The LAB2V is not a beginner dual sport event. You should be an accomplished desert rider on the machine you decide to take. The route is long and if you can't pound out the miles it'll get dark and you'll have to bail out.
If you ask me it's backwards you want to have a buddy for LAB2V. For the BDR going solo is ok. The LAB2V you have to ride it like it is almost like a race or you won't finish at the end of the day, the BDR is chill you go at the pace you want to go.
Another suggestion is to do the NVBDR. It starts in Oatman, AZ which is close to Las Vegas and it sort of parallels the CABDR around the Death Valley area.
Thanks dude! I appreciate the response.
I watched your video that was mentioned above. I've been down that hill a few times. It's a confidence test, eh?
There's such a wide range of rider's and skill levels out there and it's hard to know anyone's riding skills so I'm always a bit apprehensive on giving or receiving guidance.
A bit about me, and I don't want this to come off like a brag in any way.
I'm 62 but I like to think I'm a 'young 62'.
I ride a mountain bike daily up and around Mt. Diablo, race MTB downhill and enduros in local events on it as well. Did the Davis Double Century in 2020 on my road bike. I'm not a triathlete or crossfitter for sure but I'm not ready for a cane or walker either.
I did lose a lung mountaineering back in '96. High altitude pulmonary edema. We had done all the western states highest points and CA was last. Mt. Whitney is a "walk up", but we were trying to climb the face and well, things happen.
Roadraced AFM and AMA back in the early '80s.
CanAm 160, RZ350 and V45 Interceptor.
(I was actually one of the 1st road racers to ever be sponsored by this small company called CycleGear - I think that was around 1982).
Raced hare scrambles and desert raced in the late '80's, including the original B2V for many years.
So personally, I have some skills and confidence in riding.
That said, I've also slowed way down. I do a lot of ADV stuff just because I know crashing is going to hurt.
As for the bike - my 690 is pretty much fully kitted out for what I want to do.
https://aufroad.com/category/bikes/ktm-690/
I could do it with my 950 too - as it's set up for baja riding - oh hey I saw you did Yosemite Family Adventures too. I did that on my 950 a few years ago. It was a dust bowl in some places - way too many riders in dusty conditions.
Finishing LAB2V: Yeah I get it. I watched a lot of lonleypawn videos from years back. I'll probably mount up a motominded dual LED headlight (
https://www.motominded.com/collections/ktm-2008-2012-18-690/products/ktm-690-2008-2012-2018) for the ride. It's also about minimizing the stops. Just keep up a good pace and keep riding.
As for the BDR part, I've ridden a bunch of NV, none of CA.
I also politely disagree with your suggesting it's backwards, here's my thoughts...
On the LAB2V, there's a bunch of sag guys and AMA isn't going to leave anyone out on course if they can help it. Fellow riders are also going to be coming along on a regular basis and if you are having issues a rider will always stop and help - in your video above both actually happened! Oh and there were a few 690s with you at the top.
On the BDR, riders are fewer and far between. I do like the peaceful tranquility of riding alone, but it's always safer with 2 or 3. It's the buddy system and mountaineer in me. Skills aside, bike quality aside, it's always a possibility that something can go wrong and when it does, a buddy can save the day or ride. On the BDR, yes anyone passing is going to stop and help but that might take a while.
I do ride alone sometimes. Last year I did a bunch in the Sierras and even saw you guys ride by on a annual DS ride
https://aufroad.com/hwy-50-to-80-part-2-henness-pass-rd-return/
I always ride with a satellite device. I use to ride with a SPOT but now it's an Inreach mini with full tracking on. It's been a game changer for my wife back at home.
Once again, thanks for the response. I see in your channel that you are getting out there and riding and that's just awesome!
I do hope I can find someone who wants to do this. I know it's a lot of time off and a lot of riding.
We shall see.