Dual Sport – Obrianmcc Adventures

Clockwise Idaho, as seen from an adventure motorcycle, part 4 Copper Basin

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.

Clockwise Idaho, as seen from an adventure motorcycle, part 3 Custer Motorway

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.

OBR ADV Gear Explorer System holding tight

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.

Clockwise Idaho, as seen from an adventure motorcycle, part 2 – Yankee Fork

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!

East to West

“Travel is not really about leaving our homes, but leaving our habits.”

– Pico Iyer

As every Summer starts to take hold, longer days start offering up extended hrs to ride whilst teasing us with seasonally pleasant weather…. or at least my mind starts to wander on potential directions that I can point my front tire. In this particular case my minds wandering was made easy by a text received by my friend Sean. Sean and a group were planning a loop around the central portion of our state (Idaho) in a few short weeks, to depart the first weekend of August. Sean and the group graciously made room for one more and extended me an invite, which I graciously excepted. The Summer heat would most likely be settling in by that time, but our route was planned to take us over some elevation and hopefully offer a reprieve to the expected valley temps.

The planned group would consist of Sean and his wife Kris riding two up on their KTM 1190, Jack and his wife Carol riding two up on their KTM 790, Steve on his KTM 1190, Larry on his KTM 1090, Brian on his 1k V-Strom (to keep the KTM’s in line), and myself also on a 1090. (Circumstances at the final hour would unfortunately have Sean and Kris have to step back from the trip, but I’m equally sure they are motivated to complete the planned loop at the next opportunity)

With the group now minus two, the rest of us maintained the original plan to meet bright and early on a cool Friday morning at a fuel stop just outside of Boise heading north. With expected daytime highs to be creeping close to triple digits we were excited to get the air flowing and town distant in our rear view mirrors. We would warm up the tires on a few miles of Hwy 55 into Horseshoe Bend where we would meet up with Larry, who was riding down from the McCall/Donnelly area on his 1090.

Friday morning … the 1090 and OBR ADV Gear bags loaded and ready!

Our first planned exit off the pavement would be onto FR 307 (Harris Creek Road). Each of us spacing out appropriately to avoid each others dust as we proceeded east over Harris Creek Summit meeting up at the junction of Placerville Road and then proceeding to New Centerville. Placerville Road is a 6-8 mile paved section that is connected by dirt on either end and is always a nice reprieve from the dust as it runs parallel alongside Granite Creek.

Arriving in New Centerville we turn the bikes north on FR 382 (Grimes Pass Rd). This portion of road is a multi layer of loose rock and sections of sand requiring us to kick up the pace through Placerville only stopping at the base of Grimes Pass. Our spacing being well maintained and controlled by the residual dust that lingers in the air as a signal to throttle back slightly. This “ying and yang” proves effective in guaranteeing each an appreciable level of clean air as we ride through soil that is otherwise devoid of moisture.

A quick trail break at the intersection of Grimes Pass Rd and Summit Road (FR 397) reveals the Jack and Carrol are experiencing a rear brake gremlin on their 790. The brake seemed to to have pressure at the pedal, but no reaction at the caliper. Tool kits came out and wrenches put into action, but with no resolve. It was decided that Jack and Carrol would loop back into Boise to see if they can get the issue resolved whereas they can meet back up with us at Challis Hot Springs, our intended destination for night one.

The group now minus another two (temporarily), we turn east and head up Summit Rd towards Pilot Peak. I didn’t know what to expect in this section as the 200k acre Pioneer Fire of 2016 had extensively burned this area. However I was pleasantly surprised to find this section of road otherwise unaffected by the fire. The road narrowed and the surface cleaned up making the next few files a complete pleasure. The elevation increased and the dust seemed to decrease as we carved our way up through the trees and towards Pilot Peak.

A few in our group had not visited Pilot Peak in the dry months (Pilot Peak is a popular Winter destination by Snowmobile and back country skiers), so we diverted the 1 mile extension to the top.

