The decision to push south out of Challis was a good one. Just as we crest over Corral Creek Summit, there is an overlook I want to show the guys. From this vantage point you can fully see the valley from the North from where we came and the thunderstorms we have conveniently avoided. Across the valley we are looking at the Pasimeroi Mountains of the Lemhi Range.
North
South
The welcome blue skies to the south. We load up and point our bikes towards the blue like it’s our north star.
The run into the basin via Burma Road is a fun one … the road is smooth with lots of flow where you can simply stand on the pegs and guide the bike with minor weight shifts. Once off the Burma Road you’ll run up to the Copper Basin Guard Station. From there will be the start of the Copper Basin Loop Rd, a fast-riding strip across high desert with six bikes leaving behind dusty con trails.
Copper Basin
Once in the basin we have a few choices on where we want to end up. Being Sunday, most of the weekend traffic has already cleared out.
We circumnavigate the basin ultimately landing at the developed campground located at the apex of the loop. We roll through the campground to find it completely empty. Tables to spread out our gear, bathrooms and a stream for the guys to fish …. sold.
We setup camp and settle in for night three.
I’ve been using a new water filter this trip … it’s a water bottle style from a company called Grayl. This filter is a unique concept where the bottle separates into two parts. You pull out the filter assembly from the top and fill the bottom by simply dipping into the water source. To filter you press the upper section back on and press it down like a coffee press. I’ve found this system to be very convenient, and I’ve always got a full water bottle in camp.
Everyone spreads out selecting their own camp spot, completing camp chores and hitting the creek for some fishing. Our pace thus far has been great. We haven’t been forced to early rise due to having to log miles. We’ve been able to keep our riding to about 5 hrs a day putting us in camp between 3-5pm. This pace has allowed us to enjoy other aspects of our trip and surroundings, more so than just riding motorcycles, a great balance making the trip much more relaxed and enjoyable.
We conclude the evening with more stories and drink around the campfire.
Our night 2 camp was along Yankee Fork Creek smack in between the Yankee Fork Dredge and the Custer Ghost Town. Part of what had caught my eye as we were riding by this spot was the possible fishing water behind camp. This ended up being a great little spot as Jeremy was the first to land a nice Idaho Trout.
Thunderstorms had rolled through earlier in the day leaving a damp layer over the camp. This provided a safe setting to get a campfire going. Nothing much better than preparing dinner at the end of the day next to a warm campfire! Chit chat and banter proceeded for the next few hours until the pull of the sleeping bag was simply too strong.
My shelter of choice on this trip is a 2 person REI Quarter Dome. The Quarter Dome is a lightweight Sil-Nylon tent and fly designed specifically for the backpacking space. After all that is basically what we do … backpack from adventure motorcycles. Our performance needs are similar in that we need lightweight and compactable gear that will still perform in adverse conditions. As a changing and entry mat I use my OBR Flat Mat. While the Flat Mat is intended for making a trail side repair workspace, I find it also doubles nicely for a changing pad or entry mat for your tent.
Made in the USA
The humidity was a bit higher the second night due to the previous day’s intermittent rain showers. This made for a slightly cooler night’s sleep with all of us waking up to dew-soaked tents and gear. Luckily, we awoke to clear skies and a rising sun. We all promptly started to layout our damp gear for the sun to start the drying process.
With coffee again consumed, our gear finally dry and bikes packed we all started to individually depart camp minutes apart of one another with the plan to meet at the Custer Ghost Town. However, when I went to start my bike to warm up, I was greeted with that familiar click-click sound. Our modern motorcycles are sensitive to voltage, and my battery has just given me a sign of weakness. My level of concern is at a zero other than I’m annoyed that I need to now remove my dry duffel to access my battery with a starter pack I always carry. Connecting my starter pack I again press the start button…click-click … After inspecting I soon realize that the starter pack is inconveniently malfunctioning … concern meter is now slightly elevated. Maybe to a 3.
Luckily Brent was still in camp and shortly thereafter Toby rolls back in with his starter pack. A quick swap of the starter pack and my bike started right up. Crisis adverted and we all re-group down the road in Custer.
Custer
Bike warmed up
Sean, Jeremy and Brent … at the Empire Saloon. Toby and Todd were taking the tour.
I’ve been through Custer a few times already, so we allow time for those in the group who want to mill around. 30-40 minutes later we have the bikes fired and we are now heading down the Custer Motorway towards Challis.
The Custer Motorway is a fun single lane track that stretches about 35 miles between Custer and Challis. The road runs through meadows, along creeks, past old stage stops and over a summit.
The Old Mill and Cemetary
The Motorway
Intermittently along the Motorway there are marked locations of old stage stops. The stage stops would have allow stop over points for distant past travelers. Ironic that what now takes us only a few hours, was previously travelled in a couple of days. The Motorway was also one of the early toll roads exacting their fee for the passage of labor and supplies.
