DakAL Trip Planning

[Sleddog]

(03-16-2017 08:07 PM)Phlatlander Wrote:  What you say Jack?
Bryan Wipf

Great to have you along Bryan. I've updated the "in" list on the 1st post.

[LSGiant]

I got nothing. Just wanted to see if Iffykid is paying attention

[wbbnm]

Few questions about the route after noting where the motels are and looking at the official Dakal tracks. (Maybe what I have is old.)

I assume we will pick up track S2 outside Custer and head north. Will we go thru Spearfish and pick up S3 with a straightforward out-and-back side trip to Aladdin?

Looks like a deviation from the S4 eastern leg back over to Spearfish and then back to S4 for the ride to Hill City?

We will be generally doing the harder tracks or is that up to each subgroup?

This looks like a great ride. I am really looking forward to it. Thanks for all the work.

[Iffykid]

From post #116

"I've tried avoiding as much blacktop as possible. So, Spearfish Canyon, Needles Highway etc. aren't included. You may also notice the area from Hoover to Sturgis to Hill City is different from the published DakAL tracks. "

[Sleddog]

(03-18-2017 09:55 AM)wbbnm Wrote:  Few questions about the route after noting where the motels are and looking at the official Dakal tracks. (Maybe what I have is old.)

I assume we will pick up track S2 outside Custer and head north. Will we go thru Spearfish and pick up S3 with a straightforward out-and-back side trip to Aladdin?

Looks like a deviation from the S4 eastern leg back over to Spearfish and then back to S4 for the ride to Hill City?

We will be generally doing the harder tracks or is that up to each subgroup?

This looks like a great ride. I am really looking forward to it. Thanks for all the work.

The view on the left is with City Navigator North America, on the right is US Road & Rec. Set on 30 mile view. Notice the detail difference!





The tracks I have planned do not follow the "Official" DakAL tracks.

Day 1 is the green track west of Custer going north through the "Grand Canyon" (not on the official DakAL) to Aladdin.

Day 2 The green track again, from Aladdin to Belle Fourche. Belle Fourche to Buffalo. Via DakAL. Blue is an alternate through the Cave Hills, again original DakAL.

Day 3 The magenta track, Buffalo to Spearfish. DakAL from Buffalo to Hoover. Then to the Official Center of the Nation marker. Not the "tourist" version in Bell Fourche Blue is an alternate into Slim Buttes.

Day 4 The magenta track Spearfish to Hill City. Follows Potato Creek to Cement Ridge Lookout, via Potato Creek Johnny's residence & Ghost town of Tinton.
http://www.legendsofamerica.com/sd-potat...ohnny.html

Day 5 The magenta track Hill City to Hot Springs. Pretty much back on the DakAL. Blue are alternates.

Day 6 Magenta track from Hot Springs to Custer.

I hope this explains the order of the route a little.

After I'm sure I won't be tweaking the tracks anymore, I'll share them with the group. But, don't expect them until probably late summer.

If anyone wants to ride the DakAL as it's published, that's fine. You can download them from the web.

[wbbnm]

Thanks for straightening me out again. I just want a good ride and have no special drive to ride the Dakal exactly as laid out (or the CDR or the TAT or the BDRs)

The moderate distance days, having a chase vehicle, and minimal pavement are making me think I could bring my dirt bike (KTM 500 exc) and have a more fun ride than the 690.

[LSGiant]

(03-19-2017 09:42 AM)wbbnm Wrote:  Thanks for straightening me out again. I just want a good ride and have no special drive to ride the Dakal exactly as laid out (or the CDR or the TAT or the BDRs)

The moderate distance days, having a chase vehicle, and minimal pavement are making me think I could bring my dirt bike (KTM 500 exc) and have a more fun ride than the 690.

You have to define fun ? Bigger bike more wind protection, wider seat, easier cruising on the wide open sections, better sense of satisfaction on the tougher sections.

Smaller bike, easier on the tough sections, worse on the above listed, need to depend on someone else to haul your fuel and whatever else.

[Abercrombie]

(03-19-2017 09:42 AM)wbbnm Wrote:  Thanks for straightening me out again. I just want a good ride and have no special drive to ride the Dakal exactly as laid out (or the CDR or the TAT or the BDRs)

The moderate distance days, having a chase vehicle, and minimal pavement are making me think I could bring my dirt bike (KTM 500 exc) and have a more fun ride than the 690.

wbbnm, so you have both a 500 and a 690? I haven't met you yet, and I want to like you but your making it hard and dang I'm envious! :-) Just kidding and having buyers remorse with my XR650L while lusting after a 500 EXC. I have some great choices in my garage but there is always want for another bike.

[wbbnm]

You should be jealous. I think the 500 is easily the best bike I have ever owned. It runs good, feels good, quiet, and very reliable.

I moved here from New Mexico a year and a half ago. Nearly all my riding was off-pavement. I am suspecting that I will need something better for pavement up here or at least different tires on the 690.

Mr. Giant

Neither of my bikes has a windshield. I actually have a better wider seat on the 500 than my oem seat on the 690. I have the nerve and confidence to be aggressive riding the 500 in rough stuff. On the 690 it sometimes becomes a matter of survival. (Unfortunately I haven't quite gotten over my KLR days.)

If there is a lot of wide open gravel road and wind, the 690 or even something heavier would be better.

I can go about 150 miles on the 500 carrying some extra gas in MSR bottles. I might get a rear rack so I can carry the rotopax on the 500.

