Back in the day, before GPS, navigation was via “roll chart,” that device there. When I first did it in the early days of GPS, it was common to run both GPS and roll chart. Over the years, old skool luddite types continued to insist on roll charts, which are a Type-2 level of “fun,” if you wanted that kind of challenge. Imagine 400-500 guys loading 30ft+ of narrow paper in their roll chart holders, in the dark, via headlamp. I helped the organizers proof the roll charts for a couple of years, about 2wks before the event when they had to be printed.
The roll charts were useful, in that the organizers could put quite a few notes on them, within the context of what you were riding. That is “If you’re at this point and it’s after 2pm, take this bailout or else you will NOT finish before dark” kinda thing.
Last time I worked the GPS download table was 2020 and I believe they no longer had roll charts? Maybe 2021 was the last year. They were a shit ton of work for the organizers.
I’d run both the chart and GPS, scrolling the chart as I went so I could see the notes, etc. Usually about a 10am on Day 1 I was GPS only…couldn’t be bothered to ride in 1976.
Wrapping up at CSU next week and not starting on my PHD at Purdue until Spring 27, so I have my weekends back for the following year—great way to spend a weekend doing this. So I’m in.
Im in but may have to figure something out beyond the KLR. I have freed myself up from Thanksgiving plans for next year so can do Thursday-Sunday if thats what it takes.
Yeah, doing the ride on a KLR is a heavy lift. I rode with a guy who did it on a KLR, but he wasn’t the brightest bulb in the box, and beat the shit out of the bike
For anyone else who’s interested in the ride, but doesn’t have a dual sport yet, I know there is an outfit out of Las Vegas. I believe that will rent you a bike for this ride.
I’d like to do this but Thanksgiving makes it pretty much impossible. I’m generally in Mexico with my in-laws (poor me).
I do an annual ride in the Vegas/SoCal area and am always scouting for routes. Would it be worth looking at the LAB2V routes for ideas? We’re on big bikes.
Edit: I know it’s been discussed that this isn’t really for big bikes. I’m saying when we’re not trying to do it in a rush would competent sand riders have fun on the route?
The Day 1 Main routes would be good on unloaded / lightly loaded big bikes with competent riders.
Wouldn’t recommend the Hard ways as this will often include some ST stretches into the hills near Randsburg.
Checking out the Husky Monument is worth a trip if you haven’t been there. Also Google Tonka Town. Both are north of Barstow.
Check out the Mojave Preserve. Flowing 2 track through Yucca trees, very nice.
D2 Main is more challenging as there are only so many ways to get from Barstow to LV. The route from I-15 to Sandy Valley is particularly shitty…miles and miles of washed out gravel washes.
I’ll hit up my buddy for this years tracks, check them out, and give you recommendations
@309 See files attached, tracks for LABV 2025. I haven’t looked at them yet.
Everyone interested in this ride: download and drop these tracks into Gaia or other, so you can see how the organizers…organize…the tracks, their naming conventions, etc.
I am interested. This ride is still on my bucket list. The first time I did the ride while living in So Cal, I cracked a rib early on day 2 in the sandwash. I definitely need a redo!
