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Ian Feinberg

10/31/2016 12:37 PM

First time off-roading this weekend. I went on the Nimblewill/FS-28 rd trying to loop back toward Suches. Most of it was really nice. Got off track where Hightower Gap rd splits off of the main road. It was un-maintained and very rocky. Had to turn around and head back to Appalachian Blue Ridge rd.

Looking for other routes for one with moderate skills. Maybe even explore this area more. There seems to be a lot of terrain like Nimblewill Gap rd, Bearden Falls, Springer Mountain area, etc. Have checked out the Ride Library, but would like to get more info on some of these routes to know what I'm getting into. I'm also interested in talking with someone who knows the area well and/or a riding buddy. Better to have a partner when veering off the road.

Thanks!

hoppy

12/9/2016 9:46 PM

That's the way I go to 2 wheels resort by taking back roads from Roswell, GA. It'll spit you out about 1/4 mile from Two Wheels resort on Cooper Gap Rd. I know the route well but I don't ride in the winter. A good map is called "Info-map for the Georgia Mountains '13' " and can purchased at www.info-map.com. Many fire roads around there. There's a few more between Helen and Hiawassee. Although not to scale, that map has them all.

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2006 F650GS
"The mountains are calling and I must go" - John Muir

Ian Feinberg

12/22/2016 10:59 AM

Thanks! Good info.

Mark Sanford

2/18/2017 5:02 PM

Ian,

I just joined the club looking for more people to ride with up in the mountains of GA on the very forest service roads you were on. I live up in Dawsonville and have a 30 minutes ride up to Nimblewill/FS28. If you ever need someone to ride with, let me know. If I'm able to drop everything and join you... i will. Bored riding alone up there.

Mark Sanford

hoppy

2/23/2017 11:23 AM

I'm looking for a few brave souls who may want to do the 'Smokey Mountain 500' this spring/summer. Beginner to intermediate level, off/on road dual sport ride, about 3 days, not terribly difficult. If interested, drop me a line or respond here and we can meet to discuss.

-------------
2006 F650GS
"The mountains are calling and I must go" - John Muir

Mark Sanford

2/27/2017 7:59 AM

Which dates are you considering? Sometimes I have to work nights on the weekends. Don't get me wrong. I am highly interested.

Mark Sanford
2013 BMW R1200GS

Mark Sanford

2/27/2017 5:53 PM

I just reviewed the Cahulawassee 450 - Dual Sport Ride link provided. It mentioned Charlies Creek road as a portion of the ride.

My last encounter with Charlies Creek Road was a blast, however, a nightmare as well. I did not have proper tires for the task and it was like a giant slip and slide for me. (it had rained the night before)

I'll get some new rubber for this loop. I've had adequate grip with the TKC80's in the past in that kind of dirt/mud/creek/gravel. I just burn then up on the daily commute.

If there is a better tire for the loop, let me know quickly. I'm going to order a set of TKC80's this weekend. Usually takes 2 days for shipping and an hour of wrestling them onto the bike. (full body workout even with a cycle hill tire changer)

Mark Sanford
2013 BMW R1200GS

Ian Feinberg

2/28/2017 9:36 AM

I am using the Michelin Anakee 3 tires. Probably not appropriate for this ride, but would hopefully work. Please let me know what you think.

Thanks,
Ian

Bruce Grant

3/1/2017 3:48 PM

Mark,

Do yourself a favor and get the Michelin Anakee Wilds instead of the TKC 80's. I've had the TKCs, the Heidi K60 Scout and the Wilds. I'm on my 3rd rear Wild (still on the first front Wild but its getting low) and, IMHO, the Wilds are superior to anything we encounter in GA/NC/TN AND much better on the road.

Bruce Grant
-----------
2015 R1200 GS Adventure
2016 Triumph Street Twin

Mark Sanford

3/1/2017 8:31 PM

Took your advice Bruce and ordered a set of the Michelin Anakee Wilds.

I've still got some life left on the TKC70's I'm using right now, so I guess I'll swap back and forth until i get tired of manual labor. I wish i could find a decent set of USED spoke wheels, but they are difficult to find complete with all the stuff. It would be nice to swap WHEELS instead of tires.

Ian, those Anakee 3 tires you have will do fine on regular forest service roads. They look like my TKC70's. Just stay away from heavy mud pits!