Pilot Peak is an old decommissioned fire lookout that sits at approx 8128 ft and has long since been reassigned as a communications platform. Views still note worthy on reasonably clear days.

A few hrs on the clock and our second stop for the day we remount and head down the hill towards Moores Creek Summit where we will again reconnect with the pavement and ride the twisty Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, a notable section as referred by Butler Maps, to our next stop at the Sourdough Lodge along Hwy 21 for food and fuel. This section of pavement is always a treat as it allows us to scrub the tires and blow some of the dust off the bikes.

… to be continued

Farewell to the tried and true …. pt 3

Turning North onto Rd 563 starts by quickly passing through a thick sweeping corridor of trees before opening up for a spirited run to the Landmark/Stanley Rd. You need to keep on your toes as the line of sight through this section is obscured to any oncoming traffic. 563 is typically in good condition other than the typical Summer dust.

The 579 Landmark/Stanley Rd is a fast dirt freeway that runs East/West spanning Hwy 21 to just north of Deadwood Reservoir. From there the road veers north passing by the old Deadwood City Mine and eventually over 6800′ Deadwood Summit.

Cresting Deadwood Summit the road will finally deliver you into Landmark, consisting of not much more than an air strip and USFS work station. The IBDR will continue north along Johnson Creek into Yellow Pine, but for this unsavory bunch we will head west past Warm Lake and into Cascade.

However, what is a trip without a little drama. Stopping at the pass this side of Warm Lake we discover that John E has graciously picked up a construction screw in the 690. Luckily between the three of us we had all of the required implements to make speedy work of changing his tube. In these situations this is where I do prefer a tubeless system as we would have been on our way in a fraction of the time by using a plug. but today tubes ruled the day and we prevailed.

Once over the pass the road starts to wind it’s way down into Warm Lake. With the day running long we speed past with Cascade in our sights some 26 miles further down the road. Fuel and snacks will greet us before we start our final run home south down Hwy 55 back into Boise.

Today was a fitting send off to the DRZ. After 13 trouble free years of ownership it’s hard to let her go, but sticking with the mantra of always wanting to see whats around the next corner our adventures will continue on the new 1090. Farewell trusty DRZ …

-Pre-flight, Prior trip over Elk Summit

For more info on the luggage I use visit www.obradvgear.com

Farewell to the tried and true …. pt 2

After the acquisition of the new 1090 I felt it was due to get the DRZ out for one final ride before sending off to a fresh new owner …. and timing would have it that an email was received from John E and his might 690 putting together a loop also with Mike S on his 500.

A meet up time was decided for us to connect on the east side of Boise for a run up Hwy 21, along the Ponderosa Scenic Byway through the historic Idaho city to Lowman.

Hwy 21 runs North East out of Boise following the Moores Creek drainage, over Moores Summit, and Beaver Summit before dropping into Lowman. This particular stretch rates high in my book due to the “high curve count” per mile. Super fun and rated a G2 and G3 on the Butler Motorcycle Map.

A twisty two lane path of pavement wraps around the geographic curves of the Boise Mountains and in some sections through the impact of the 2016 Pioneer Fire. The Pioneer Fire today still resides under speculation of arm chair criticism that early decisions allowing the fire to burn as being beneficial to the landscape until it ultimately burned out of control and over 200,000 acres. Still scenic non the less.

Cresting Beaver Creek Summit we then drop into Lowman. Out of Lowman we follow Bear Valley Road (582) north over Clear Creek Summit. This section being part of the IBDR. We will follow the IBDR to Landmark where we will peel off and head into Cascade Idaho for fuel.

Bear Valley Road is well maintained with a semi loose gravel surface. The road flows nicely along Clear Creek before veering off and climbing over Clear Creek Summit. Once dropping into Bear Valley the views open up with the road now skirting along the meadows edge. We only pass through the first portion of the meadow before we turn off and head north on 563 towards the Landmark/Stanley Rd and ultimately Warm Lake and Cascade.

