its all dirt roads.
I'm into this. I'm currently free both days. With the year we have had I can't imagine there is much snow up there. There is barely any left on the ski hills where they maintain it.
You guys know this is a dual sport route right? Henness Pass Rd is just basically just a Forest Service Rd. It's passable by 2 wheel drive car. Most people do it on medium to large dual sport bikes. Off-road terrain is described as "mild to moderate". Basically, you will be bored to tears on your small trail bikes; there is nothing technical. Not to mention, I'm not clear on how you plan on doing 120 miles (not including wrong turns), even with a large dirt bike fuel tank.
I would be doing this ride on my Tiger.
Here's a youtube video and an advrider thread showing the road.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nkrWGFSu7E
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=630994
I was aware of the possible boredom of the trail/road, I was hoping there would be some scenery to make up for it.
There is no way I can make 120mi with my bike, even with the desert tank one way would be questionable. I'm looking into possibly getting a Rotopax pack just as back up to get me one way because even 60mi could be a stretch for me, especially if we did take some wrong turns. I don't mind getting one as the next bike I get will be a dual sport and could be useful later. I was also trying to see if there was a dirt route to the Shell station that is just south of Emerald Pools but haven't been able to look too far into it yet, didn't see anything at quick glance.
Rich had also mentioned (outside the forum post) seeing about his wife meeting us out there with fuel. Is that still something you were considering Rich or do you have any tricks up your sleeve to do 120mi?
Awesome, lets pencil in the 9th at 9am. I have one other guy that may want to go also. The dirt roads leaving Verdi are representative of the rest of the trip, fire roads. SL has been on those. As dub said, a lot of people do this route on Adv bikes. I've talked to some of the KTM guys at PJ's and they ride to Nevada City via this route and then on to Auburn to watch the dirt races at the fair grounds. For me, an Enduro type of trip is exactly what I am interested in. I enjoy the adventure and scenery more than technical challenges. Boredom, it all depends what your expectation is, not even on my radar.
As far as range I've done 100 miles on my current 2 gal tank, using reserve, so with my 3 gal tank 120 miles is not a problem. But its definitely a good idea to have a little extra range just in case.
If range is an issue for whoever wants to go an option I had thought of would be to have the wifey meet us at Jackson Meadows junction on the return trip for a refuel stop. That is still an option.
There is no gas near the destination, only possibility would be the general store at Jackson Meadows and I think that is a long shot.
Thanks for the videos I will check those out.
Video is from Stampede to 89, unfortunately doesn't cross 89 and continue west. SL, I am thinking if your range is <100 we may want to have the refuel stop where we stop for lunch. That may ease your and others peoples mind that are on the fence about going. That also would save our lunches from getting all smashed on the ride there if we had Monica bring those with her.
Right, I didn't mean the ride would be boring; the ride will be excellent. I just meant that the capabilities of your dirt bikes wont be necessary. I haven't ridden Henness Pass before, but from what I know you could probably do it on your street bikes. It's not a 'dirt ride' how I think of the term 'dirt ride' (ie single track).
For those of us without plates we will need a CA OHV decal. Don't believe the NV decal counts in CA. They are $30 and can be purchased at many local shops. There are many riding opportunities out of Verdi so easy to use more than once.
I've been told one option on this route leads to D'ville. Not as familiar with that route but would be fun to explore sometime, plus I think they have gas station.
http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25669
Quote from: RichVee4 on April 14, 2015, 06:43:31 AM
For those of us without plates we will need a CA OHV decal. Don't believe the NV decal counts in CA. They are $30 and can be purchased at many local shops. There are many riding opportunities out of Verdi so easy to use more than once.
I've been told one option on this route leads to D'ville. Not as familiar with that route but would be fun to explore sometime, plus I think they have gas station.
http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25669
I believe if your bike is registered in NV it is okay.
From CA OHV FAQ
"I will be traveling to California from another state to ride my OHV. Do I need California OHV registration (Green or Red Sticker)?
