Updated with ride details.
I've ridden most of the Southern sections of the route. IF it is dry, the sand can be a real challenge, even on a 650 sized bike. I actually have a GPX track from a ride in that area that I call the Sandblaster ride. It is a lot of fun...if you like sand This time of year though, it is likely NOT going to be real dry and loose. We just don't tend to get that much time between rain nor the hot days needed to dry it out. So it should be really nice. I did the ride with Ian last weekend that ran out to Groveton. I was two up on my 1200 GS and the sand was a non-issue. Some of the roads were a bit rough because of ruts and pot holes formed when they were wet, but that was pretty much a non-issue as well. The stretch between Lovelady and Pennington has some great sand.
I don't know that I will be able to do the entire loop and stay overnight. I may have to just ride out Friday morning and come back home that evening. That would let me do a good chunk of the Southern portion of the route with the group. I'd probably be on my GS again and maybe two up as well. If anyone else is in the same boat as me for timing, I'd be happy to lead a group out from Huntsville Friday morning. We could meet up with the group near Austonio then run the route until it crosses 21. From there we could bail and head back on the highways (and maybe more back roads) to Huntsville.
Yes, well be heading west and then south and around to the east. I'm planing on getting things rolling around 0900.Ian,
On Day one, are you guys heading SW out of Crockett? I was thinking, I'd run the route backward until I met up with the group, perhaps where the route crosses FM 230. OF course, if you guys start riding at the crack of dawn...
Yes, well be heading west and then south and around to the east. I'm planing on getting things rolling around 0900.
Planning on joining us at the start point or meeting up along the way?PERFECT!
I actually hadn't thought about that at all. Guess I've been out of the state park camping thing too long! I'll look in the morning and see if I can get a spot.How are we handling the reservation for the campground? Has a spot or 2 already been reserved or do we need to individually call to reserve?
I'll let you know as the time gets here!
The campsite will be fine. Park offices typically close at 5pm, so if we get there later than that they can't say anything til it's too late the next morning! Glad you're coming. The forecast is looking great for this!Sounds like the camping spot might be pushing the limit.. But think I'll try to make it down for this. In for Camping!