-Prior 2014 trip into Bear Valley

Left onto 563, and to be continued ….

Farewell to the tried and true …. pt 1

“Plunge boldly into the thick of life, and seize it where you will, it is always interesting.”

– Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

My Suzuki DRZ 400E, purchased new in 2006, has by far been the best bike I’ve ever owned. It has taken me far and wide, always getting me home. In 13 yrs I have not had a single mechanical breakdown. The motor runs just as strong today as they day it was purchased with the motor only opened up for routine valve checks, which again have remained consistent.

Some will criticize the spec of the DRZ stating lack of power or excessive weight, but I’ll counter that criticism by stating that the DRZ “E” is a trail bike pushing out HP in the high 40’s and dry weight within the range of most bikes in it’s class (I will admit it carries the weight a bit high).

The DRZ suspension in stock trim is valved a bit soft, but nothing that can’t be tailored to your needs. I’ve ridden the DRZ in the desert, in the woods, on tight single track, on forest roads, and highways. The only area I would say the DRZ struggled was in the desert sand whoops. However, the weight balance of the DRZ always inspired confidence in the sense of stability. The DRZ is a very predictable bike in its straight line tracking making it a very easy bike to ride.

At the end of the day I would agree that the DRZ is not a master in any one specific area, but a jack of all trades. Either way the DRZ has proven to be a staple of reliability, which always rings high in my order of importance.

Even with all the prior praises the day has finally come that I start to consider a replacement for the trusted DRZ. Two years ago I sold a Yamaha Super Tenere’. My relationship with the Yamaha was five years long and the S10 always scratched my ADV itch when extended road mileage was in the plan. Selling the S10 created a void … I was again getting the urge for a bike that would still carve up the forest roads, but would also be well suited for extended mileage riding two up with luggage. My mind started to wander considering the available mid -point platforms spec’d with a 21/18 wheel set up. Three bikes populated my list as the Honda AT, BMW 850, and KTM’s 1090.

At the end of some long deliberation I decided to replace the Z with a KTM 1090. Best choice … IDK? … time will tell. Off the show room floor I was impressed with the fit and finish of the mid sized KTM. On the road the “Katoom” screams. Handling is a bit dirt bike’ish with the 21/18, however it handles well off the pavement, and equally as well when two up and/or with luggage. So far it checks the boxes. If it proves to be reliable we’ll have a long and wondrous relationship.

….. to be continued

Winds over Pinyon – Part 9

Now that we are back on the Bear Valley/Landmark-Stanley Rd … we will backtrack a bit back through the expansive Bruce Meadows and then along the north side paralleling Elk Creek.

Stopping at the airstrip ….

We cross over the Bear Valley bridge and continue on to the Elk Creek Work Center. The dust is wanting to linger, so we spread out enough to allow the air to clear.

WE kick it up along Rd 579 turning south on Rd 571 over Deer Creek Pass …. This particular section of Rd 571 was one of my favorites … it had great flow, little dust, and spectacular views over Deadwood Reservoir.

Rd 571 eventually connects with the shore of Deadwood Reservoir … and then the dam itself. Built back in 1929, the concrete arched dam holds back approx. 3200 acres of irrigation water.

Poseur Shot- OBR ADV Gear 38l Adventure Saddlebags doing their job!

Gangway-

Puddle-

Release-

The Deadwood river flows south for approx. 20 miles before its confluence with the South Fork of the Payette near Lowman ID.

Right below the spill way there is a nice singletrack that also runs back to the South Fork of the Payette via Deadwood Ridge … the last time I rode this section of trail was with my friend Jason on an out and back day loop from Boise.

Here is Jason’s posting of the day ….

We stop at the dam for a quick break… we all comment to the fact that it is starting to get warm. 20 miles to the pavement.

Quick stop along the top of Scott Mountain … notice fuel is getting low!

Dropping into the furnace- Could be worse … it could be August! Banks/Lowman Road is below.