If you are a resident of another state and your OHV has valid registration from that state, you do not need a Green or Red Sticker or a California Nonresident OHV Use Permit. If your OHV does not have valid registration or the equivalent from your home state, you will need to get a California Nonresident OHV Use Permit. A title is not registration. For states bordering California, the Oregon OHV Permit, the Nevada OHV Registration Decal, and the Arizona OHV Decal meet the requirement for OHV registration by residents of those states. "
http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=26294#visitor
When they refer to "valid registration" they mean license plate, as in duel sport bike/ Adv bike or jeep etc. Just not sure if the NV OHV sticker counts, not likely, but will ask.
Quote from: RichVee4 on April 14, 2015, 07:08:21 AM
When they refer to "valid registration" they mean license plate, as in duel sport bike/ Adv bike or jeep etc. Just not sure if the NV OHV sticker counts, not likely, but will ask.
It's reciprocal. It literally says it right there in the quote Scott posted.
Quote from: slmoto on April 14, 2015, 06:48:52 AM"I will be traveling to California from another state to ride my OHV. Do I need California OHV registration (Green or Red Sticker)?
If you are a resident of another state and your OHV has valid registration from that state, you do not need a Green or Red Sticker or a California Nonresident OHV Use Permit. If your OHV does not have valid registration or the equivalent from your home state, you will need to get a California Nonresident OHV Use Permit. A title is not registration. For states bordering California, the Oregon OHV Permit, the Nevada OHV Registration Decal, and the Arizona OHV Decal meet the requirement for OHV registration by residents of those states. "
http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=26294#visitor
No updates on the OHV decal topic, my interpretation is that the NV OHV decal is not a "registration". The reference to registration is a plate with a sticker. Clarification needed.
Hope this map works, shows route and distance. We will meet at the starting point in Verdi at 9am sharp. There is a small parking lot where the pavement ends and dirt road starts.
If anyone would like a Jimmy Johns sandwich let me know specifics and Monica will bring when we meet for lunch.
Bring water of course.
People so far
Me
SL
Deb
Craig - friend of mine.
https://www.google.com/maphp?mid=1429066668
Don't think the last link worked. Google maps and I have issues.
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.5243546,-120.0127618/Emerald+Pools/@39.491742,-120.4060937,15z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!3m4!1m2!1d-120.2941345!2d39.4896701!3s0x809bfb1c2d058b8f:0x9f6a6691edf80c93!1m5!1m1!1s0x0:0x50818ece5c69de77!2m2!1d-120.657949!2d39.318828!3e2
Sometimes it's just easier to make a word the link, like here (https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=39.5243546,-120.0127618&daddr=39.48967,-120.294134+to:Emerald+Pools&ll=39.433011,-120.5159&spn=0.56534,1.307373&geocode=FQMYWwIdJsDY-A%3BFYaQWgIdCnXU-CmPiwUtHPubgDGTDPjtkWZqnw%3BFSz1VwId4-fO-A&via=1&dirflg=w&t=m&z=10). Works well when the string of characters is a mile long.
See the SSA page on how to do it quite easily here (http://www.sierrasportbike.com/smf/index.php?topic=2834.0).
BTW, that route is much shorter and very different from the first one. Is that so the bikes can make the distance? I was thinking based on the first route map that if it wasn't too much trouble and there was a way, we could just ride into Sierra City for fuel, probably twice on the ride to/from.
The shorter ride you have here might be doable by poor ol' me, but I'm not positive at this point. Looks like an adventurous ride.
Thanks for the instructions, I will check it out. The map must have worked if you saw the route, one way distance 57 miles. Route hasn't changed, first map just showed entire Henness route to Nevada City, which was never on the agenda. We will turn south after Bowman Lake and head toward Hwy 20.
