How does the ride navigation work?
This is a self-led GPS ride; all riding is on your own. You are responsible for your own riding. You will be given a GPS map file and instructions on how to use your Garmin GPS unit. People will hook up in small groups of less than 6 riders and tend to ride together. You are not encouraged to ride alone. You are responsible for your own riding and yourself.
(see my ride Navigation Video)
Are you right for this ride?
When something goes wrong on a ride, would your riding friends say that you are more likely to need help or more likely to give help? You should be in the more likely to offer help camp. This ride is filled with riders that are more likely to give help, so most of the time the riders never need help. Additionally there is all the normal stuff, come prepared to maintain your bike, fix your bike on the trail, repair flat tires, deal with bad weather and rain and make a joke or two.
How do I make the GPS stuff so easy?
I develop very high quality ride maps custom for our ride, they come from much of what I and others have ridden. I take the best from all my rides and make new ones.
(See my Custom Ride Maps Video)
Note from me, gpsKevin
My goal for this ride is simple, great riding, so you can count on great routes and places to ride.
But in addition: The ride is about discovering new places, meeting new friends, seeing new parts of the world.
Thanks
gpsKevin
FAQ's
Q:What will the weather be like this time of year?
A: In August, the weather is most often nice. That is why I go this time of the year. It could be a little cold in the morning and in the mountains. Sometimes there can be rain. Come prepared with extra gear for cold and wet. Also inland it can sometimes be hot. Come prepared, bring extra gear.
Q: Would this be a good ride for newer riders?
A: Yes, this ride is an easier scenic ride good for less experienced riders. The riding has easy route choices and tough route options. Each evening we will study the following day's choices. You will find lots of supportive people at the ride.
Q: If I truck my bike to the ride is there a place to leave my truck for the week during the ride?
A: Yes, I will be leaving my van at the Seatac long term parking during the 7 days. It is cheap and near the start.
Q: What are Motel room arrangements?
A: Rooms are double occupancy, meaning each rider shares a two queen bed room with another rider.
Q: What bikes are right for this ride?
A: Target bike for this ride was my Yamaha Super Tenere. Bikes including and in between the Suzuki Vstrom, the BMW 1200GS and the KTM990 all can do well by choosing the easy or hard route options.
Q: Will I do this ride again next year?
A: No, sorry I hardly ever repeat rides as I love to develop and discover new places and rides each season. And I have a long dream list of rides now. So this is likely the only time for this ride. Remember: Every time we say no to a ride that is one less ride in life
Q; What do I do if I don't have a garmin gps?
A: Buy one, you need it, we will show you how to use it. You can get a great one for under $200 bucks. ( See gpsKevin's gps recommendations)
Q: Do I need insurance?
A: Yes, you must carry proof of medical insurance and liability insurance for yourself/motorcycle.
Q: Is there a Support Truck following the ride?
A: No, the ride is unsupported. Riders need to come with a newer bike in good condition and well tuned up with new tires and plenty of tools to effect their own repairs along the trail. Riders need to ride conservatively with plenty of margin as to not hurt themselves.
Q: Is the riding really on my own?
A: Yes, but everyone hooks up and rides with a friend, or a new friend or me.