We make our way into Garden Valley … on fumes. Total mileage from Stanley/Loon Creek/Garden Valley was 165 miles … I should have 10 miles to spare … maybe? This is the first time I’ve rolled into a gas stop with literally a splash of gas left in the tank.

We fuel up and then head up over Alder Creek Summit where John E is waiting for us.

Placerville-

We continue through Placerville and then over to the Boise Ridge Road.

We make our final stop at the Bogus Basin Ski area …. the day is long, so from hear we will split up and make our individual runs for home.

This trip was a bit shorter then expected, but none the less just as fun. Adventure is what you make of it regardless if it is a weekend, a week, or a month. Being out in the wide open with friends recharges the spirit and creates stories that will last a lifetime… go find your adventure!

Winds over Pinyon – Part 8

At the point where the Pinyon Peak Loop Road starts its drop down into the Beaver Creek drainage … there is one more site of interest… that of the old Feltham Peak Lookout. A side track climbs for approx. a 1/4 of a mile to the old lookout site.

The lookout is since long gone, but the piling blocks still remain confirming the site location. Removed back in the 1960’s, presumably replaced by the current and higher Pinyon Peak Lookout. I have this adversion to lookout attendants. So many these days are grumpy and seem to not want to be bothered, understandable … I guess, so I prefer to visit the sites before and after the season so that I can mill around and enjoy the view on my terms … with no remaining structure Feltham qualifies as a mid season exception.

Feltham specs-

Clockwise pano …. Pinyon Peak at center

This last photo is of the Beaver Creek drainage that we are now headed down ….

The area is heavily burned from the Halstead Fire, but still pleasant to ride through …. the Lodge Pole Pine is pretty small in diameter, easy enough to hop with a bike, but if in a truck… I would carry a saw.

The Beaver Creek/Pinyon Peak Loop Road (172) eventually connects to the Seafoam/Vanity Summit Road (008)…

5th gear-

We’re making good time when we roll up on a logging operation that was just finishing up loading a truck …. only delayed a few minutes.

Hwy 21-

A quick blast down Hwy 21 puts us back onto the Bear Valley – Landmark/Stanley Rd (198)

Our next destination is Deadwood Reservoir. We will pass along the North side of Bear Valley following Elk Creek.

To be continued ….

Winds over Pinyon – Part 7

The road continues with a final few gradual switchbacks before cresting the ridge ….. The ridgeline is right above the tree line leaving little protection from the wind. My guess is that the wind blows pretty much non stop as the few trees that are around have that permanent lean.

Final turn-

We stop at the saddle right below the peak and walk out a short distance to a open knoll with full 360 deg views.

View starting south and panning north ….

Pics or it didn’t happen-

We remount and continue up the road to the lookout cutoff…

We contemplate making the run to the top, but with hazy conditions and the lookout still manned, we decide to forego the summit for another trip. I visited this lookout a couple of years back on a crystal clear day and the views are amazing! …. Pinyon is one of those “have to do at least once per year” rides.

Pics from my previous visit ….

That day I was stop just before the saddle ….

Pinyon Peak Fun Facts

Pinyon Peak Specs

We are still about 20 miles out from our reconnection to Hwy 21, so we push on. The Pinyon Peak Loop Road runs along the ridgeline for approx. 7-8 miles before dropping into the Beaver Creek drainage.

Shelf road-

Kidney Lake-

To be continued ….

Winds over Pinyon – Part 6

As dawn draws near the valley darkness starts to fade with the sun making it’s presence known just beyond the eastern ridge. Rested, we emerge from our tents with breakfast and coffee as our main priority.

Breakdown and packing ensues as we all know that we have a full day of riding ahead of us just to make it back home …

From our camp spot, we will be connecting Rd 172, Pinyon Peak Loop Rd, up out of the Loon Creek drainage.

The road climbs steadily exposing the surrounding topography …. high ridges in front of us and river drainages just off the exposed side …. definitely gods country!

