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Texas Adventure Ride - special edition, Nov 6-8, 2020

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Mechaniac said:
Hello I'm planning on attending this ride but it will be my first time in a group event like this and I need a few pointers on gear. The bike I got handled.

Hydration and nutrition, just a few emergency bottles and a couple energy bars or do I need to pack lunches and bring a gallon?

How necessary it GPS and is there a better brand? I know my cell phone screen is useless in the sun after 15 minutes or less so unless color screens work I'm thinking LCD.

Spare inner-tubes and tire irons and factory tools, anything else? I guess a compact air pump.

I got clothing, goggles, boots, etc. But sounds like sun block and lip balm may be a good idea. Anything else here?

I have a 2018 DR650 with good mods for trips like this. I don't have side bags though.
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A lot of this is personal preference.

When you mention hydration and nutrition, it makes me think you have a cycling background. Unlike cycling where you have to nail your hydration and nutrition to finish the ride, doing motorcycle rides are more akin to riding in a car. In November, I'm hoping that we won't be worrying about replenishing electrolytes that we sweat off, so just a bottle of water is probably fine. That's what I carry at least. On hot summer rides, I might carry some coconut water as well to replenish potassium. I usually bring some nuts or something with me as a snack, but rarely end up eating it as there are usually plenty of gas station stops.

I'm hoping to eat lunch in Camp Wood on Day 1. Not sure the lunch plan on Day 2 yet, depends if I ride or trailer in.

As far as tools, it depends on the bike, which is why I asked. I'd say the minimum is stuff to repair a flat. Whether that's tubes or patches is up to your preference. I like to carry a front tube (since it can work in front or back in a pinch) with me on my tubed bike just in case. And then carry the tools needed to get the wheels off. Not sure what tool kit comes with the DR650 or if it already has all of that or not. Might want to carry a tool to pull a spark plug in case it goes down in the water at a crossing. Zip ties and duct tape are always handy. Then an air pump of some sort. Can be manual bicycle pump, 3-4 CO2 cartridges with air chuck or an electric pump. I recently got this one for trips like this:


I also carry some sunscreen and carmex for long rides in the sun, but I usually have very little skin showing due to all the riding gear. All of that stuff fits in a tail bag for me. I have this one:


It's good to practice fixing a flat in the garage the first time. Doing on the side of the road for the first time is always tough. But on the upside, with a ride of this size, there will likely be people stopping that will be happy to help.

Fuel is another thing. Not sure how far the DR650 goes in stock form, but I believe gas stations on this ride might be 150 miles apart.

Everyone likes Garmin GPS devices. I've had issues with them and have moved away from them. I like using a dedicated cell phone with the RideWithGPS and Google Maps apps. Others say Tom Tom also works as well.
 
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Thanks Jarret. I'm still thinking of last Sunday I took the DR650 to which is about a hour away for me because my comfortable Magna is leaking fuel. It was hot! I'm 50 now and I'm not out of shape but I'm not an athlete either so I just wanted to be sure I'm ready. I thought it looked like a pit stop or lunch break at the store in the pictures. I can't trust my Cell Phone on the bikes, gets hot or fades, might just be mine.
 
@Mechaniac I am sure we will have people riding sweep to make sure everyone gets to where they are going. I tend to ride sweep on the street rides. But you wont NEED to stress about routes as there SHOULD be plenty of people to ride with that have the route. *Disclaimer I have nothing to do with the organization of this ride*
That being said I will likely ride sweep on this.
 
Update: There will be 2 clinics at this year's TAR

Bob Lindner will be running his Mad Scientist tire changing academy Friday evening in the parking lot of the Best Western. The #1 mechanical problem you will have during a dual sport adventure ride is flat tires. If you've never gotten a flat tire, you are due. Are you prepared to change a flat tire, in the middle of nowhere, by yourself? Do you have the necessary tools? If you aren't sure, then this is the clinic for you. Don't miss Bob's world famous Mad Scientist tire repair clinic on Friday night.

The Black Magic that is Suspension Tuning: What is pre-load and why is it important? How do you set it? What do those clickers on your front forks do? These and other vital suspension questions will be answered by Alex from Konflict Motorsports during his suspension clinic in the Best Western parking lot on Saturday evening.
 
Looking forward to both clinics.
Thanks again for organizing this Richard.
 
Many questions regarding gps and tracks. Even though I have a Garmin Zumo, I always use GAIA Gps app and download the track into that. Works very well and is user friendly for me. If you don’t have a GPS and not ready to buy, try GAIA out. I can help anyone that is struggling with it.
 
If any of the guys/gals camping feels like having a warm bath at the end of the day I would be happy to let you in my room to let you shower. I camped lot of times before and I know after a day of lot of activity you kinda miss a nice bath .


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enrique60033 said:
If any of the guys/gals camping feels like having a warm bath at the end of the day I would be happy to let you in my room to let you shower. I camped lot of times before and I know after a day of lot of activity you kinda miss a nice bath .


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You have bubbles too?
 
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