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Brett

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Posts by Brett Junell:

DDMC Ride Ranking

General Assumptions for All Ride Levels:

[Thank you to Club member Mark Schulz for putting this together]

1 – A ride may be rated at a certain level even though there may be very infrequent, short sections of higher difficulty IF there are available go-arounds or other options such as walking bike or having assistance. Rides without such options will be rated at the higher grade associated with the “tough” section (s).

2 – Ratings assume normal weather conditions and can change significantly with ongoing weather conditions (rain, snow, ice, etc.) In addition, seasonal water levels in creeks and storm damage to trails and roads can significantly increase difficulty. Always check weather conditions and be prepared.

A Ride – Usually mostly all single track, some open runs straight runs to connect trails. Rocky, variable terrain that requires constant standing and sitting on the bike. Dirt bike only ride (Nothing bigger than a 500 dirt bike should be taken, lighter is always better for this type of ride)

A+ – This ride is for the expert only, steep hill climbs and descents, rocky washed out trails, steep drop-offs (waterfalls and ledges), log crossings, rock gardens, mainly unimproved single track, and bushwhacking. No way to exit the ride once it is started. Steep drop-offs on the side of the trail making it difficult if you go off the trail. (Think of unknown territory, steep drops, and big logs to cross – The club typically does not do these rides as a club ride – mostly impromptu rides).

A – Singletrack riding on improved and established single track trails, no real out from start to finish. Lots of sand, whoops and at a brisk pace. The difference from A+ will be no vertical drops or waterfalls, minimal log crossings (Think of Dog Skins and the 300 Trails on Peavine). No real need for a plate as we won’t be on roads long.

A- – Singletrack riding with more roads connecting, good selection of outs for riders when they get tired, variable terrain. Difference from other A rides, no known log crossing or vertical ups or downs. (Think of most of Golden Valley along the hillside to the radio towers. Lots of areas for riders to exit to the road)

B Ride – These rides move at a more moderate pace, Ride could have single track, sand, whoops, two-track Jeep trails, unimproved roads at high speeds, powerline roads, moderate hill climbs and water crossings. Some rock garden areas as some of our area is very rocky. Ability to sit and stand on bike will make life more enjoyable. Bike selection would be in the Street Legal Dirt bike to KTM 690 Category enjoyment. Excellent riders could ride a XR650, DR650, or larger, but having the smaller bike allows for more flexibility. B rides or more enjoyable and laid back A rides.

B+ – Ride that is faster-paced and will cover many of the above-mentioned conditions to include single track and moderate hill climbs. (Think of Mark’s April Single Track Ride)

B – Everything above excluding single track. These routes will stay on two-track jeep trails or wider. (Think of Bobs S. “View the Flowers Ride” More fun on a small bike, but a XR650 can do it)

B- – Smoother and more established jeep trails, no real steep hill climbs. Conservative route. Lots of stops. Perfect for new riders.

C Rides – These rides are mostly Forest service roads, unimproved slab and some high-speed highway or freeway (Not always). Usually longer range of 100-150+ miles per day. Perfect for big bikes 650+ (This is for those BMW GS, V-Stroms,1290s, Super T’s, Etc.) Small bikes can do it but range and seat comfort might not be as good. Terrain is improved two-track and graded roads, up and down hills, shallow creek crossings, and unimproved terrain depending on trail conditions and washouts. Some shallow sand could be encountered, no whoops or singletrack. Think of the roads and riding around Frenchman’s and Lake Davis areas on the NF- Marked Roads. Make sure you know the length of the ride, fuel, food, and water availability and plan accordingly – you are responsible to ride properly equipped for the conditions

C+ – More variable terrane, little to no pavement, long-range fuel needed. 150+ mileage. If you are on a big poly cylinder bike, you need to have some skill and experience with it. Have all your adjustments (Shifters, bars, etc) figured out before the ride. Pace is brisk and you should pack food and water.

C – Same as C+ but trail is known to be free of obstacles. More pavement involved, slower speed, and lunch stop is usually a store, bar or restaurant.