The road climbs up towards a sort of dog leg where it veers south towards the peak. At that point we pass the old Packer John Mine. Curiosity demands that we stop for a quick look.

Buildings of past times ….

Mess Hall-

Rec Hall-

Main Office-

John V enjoying some morning sun-

Relic-

Right about that time two guys emerged from the backside of the claim … they confirmed that they were of the original family that owned the claim …. and that we were indeed trespassing! … “Time to post some new signs, eh”

Friendly enough they chatted briefly about history of the area. Respecting their space we geared back up and proceeded up the road.

Pinyon Peak-

We enter the burn area left behind by the Halstead Fire from a handful of years back. This fire burned fast and hot consuming a large swath of acreage. I feel unfortunate to not have seen this country before the burn.

Never know what one might find alongside the road-

We continue our push towards the ridge and closer to the peak ….

To be continued….

Winds over Pinyon – Part 5

As we point our bikes up Rd 172 the track starts to narrow and the trees begin to close in, indicative of a more primitive road. We approach the first minor switchback where the road begins to start it’s climb up towards Loon Creek Summit, we take notice of a fairly large primitive camp spot down off the road. This is the first “Non-Campground” spot we have determined worthy of inspection. The spot is spacious and otherwise not too bad, but a fair hike from water … we ride on.

The road begins to climb and wind around switchbacks making it obvious that we are gaining elevation quickly. Right before the final turn at the top we stop and take notice of the drainage we just road up as with the now quiet Sunbeam Mine.

Final gap before the top …

Loon Creek Summit –

Right as we crest the summit we cross paths with a group of KLR’s working there way out … as we’re chatting one of the riders appears to be in a bit of discomfort. It is then disclosed that he is riding with an injured foot …. no doubt a product of some midnight refreshment induced hooliganism of the previous evening … and with little sympathy from his riding buddies. My guess was that this guys injury was cutting their stay short and they were making a late day run back to Boise to get checked out.

We drop down the back side of the summit where the road runs along Mayfield Creek. The views along the upper stretch are awesome, but regrettably since the day was running long I failed to stop along this stretch for pictures …. next time.

As we work our way down Mayfield Creek and towards Loon Creek we pass a number of camp spots … the first nice one was of course occupied, the next was a nice spot, but with a lot of noticeable dead snags around the camp area waiting to fall on an unsuspecting tent with the first real wind… we’re near the bottom so we continued on.

….. Loon Creek GS and the Diamond D Ranch

The Diamond D is one of those off the grid remote ranches that have carved themselves a niche as a vacation destination … a beautiful spot for those looking to get away, but I still default to the adage of … “Your vacation is my weekend”

Our sights at this point are on a little campground a few miles down the road called Tin Cup. Right as we pass the ranch and make the turn towards Tin Cup an opening comes into view on our right, a trailhead actually … I make a hard right turn to inspect … nice open view, Loon Creek in close walking distance, a table, and no people … we have a winner!

Tents are set up, bikes are allowed to rest, dust from the day rinsed off in the creek, water on boil for dinner, and evening libations are pulled from panniers.

We spend the rest of the evening enjoying company, sharing past adventures, and solving most of the worlds problems. Then to turn in in preparation for the next oncoming day ….

…. To be continued

Winds over Pinyon – Part 4

Reconnecting to our next section of pavement was a pleasant reprieve to kick up the pace and blow off some dust… Although only for a few short miles since we will be jumping back onto the dirt at the Horn to follow Rd 203 (Cape Horn Rd). Cape Horn Rd parallels the paved Hwy 21 for approx. 7-8 miles before reconnecting.

Rd 203-

The views of the Stanley Valley start to open up, but unfortunately with continued lingering smoke from recent wildfires…. absent smoke … the views are amazing! Rains of weekends past, while extinguished most all of Idaho’s wildfires … Washington and Oregon are still ablaze with jet stream winds directing the smoke into Idaho’s back yard.

