Nemo Brinker
Tonight we ride
Awesome, I love the austerity of the Plain. Can't wait to see it again in the spring!
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Carrizo Plains trip over Veteran's Day Weekend
- Thread starter Leo_jb
- Start date
SRAD600
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- Feb 15, 2003
- Location
- Claremont, California
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- broken one's
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- Eldrick
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Thanks everyone, it was a great weekend of riding. The plain is just beautiful; the serenity of the place just sucks you in. Considering it was a three day weekend, things were very, very quiet.
Baja is definitely in the cards for this winter. I’m in, big bike or little? (Either way I’m there)
Like Leo said, we got to our campsite around 9:30pm, and didn’t manage to get in the tent until after 11:30. Sounds of heavy stomping feet woke me around 5:30am, but it was chilly outside, and I decided not to check it out. I opted to go back to sleep and awoke around 7:30 to a beautiful morning.
We were in a remote little campground and had the place to ourselves. We both took our time packing up and prepping for the days ride. Heading out of the little valley we were in, we were treated with some amazing views.
New Cuyama was our first stop for the day. We needed some fuel for our bikes and for ourselves. The sleepy little town has a new eatery and a fuel stop. Unfortunately there was no high test fuel available, but we made do with 87pump. Once calories were consumed, and fuel was obtained, we headed out for the first “real” ride of the day. Our destination was not in the monument itself, but was awesome none the less. Initially we were keeping a swift pace down the main fire road. The suspension of our loaded bikes were bottoming in the g-outs, and our tubes were tested on some square edge bumps. None of this lessened the pace. This was all good fun, but we sought out more interesting challenges.
The side routes were silty, with some fun light sand in some areas, and some really deep sand in others.
The deep stuff caught us out in one corner, but fortunately we both fell within 5 feet of one another, so we could lend each other a hand righting the bikes. These 990’s are not light, and picking up a loaded version, in deep sand, can be pretty difficult.
All in all, this area was great fun. Lots of dual track and some single track.
Eventually we made our way to Maricopa and stopped in at the Shell for some fuel. Unfortunately the only gas station in town was closed due to a blackout. No problem, we packed up and headed over to Taft for fuel and food. Post lunch we took one of the dirt passes into the monument. The roads were easy and fun.
I was personally struck by the sheer number of oil pumps in the area. Considering we were on a riding vacation, I guess I can’t complain much, but holy cow…how much is too much?
From there we just followed our noses until we eventually made it to camp.
Leo doing his navigating thing…
Views, views and more views…everywhere you look.
We did not make these tracks….
Baja is definitely in the cards for this winter. I’m in, big bike or little? (Either way I’m there)
Like Leo said, we got to our campsite around 9:30pm, and didn’t manage to get in the tent until after 11:30. Sounds of heavy stomping feet woke me around 5:30am, but it was chilly outside, and I decided not to check it out. I opted to go back to sleep and awoke around 7:30 to a beautiful morning.
We were in a remote little campground and had the place to ourselves. We both took our time packing up and prepping for the days ride. Heading out of the little valley we were in, we were treated with some amazing views.
New Cuyama was our first stop for the day. We needed some fuel for our bikes and for ourselves. The sleepy little town has a new eatery and a fuel stop. Unfortunately there was no high test fuel available, but we made do with 87pump. Once calories were consumed, and fuel was obtained, we headed out for the first “real” ride of the day. Our destination was not in the monument itself, but was awesome none the less. Initially we were keeping a swift pace down the main fire road. The suspension of our loaded bikes were bottoming in the g-outs, and our tubes were tested on some square edge bumps. None of this lessened the pace. This was all good fun, but we sought out more interesting challenges.
The side routes were silty, with some fun light sand in some areas, and some really deep sand in others.
The deep stuff caught us out in one corner, but fortunately we both fell within 5 feet of one another, so we could lend each other a hand righting the bikes. These 990’s are not light, and picking up a loaded version, in deep sand, can be pretty difficult.
All in all, this area was great fun. Lots of dual track and some single track.
Eventually we made our way to Maricopa and stopped in at the Shell for some fuel. Unfortunately the only gas station in town was closed due to a blackout. No problem, we packed up and headed over to Taft for fuel and food. Post lunch we took one of the dirt passes into the monument. The roads were easy and fun.
I was personally struck by the sheer number of oil pumps in the area. Considering we were on a riding vacation, I guess I can’t complain much, but holy cow…how much is too much?
