For me, this trip started in Sevierville, TN. My wife and I live full time in an RV, and were staying with some friends there for a few weeks. As part of the prep for the UTBDR, I went tubeless. Partially; just on the rear wheel for now, because I only needed a new rear tire, so that's the only wheel that came off the bike. (I'm not about that changing tires life on dirt bikes unless I have to; 2 BDRs on a 17 year old front tire on my KLX400 to prove this. Plenty of tread left, and it survived with no issues and not one drop on either BDR)
So anyway, back to the tubeless. I followed the thread on advrider, using 3M 4411 tape and 5200 sealant. (
https://advrider.com/f/threads/3m-4411n-sealing-tape-tubeless-conversion.1147330/)
To get closer to Utah, and for other reasons, we then moved to Troy, MO. Staying with a work associate of my wife, on their 6 acres of rural countryside property. More bike prep. After many years of research and saving my pennies for the right moment, I put together an ultra-lightweight camping gear kit. Ground sheet, tent, air mattress, sleeping bag, chair, mess kit, and silverware, all together right around 8lb. (hit me up if you want the list of stuff). I had to make my own poles for the tent, and they stand up inside some pockets in the tent material. (they suggest you use your trekking poles for this, which I don't have) So I improvised with material from the tire I took off the rear of the bike.
Those knobs have been over Black Bear Pass (twice) so they are thoroughly road tested. Camp testing TBD.
More gear prep - washing. (This turned out to be of little value; after day 1 the gear looked the same again)
Getting my bike ready:
I ended up using my Tusk dry bag instead of the Mosko 22L top bag. It's a lot more versatile and easier to get into on the trail. I added the Tusk tank panniers for some easy-access storage. Mostly tools.
BTW, Gina identified this bike as a 690 earlier in this thread - it's a 500 exc-f.
Loaded and ready to roll:
Yes, that ramp was made on the spot. It was replaced on this trip with an assist from JT (Thanks, JT) But it did work. Mostly. (bike loading fail video guys missed a great opportunity. nuf said)