My hope is that as we change our direction north we will find the edge of the smoke allowing the views to open up.

We ride the next few paved miles into Stanley where we take advantage of the next fuel stop. From this point I have estimated our loop over Pinyon and into Garden Valley to be somewhere around 130-140 miles. Well within our fuel range, but not with much to spare …. we stuff our tanks.

The days plans are open ended …. I figured we could camp anywhere around Stanley … the afternoon is still young so we opt to grab some lunch and refreshment at the Bridge Street Grill in Lower Stanley to decide our next move.

Bellies full and refreshments consumed … we opt to continue down Hwy 75 towards Sunbeam and our turn off towards the Yankee Fork. We’ll keep our eyes and options open for just the right camp spot.

The paved stretch of Hwy 75 from Stanley to Sunbeam is fantastic fun. The road rides the edge with the beautiful Salmon River on the right and sheer rock walls along the left. There is hardly a straight stretch of road allowing a nice workout of our tires perimeter lugs.

Most all of the camp spots along this stretch are associated with designated camp grounds …. some are pretty nice and mostly vacant, but not what were after this day. So we push on to Sunbeam and the Yankee Fork Rd.

Sunbeam Dam (past)-

Sunbeam Dam (Present)-

Built back in 1909 to supply power to the operating mines and dredge of Yankee Fork …. the price of ore dropped negating the economic feasibility to continue extracting. The dam ceased operating in 1911. A caretaker maintained the structure for a number of years until the fish ladders reached disrepair, which at that time the most feasible option was to breech the dam restoring normal river flow.

Sunbeam

We turn off Hwy 75 at the Sunbeam Village and head up the Yankee Fork Rd. The Yankee Fork Rd runs along a North/South valley with mountains of the Salmon/Challis Nation Forest looming in the distance. The soil/rock makeup of these mountains differs from the mountains we have already ridden by and through. As the sun hits the mountains they take on a majestic red hue.

Yankee Fork Rd (First image from a past ride)-

We speed along the Yankee Fork Road still looking for a camp spot …. after about 10-12 miles we pass Bonanza and the they old Yankee Fork Dredge.

Yankee Fork Dredge (Photoseek.com)-

Yankee Fork Gold Dredge operated from 1940-1952 near near Custer Historic Site, in Idaho, USA. This floating gold dredge chewed a wide swath of stream gravel leaving rocky dredge tailings along 5.5 miles of the Yankee Fork, a tributary of the Salmon River, near Stanley, Idaho, USA. It recovered an estimated $1,037,322 in gold and silver at a cost of $1,076,100. Visit Land of the Yankee Fork State Park in Salmon-Challis National Forest near Stanley, Idaho.

In most cases of dredge history the dredges operated at a high level of profit, not such the case for the Yankee Fork Dredge. The dredge now sits as a tourist attraction with guided tours available.

The old Ghost Town of Custer is located about a mile up the Custer Motorway with the Forest Service maintain the history of the site for visitors.

Custer (Images from past ride)-

Today we bypass Custer and turn up Rd 172. Rd 172 turns off directly behind the dredge and takes us up towards Loon Creek Summit. Still on the lookout for just the right camp spot ….

Custer and the dredge are highly recommended for anyone to visit should they have an interest for old mining history. I myself find all mining history, the good and the bad, interesting as it has shaped the country that we live in with roads, infrastructure, towns, etc. It is a nice ride… or drive.

To be continued …..

Winds over Pinyon – Part 3

After a fast 10 mile run up Rd 582 the road departs from the creek side and starts to climb up towards Clear Creek Summit. The road bed switches from loose gravel to a more typical dry slick surface with meandering rain ruts and embedded rock. As I near the top I start to feel a loose sensation from the back of my bike ….. a quick glance at my rear tire confirms that it is indeed going flat. I’m nearing the top, so I ride the noodle the last 100 yards or so to the summit.