From there we just followed our noses until we eventually made it to camp.
Leo doing his navigating thing…
Views, views and more views…everywhere you look.
We did not make these tracks….
Last edited:
SRAD600
Active member
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2003
- Location
- Claremont, California
- Moto(s)
- broken one's
- Name
- Eldrick
- BARF perks
- AMA #3347697
Two big trailies, in their natural environment.
We’re not all fun and games. We stopped in to the visitor center to try and learn a little something. There was some really cool old farming equipment out there.
Just before we got to camp, we ran across an offshoot heading up to the south ridge. It’d been a long day of riding, but we couldn’t pass that up.
We eventually made it to camp just before dusk. As we were setting up our tents, seven of our camp neighbors kids decided that it would be fun to play “erosion” on the hillside above our camp. Erosion consists of multiple kids trying everything within their power to throw rocks, dirt, sticks, other children, etc down a hillside trying to collapse the hill, while their hapless parents screamed at them to “leave no tracks”. It was at this point we realized that beer was required, but we had none, and it was now dark. Should we just hit the hay? Ummm, No! It was time to turn on the LED’s and high beams and head over the pass. We rode +/- 50 miles to Taft for some beer, then another 50 miles to return to camp. That night we savored some “Fat Tires” like no one has ever savored beer before.
Soon to follow, day three.
We’re not all fun and games. We stopped in to the visitor center to try and learn a little something. There was some really cool old farming equipment out there.
Just before we got to camp, we ran across an offshoot heading up to the south ridge. It’d been a long day of riding, but we couldn’t pass that up.
We eventually made it to camp just before dusk. As we were setting up our tents, seven of our camp neighbors kids decided that it would be fun to play “erosion” on the hillside above our camp. Erosion consists of multiple kids trying everything within their power to throw rocks, dirt, sticks, other children, etc down a hillside trying to collapse the hill, while their hapless parents screamed at them to “leave no tracks”. It was at this point we realized that beer was required, but we had none, and it was now dark. Should we just hit the hay? Ummm, No! It was time to turn on the LED’s and high beams and head over the pass. We rode +/- 50 miles to Taft for some beer, then another 50 miles to return to camp. That night we savored some “Fat Tires” like no one has ever savored beer before.
Soon to follow, day three.
Last edited:
SFMCjohn
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Erosion consists of multiple kids trying everything within their power to throw rocks, dirt, sticks, other children, etc down a hillside trying to collapse the hill, while their hapless parents screamed at them to “leave no tracks”.
Hi Leo_jb and SRAD600,
Wonderful pics and ride report, thanks for posting!
Love the word image of the kids at the campsite ...
I'll have to explore the other side of the valley ... I'm usually on
the Taft side ... Would Love to see this view someday ...
see you around the campfire,
-- SFMCjohn
Last edited:
SRAD600
Active member
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2003
- Location
- Claremont, California
- Moto(s)
- broken one's
- Name
- Eldrick
- BARF perks
- AMA #3347697
On day three we hatched a plan to ride the south side of the plain. Our little excursion up to the ridge the evening before had us clamoring for more. The plan was to ride up and over the ridge, down to the valley next to hwy 166, along a dirt frontage road and then back into the park close to Maricopa. That was the plan. We were able to leave most of our gear at camp today, and headed out on light(er) bikes for the ride. I, of course, packed my tools in the saddlebags so they went along for the ride. The overlooks were all amazing.
This ridge road is pretty spectacular, and it looks to be lightly travelled.
We started to head downhill.
Combine amazing views, silty soil, precarious curves and something was bound to give. Fortunately, it was a gentle lay over, but for some reason Leo refused to sit there while I got my camera out. This really reminded me of Baja, the silt was so thick initially I could not even see Leo. I had to guess at where he was and try not to hit him.
Ah well, all was good so we continued on. It was at this point that we realized that a) the road we planned on taking next to 166 was a private oil company road. B) We really did not have enough fuel to turn around and go back the way we came. So senior Leo hatched a plan to get us to the hwy. A few out & back jaunts later and we stumbled across an oil tanker coming into the property, as soon as it turned we hit the gas and bombed out the open gate onto the highway. Catastrophe averted, thanks Leo! After a quick gas up we headed back out on the north side this time.
We explored some nice dual track and a bit of singletrack, even a hillclimb or two.
At one point we stumbled on this mass grave for cows, I think…I hope. The bones were pretty large though.
Just in case, we didn’t linger very long. Some more bombing around, then it was back to Taft for food and Beer!
