Author Topic: Big Bend area over Thanksgiving? (Read 240 times)

811952 · « **on:** September 25, 2009, 03:57:29 PM »

Alembicians from The Great State of Texas, I'm thinking about either riding my motorcycle (KLR650) from Indiana to Big Bend National Park (and surrounding area) over the week of Thanksgiving, or hauling the bike down there with the Jeep. I want to ride a lot, take pictures a lot and camp. Tell me what not to miss, and what not to not be careful about.

I am all ears (except when playing music, when it would often seem I have none).

John

bigredbass · « **Reply #1 on:** September 26, 2009, 05:59:05 AM »

From friends that've been there: Pay attention to survival kit should you break down. Homeland Security typically patrols it very infrequently versus much of the border, as it's too rough and too remote to worry about anyone walking thru on foot. Once you're off the beaten path, you're on your own, big time.

sonicus · « **Reply #2 on:** September 26, 2009, 07:48:22 AM »

Ride safe , Ride to live and play your Alembic my friend .

Happy Trails , and lots of fun and adventure on your trip.

811952 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 26, 2009, 08:14:38 AM »

Hey J o e y! Long time no see/hear/read. Hope all is well!

Water, water and more water, and some granola. I'm familiar with being way far off the beaten path, but not so far South. I'm mostly interested in riding the gravel roads through some beautiful scenery.

I don't want to ride beyond my comfort level, but I do want to have an adventure!

John

bigredbass · « **Reply #4 on:** September 26, 2009, 04:26:41 PM »

John, this is one of those spots that can turn on you. I've gotten all this second-hand, but I'd really check with some outfitters and/or check the National Park Service website for some particulars, maybe the State of TX website.

I'm from Texas, originally, and still have some huntin'/fishin'/ kayakin' relatives there that go all over the state, but NOT to Big Bend.

It's not the middle of nowhere, but you can see it from there!

What feedback do ya hear about the new-style KLR they introduced a couple of years ago? I know a lot of parts carried over, but I do like the new, bigger fairing.

Doing real well after my voluntary absence from cyberspace, nice to be missed.

811952 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 27, 2009, 08:00:44 AM »

The new KLR is mostly a big improvement, from what I hear. I believe it may be a little heavier, but not much. The lights, suspension, cooling, brakes and ergos are all better. Basically it's the bike that people build an earlier KLR into being, except easier on the eyes.

I've been researching this a few other places, and other than the mountain lions it's sounding entirely within my comfort zone so far. I'm not going to do any backcountry stuff, as I'll be on the bike.

Several people have recommended heading over to the Davis Mountains and camping near the observatory. Tracy and I used to drive through there at every opportunity when we lived in West Texas, so that has great appeal as well.

I have a difficult time deciding what to do when, and this will probably end up being one of those follow the front wheel sort of adventures when all is said and done..

If I haul the KLR down, I'll probably park the Jeep at my brother's place in Round Rock for the week..

Are you gigging any these days?

John

bigredbass · « **Reply #6 on:** September 27, 2009, 10:42:03 AM »

No.

I've utterly lost all interest in playing out anymore. I never drank or did drugs or chased a lot of skirts as I was always married, so that put me on the other side of the fence from most of the other musicians. I absolutely know I got let go from one gig because I'd drink coffee between sets and wouldn't hang out in the band room and blow reefer with everyone else.

And Nashville is a horrible place to play because most everyone is trying to get a leg up to get an artist gig, brown-nose a producer or artist or songwriter: If you don't play expected way, you're OUT. So it's real constipated, creatively, bass-wise. Amazing local players like Victor Wooten are WAY outside the mainstream here, may as well be from Mars.

And I'm old enough to be a dinosaur, musically. I an analog guy, and nobody here is interested in Beatles /soul / r+b. I'm afraid my Low Spark is an Exile on Main Street, and I'm just Day Tripping my Soul Man down at the end of Lonely Street.

The circle of life: Ya start out playing in your bedroom to the radio, and I've come all the way back to it!

811952 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 27, 2009, 12:56:08 PM »

That is one reason I had to leave Nashville, and really one of the reasons I quit playing music professionally altogether in the late '80s. People who've never had to sit through a week's worth of studio, playing root/fifth on I IV V tunes for an endless demo session don't know what they're missing..

