DDMC Memorial Weekend Camp and Ride, Mina, Nevada, May 23-25, 2026

[Kurt138]

Dean and Wayne organized a Memorial Weekend club campout in Mina, Nevada.

Reno area locals Dean, Wayne, Paul, Eric, Randy, Tim and I were there. In addition, Blake rode his T7 to Mina all the way from Alameda and Jimmy made the shorter trip from down the road in Beatty. Wayne and Paul were driving SxSs, everyone else was on dual sport/adventure bikes.

I camped two nights. The camp site was primitive but aside from one other adventure van, there was no one around. We enjoyed peaceful and quiet nights. A few pickups drove by during the day on the way out to mining sites but that was about it for local traffic. There were views of Thunder Mountain and snow-capped Boundary Peak (13,147′) to the southwest and Pilot Peak to the southeast.

On Saturday Wayne led an adventure ride from camp southwest to go around and through the Excelsior Mountains. The initial few miles going up into the skirt of the mountains from the east were rocky – this was a good challenge for Blake on his T7. The route dropped down onto Highway 360 for a couple miles, then turned west onto well-made dirt road just before the Belleville ghost town. Off pavement we entered the BLM’s Wild Burro Range. We stopped to take a look around the Marietta ghost town, which was really cool. For a short time Marietta had several hundred residents, many saloons, stores and a post office. It appears that a few mine caretakers may still live in Marietta. While the town is dead there are many active mining operations throughout the Excelsior and Pilot Mountains.

From Marietta the route proceeded west over improving terrain. Wayne split off as we entered Little Huntoon Valley and the bike riders assumed he had taken a wrong turn. Eric followed to check on Wayne while the rest of the riders decided to continue on the main route up into the mountains to wait under the shade from the pine trees near Summit Spring. We found out later that Wayne took a spur trail to visit the Cabin Under the Rock. After waiting for a while the rest of the group continued on the primary route, which was nice for the rest of the ride. The terrain featured sandy two track with a few rock steps here and there, then hard-packed dirt.

The total ride distance was about 90 miles – it was a fun adventure route. Here is a map (we rode clockwise):

I had to take off on Sunday morning, but here is a video from Saturday’s ride (some clips are from Tim and Randy):

The DDMC hosted dinner on Saturday night and chef Deano provided endless plates of ribs plus potato salad, beans and 3 varieties of fruit pies.

Wind and rain passed through camp for a while after dinner, then after it died down Eric cranked up the camp fire.

I had a great time riding and hanging out with everyone – thanks to all who attended!

Rides: KLX450R, KX500 (Project)

[Greg R]

Thanks for the nice recap of the weekend event along with the cool video! Looks like good times were had.

Dirt: 2022 Kawasaki KLX300R
Dual: 2025 Suzuki DR650

[Eric Larsen]

Great Camp and Ride!

Dean and Wayne, thanks for setting this up, mapping all the trails and making dinner.

There was great views, great riding, solitude and lots of dogs to pet.

Great vid Kurt.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9btUQiFoeuhZwZum7

Eric
DR-Z4s, KLX 300, Monkey 125
InReach Add. larseneric27@inreach.garmin.com

[Kurt138]

Um, no, no way.

Rides: KLX450R, KX500 (Project)

[Eric Larsen]

Yes way! I built this cabin waiting for Wayne to get his drone in the air.

Eric
DR-Z4s, KLX 300, Monkey 125
InReach Add. larseneric27@inreach.garmin.com

[Kurt138]

Eric Larsen wrote:

Yes way! I built this cabin waiting for Wayne to get his drone in the air.

LOL, that explains the weathered look on the wood.

Rides: KLX450R, KX500 (Project)

[RenoDeano]

Here are my Camp pics/vids. https://youtu.be/3Gexr7_e4Is?si=f_hzqLBmnsXfwkPT

H. D. Chaney

[Kurt138]

RenoDeano wrote:

Here are my Camp pics/vids. https://youtu.be/3Gexr7_e4Is?si=f_hzqLBmnsXfwkPT

Hey Dean, you pulled a fast one on us. Your link is going to Erzberg mayhem highlights. =^)

Rides: KLX450R, KX500 (Project)

[Randy]

Great time. Let this be known as the “Where’s Wayne” Campout.
Thanks for letting me day ride.
Randy

Randy

HUSQ 901 EXP / KTM XCF-W 350 / KLR 650

[RenoDeano]

“Where’s Way” apapro and I love it.

H. D. Chaney

[Author]

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