SL and I are going to do a pre ride and since I have an odometer I can pace the distance. We will ride 50 miles (25 out and back which is almost the distance to our destination) and measure his fuel consumption. Riding a fire road at ~25mph is pretty ideal for mileage, I think you'll be surprised. Hwy speeds are what will kill your mileage.
Right now I am planning to have Monica bring my 5 gal fuel tank down to meet us that I will probably put about 4.5 gal into to minimize chance of spillage on the car ride there. Once we do our check we will see how much fuel we need for the return trip. Dub, if you ride the tiger assuming you could do this route twice without a problem. My friend had a desert tank also so between him and I wont need much if any.
GM, if you want to check your mileage you can join SL and I went we go out.
You know the adventurous side of me finds the full Henness Pass route more appealing. That would just be cool to do. Maybe for the Fall. Often think it would be a hoot to ride up into the area north of hwy 49 (https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Sierra+Highlands+Dr&daddr=Downieville,+CA&hl=en&ll=39.526487,-120.991402&spn=0.035287,0.081711&sll=39.48868,-120.345191&sspn=0.564884,1.307373&geocode=FR0lWwIdwwfb-A%3BFWChWwIdz1DM-Cm9ea7NQXycgDGGaSQ7uDUBBA&oq=downie&t=h&mra=ls&z=14) into Cal Ida and visit the Devil's post pile between there and La Porte.
I'm pretty sure the 450 can do 100 miles, maybe even 120. Unlike the road bike though, it's difficult to establish fuel consumption with the terrain we've ridden so far. Only way to find out is to do some distance runs.
That Monica is going to deserve the best of Mother's Day gifts or attention after shadowing your ride group. What an unglamorous job. Way to go Monica!
Quote from: RichVee4 on April 15, 2015, 07:24:52 AMDub, if you ride the tiger assuming you could do this route twice without a problem.
Yeah, I'll have lots to spare. I could bring a siphon to share some in case we get in a tight spot.
Quote from: GreenMachine on April 15, 2015, 07:52:16 AM
That Monica is going to deserve the best of Mother's Day gifts or attention after shadowing your ride group.
Yea, I need to be really nice to her next few weeks or we will be walking home over the sierras starving, that scenario sounds vaguely familiar!
I'll bring a knife just in case.
:-\
All I have to be is faster than SL.. I talked with two dealers in town and they both said the NV OHV tag is good for CA so I am happy with that and ready to do some riding.
Good news, I got the rear sprocket today. Bad news I took it out for a test run up Peavine and may have killed the engine.
After I installed the sprocket it was being a bitch to start, pretty typical for this bike but even more of a pain in the ass than usual. I go and get a new spark plug and was able to get it started, still not all that easy. It's been sitting for a month or more so I thought I'd go do a test run up Peavine and maybe clear it out and see if it would get back to normal. When I get unloaded I had a really hard time starting it again but finally got it going. It was going good at first, then about half way up when I'd give it gas it'd sputter and cut power, it did this on and off for a bit. I look down and there is white smoke shooting out the front of the engine through the skit plate. I hit the kill switch and it sounds like a fan is going but I don't have a fan, I guess it was just the hiss of whatever was shooting out. I didn't even try and restart, I just coasted back down to the truck, which is the exact reason I use Peavine to test it out in case anything does goes wrong I can coast back down. Fluids and air filter were all clean and topped off and I was trying to take it easy for the most part, I was just on a fire road nothing crazy.
I'm too tired and bummed to look into it tonight but from the initial looks of things I'm most likely not going to be able to make this trip. Even if I do get it running again in time I don't think I'll have enough time to build my confidence in it's reliability to head out on a longer trip like this. Really disappointed, I was looking forward to doing a ride like this.
Have fun guys and be safe. If anything changes and I'm able to go I'll let you know but as of now it looks like I'm out. :'(
That should be easy to figure out what happened once it cools down and hopefully not serious. Better to find out now close to home and lucky you could coast back to the truck. Sounds like a coolant leak maybe by the water pump or something. Maybe it was starting to overheat causing the power loss. I can still do a shorter ride before the trip if you are able to fix it and want to test it out. If not, we will miss you.