We filled our bikes and then found ourselves a nice little Taqueria. We ordered some tacos, and had a great meal. Afterwards, I went outside to give my wife a call and let her know the day was going well. As I walked out the door, I noticed a growing slick of gasoline around my bike. I ran back inside, grabbed my key, and popped open my gas caps. There was an audible gasp of air as I opened the right tank, then as I opened the left, a small geyser of 91 pump rushed up to meet me. With the tanks open, I put the bike on the center stand so that they could self level (which they should have done anyway).
Ahh, well, what’s a guy to do? Let’s go to Albertsons, grab some ice, beer and firewood and head back to camp. Good times were had, good beer was consumed, and I slept like a king under a beautiful moon.
This ridge road is pretty spectacular, and it looks to be lightly travelled.
We started to head downhill.
Combine amazing views, silty soil, precarious curves and something was bound to give. Fortunately, it was a gentle lay over, but for some reason Leo refused to sit there while I got my camera out. This really reminded me of Baja, the silt was so thick initially I could not even see Leo. I had to guess at where he was and try not to hit him.
Ah well, all was good so we continued on. It was at this point that we realized that a) the road we planned on taking next to 166 was a private oil company road. B) We really did not have enough fuel to turn around and go back the way we came. So senior Leo hatched a plan to get us to the hwy. A few out & back jaunts later and we stumbled across an oil tanker coming into the property, as soon as it turned we hit the gas and bombed out the open gate onto the highway. Catastrophe averted, thanks Leo! After a quick gas up we headed back out on the north side this time.
We explored some nice dual track and a bit of singletrack, even a hillclimb or two.
At one point we stumbled on this mass grave for cows, I think…I hope. The bones were pretty large though.
Just in case, we didn’t linger very long. Some more bombing around, then it was back to Taft for food and Beer!
We filled our bikes and then found ourselves a nice little Taqueria. We ordered some tacos, and had a great meal. Afterwards, I went outside to give my wife a call and let her know the day was going well. As I walked out the door, I noticed a growing slick of gasoline around my bike. I ran back inside, grabbed my key, and popped open my gas caps. There was an audible gasp of air as I opened the right tank, then as I opened the left, a small geyser of 91 pump rushed up to meet me. With the tanks open, I put the bike on the center stand so that they could self level (which they should have done anyway).
Ahh, well, what’s a guy to do? Let’s go to Albertsons, grab some ice, beer and firewood and head back to camp. Good times were had, good beer was consumed, and I slept like a king under a beautiful moon.
SRAD600
Active member
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2003
- Location
- Claremont, California
- Moto(s)
- broken one's
- Name
- Eldrick
- BARF perks
- AMA #3347697
Hi Leo_jb and SRAD600,
Wonderful pics and ride report, thanks for posting!
Love the word image of the kids at the campsite ...
I'll have to explore the other side of the valley ... I'm usually on
the Taft side ... Would Love to see this view someday ...
see you around the campfire,
-- SFMCjohn
Thanks, the kids were very...interesting. It must suck to have that much energy and nowhere to put it.
Yes, the south side is awesome.
two wheel tramp
borked.
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Nice writing Eldrick. Between you and Leo's pictures and writing this is a fantastic RR. 
SRAD600
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- Joined
- Feb 15, 2003
- Location
- Claremont, California
- Moto(s)
- broken one's
- Name
- Eldrick
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- AMA #3347697
Our final day was all about getting home without using the super slab. We must have taken every back road, dirt road and mountain pass between SF and Santa Barbara. It was amazingly fun considering we were both running MEFO’s on the back wheel (I think we agreed that these tires are crap on the street, crap in the dirt, and crap in the wet).
I felt like I was in an easy bake oven as soon as the sun hit my tent, so time to get up.
This is us hitting the road out of the monument. We took a short detour to the local fire station to let them know about a tent that had been erected at the Selby campsite. It was there when we arrived at the site, and still there a few days later when we left. None of our camp neighbors had seen anyone come or go and neither had we. Kinda freaky, hopefully everyone is ok.
See you soon Carrizo!
Some random photos along the way…
A really great mountain pass, even on semi-knobbies.
By the time we’d reached Hollister, we were ready to give up the byways in lieu of the highway. Darkness had fallen and we’d been on the bikes all day. It was time to finish up the weekend with a quick run home…that is until I hit bumper to bumper traffic on 580. ‘doh. Dealing with lane splitting past angry commuters while packed down with luggage after being on the back of a bike for over 9hours is not exactly an inspiring ending to our trip, but it is what it is. However, we made it in one piece. It was a great weekend and I enjoyed every moment and mile of it.
arty
I felt like I was in an easy bake oven as soon as the sun hit my tent, so time to get up.