But the chase truck will be the critical factor. It wouldn't make sense to bring the 500 and then load it down with luggage.

[LSGiant]

WBBN I hope you did not take offense none was intended.

I guess I consider a chase vehicle something as something that is there for serious emergencies. Not something to have fuel for mid day stops and carry my stuff from point to point. My interpretation of an Adventure Ride is me being responsible for myself from beginning of ride to end. But that is just me and that is the expectation I put on myself. But goodness knows if you can get two people to agree on what an Adventure Ride is it would be a miracle. Different expectations for different folks.
If all the players show up for this ride we are going to have bikes from all over the spectrum. Looks to be great fun.

[Iffykid]

Being a noob and never having done anything like this makes it an Adventure for me, At my age and lack of experience having to purchase and then pack tents, camping gear, food and water etc would push it past my comfort zone.

Guess others would argue staying at motels, eating in restaurants, and getting gas at a gas station or having a chase vehicle make it less of a adventure but those guys probably wont be showing up.

Jack thank you for allowing us to share your Adventure.

[wbbnm]

(03-19-2017 06:25 PM)LSGiant Wrote:  WBBN I hope you did not take offense none was intended.

I guess I consider a chase vehicle something as something that is there for serious emergencies. Not something to have fuel for mid day stops and carry my stuff from point to point. My interpretation of an Adventure Ride is me being responsible for myself from beginning of ride to end. But that is just me and that is the expectation I put on myself. But goodness knows if you can get two people to agree on what an Adventure Ride is it would be a miracle. Different expectations for different folks.
If all the players show up for this ride we are going to have bikes from all over the spectrum. Looks to be great fun.

Certainly none taken. We all have slightly different ideas on what is the most fun. I absolutely love the 690. I completely agree about what an adventure ride is about. I have done several ~10 day rides on the 690 and am used to being self contained.

Maybe I don't understand the chase vehicle. I have never had this luxury on a ride. I did get the impression that we could throw some gear in there that we wouldn't need during the ride, like a change of clothes. I assume we will be responsible for carrying or buying enough gas for the day.

I guess the most important things is that everybody is on the same page as to what the plan is.

[Sleddog]

(03-20-2017 08:57 AM)wbbnm Wrote:  Maybe I don't understand the chase vehicle. I have never had this luxury on a ride. I did get the impression that we could throw some gear in there that we wouldn't need during the ride, like a change of clothes. I assume we will be responsible for carrying or buying enough gas for the day.

I guess the most important things is that everybody is on the same page as to what the plan is.

The chase vehicle will be available to carry your gear & will have extra fuel on board, however It won't be following any group along the trails. If there needs to be a mid day rendezvous to swap into cooler/dryer gear, that will be arranged. Keep in mind, the pickup does not have a topper. All the gear will be stowed in the uncovered bed. Duffel bags would be a good choice. The only place there may be a concern for fuel is on the second day, at Camp Crook. I'll make sure the vehicle is there with extra fuel if anyone needs it. There is a pretty good cafe there that we can rendezvous at.

Keep the questions & suggestions coming.

[Iffykid]

Skyline Motel in Hot Springs appears to be full, Anyone ever stay at Dollar Inn 1-866-279-5332 in Hot Springs $50 and 150ft from the Skyline Motel I booked here just for a confirmed roof have until the 9-13 to cancel.

Otherwise I am booked

[Streeter]

I have reservations at all the hotels for a room with two beds. Anyone want to share a room?

Paul Streeter

[Shooter]

I would room with you Streeter. PM me

[Nelsg]

got rooms reserved for all nights
the last night in Hot Springs the lady at the Skyline Motel said she was full so I booked just down the street at the Dollar Inn didnt look too bad and was available like a 1/4 mile down the street

[Iffykid]

(03-20-2017 05:12 PM)Streeter Wrote:  I have reservations at all the hotels for a room with two beds. Anyone want to share a room?

Paul Streeter

Gal at JC Stagestop said she was going to book me with you in one of their cabins and she would confirm with you, guessing she didn't contact you?

She said they are trying to consolidate bookings to make room for more people unless a private room is requested, I assumed this was the game plan so went with it.

[Streeter]

(03-20-2017 10:20 PM)Iffykid Wrote:  

(03-20-2017 05:12 PM)Streeter Wrote:  I have reservations at all the hotels for a room with two beds. Anyone want to share a room?

Paul Streeter

Gal at JC Stagestop said she was going to book me with you in one of their cabins and she would confirm with you, guessing she didn't contact you?

She said they are trying to consolidate bookings to make room for more people unless a private room is requested, I assumed this was the game plan so went with it.

The gal called me and left a message but didn't say who wanted to share. I didn't know who I was sharing with on the rest of the places either. I don't really care who I share with, work it out between you and Shooter.

Paul

[Owens]

Hi Sleddog & DakAL travellers,
For those who may not have soft bags yet, I see that Aerostich has the Ortlieb yellow waterproof saddle bags on sale for $172 with free shipping. I have used these bags for extended trips over many years and highly recommend them. As Aerostich ad reads, simplicity is often the best route to go. The infinitely adjustable broad velcro straps hold tight over the pillion part of your seat or the tail, and lower front straps keep em from flapping, along with a rear crossover strap. Aerostich says these will be the last of them.
Some of you may recall my 250L with the 5 gallon pails, yes those work good too, but they do elicit a snicker or two, as well as needing special built brackets. Looking forward to the Sept ride, seeing the old faces and meeting the new.
Dean.
(Pata de Perro.)