I've got to work this weekend, so I won't get to go out and try these "wilds" until next weekend. :(

Mark Sanford
2013 BMW R1200GS

Bruce Grant

3/2/2017 10:43 AM

I think you will really like the Wilds! As to a set of spoke wheels, good luck with that...hard to come by as you know. Everyone with the cast wheels wants a set of the spokes and I don't blame them. Dang, those puppies are expensive after-market!

Bruce Grant
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2015 R1200 GS Adventure
2016 Triumph Street Twin

Mophoto

3/2/2017 10:49 PM

I would suggest checking out Woody's Wheel Works for improved wheels allowing you to have a better off road wheel and much less costly than stock.

Hope your have better wear on your Michelin's than Bruce...he eats them for lunch!

Maurice
2012 F650GS
2001 R1100S
1995 Ducati 900SS SP
BMWMCOGA Secretary

Mark Sanford

3/3/2017 7:56 AM

I switched to the TKC70's because they were more street oriented than dirt. They also have very good wear life. I'm sure the Wild's will be toast if i keep them on for my commute to work. I'm going to manually swap tires for a bit until i find a set of extra wheels. I'll even take a set of cast wheels for the street and keep the spokes for dirt.

I've been watching woody's for over a year now, but he seems to have more of the smaller width wheels for the previous generation bike. I have only seen a set once for the water cooled 1200gs. Ebay is the only place i have ever seen them for my bike, but they were not complete and they had issues. It may be cheaper and easier to just buy a better tire changer than the one i have.

Mark Sanford
2013 BMW R1200GS

Mark Sanford

3/16/2017 6:01 PM

I put on those Michelin's and they are SOFT. Mileage on these things will be horrendous.

Did some light dirt roads on them and they grip very well. Some thin mud was no issue as well. Didn't do anything crazy like a creek crossing or crazy mud like you would find in the flatlands in cooper creek WMA. Better than what i had for sure.

High speed 80+ mph sweepers are a huge pucker factor. You wanna feel a bike move underneath you in a sweeper?, try these knobby wannabes.

I'm ready for the loop. When does everyone have time?

Mark Sanford
2013 BMW R1200GS

Ian Feinberg

3/17/2017 7:36 PM

Mark,
I can do something the week of 5/29 or most Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays in June and July.
Hit me on email - ibase@att.net

Mark Sanford

4/3/2017 1:47 PM

These tires did pretty well in the Dawson forest. Orange mud puddles were pretty easy with them.

Mark Sanford
2013 BMW R1200GS

Mophoto

4/4/2017 7:45 AM

Did you lower the tire pressure much for that soft stuff?

Maurice
2012 F650GS
2001 R1100S
1995 Ducati 900SS SP
2003 Kowasaki Ninja 250
BMWMCOGA Secretary

Mark Sanford

4/8/2017 8:42 AM

Both front and rear were at 36psi, which i believe is the low end of the recommended tire pressure monitor alarm on the dash.

I'm headed back out this morning to play in the woods / mud / gravel. I'll give a lower pressure a try and see how they perform.

Mark Sanford
2013 BMW R1200GS

Bruce Grant

4/10/2017 2:27 PM

I've taken my pressure down to 18 front and 28 rear and it worked great. Yes, the TPM light comes on but we know why so no big deal.

Bruce Grant
-----------
2015 R1200 GS Adventure
2016 Triumph Street Twin

hoppy

2/23/2017 11:25 AM

Mark, I'm looking for some people to do the 'Smokey Mountain 500' over a 3 day period. Let me know if you're interested.

-------------
2006 F650GS
"The mountains are calling and I must go" - John Muir

Bruce Grant

2/23/2017 1:01 PM

Hoppy,

Let me know when...I'm in!

Bruce Grant
-----------
2015 R1200 GS Adventure
2016 Triumph Street Twin

Airhead Mark

2/23/2017 8:29 PM

I think the ride being suggested is what is called the Cahulawassee 450 - Dual Sport Ride in our ride library. Details here Ride - Cahulawassee 450 - Dual Sport

Mark
1993 R100R

Ian Feinberg

2/26/2017 8:40 PM

I'm interested! Please post when you're ready to hit it.

Ian Feinberg

2/26/2017 8:37 PM

Mark,
Will do. Would really like to learn more about the rides up there.
Thanks.

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