C- – Mostly all pavement and smooth graded gravel roads. Pace is determined by slowest rider in the group. Lunch and fuel stops plentiful along the way. Perfect ride to test out new gear, bikes and set ups. This is the laid-back fun ride for the big bikes.

Street Rides – Street rides are all slab. Distance will vary and you will make the decision if your bike is appropriate for the length of the ride.

Save Middlegate & Dixie Valley Riding Areas

AMA is trying to help OHV and Middlegate Pony Express Station one of my personal favorite riding location. I am currently working toward a Gathering at MiddleGate Station including the Reno Area Dirt Riders and others for March 23 thru the 31 with a save the public trail BBQ and more on the 30th.. Please be involved BRC has agreed to make this a action item for Nevada.

If you can support this issue please reach out to me!

Alternative 1 would allow continued OHV use only in the Dixie Valley Training Area. Alternative 2 allows some shared recreational use of the Fallon Training Area by setting specific access dates, much like the compromise that was reached for California’s Johnson Valley at the Twenty-Nine Palms Marine base. But Alternative 2 does not include OHV use. Alternative 3 would have similar restrictions and area removal sizes, but would locate the removed areas in a way that minimizes OHV access restrictions.

The AMA has submitted comments suggesting increasing weapons testing at the 1.1 million-acre Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in southern California to avoid affecting any OHV routes near Fallon, essentially the no-change alternative which the Navy has dismissed as not meeting its “purpose and need.” Our comments also conditionally supported the DEIS Alternative 3 as local club-the Pine Nut Mountain Trails Association-has done.

AMA’s support for Alternative 3 was contingent upon roads being added or boundaries modified to correct OHV legal trails and roads left disconnected by planned changes, and a Special Recreation Area being established outside the training range that recognizes motorized recreation as an approved use.

Since the ultimate change will be determined by the U.S. Congress, your contacting your federal elected officials with your views on the DEIS and expansion, as well as the Navy, makes sense. Contact information for your federal representatives is available here by entering your address or zip code or their names.

Comments Deadline: Feb 14 for U.S. mail postmark.

Submit comments through the U.S. mail, addressed to:

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest

Code EV21.SG
1220 Pacific Highway
Building 1, 5th Floor
San Diego, CA 92132

For more information, contact the Navy at the address above or call the Fallon Modernization Information Line at (775) 426-4081.

Thank you in advance for commenting. If you do submit comments, please forward a copy to us at grassroots@amacycle.org. Please forward this alert to your friends and ask them to submit comments, too.

Now more than ever, it is crucial that you and your riding friends become members of the AMA to help protect our riding freedoms. More members mean more clout against the opponents of motorcycling. That support will help fight for your rights-on the road, trail and racetrack and in the halls of government.

Join the AMA at americanmotorcyclist.com.

If you are an AMA member, encourage your friends to join by telling them about the many AMA benefits you appreciate and the role the AMA plays in promoting the motorcycle lifestyle and protecting the future of motorcycling

Trail Riding Etiquette

If you ride two way trails, please take the time to learn proper trail etiquette in terms of hand signals. When a rider puts up two fingers, they’re not flashing you the peace sign.  They are communicating to you that there are two more riders coming behind, so exercise caution! 

For example, if you are riding in a group of three people, the leader should flash on-coming riders two fingers, the 2nd guy one finger (middle finger not advisable) and finally the last guy should flash a closed fist (no more riders in your group).

Another, less complicated approach is instead of trying to remember how many are behind you and having to hold that many fingers up, instead just point your thumb (in the area behind you) like you are hitchhiking. Then when the last man comes along, he can give the closed fist.

This solves a couple of issues; only the lead and sweep need to do anything, AND there is no room for error (lead just has to point his thumb, doesn’t need to count….this is particularly useful if a few riders catch up to your group).

Nobody wants a head on collision and hand signals are one of the ways to help minimize accidents.

So, the next time some flashes you these hand signals, please don’t wave or give them a thumbs-up.  Respond with the appropriate hand signals.