Just bring your gixxer.
Quote from: dub on April 19, 2015, 08:45:44 AM
Just bring your gixxer.
That would also solve my questionable gas range issue.
I'm not even joking.
From all the research I have done on Henness Pass Rd, it can easily be done on any street bike.
You wouldn't be the first to take your street bike off the pavement...
(https://scontent-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1486736_10152503704408565_3073299166283100505_n.jpg?oh=1b8c79ec83b15c29b8e92b6d3d954655&oe=55D6D9D2)
(https://scontent-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/988514_10152913571563565_8445467057349720602_n.jpg?oh=f3d802c57afd43972d899dc10965af94&oe=55D9D629)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/15824_10152913572208565_6648906392389344218_n.jpg?oh=334afb93523977a2aa6699b7d91ac7f3&oe=55D969A4&__gda__=1436206745_3fbc6e2769a2ee3c21b424672d42ee9c)
I don't doubt that it could be done and that I could even handle it myself but to be honest I'd like to keep it looking pretty for as long as I can. Over that distance I could see potentially sliding out at least once on it, dropping it, tearing up my fairings. I had an old R6 prior to this bike that was already pretty beat up when I got it, I wish I had kept it instead of selling it and turned it into something like this:
http://derestricted.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/gsxr-ondirt.jpg
I may be back in on this ride anyway, on my dirt bike. GM was over watching the MotoGP races yesterday and in between races he helped me dial in the fuel/air screw on the carb and it's starting much easier now. We also looked into what happened from last time I rode, it looks like it just overheated and started spraying fluid out the overflow hose but the hose was behind the skid plate so when it sprayed out it went all over and made it look like the whole bottom end blew up at the time. I cleaned off some build up on the rad. cap for a better seal and took it out for a few hours yesterday with no issues. I'm going to do another test up Peavine in the next couple days and see how it does. If it's okay, I'll keep riding as much as possible prior to this ride to see if it's reliable.
I had left it running longer than usual prior to taking off up Peavine when I had the overheating issue so I'm hoping that is what caused it to overheat, I'll see how it goes and make the decision in the next couple weeks based on how it performs in the mean time.
Why is that you think you would crash? Crashes don't just happen spontaneously, you will be sitting on the bike manipulating the controls. Just make sure your inputs to those controls don't require more traction than is available and you wont crash.
True.
I'm probably over nervous about it, the only experience I have riding a street bike was riding the r6 on a short fire road up and down a slight incline. It felt really loose and although I didn't fall I was nervous as hell but that could also have a lot to do with I had only just started riding about a month prior to that and I had never been on the dirt before at that time.
I'll see what happens, I still have some hope left in the dirt bike which I'd much prefer for this ride.
Glad to hear the issue wasn't serious and its up and running. Any idea why it over heated? Radiator clogged with dirt?
I've ridden some of these roads and yes you "could" take a street bike but wouldn't recommend it. Sections of the road are moderately rough and rocky.
Quote from: RichVee4 on April 20, 2015, 06:01:10 PM
Glad to hear the issue wasn't serious and its up and running. Any idea why it over heated? Radiator clogged with dirt?
I've ridden some of these roads and yes you "could" take a street bike but wouldn't recommend it. Sections of the road are moderately rough and rocky.
I think I left it running too long before I took off. I was concerned about getting it started so I left it running while I got my gear on. Other than that I'm not sure. I need to get a new hose so I can spray it down but visually the radiators do not seem to be clogged.
Went on a little scouting ride today with SL. Rode from Verdi to the 89 junction, crossed 89 and found where Henness continues toward Jackson Meadows. Rode 44 miles total (2hrs with quite a few stops) had to do some searching for Henness after crossing 89, probably wasted .5hr. The Hwy crossing is straight forward but the old Henness bridge is out so after crossing 89 you have to ride on Jackson Meadows road for about 1 mile then you can get back to the dirt road via a new bridge.
