Staging was set for 0900-0930 on Saturday 16 May. Upon arrival, there were already several trucks unloading ATV's of all types. As it turned out, Chris Brimhall (aka Ghost Rider) had brought down most (if not all) of the Northern Utah ATV Club to ride the same route.
Just before 0930, m74me (Dennis) and Britt & Bill arrived. Just as we were leaving, another couple Edward and Rossalind asked to join our group.
At exactly 0930, we pushed out and began our (what would end up being 90 miles) ride.
The first obstacle was a mountain climb with significant rocks and obstacles on the way up. We broke out the winches, muscled the machines up and pressed on. No damage, no injuries. So far, so good.
Our first break came about 15 miles into it. We stopped near "Great Place for a Crappy Cache" and explained to Edward and Rossalind (who have never geocached) that there was a public toilet behind a tree. They couldn''t believe what they saw. A full sized toilet, right there in the open desert!
Britt & Bill looking to the South as 24+ ATV's from the Northern Utah Club came through:
Edward and Rossalind coming back from the geocache "toilet":
At this point, we banked East toward Black Rock Canyon and began winding our way up. Upon reaching a cattle watering hole, Dennis (m74me) determined that he had torn a 3/4" gas in the sidewall of a rear tire. It was to plug (for him), and time to place a geocache at this location (by me).
The group at a break near the watering hole:
Shortly after leaving the watering hole and about half-way through Black Rock Canyon, Edward hit a rut, and both he and Rossalind flew off the machine. Fortunately, neither seemed to be seriously injured, but they were obviously shaken up. Afterward, Edward drove much more modestly.
East cattle gate to Black Rock Canyon. Dennis aka m74me taking a break:
From this point, we proceeded south along the Tintic mountains and decided to head into Eureka for food & fuel. Upon arrival, we found a full group of motorcyclists (at least 20+) and all 24 ATV's from the Northern Utah ATV club already there. The gas station attended seemed a bit overwhelmed.
The "group" near Rockwell's Cabin:
After fueling up, having a snack, we decided to head back out via Chiulus pass. We were now a bit over 50 miles into our trip and the weather was perfect even though a bit warm.
We navigated through the Rock Garden and came down the pass into the canyon adjacent to Black Rock Canyon.
Edward and Rossalind coming out of the canyon:
En route back to Five Mile Pass, we managed to leave Dennis behind. After getting the group safely back to the vehicles, Bill and I decided to go looking for Dennis. Fortunately, he had found his own way back.
Final mileage: 90 miles, end of ride: 1730. What a great day!
Britt, Bill, Dennis, Edward & Rossalind: If you're reading this and you have photos, please do share them.
Just before 0930, m74me (Dennis) and Britt & Bill arrived. Just as we were leaving, another couple Edward and Rossalind asked to join our group.
At exactly 0930, we pushed out and began our (what would end up being 90 miles) ride.
The first obstacle was a mountain climb with significant rocks and obstacles on the way up. We broke out the winches, muscled the machines up and pressed on. No damage, no injuries. So far, so good.
Our first break came about 15 miles into it. We stopped near "Great Place for a Crappy Cache" and explained to Edward and Rossalind (who have never geocached) that there was a public toilet behind a tree. They couldn''t believe what they saw. A full sized toilet, right there in the open desert!
Britt & Bill looking to the South as 24+ ATV's from the Northern Utah Club came through:
Edward and Rossalind coming back from the geocache "toilet":At this point, we banked East toward Black Rock Canyon and began winding our way up. Upon reaching a cattle watering hole, Dennis (m74me) determined that he had torn a 3/4" gas in the sidewall of a rear tire. It was to plug (for him), and time to place a geocache at this location (by me).
The group at a break near the watering hole:
Shortly after leaving the watering hole and about half-way through Black Rock Canyon, Edward hit a rut, and both he and Rossalind flew off the machine. Fortunately, neither seemed to be seriously injured, but they were obviously shaken up. Afterward, Edward drove much more modestly.
East cattle gate to Black Rock Canyon. Dennis aka m74me taking a break:
From this point, we proceeded south along the Tintic mountains and decided to head into Eureka for food & fuel. Upon arrival, we found a full group of motorcyclists (at least 20+) and all 24 ATV's from the Northern Utah ATV club already there. The gas station attended seemed a bit overwhelmed.
The "group" near Rockwell's Cabin:
After fueling up, having a snack, we decided to head back out via Chiulus pass. We were now a bit over 50 miles into our trip and the weather was perfect even though a bit warm.
We navigated through the Rock Garden and came down the pass into the canyon adjacent to Black Rock Canyon.
Edward and Rossalind coming out of the canyon:
En route back to Five Mile Pass, we managed to leave Dennis behind. After getting the group safely back to the vehicles, Bill and I decided to go looking for Dennis. Fortunately, he had found his own way back.
Final mileage: 90 miles, end of ride: 1730. What a great day!
Britt, Bill, Dennis, Edward & Rossalind: If you're reading this and you have photos, please do share them.
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