Playing in the Dirt, What Could Go Wrong?

Prineville, OR 11/14/2019 through 11/17/2019

As 2019 was nearing its end, it had been a year full of surprises and exciting new experiences. Having my sister stay with me for a while and deciding to retire were the highlights.

Despite being retired for three months, the reality hadn’t quite sunk in. My mind still played tricks, making me feel like I needed to return to work after each adventure. It felt more like an extended vacation with an impending end.

Thanksgiving was approaching, traditionally marking the end of my travels for the year. In my younger days, this would signal the beginning of the snowmobiling season. However, now that I no longer snowmobile and was retired, the winter months seemed to stretch ahead with no specific plans, except for the company of my sister.

Before the winter hibernation set in, I felt the urge for one more motorcycle adventure. So, I made a plan and set off for Oregon.

Thursday, November 14. 2019

Getting Ready
November in the Pacific Northwest brings chilly weather, making street rides and tent camping unappealing. Fortunately, an enticing dirt or dual sport ride and campout was taking place in Prineville, OR area at an Off Highway Vehicle Park. I knew everyone attending, ensuring a good time would be had.

Facing the dilemma of choosing between a dirt or dual sport bike, I opted for both. The plan was simple: enjoy dedicated dirt riding one day and dual sport the next, making the most of the weekend.

Camping in my van during the spring and fall suits me well. Equipped with a small propane Mr. Heater Little Buddy, I can take off the chill, and my portable toilet adds convenience. While I have a privacy shelter for the toilet to be able to put it outside, this time, with the predicted cold nights, I preferred keeping it inside the van.

With the camping and riding plan in place, it was time to load the motorcycles.

First on the trailer was the dual sport bike, a 2007 Suzuki DR200SE affectionately known as the Superbug. It’s been my companion for many memorable miles. Next up was my dedicated dirt bike, a 1994 Honda XR100R, a trusty ride that served me well over the years. Despite initial skepticism about its size, I decided it suited my “big kid” stature.

Loading the Superbug went smoothly, but the XR100 posed a challenge. While pushing it onto the trailer, I lost balance, causing it to tip over. Thinking it was a minor issue, I attempted to lift it back into place, but the front tire slipped out of the rail. Struggling to lift the front tire easily back into the rail, I moved the bike back and forth until coaxing it back where it belonged.

With the van ready and the bikes loaded, it was time to hit the road. Anticipation filled me as I looked forward to the journey, reuniting with friends, camping, and the thrill of riding motorcycles.

Heading to Camp

Friday, November 15, 2019

On the familiar road through Washington, a route I’ve traveled many times, the scenery of sagebrush, tumbleweeds, and scabrocks, occasionally interrupted by a farm, never loses its charm. Despite my frequent travels along this road, I always challenge myself to spot something new and most of the time I do.

Trailering my motorcycles brings a smile when I glance in the rearview mirror and see them faithfully following along. It’s a visual reminder of the destination and the upcoming excitement.

The landscape transitions from seemingly flat desert to a canyon flanked by rocks on one side of the road, with a railroad track at the canyon’s base. I kept an eye out for a train, a usual sight, but not this time.

The weather hinted at an imminent storm, with threatening clouds, but the route avoided the downpours. The highlight was driving on the edge of a canyon in Oregon shrouded in clouds, creating a stunning view.

Covering around 400 miles at a leisurely pace, the drive took about nine hours. I reached the campsite an hour before dusk, allowing time to greet fellow campers and set up my van. Although setting up camp in the van is quick, I organized things and stashed a flashlight in my jacket pocket for the evening.

As most attendees would arrive the next day, the camp was relatively quiet. I appreciated the gradual buildup of the group. As night fell, a campfire was built, and I joined in, enjoying the entertaining campfire talk.

Returning to my van after leaving the fire, the temperature had dropped and it was chilly. I ignited the Little Buddy propane heater, letting it warm the van for about 10 minutes. With the confined space, it didn’t take long to create a cozy atmosphere.

Snuggled in my bed, I drifted off to sleep with the laughter of fellow campers by the fire providing a soothing backdrop to the night.

Saturday. November 16, 2019

Baby, it’s Cold Outside

When I woke up in the morning, I could hear faint voices around the campsite, which was surprising given the early hour. Despite feeling warm during the night, as soon as I threw off the blankets, I was met with biting cold. Quickly, I fired up the Little Buddy heater and my cook stove to start the coffee water before diving back into bed to stay warm.

To make my morning smooth, I always prep the coffee pot the night before, all I have to do is start the stove in the morning and place the pot on it. After a few minutes, the water boils, and I pour it over the coffee grounds in the coffee filter I had placed in a silicone funnel, allowing it to drip coffee into my cup.