We made good time and most roads can be covered at a quick pace. Gets pretty bumpy and rocky in places so have to watch for that to adjust pace.
I will ride at a little slower pace on our ride to help reduce vibration on the hands. We hit some T storms so hands were wet and cold so that didn't help. This will be an endurance ride and we will certainly be worn out when we get back.
If anyone wants to order a map for themselves of the area we will be riding, this is a good quality map that covers the entire route.
I imagine we will spread out some to minimize eating dust but I plan to stop at major intersections to make sure everyone stays on the right road.
http://www.amazon.com/National-Forest-Sierra-Geographic-Illustrated/dp/1566953812/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430342096&sr=8-1&keywords=national+geographic+map+805
Rich,
I might be game for this ride. Assuming I don't re-injure myself before then, I leaning favorably towards joining you folks. That's if there's room.
Absolutely, I sensed some interest there. This will be a good trip to get a feel for the roads between Verdi and Jackson Meadows. Once we are comfortable with that we can explore different areas including, Dville, Nevada City in future trips.
I picked this route since I have been to the lunch location, beautiful spot on the river, and its is easy access off hwy 20 so Monica can meet us.
You need to think about range, everyone else has larger tanks. I could go 100+ on my 250 with stock tank so 60 miles you may be ok. SL got 34mpg on our last ride and we were not riding conservatively. If you lay on your tank you should be able to beat that :)
We will finalize details next week and figure out how much gas we need. I have a 5 gal and 2 gal tank I will plan to bring.
Quote from: RichVee4 on April 30, 2015, 08:06:55 PM
If you lay on your tank you should be able to beat that :)
Haha, I look forward to seeing that on a dirt bike. :rotflmao
Seen you do it on the street plenty, even picked up my own version of it from you but would be hilarious to see you doing it on your dirt bike.
Just to confirm date and time. Sat 5/9, 9:00 am.
Meeting at the parking area where the dirt road starts in Verdi. If unsure location we can meet at my house at 8:30. I am 5 min off 80 on your way to Verdi. PM me for address. If you want to drop anything off that can be taken by car you can do that to.
Weather appears to be unsettled this week with slight improvement by Sat. Keep an eye on forecast, temps will CHILLY in the morning so dress accordingly, overnight temps in low 30's at high elevation. Better to have more layers and can shed some at lunch if to warm.
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-120.49343&lat=39.50110
I will finalize fuel needs and lunch shortly.
Rich, I'll be at your place at 8:30am, maybe a few minutes before, so we can get your bike and gear loaded in my truck.
Here? https://goo.gl/maps/0736v
Quote from: dub on May 05, 2015, 09:10:55 AM
Here? https://goo.gl/maps/0736v
Yes, that's the spot.
Menu for Jimmy John's. If you would like a sandwich let me know the # and what freebies you want. Cost is $5-6. I will also have chips and jug of water. Maybe if I bring a few light beers GM will commit. After 60 miles a beer might be a nice treat, will plan to throw a couple in the cooler.
Looks like we have confirmed
dub
SL
Craig (is waiting on his ohv decal to arrive)
I'll have a #1 add mustard and sprouts, thanks.
I have a six pack of Coors lights left from my dirt ride last Sunday that i can bring for anyone who cares for some.
If his sticker doesn't arrive in time he might be able to call and have them fax or email a copy of the receipt to carry, that's what i did when i first got my bike and had a ride planned before my sticker arrived.
Quote from: slmoto on May 06, 2015, 07:39:10 AM
I'll have a #1 add mustard and sprouts, thanks.
Got it, Thanks.
RE Beer - bring it. We can trade beer for gas!