When I lived there, I didn't drink or do any drugs but that didn't really influence my gigging either way. Of course, I guess it did since I made it a point to keep it a non-issue.

These days I'm fortunate to play with a few different bands that let me stretch out as much as I like, and are open to fluid arrangements of some pretty cool material. These bands couldn't exist in Nashville unless they played empty rooms for free, or were the kids of country stars. Yes, it is a clique-ish town as you are well aware..

It's funny, a few months ago I was down there visiting my friend JT, and he was lamenting the near-irrelevance of his rack of amps and cabinets (thanks to software) while recognizing the the guitarist and steel players are really the only musicians who get to play whatever they want. So yeah, the Wootens of the world work somewhat outside the system there, and the *kids* and their computers have taken over..

All that said, don't let it get you down and remember that there really is a shortage of musical bassists in the world, and maybe the perfect jam situation will reveal itself to you if you keep your eyes open. As many times as I've given up playing music completely, there's always been something pop up that's been a refreshing opportunity to remember why I have that other side of the brain...

When are you getting that KLR?

John

bigredbass · « **Reply #8 on:** September 27, 2009, 08:32:14 PM »

Well actually, I'm getting a very-low-mileage Honda Rebel from a friend I work with. Dead-mint, eat-off-the motor clean, for very few $$$. Too good a deal to pass up. As I only have a 6-mile commute to work through mostly neighborhoods, it'll be a fine way to build up some miles in decent weather.

I really didn't want to buy a brand new bike to start back riding, so I'll keep this for a while, get my skills back in shape, and it will always be worth way more than I'm paying for it to the next newbie who'll get it. Or as a trade-in for the KLR.

I'll get lined out on my MSF course, get my helmet and gear, and get back in the saddle.

I've really got to hand it to Kawasaki for maintaining such a broad range in 650 and under rides. Have you seen the re-designed 250 Ninja?
I think in this economy they've been very smart.
I'm very disappointed that the rest think a 'starter bike' is 600cc's and 100bhp! And even though I fit the boomer demographic, I DON'T want a Harley.

But then again, my age is showing . . . I remember Honda step-thru's and whole ranges of 150's, 175's, and 250's.

811952 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 28, 2009, 06:25:30 AM »

I've heard nothing but good things about the Ninja 250, and I agree Kawasaki has been on top of things with regard to their model line. I'm jonesing for either a KLX250S or Yamaha WR250R myself. A Honda Rebel will serve you well for a long long time..

I think the best/strongest argument for a big bike these days is that every car and truck on the road is way overpowered and driven like it's track day. I don't recall traffic being quite the idiotfest back in the day, but maybe that's just selective memory and old age..

Anyway, if your route doesn't require more, a smaller bike is (imho) a lot more fun..

John

mikedm · « **Reply #10 on:** September 28, 2009, 07:50:01 PM »

John,

I can't say anything about bikes, but I can supply a word or three about Big Bend. Sent an email. In a few words, I've always had great camping experiences in the Park. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions. Yes, been there over the Thanksgiving holiday, too. Hope you like your nights on the chilly side.

Mike

811952 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 02, 2009, 12:30:12 PM »

Well, I did it. It was good. Very good. Didn't ride enough or take nearly enough pictures or hike enough or eat enough local food... you get the picture.. The beginnings of a ride report are here:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=529268

John

tbrannon · « **Reply #12 on:** December 02, 2009, 01:53:35 PM »

John,

Beautiful photos...

pauldo · « **Reply #13 on:** December 02, 2009, 07:12:43 PM »

John -
That is waaayyy too cool! Looks like an absolutely fabulous time with your friends.

My 83 Yamaha YJ 650 wouldn't fair so well on some of that trail!

mikedm · « **Reply #14 on:** December 03, 2009, 05:14:09 PM »

Hey John.

I hope it wasn't too cold at night. The temperatures in November get mighty chilly once the sunsets.

I spied Elephant Tusk on the horizon in one of your photos. Man, I need to get back there.

It looks like you had a great time and didn't go solo. Glad the trek was worth it.

Mike