Many thanks to the FJR Forum Administration for correcting the links and quotes in this FODS VI section, it's very much appreciated! Now that I'm back from ******* off riding the European Alps, I will get off of my fat old Irish *** and book my room on 8/20!
From AZ Beemers Club Member "Backroad" Bob Little:
I returned a few days ago from my trip to Moab, Ut and the Rawhyde GS Challenge. It was my first time to Maob and also for the challenge. In previous years, Rawhyde held it at their training center in Castaic, Ca and it was a formal riding challenge with obstacles and riders competing against each other. For their fifth year, they changed the format and chose ten rides of varying difficulty around Moab. The base was Moab RV park and about 125 riders showed up on an assortment of dual sport bikes.
I left early on a Tuesday morning to meet Jim Mulhall at the Monument Valley campground.
I stopped quite a few times to take photos as I approached Monument Valley.
Arriving earlier than Jim, I visited Goulding’s Landing
We met at the campground, which was a large dirt RV parking spot next to the View Hotel, took a photo of the famous monument and decided to head farther north.
We stayed in Blanding for the night and had an easy 75 mile drive to Moab in the morning, checked in and got our tent sites set up. I was also able to reserve the site next to us for my friend, Doug, from California and anoter AZBeemer, Mick Williamson, who had not yet to meet.
Thursday morning, Jim, Mick and I headed out to do a large loop with included Gemini Bridges, Long Valley, Pucker Pass and then follow the Colorado back around to Moab.
Gemini Bridges
Jim, Bob, Mick
Pucker Pass
After lunch, Jim and I rode up to Onion Creek. There are about 24 creek crossing on the way out and 24 more on the way back in. Nothing difficult, but still alot of fun to go splashing through the creek bed.
Friday morning we headed out with several other riders to Hurrah Pass. At the top of the pass you could see the road leading to Chicken Corners, but we passed on that trail
That afternoon, Jim, Mick, Don, Doug and I decided to ride out to Secret Spire. There was much sand and everyone did alright except for a spill by Don. The more I ride on sand, the more I’m beginning to like it.
Doug, Bob, Mick at Secret Spire
Saturday afternoon, Rawhyde planned a group aerial photo shoot at the Overlook, so in the morning I walked and rode around downtown Moab.
Saturday afternoon, about 80 riders took off for the group photo at the overlook. In this photo, you can see Hurrah Pass in the center, Chicken Corners behind the pass and Kane Canyon Spring in the foreround. Fairly tough 15 miles to get to the Overlook. Cold beer never looked so good once back at camp.
Anyone up for riding in Moab, my bags are still packed!