Craig received his ohv decal and is planning to bring a 5 gal fuel tank and I will bring mine. We will fill each w/4 gal so total 8 gal, that should be more than enough. Figuring SL's 34mpg for both SL and Craig (both 450's) will use approx 2 gal each way. I think I could do round trip but will plan to add 1 gal just in case. That totals 5 gal which give us 3 extra in case GM comes or dub need a little.
Rain today will play in our favor and help with the dust.
Think of anything else?
Looking forward to Sat!
Looks like we could get a little more rain tomorrow too, that'd be nice.
All sounds good to me, everything seems to be covered for the most part.
Looking forward to it, should be fun.
Rich,
I'm in already. My name isn't Mayweather.
BTW, I have three 5 gallon gas containers, if having larger ones makes it easier. One is the ATV/MX vertical type. The other two are the standard red.
The lower temps should work to our advantage, being on dirt bikes.
Great, glad you can make it. Your going to feel like Pacquiao after this ride!
If you have a 5 gal that seals well so there's NO fumes in the car for the drive, bring it by my house at 8:30. You can bring 4 gal for you and SL. I purposely don't want to fill the tanks to minimize splashing around the neck so less likely to leak. If not sure I will use mine. I've put mine in the car a few time and dosent let out fumes.
Saturday is shaping up to be mostly clear and cool. Perfect!
I've transported them in the back of my SUV before when we went on camping trips. I don't know how you can avoid expansion fumes. I'll bring my 5g red one with 4g in it. All ends seal as well as you can hope, but I'd still recommend if they're put in the passenger cab of a vehicle, to run fresh air in on the fan and/or open/crack a window.
For the sandwich, I'll have whatever it is that comes in chicken or turkey with all the toppings, with standard cheese if included.
The tank I have pressurizes so I know it seals well even under expansive pressure. Bring yours by in the morning and we can decide. I have to live with the support crew so don't want them to have to smell fumes on the drive there.
Possible return option. This route adds 7 mi and would take us by Meadow Lake but more important avoids the paved section of Jackson meadows rd. We can discuss at lunch. GM's range will be the shortest so will need to see his fuel usage on the ride there.
https://www.google.com/maphp?mid=1431092929
Quote from: RichVee4 on May 08, 2015, 07:00:23 AM
Possible return option. This route adds 7 mi and would take us by Meadow Lake but more important avoids the paved section of Jackson meadows rd. We can discuss at lunch. GM's range will be the shortest so will need to see his fuel usage on the ride there.
https://www.google.com/maphp?mid=1431092929
I'd we can swing it, fuel wise, I'd prefer the least amount of pavement possible. I don't believe any of us, except for dub, are street legal so I'm all for reducing our chances of getting stopped on the street.
It looks like a perfect day to play in the dirt! See everyone at 9 or earlier if were meeting at my house.
Well that was fun while it lasted.
I wasn't sure what to expect with that plug kit since it was my first time using it. Confidence was about 50/50. After it failed confidence tanked to near 0.
I didn't have to even ride all the way back to the intersection before turning towards the road. There was a trail that cut off and went up the hill to the road, so I took that. I limped down the road at about 30 mph, then stopped at the intersection where I would have ended up had I not taken the cut off. The plug was ok at that point. I ate some food and let the compressor cool down, then inflated back up to ~42 psi. I was a little more brave and rode at about 45 mph to the intersection of hwy 89. The plug still looked fine and the pressure was the same, so I rode down 89 to Truckee at the speed limit. In Truckee the plug still looked fine and the pressure was the same, so I decided to head for home instead of Reno to repair/replace the tire. I stopped once more at the scenic pullout on hwy 28 and checked the pressure. Same. Then I just cruised all the way home. Pressure was the same when I arrived. The plug still has the same amount of stem sticking out. I now have complete confidence in that plug.
My unanswered burning question is why the first plug failed so quickly? Was it improper installation or was it due to the off road conditions?
