Big Ride Sept 2007

In 2007, three of us took a trip. The plan was to pack in with everything we would need for a good weekend including fuel. The week before we left I spent most of my time trying to get everything on the Brute I thought I would need or wanted to take. After culling out everything I didn't need and making a couple of phone calls to make sure we didn't have too many duplicate items we were ready to go.The place we decided to camp was about 30 miles from where we parked but with all of our supplies including a huge platter of ribs for Friday night dinner, it was a slow trip.

We made it to camp early evening and had a great ride in and more to come.  One of the high lights of the weekend was the five Apache helicopters that flew over our camp. The first one actually hovered right over our camp and waved, very low and very cool.  We took the bikes to a clearing and sat back to watch the show.  These guys came down to about 100 feet or so and it was awesome.  It really shows you if they had a reason to take us out they sure could have.

Mad dash to find reception for the game.

Over the weekend we road about 300 miles from Murphy, Idaho to somewhere in Northern Nevada and several places in between.  We had a great time and we even made time to listen to the BSU game that night “GO BRONCO”S!!!”

Over all the weekend was a great success. Dinner was ribs one night and prime rib the next.  Sandwiches during the day and a huge platter of wonderful views and adventure. This was the first of our year end rides that we continue to take in September every year.  More photos can be seen here along with the video of the Apache. Until next time, enjoy the ride.


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Pre-Ride Checklist

Tire Pressure
Tire pressure is probably the easiest and fastest thing you can do check and adjust to improve performance and handling a low pressure tire gauge is not only inexpensive but a valuable part of you ATV tool kit along with a portable air compressor both can be purchased just about anywhere for under $30. keeping the tire pressure even and correct will improve the safety and handling of any ATV not to mention tire ware and traction. Think of it this way if you on a slow trail with lots of rocks snow or mud try a lower pressure better traction and improved ride. If your flying down a trail sliding corners and concerned about tire roll try a little higher pressure. Just a couple of things to keep in mind. Always check the recommended tire pressure for your tires.

Cable maintenance
This is simple as well sticky cables suck...no other way to put it I found that WD-40 works well and use the small hose that come with it to get the fluid into the cable sheath. Keeping your cables well maintained could save you a lot of heart ache out on the trail.  Also keeping your cable at the prop0er tension can improve their performance and life.

Fluids
This is a no brain-er right? check the oil and all of your fluids. here is the problem I don't know how many times Ive spent alot of time trying to get my tire pressure just right before a ride just to get an hour from home and realize I’m low on oil not a good way to start the day. Grease is cheep and should be used often a little maintenance today could save you alot of money in the future. Fuel, yep its a fluid and a vital one as well. ever had this happen? loaded up with all the gear and friends on your way ride for a couple of hours 40+ miles away from anything, Light bulb goes off in you head did I top this off with fuel? not going to name names but that can be a real bummer.

Lugs
A socket wrench and five minutes before each ride can save you a bunch of frustration. Check the tightness and condition of the lugs enough said. I keep a small tool kit in my bag that I can use to do minor repairs and maintenance while on the trail.

If you have a hard time remembering your maintenance schedule like I do make a list of tasks things to check before every ride things to check after each ride and things to check on a monthly bases. Check your owners manual for service recommendations.

11-23-11 Ride

Hunter and I had a great ride today. We put the old cabin on the Brute with the new retrofit doors hoping it would keep us warm. Warm was an understatement.  We were both completely overdressed but as we always say better safe than sorry.

Here’s how the day went:  We started off about 10 AM, headed for Murphy, Idaho, but not sure exactly where we were going.  We knew we were headed for the snow but not sure of the route we were going to take to get there.  “No biggie,” I say.  We’ll just head up the Silver City Road and figure it out from there.  About 5 miles up the road take a left on Scotch Bob Road. I knew I should have taken a pic.  From the bottom of the canyon it’s about 3 miles.

Anyway, we headed for War Eagle Mt. but about half way up the snow became a little too deep for the time we had to spend.  We had a great time playing in the snow and trying out the new doors on the cabin. Let me tell you I know someone could build a better set of doors but these were great. We wore light coats and ball caps, and no gloves and bulky clothing to get in the way. The only time we put on stocking hats was when we left the inside warmth of our new…well, let’s just call it a Jeep.

We just need a stereo and power windows. Here’s the thing: if you get a chance to spend some time with your best friend doing what you love to do. DO IT!  No questions.  It was one of the best rides I have taken in a while just because my son was there with me. We had a couple of close calls because I wasn’t paying attention.  (Don’t tell my wife.)

And we had luke-warm hotdogs because I can’t pack a lunch to save my life and what does my son say at the end of the day? “Best day ever!  What a great adventure!” What do you say to that? I said, “Best day ever!  What a great adventure!”

Until next time, enjoy the ride!