This is us hitting the road out of the monument. We took a short detour to the local fire station to let them know about a tent that had been erected at the Selby campsite. It was there when we arrived at the site, and still there a few days later when we left. None of our camp neighbors had seen anyone come or go and neither had we. Kinda freaky, hopefully everyone is ok.
See you soon Carrizo!
Some random photos along the way…
A really great mountain pass, even on semi-knobbies.
By the time we’d reached Hollister, we were ready to give up the byways in lieu of the highway. Darkness had fallen and we’d been on the bikes all day. It was time to finish up the weekend with a quick run home…that is until I hit bumper to bumper traffic on 580. ‘doh. Dealing with lane splitting past angry commuters while packed down with luggage after being on the back of a bike for over 9hours is not exactly an inspiring ending to our trip, but it is what it is. However, we made it in one piece. It was a great weekend and I enjoyed every moment and mile of it.
arty
SRAD600
Active member
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2003
- Location
- Claremont, California
- Moto(s)
- broken one's
- Name
- Eldrick
- BARF perks
- AMA #3347697
Nice writing Eldrick. Between you and Leo's pictures and writing this is a fantastic RR.
Thanks for that, writing up a report is actually a nice way to relive the experience. The memories become a little more vivid as I search my mind for details of each day. <Inner Geek off>
Slonoma
New member
looks like a great ride. I think I might sell the Harley and get an adventure bike, its ride reports and pictures like this that make me want to go dual sporting!!
Leo_jb
City boy
Seriously, you should think about it. You can still ride all the roads your Harley can travel, plus a bunch of roads you would never attempt on it. Add in the bonus of virtually no traffic and awesome scenery and its a no-brainer. I used to ride street bikes in my younger days, and I can't see ever going back.
two wheel tramp
borked.
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- Triple R
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- AMA #2771957
Do it. You won't regret getting a ds or adv bike. I ride now more than ever before.
WoodsChick
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I will probably never own a bike again that isn't comfortable in the dirt. For years it was all about the sport bikes. The sport bikes became too uncomfortable for my broken wrists, ankles and knees so I moved on to a naked SV. After riding the SV in several dirty places where it didn't belong, I got the Terra 650. So much more fun and versatile. If I've said it once I've said it a zillion times...the world is so much larger on a bike that can handle some dirt comfortably.
I'm totally digging this report by the way, Eldrick and Leo!
I'm glad to see you guys explored the western side. There's a ton of fun stuff over there. Yeah, it ain't easy to get out to the road over there, but it's so worth it! I love it in the spring when it's crazy green and a little damp.
The eastern ridges are really neat, too. The whole area is such a treasure. Not too many people outside motorcycling seem to know about the national monument
WoodsChick
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Great ride report. I hope to do Carrizo next spring if we get enough rain for wild flowers. None this year. Spring time there is special.
Not my pic but from a good year.
Not my pic but from a good year.
two wheel tramp
borked.
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2010
- Location
- your mom’s house
- Moto(s)
- DR6Fiddy x 2!, 790 ADV S, 9Fiddy SM-R, 89 Transalp, TTR2Fiddy
- Name
- Triple R
- BARF perks
- AMA #2771957
Bill, now I MUST go to Carrizo.
SFMCjohn
13
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Bill, now I MUST go to Carrizo.
Hurricane Ridge during a good wildflower bloom in 2010 ... I like to camp up here ...
Anyway, the CP is all good ... Thanks again for this ride report!
see you around the campfire,
-- SFMCjohn
Last edited:
two wheel tramp
borked.
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2010
- Location
- your mom’s house
- Moto(s)
- DR6Fiddy x 2!, 790 ADV S, 9Fiddy SM-R, 89 Transalp, TTR2Fiddy
- Name
- Triple R
- BARF perks
- AMA #2771957
Hurricane Ridge during a good wildflower bloom in 2010 ... I like to camp up here ...
Anyway, the CP is all good ... Thanks again for this ride report!
see you around the campfire,
-- SFMCjohn
Wow. What an amazing place.
Definitely going back in the spring. So you guys both hate the Super Explorer eh? Too bad it lasts so long.
I foresee an epic BARF ADV rally.
Let's make it happen.