I'm going to check the pressure after it sits overnight, if it's still holding steady I'll probably just keep commuting on that tire until I put on a new set before our coast trip.
That was an ADVENTURE, 125 miles of back country riding across the sierras. Had a lot of fun riding with everyone and fun exploring some beautiful new areas. Great group and glad everyone made it home safe. On one spirited section of goat road I even managed to drag my elbow... and shoulder. knobbies have much less grip on pavement.
Dub, bummer about the flat. In hind sight the location was surprising good that it happened so close to the paved road so you could ride out. The dirt road past Jackson Meadows to Bowman was much rougher with lots of large loose rocks. Doubt the patch would have held, would have even been hard on the tiger.
:)
Nice pics Rich!
Lunch was awesome, topped of with suds. Yu-mmy!
Dub, you made the best of it. I'd be happy with those results. I think it was a blessing in disguise given what was past Jackson's Meadows.
Nice pics Rich, I especially like the one with the lake with cloud reflection.
Thanks again for putting this together it was a great time.
Quote from: dub on May 09, 2015, 03:43:23 PM
My unanswered burning question is why the first plug failed so quickly? Was it improper installation or was it due to the off road conditions?
I'm thinking it didn't set right. Maybe take it off road again with the plug that seems to be holding and see if it shakes loose again, that might answer the question if it was installation or rough roads.
And when it fails? I mean, if it fails? :evil1 Stuck again.
I'm bringing the tire repair kit today. :ohno
I'm thinking that I want to give the rest of Henness Trail a go sometime in the future, where we split off from it at Jackson Meadows Reservoir. Start there and go out to Comptonville and back. People say they've done it in 2-wd SUVs. Can't be that bad then.
I'm going to measure the fuel the bike takes on and see what king of mileage/MPG it returned. The hike map shows 37 miles each way. That would be another adventure we could do. Thinking, put two bikes per pickup and drive to the dam.
For another day! 8)
Rode it work today. I put in 42psi and when I left work there was 35 psi. The front tire is also leaking, at about the same rate, but I can't find the hole. That front tire has 12,000 miles on it; I don't feel bad replacing it.
I would be game for exploring further down Henness rd from Jackson Meadows. If we have the range don't mind leaving out of Verdi again, its a quick ride to 89 and more fun than driving. I've heard you can access D'ville and if you stay on Henness rd leads to Nevada City. Sounds like a good Fall ride. My tires were pretty worn before this ride (I think they're stock) but after the ride I have about 1/8" less tread. Bike was a handful to control, don't know if it was the loose rocks or tires, probably both. New tires are needed.
This tire patching exercise got me thinking about my street bike repair kit. Someone gave me a portable version of this repair kit, made by Safety Seal. Never used it but reviews are promising. Very simple to use and the portable version comes with CO2.
http://www.amazon.com/Safety-Seal-String-Tire-Repair/dp/B001DIECCK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431400544&sr=8-1&keywords=safety+seal
Quote from: RichVee4 on May 11, 2015, 08:24:13 PMThis tire patching exercise got me thinking about my street bike repair kit. Someone gave me a portable version of this repair kit, made by Safety Seal. Never used it but reviews are promising. Very simple to use and the portable version comes with CO2.
http://www.amazon.com/Safety-Seal-String-Tire-Repair/dp/B001DIECCK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431400544&sr=8-1&keywords=safety+seal
I just did some research thinking maybe I should switch to the string type kit. Opinion seems to be split pretty even on which type is best. I mean, my mushroom style plug did get me home, which is really all you can ask of it. So I dunno. However if you wanna go string type it does seem that the Safety Seal brand you have is best.
Rich, you and I should have enough plugs for everyone on the memorial day ride, since I'm sure we're the only ones carrying...
Any video footage from this ride?
Quote from: GreenMachine on June 05, 2015, 07:42:58 AM
Any video footage from this ride?
Yeah, and we need a replay of Rich's action! Or is that footage being burned to leave no evidence? ;D