Although I dreaded leaving the warmth of my blankets to tend to the coffee, my desire for a morning cup outweighed my reluctance to leave the bed. Surprisingly, the van was already beginning to warm up. After pouring the water over the coffee grounds, I dressed comfortably, turned off the heater, and opted to enjoy my coffee in bed for a bit longer.

As my first cup of coffee neared its end, I restarted the stove to prepare a second pot. Knowing that my friend from the Outta Sight Racing team had arrived during the night, I eagerly anticipated catching up with him. With the second cup of coffee in hand, I finally ventured outside to join the others who were awake.

Everything was covered in frost, and my friend had yet to emerge from his van, but the campfire was already crackling, thanks to the early risers. We gathered around the fire, basking in its warmth as we greeted more campers joining us. Plans for the day’s rides were discussed among riders, while more people arrived in trucks and trailers. Despite the cold, the day promised to be beautiful with clear blue skies overhead.

Time to Ride

As the day warmed up and more riders arrived, it was time to hit the trails. Groups formed naturally as riders teamed up for their adventures. Since I didn’t plan to ride with them, I hung back, socializing and watched the riders leave camp. While some might find it unusual, I enjoy watching the excitement of others setting off.

With everyone occupied, I decided to unload my XR100 for a spin. My intention wasn’t to venture far from camp; instead, I wanted to use the opportunity to practice a bit. After playing with it, I felt the urge to take out my Suzuki DR200SE, fondly called the Superbug, for a ride. The camp offered some nice gravel roads perfect for a leisurely putt.

It felt great to be back on the Superbug, but it wasn’t performing as smoothly as I’d hoped. Worried about potential breakdowns far from camp, I opted to turn back.

Since I first purchased it in 2008, the Superbug has been a source of enjoyment, but it has seen its fair share of wear and tear. In 2015, while riding on gravel, I high sided and the bike landed on the handlebars and instrument panel. Although repaired, it hasn’t been quite the same since. I didn’t use it much until 2017 when I took it on a lengthy ride in Montana. About 300 miles from the end of the 1700-mile journey, it started to experience issues. I suspected there might be a broken ignition wire.

The Superbug was hauled home and it underwent further repairs and seemed to be functioning well. However, during this campout, the familiar problem resurfaced. After a brief ride, I decided to load it on the trailer to be ready for the drive home the next day.

It felt great to be back on the Superbug, but it wasn’t performing as smoothly as I’d hoped. Worried about potential breakdowns far from camp, I opted to turn back.

Despite the day presenting some challenges, I found enjoyment in the experience. Being in a new location brought a sense of relaxation, and I even took a brief walk while the riders were out.

As the riders started to return, the fire was tended to, providing a comforting ambiance as the day transitioned into evening. Although the warmth of the fire wasn’t necessary during the day, its crackling flames became welcoming as the sun began to set.

My friend had returned and we were able to visit for a bit. I snapped a shot of our vans parked next to each other. His makes mine look tiny and his isn’t even the biggest made. Seeing the vans together makes us laugh.

The sounds of motorcycles returning and riders chatting filled the air, adding to the simple pleasures of the day. Spending time with friends at camp like this brings a sense of camaraderie.

As dusk fell, everyone gathered around the fire, sharing stories of the day’s adventures, discussing future rides, and enjoying some drinks. While I opted for water instead of alcohol, I still relished the company and laughter shared among friends.

After a while, I retreated to my van, contentedly drifting off to sleep amidst the sounds of cheerful voices and laughter echoing through the campsite.

Sunday, November 18, 2019

Heading Home

Just like the previous day, I started my morning by firing up the Mr. Buddy heater and getting the coffee water going. However, this time, once the water was hot, I dressed and didn’t crawl back into bed with my coffee.

Exiting my van, I was relieved to find that there was no frost, unlike the previous day. Instead, I was met with a lovely sunrise. In camp, a couple of people were cooking breakfast at the campfire. Slowly, people were getting up, packing their gear, loading motorcycles, and preparing to head home.

With a cup of coffee in hand, I strolled around, chatting with fellow campers, knowing it would be a while before our paths crossed again in the winter months. Saying goodbye on the last day of any gathering is always bittersweet for me, but it’s a part of the experience.

Neither in a rush to leave nor sensing urgency from others, I appreciated the leisurely pace of the final day. After bidding farewell to friends, I set off for home.

Though a tinge of sadness lingered as I drove away, it gradually lifted, replaced by the enjoyment of the scenic drive. With a relaxed start to the day, by the time I reached Sprague Lake, WA, the sun was dipping below the horizon, treating me to a stunning sunset in my rearview mirror as I completed my journey home.