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From here it was supergraded dirt road into Silverton, we passed this old mining bucket system Followed by some good heavy rain, and I was about to stop and pull on the rain suit but it kept looking lighter in front of us and by the time we could see Silverton in the distance the rain had stopped and the sun was coming back out. Fortunately no sleet at the lower elevations. Silverton had a great selection of restaurants and café’s to choose from for lunch, we ended up at one of them with some great hot food to warm us back up and kind servers that went out of their way to ensure we enjoyed our stay. As we left town we tried to find a cut back up to Ophir through country road 7, but everything had been closed off or changed and we couldn’t quite get through, although we did find some amazing waterfalls and meadows during our exploration After backtracking to Hwy 550 we just zipped up the nice graded side of Ophir. We passed two nice older ladies in a Hyundai sedan at the pass, they were taking pictures and such. We headed down the switch backs and I see them come around the corner and head down after us as I round the first switchback. After signaling to Dusty I rip back up and stop them just shy of the first two foot drop off. At this point they can’t turn around and the lady driving is afraid to get out, so I walk with them and talk them through backing up all the way to the pass(almost an 1/8th mile). This process takes quite a bit of time as every 10 or 15 feet she stops and then has to get started again, but I couldn’t leave them stranded out there for the night. So after escorting them back, getting them turned around and sending them down the hill I finally get ready to head out myself. I walk back to the bike just as Dusty arrives at my stopping spot. Apparently he had some troubles of his own but he doesn’t really want to go into it when I ask. This is where I stopped just in front of their car, and backed them up around the corner and then a bit further than that up to the pass where they could safely turn around More photo’s coming down By now the end of the day is coming rapidly, so we hurry down and back into Telluride. Catching pavement after the sun sets as the last of the light leaves for the day. Of course our day was ended by some good eats, including some KungPaoMeowMeow and such at the Chinese place in Telluride. We all called it a day anxiously waiting on the tracking number showing delivery of a shiny new driveshaft the next day so we could all continue our adventure.

Tyler Theobald posted this important PSA about those who make riding big adventure bikes a negative experience. This is why I started Beyond Starbucks and later this site, XLADV.

This is the problem with some forums, motorcycle and not, where the keyboard jockies who know everything develop a bitter attitude and are jerks to new people. While we all have moments that are not our best some forums seem to focus the trolls and bitterness into a place that will scare off new riders that may not know forum etiquette about search functions or even realize that they are the third person this week to ask basically the same question. As an experienced rider I am guilty of often skipping over questions I should help answer, but I hope not to contribute to the negative attitude. This site does a lot better about no bringing the attitude to questions asked, partly due to it's smaller size I'm sure. As a side note Eric, stick this video someplace where new people will find it, and have moderators share this with anyone on the forum who starts making comments like this guy describes to help remind them why we are here.

Take off 26th and back 31st?

For our next adventure Dusty and I headed off to explore Ophir Pass, Corckscrew Pass, American Pass and into Silverton for lunch and then back. The day started out great, cold and windy on the passes with some passing rain, but nothing that really nailed us for a while. The ride up Ophir wasn’t too bad, a few loose rocky areas, but no problems on these bikes. This will matter in the afternoon when we come back this way on the way home. After crossing the summit and heading down to Hwy 550 it’s all easy flowing dirt road, well maintained and easily passable in most cars, just the one section below is rocky with switchbacks and drop offs of up to two feet. This is why the Highway was closed on occasion, we were able to get through during the lunch time opening As we dropped into the next valley to head up CorckScrew Pass the wind picked up and made an absolutely epic blizzard for fallen leaves as we road, was just like a snowstorm but yellow. I only wish I was able to better capture it in film! Then after a short stretch of hwy and some awesome switchbacks we pull off and head up Corckscrew. I can’t say enough about how well the lower part of this trail flowed, small up and down sections with water bars and predictable turns/traction followed by more ledges just asking to loft a wheel and really enjoy the ride. I can only hope it’s in as good of shape the next time I get the opportunity to ride it. At the pass we met an older gentleman on a DRZ who was waiting on his buddies. He decided not to go up CorckScrew Gulch as it’s a far more challenging route. He was going to wait on his buddies at this great little lake at the junction of the two before heading over California Pass. We waited hoping the older guys friends would be along shortly, but after about 20 minutes we split off to head up and over California Pass. As we left the switchback hill climb out of the lake got the best of Dusty briefly, although he was able to stop and get out without any real help, just picked the wrong gear coming in and lost too much momentum. After getting through that the group of guys on DRZ’s and one Husky came zipping up along and we all headed up California Pass as a rough group. Dusty and I headed down while the other guys took pictures. We figured on the lighter dualsports that they would promptly catch up to us once they got moving, but they never really did. As we headed down towards Animas Forks we passed a lot of old mining relics, and decided to stop at this old mill for some pictures. As we reached the bottom at Animas Forks a trail shot off to the left with a really big water crossing, so with minimal hesitation Dusty drops off and heads through the water, I followed after a pause to let him get through. I deflect off an unseen rock and end up soaked to the knees as I recover the bike, coming out the other side cursing and swearing as Dusty is searching through his GPS. Come to find out the trail we are on just tapers off in the hills to nothing, so we turn around and head back through the water. This time I go first, plan a little better and get through with little excitement. Dusty on the other hand finds a trench and becomes stuck in it. We end up using the cylinder heads as a pivot point to swing the rear up and out of the hole before attempting to finish the crossing. By now we are both soaked, two old guys on ATV’s are laughing their tails off at us and it ends with all of us laughing together at the whole thing. No pictures of this as I was too busy/distracted. One of the ATV guys filmed it but I haven’t been able to find the video on youtube yet……. As we were leaving two guys in a pickup we spoke with earlier had split off another direction informed us it was starting to sleet at higher elevations, so we decided to hurry up to Silverton for a late lunch and hopefully beat the rain/sleet.