Eleven Mile Barn
Keeping it tight
Once reaching the eastern terminus we cross Corkscrew Grade … then make a decent into Challis where we will fuel the bikes, grab some lunch and buy some refreshments for when we find camp.
During lunch I suggest an alternate to our original plan. Originally, we were going to head north into Montana and take the Magruder across to Elk City. Review of the weather radar is showing the possibility of moderate to heavy thunderstorms … not to mention there is little opportunity for fishing.
So, we head south … along Hwy 93 skirting the Lost River Range. We’ll connect with the Burma Road and ride that up over into Copper Basin where it is typically dryer and has a couple of creek options to wet a line.
Burma Road, climbing out of the valley
Viewpoint, North from where we came and then South
I believe this decision to be a good one … we were able to stay just to the south of the pending thunderstorms and Copper Basin did prove to be a few degrees warmer and much dryer.
My OBR ADV Gear Explorer Saddlebag System so far has performed flawlessly. The Holster keeps the systems 30l Dry Bags pulled in and tight. I’m currently running pannier racks from Tusk and using the Tusk Mounting Brackets. The Dry Bags have kept ALL dust and water at bay and so far, have proven to be very quick and easy to unpack and repack. The Explorer Dry Bags are designed to simply pull away from the Holster. This is a very convenient feature should you want to toss one of your dry bags into your tent or vestibule without detaching the entire system from the bike… I however chose to leave the Dry Bag on the bike and just tucked down the top lip before turning in to protect from any nighttime rain.
With the overlook being at the summit we push on over the other side and into the basin.
After a good night’s rest, we awoke to the crisp morning air that signifies the start of a fresh new day. With coffee on the mind, we all started to emerge from our tents and hammocks.
The previous days route up over James Creek was a bit dusty and busier than expected with the weekend traffic rolling in, and at the end of the day it just wasn’t that enjoyable. With coffee in hand, we discussed options for day 2. Originally, we were routed to stick to the IDBDR and run up over Clear Creek Summit out of Lowman, but I offered an alternate to run out Edna Creek to Hwy 21 and ride some fun twists and curves to Lowman, possibly bypassing Clear Creek all together and head straight for Stanley. This would put us closer to the Custer Motorway, which was our planned overnight for our second nights camp.
Coffee readily consumed and the bikes packed we headed down the Middle Fork Road. This section actually was quite enjoyable. The air was crisp and renewed, the bikes were running well and the excitement of what lay ahead was setting in. First objective is a gravel run out to Edna Crk/Hwy 21 where we will regroup.
28 miles
The group spaces out in order to let the dust clear which is a reality of most backroads mid-summer. We utilize a process where the first rider at an intersection stops and waits for the next. This process proceeds through the group until the final sweep rider. This process also enables everyone to confirm the rider behind them and to ride at their own pace so to also enjoy clean air.
Edna Creek/Hwy 21
As we all re-group the day temps are starting increase. We finalize our plan at this point to go ahead and take Hwy 21 into Stanley. Stanley is a “boujee” little mountain town nestled along the base of the Sawtooth Mountain’s. Fire has drastically impacted the valley the last couple of years, but its beauty is relatively untarnished as confirmed by the busy summer crowds. Stanley will be our next fuel and lunch stop.
Before we head out I jump down to the creek in order to get my jersey wetted down. Right about that time I hear Jeremy say “Crap, my bike just fell over” … well, it wasn’t just his bike. As the story goes our sweep rider and buddy Toby moved his 950 over into the shade. As he walked away his 950 decided to play bike domino’s by falling into mine, which then mine took out Jeremy’s.
Bike domino’s
Toby was banned from parking anywhere near the group for the remainder of the trip! … J/K. However, this did seem to start a chain of events where Brents helmet decided to roll from his bike, down the embankment and into the creek before starting to float away. Brent quick on his feet retrieved his fully soaked helmet. We decided to promptly hit the road before any more calamities could occur.
We made good time up Hwy 21 … the section from Edna Creek to Lowman is about as much fun that you can have on pavement and in my opinion, everyone riding the IDBDR should hit this section. From Lowman we hit cruise control riding up the South Fork of the Payette, over Banner Summit and into Stanley.
Burgers fuel us for the final days stretch into the Custer Motorway. We jump on Hwy 75 connecting Stanley to Sunbeam, another great twisty section. From there we peel off, find ourselves back on dirt and head up the Yankee Fork.
Notice Toby parking away from the pack … yep, banned!
Yankee Fork Dredge
Dredges, while leaving a large impact on the landscape were engineering marvels of their day. How something so large could be constructed in place and to move so much material is amazing. The fact that this one has been preserved for those to tour is a testament to the dedicated volunteers who keep it intact and from mother nature (and/or vandals) from dissembling it. It also leaves as a reminder that it was in fact these operations and the miners from back in history that again created the routes that we are able to ride and explorer today.