7050 feet –

Right when I hop off the bike and start breaking out my tools, another rider (not from our group) on a Triumph Tiger rolls up and asks if he can hang while we tackle the flat. Regrettably I can’t remember his name, super nice guy from Canada riding the IDBR. His goal for the day was Burgdorf Hot Springs, so he picked our brains for some local knowledge on the route.

I was thankful that he chose to stop. I discovered during my road side tire service that I had neglected to include a 13mm wrench for my bead lock and neither John V nor John E had one either. Our Canadian friend had a full kit including a 13mm …. and he even broke out his electric air pump! …. I like those Canadians!

We immediately identified the flat tire culprit …. a brand spanking new framing nail! …. of all places to pick up a framing nail?

We pulled the wheel, using my trail stand for the first time (worked great suspending the rear of the bike while the rear wheel was removed) and made short work of swapping out a new tube. I will make sure to add in a 13mm to my OBR ADV Gear Tool Roll!

Tube exchanged and wheel back on … we extended our thanks to our new friend for his assistance and parted ways.

Having an OBR Flat Mat would have been handy, while the Tool Roll also has a removable panel that you can lay flat on the ground to set your wheel or hub onto, the Flat Mat is a full 24″x24″ and has separate slip pockets to stuff your irons, wrenches, valve caps etc into so you can find them when reinstalling your wheel.

Just over the summit the road drops into a high meadow we refer to as Bear Valley. Passing through the meadow in the spring right after the thaw you’ll find yourself amongst vast wild flowers …. this time of year, early Fall, the surroundings are just as impressive, but with just a bit less color.

Bear Valley has quite a history … the area was used extensively for sheep and cattle grazing with buildings still present within some of the large meadows that skirt the valley. The situation at the time required the local Forest Rangers to mediate between competing ranch outfits using the area for summer grazing. Beyond the grazing there was also a large mining presence during the early Cold War. Evidently the area contains a rare radioactive mineral essential to the strategic defense systems of the day. Heavy dredging took place from 1958-1959. In an effort to restore Salmon/Steelhead spawning beds, an extensive rehabilitation project was completed that returned the meadow landscape and the Salmon/Steelhead runs.

We continue along Rd 582 skirting the south edge of Bear Valley Creek passing through Bruce Meadows. Note – For you pilots out there, Bruce Meadows has one of Idaho’s many back country landing strips.

… and then reconnect to Hwy 21

… to be continued

Winds over Pinyon – Part 2

Concluding our “coffee relief” break at the summit, we point the bikes towards the downstream side of Moores Summit and shove off. Headed now towards Lowman, we will be turning off the pavement just a few miles down the road onto Rd 588. This trip is going to be a combination of hardtop and dirt with the bias being more towards the terra, however I do enjoy a balanced combination of both as jumping onto some nice hardtop after a dirt section can be a nice mental change of pace.

RD 588 is a nice 5-6 mile dirt section that skirts the backside of pilot Peak, opening up with pleasant views of both Deadwood Ridge and the Clear Creek drainage, that we will be heading up shortly.

Hwy 21 …. 6 miles –

We’re headed into those hills –

obrianmcc –

John E and the mighty 690 – John is running hard boxes on his 690 and likes to utilize the OBR ADV Gear Extras Pouch on his top lids. The Extras pouch keeps certain items you might need throughout the day within easy access. The pouch has a bottom panel to allow for strap pass through along with molle loops along the top.

On top of the regular Forest Service roads Idaho is also a scattering of State Endowment Lands and Forest Products properties …. all of these areas are packed full of access roads that provide connections that we as Dual Sport Riders utilize extensively to connect the dots on our route maps.

Respect your resources if you wish to keep access! …. Leave no trace, other than maybe a loamy tire track or two!

We reconnect with Hwy 21 and blast down 10 miles of super fun pavement before connecting with our next dirt track, Rd 582 otherwise known as Bear Valley Rd.

Next stop Bear Valley –

And then this! –

….. to be continued!

OBR ADV Gear