The TKC-80 21" front for sure. Their 19" front is plenty rounded.

I want the off-road traction of the TKC80s, but with a front that has a more rounded, less pointy crown, so the transition from upright to the first few degrees of turn-in is smoother and more positive, a weakness of the TKC80 IMHO.

ALISO VIEJO, CA - October 15, 2015 - (Motor Sports Newswire) - Schuberth North America is proud to introduce the E1 Adventure helmet, marking the first Schuberth helmet designed specifically for enduro and adventure motorcyclists. Their latest innovation in head protection technology, Schuberth’s E1 offers the comfort, flexibility and safety of a modern flip-up helmet while meeting the requirements for off-road use. The E1 offers adventure riders a premium modular helmet designed to perform when the ride leaves the pavement. The Schuberth design team developed the E1 in Schuberth’s proprietary aeroacoustics lab, resulting in a helmet optimized for both aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance. Schuberth’s Anti-Roll-Off System keeps the helmet in place, while the removable and washable inner lining allows riders to keep their helmet clean in between adventures. One of the most innovative features is the fully articulating peak visor, which can be adjusted to three different positions independently from the face shield and chin bar. The E1 can be worn with both the faceshield and peak in place, or riders may opt to easily remove either piece for the ride. The E1 also features a closable air vent in the chin bar to ensure that riders get enough air as the ride intensifies, while a removable and washable filter will help clean the air in dirty and dusty conditions. The E1 includes a built-in antenna for Schuberth’s SRC-System PRO. Utilizing the latest in Cardo communication technology, the Bluetooth® SRC-System serves as an intercom with other riders and can connect to a GPS unit, MP3 player or mobile phone for navigation, music listening or phone calls. The fiberglass shell will be available in 5 solid colors and 2 graphics with 5 colorways for a total of 10 helmet options. Schuberth also offers a variety of tinted face shields, which are easily removed and replaced using Schuberth’s quick change system. The E1 Adventure will be available in XS-XXXL sizes, with two different shell sizes. Prices will be $829 USD for solid colors and $889 USD for graphics. In addition to launching the E1, Schuberth North America is also unveiling the 2016 Held USA lineup. Joining the expansive collection of Held jackets, pants, gloves, boots, protection and luggage will be Held’s new 2in1 jackets and pants. Utilizing Held’s unique dual chamber design found in several glove models, the new pieces will allow riders to opt for waterproof and wind protection or lightweight venting in a single jacket or pant. Learn more about Schuberth North America’s lineup of Schuberth helmets and Held apparel and luggage by visiting www.SchuberthNorthAmerica.com.

Trona Wildrose was closed for months to cars and the CHP and park police would patrol it to keep them off but we'd just go around and they'd waive at us. That Lower Wildrose has been "closed" for about two years now but we use it every time we go there. We will watch our speed and be mindful of washouts.

Woohoo, less RVs!

Pretty awesome setup for the KTM's and I'm sure could be adapted to other bikes with some creativity if needed. Which end of the fuel quick disconnect stays on the bike? Might get some dirt/debri in it when reinstalling later if it doesn't incorporate a cover for while not in use. I see it comes with a small filter but some sort of cover, even just a small rubber wrapped over the end might help keep things happier after a couple years of use and abuse. What sort of range are you expecting with the extra capacity now?

I built the trailer last year for the TouraTech rally.It worked AMAZING !!

I'm one of oddballs that thinks a NC700x is a ADV bike.