Natural Wonders Await Adventure Riders in 2016

Don Amador on Mendocino NF

Exploring less-traveled backcountry forest roads on a dual-sport or adventure motorcycle is one of the reasons that riders, in growing numbers, have taken up the sport.

Road 18N04 on Mendocino NF

Because of the increased precipitation this spring in California’s Northern Coastal Range, adventure riders can experience a wide array of natural wonders that await them along the route.

High elevation meadows that have been brown for the last 4-5 years are now a lush green color.  Douglas Fir and other conifers are sprouting new growth.  The Dogwood Trees are in bloom.

Dogwood Tree

Depending on the elevation, you will see a lot of California Valley or Mountain Quail.  Deer antlers are now covered in thick velvet.

Many Blue Oaks have dense foliage and look healthier than folks can remember.  Ponderosa Pines are looking good too.

QWR just wanted to share a few photos and some thoughts from a recent trip on the Mendocino National Forest in the hopes that some of you will take the opportunity to explore and enjoy some of our natural treasures in 2016.

See you on the trail.

TRAIL TIP - Add Water Filter Straw to Your Backpack

LifeStraw Added to QWR Backpack

As the long hot days of summer approach, QWR wants to encourage OHVers and Adventure Bike riders to stay hydrated when out in the backcountry.   Access to clean drinking water becomes critically important when you are on a long ride and the temperatures soar into the upper 90s and 100s.

Typical Stream - But is the Water Safe to Drink?

Along with our trusty bottle of water purification tablets, QWR recently added a LifeStraw to our backpack as extra insurance against running out of clean water to drink when on a trail ride or backcountry adventure.

It was field tested on a recent trail ride where there was a stream available as a water source.  The LifeStraw is practically weightless and does not take up much room in the backpack.

Using LifeStraw to Draw Water from Stream

Drawing water through the straw is pretty straightforward.  The water tastes good and could help save the day if you get caught in a heatwave.  QWR encourages riders to make sure they have some way to obtain clean water and adding an affordable lightweight drinking system to your pack seems to make a lot of sense.

Have a great summer on the trail!

Adventure and Dual Sport Recreation is Growing Segment of OHV-Related Economy

Don Amador at 2014 Lost Coast

 Dual Sport Adventure Ride

According to a 2012 Economic Impact Study from the Outdoor Industry Association, OHV related expenditures have an estimated $66 billion dollar fiscal benefit to the nation’s economy.

Motorized recreationists stay in hotels, use campgrounds, buy fuel, purchase vehicles and accessories, patronize grocery stores, and order parts.

According to Motorcycle USA.Com, The Dual segment (adventure/dual-sport motorcycles) continues to enjoy the most robust growth trend in the US motorcycle industry.  However, they note that the total sales for the 1^st quarter of 2014 for the on/off-road capable bikes were 7644 units which is about ½ the number of  Off-Highway motorcycles sold.

QWR believes that Dual motorcycle recreation will continue to grow in popularity and import as part of the OHV recreation economic equation.   Other recreation leaders appear to share that view as well.

John Lane, Founder of Rocky Mountain Adventure Riders, states, “Most dual-sport, adventure riders stay in a hotel and eat in restaurants.  I am amazed as I travel throughout Colorado on a regular basis, by how many DS/Adventure bikes I see parked at motel/hotels and restaurants.” 

Dual Riders at Grocery Store on CO/UT Border

 (photo credit: Don Riggle)

Motorcycle icon and publisher, Don Emde, says, “Adventure bikes open up unlimited opportunities for riders to expand their horizons and experience new riding areas around the United States and the world.”

Mattole Road South of Ferndale, CA

QWR believes there are a number of factors that are contributing to the rise in popularity of Adventure motorcycling.  First, the 2005 Forest Service Travel Management Rule resulted in the closure of thousands of miles of forest roads historically used by non-street legal dirt-bikes.  This resulted in riders purchasing dual-sport motorcycles so they could connect between various trail networks.

Second, many non-traditional  “off-road motorcycle” interests from the tech world, conservation movement, 4x4 community, and other stakeholder groups have found that Adventure riding is a great way to escape the city and experience the great outdoors.

Third, adventure and dual-sport motorcycles can also serve as commuter vehicles during the week.

The aforementioned observations are based on QWR’s work at a number of adventure/dual-sport rides including the Oakland Motorcycle Club’s SheetIron 300 Dual Sport Ride and the North Bay Motorcycle Club’s Lost Coast Dual Sport Adventure Ride.

Dual Sport Riders Ready for Take Off at SheetIron 300

QWR looks to expand our Adventure Bike Module in 2015 to better serve the exploring community and promote the many benefits of Dual motorcycling to both the riders and economy.  This addition will enhance our ongoing efforts to champion responsible non-street legal and street legal motorized recreation on public roads, trails, and areas.

  

Adventure and Dual-Sport Riders - Please "Close the Gate" and Observe the Backcountry Rules of Conduct

With more new riders taking up Adventure or Dual-Sport motorcycling it is important to remember that “multiple-use” of public lands means more than deciding what vehicle you will use to explore roads and trails on federal land in the West.

For this article, we will focus on “gate” ethics.  Both the Forest Service and BLM issue permits or leases that allow for cattle and other livestock to be grazed in allotments on public lands.  Often barbed-wire or “drift fences” are installed to keep cattle in the desired grazing area.

When these drift fences cross a designated road or trail, a barbed wire gate is usually installed which has to be opened and closed when a rider wants to pass through the gate.   There are usually “Please close the gate” signs located nearby.   If you are riding in a group it is important for the last rider to stop and make sure the gate is closed.

QWR's Adventure Bike (Tiger 955i) 

Having Just Passed Through the Gate and Closing it

The Forest Service Law Enforcement website instructs riders to leave gates as you found them, whether opened or closed.  There are also a number of other “Backcountry Rules of Conduct” the agency recommends so that we all can better protect our right to ride.

Forest Service LE Backcountry Rules of Conduct Website

http://www.fs.fed.us/lei/motorized-use.php

By following a few simple rules and using common sense, QWR believes OHV recreationists can help preserve and protect our continued access to designated roads, trails, and areas.  You can do OHV a big favor by sharing these and other riding tips with your rider network.