After spending about an hour at the dredge we jump back on the road with the intent to hit the Custer ghost town, but no less than a half mile down the road a great camp spot pops into view … and vacant. We consider this a lucky omen for a Saturday and grab the spot.
The evening winds down with friendly neighbors, fishing and a spot of Whiskey!
While visiting with a friend Toby, at the 25′ Touratech Rally I was invited on a trip that he was putting together for some of his buddies in Seattle. The idea was for them to come over and experience part of Idaho on their motorcycles. With an expectation of true adventure motorcycling, finding camps along the route that would also allow for some fishing and more importantly, experiencing some of the vast Idaho backcountry speckled with the mining history that is responsible for some of the routes that we so enjoy today. Toby asked if I could help with suggesting a loop …. my reply of course, absolutely!
The launch date was set for the end of July … this gave us a few short weeks to get our bikes prepped and set a route that would hopefully exceed everyone’s expectations. A few texts were sent back and forth, some containing .gpx route files, we set a final coffee meet to go over and finalize our planned route. Now, do keep in mind that no route is ever etched in stone … routes are always loose suggestions and very often will morph to best accommodate the rhythm of the trip, conditions and the overall mood of the group.
As the launch date neared, I was planning how I wanted to set up my bike for this trip. I would be riding my 2019 KTM 1090, a bike that has proven comfortable and reliable (per KTM standards). I would be running a full complement of OBR ADV Gear luggage, but plan on packing a bit differently for this trip. Normally I would pack my tent, chair and small table in a dry duffel that rides over the rear of the saddle. This trip I intended to pack food and clothing in the OBR 35l Dry Duffel and move the tent down to one of my Explorer Pannier Dry Bags. My intention was to have my tent share space with other parts of my kit like the chair, table, cook kit, etc that were not critical in the event they became wet. Thunderstorms are thing mid to late Summer. I had a separate stuff sack for my rain fly that would isolate the fly should it become dew or rain soaked but still would not affect the other kit stowed in that particular pannier. My sleeping system would reside in the opposite side so that it would always remain dry.
As usual the packing process took about three times as long as expected, but everything was packed and ready for an 8am departure the following morning. I am packing a gallon of water and fuel in a Rotopax. Neither would be used during the trip as we found water each night and fuel stops were all well within range. Better safe than sorry I guess …
Ready for battle!
8am came around quick … before I knew it, I was headed out of the garage with the plan to meet the group over on the east end of Boise. Our plan was to jump onto Blacks Creek Rd and work our way through Prairie, along the South Fork of the Boise River, along Anderson Ranch (Intersecting the IDBDR), Pine/Featherville and then over James Creek up and over to the Middle Fork of the Boise.
I connected with the guys over on the east end meeting for the first time Jeremy, Todd, Sean and Brent. Toby of course was leading them all in. Jeremy and Sean, I had met over at Touratech, but this will be our first on bikes.
The roads are your typical Idaho dry slick … that’s usually a layer of decomposed granite over hardpack with a few spots of sand thrown in. You need to make sure that your bike is properly balanced and be comfortable with the bike drifting a bit. Drifting is good as that is predictable. Tucking and washing not so much. We had one rider go down in a sandy section, but luckily, he was good to go with only a few scrapes on his bike and a small ding to his ego. Happens to the best of us. It usually takes a day for everyone to settle into their pace, find the right tire pressure and suspension settings. This trip will be no different.
ADV fingerprints
We made our way up through Prairie and down along the South Fork of the Boise. The rising temps warranted a quick stop at the river for a break and to wet down our riding gear for the expected warm stretch into Pine.
Pine would be our first fuel stop … probably not needed but never violate the golden rule of never passing by a fuel stop. Along with fuel, we stopped for a great lunch at a restaurant right next to the gas stop. (Make note if your ever in Pine)
Bikes and bodies fueled we continued up the road to Featherville. From Featherville we would turn north up to Rocky Bar. Rocky Bar is an old mining ghost town that over time has lost some it’s structures but not its charm. You used to be able to wander around the site, but it is now privately owned and pretty locked down. Still interesting none the less.
Rocky Bar
Headed up James Creek
James Creek is a primitive two track that runs up over the pass and down into the Middle Fork drainage popping out just below the small townsite of Atlanta.
“James Creek Road is a historic access route in Idaho, primarily connecting the mining towns of Featherville, Rocky Bar, and Atlanta. It was constructed as a way to supply the mining communities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The road follows the historic route of freighters and mule skinners, providing access to the rugged Sawtooth Mountain area and featuring a monument at James Creek Summit commemorating these early pioneers, such as Peg Leg Annie.”
A small waterfall along the way, Elk Creek I believe … yep, a bit dusty
The summit, looking over to the southern tip of the Sawtooth Mountains
… and the Middle Fork of the Boise River below
With day one drawing to a close … fatigue is setting in and the idea of camp is foremost in our minds. We found a nice camp in the small Queens River Campground just a short distance down the road. We settled in, got cleaned up and relaxed for the remainder of day one.
