Just finished Off-Rodeo Moab

[GCaballero]

My brother and law and I just wrapped the Moab session in all of it's 110F Glory and it was outstanding. From the first moment to the last, it was an entertaining, professional and fun trip. We're currently stuck in airport hell thanks to our friends at crowdstrike, so I thought it was a good moment to write up a little of my thoughts while they are fresh. The highlights

• Our guide , Dave, was outstanding and clearly an enthusiast. Our group had a great mix of experienced folks and newbies and he let us push the challenges as far as we wanted while keeping everyone and the rigs safe.
• The heat, believe it or not, while it was way over 100F it made for a great, clear day with lots of traction on the rocks.
• We did a detour or two when we got out ahead of the other groups (we did 5 rigs to a group) and got to do fun things like exploring dinosaur tracks on the trails and having our lunch in a cave and seeing petroglyphs.
• The Red Cliffs lodge. I can't say enough about this place. The rooms were amazing, clean, had fantastic views and were right at the venue. The staff was great when it all went to hell (more on that shortly) and I will 100% be returning to see what else they have to offer.
• The food was on point. From the easy lunch in the cave to the dinner of tri-tip with live music, it was such a well run production you totally forgot how hot and dirty and sunburnt you were by the end of the day.

The Red Cliffs staff really got to show themselves when we got back from the ride. Evidently, the power had gone out and had only come back on around an hour before we arrived, and remember it was an easy 110 outside. The power stayed on just long enough for dinner to be made and us to sit and eat before it went out again and things started getting really toasty. The staff, crushed it. Other hotel guests were a little bent out of shape, but watching the staff handle folks who were hot, in the dark and unsure what to do next was a treat. Professionals at this event from top to bottom.

The low lights.
Honestly, I know how this is gonna sound, but I would do this again in a heartbeat. I don't regret a minute of it, I can't believe how smooth even the rough stuff went and I have an entirely new appreciation for what my Bronco can do. +1 would go again

I agree 100%, though nothing went wrong on our trip.

NOTE TO ALL on this thread. Take an extra day and visit Arches National Park, if you haven't already been there. But be aware that you need a timed entry pass https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10088426/ticket/10088427 or enter the Park before 7AM. Not sure if this applies all year or just the busiest season.

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[Nate Train]

My brother and law and I just wrapped the Moab session in all of it's 110F Glory and it was outstanding. From the first moment to the last, it was an entertaining, professional and fun trip. We're currently stuck in airport hell thanks to our friends at crowdstrike, so I thought it was a good moment to write up a little of my thoughts while they are fresh. The highlights

• Our guide , Dave, was outstanding and clearly an enthusiast. Our group had a great mix of experienced folks and newbies and he let us push the challenges as far as we wanted while keeping everyone and the rigs safe.
• The heat, believe it or not, while it was way over 100F it made for a great, clear day with lots of traction on the rocks.
• We did a detour or two when we got out ahead of the other groups (we did 5 rigs to a group) and got to do fun things like exploring dinosaur tracks on the trails and having our lunch in a cave and seeing petroglyphs.
• The Red Cliffs lodge. I can't say enough about this place. The rooms were amazing, clean, had fantastic views and were right at the venue. The staff was great when it all went to hell (more on that shortly) and I will 100% be returning to see what else they have to offer.
• The food was on point. From the easy lunch in the cave to the dinner of tri-tip with live music, it was such a well run production you totally forgot how hot and dirty and sunburnt you were by the end of the day.

The Red Cliffs staff really got to show themselves when we got back from the ride. Evidently, the power had gone out and had only come back on around an hour before we arrived, and remember it was an easy 110 outside. The power stayed on just long enough for dinner to be made and us to sit and eat before it went out again and things started getting really toasty. The staff, crushed it. Other hotel guests were a little bent out of shape, but watching the staff handle folks who were hot, in the dark and unsure what to do next was a treat. Professionals at this event from top to bottom.

The low lights.
Honestly, I know how this is gonna sound, but I would do this again in a heartbeat. I don't regret a minute of it, I can't believe how smooth even the rough stuff went and I have an entirely new appreciation for what my Bronco can do. +1 would go again

Loved my Off-Roadeo Moab experience. Great time - did it in October.

 

[RallyGorgo]

My wife and I went in April, LOVED IT!!! We drove the A51 2-dr Black Diamond, practically ran for it when they released us. I agree, take an extra day to visit Arches!!

 

[slfsvt]

I hope not, it was brutal. If you get a chance I highly suggest asking to see the dino tracks, I don't think it's on every route and it's very cool.

We went in mid-April, and the weather was in the '70s and '80s. We had lunch at this very spot next to the dinosaur tracks..

 

[BCKMRKR]

My wife and I went in April, LOVED IT!!! We drove the A51 2-dr Black Diamond, practically ran for it when they released us. I agree, take an extra day to visit Arches!!

Agree that if you drive a 2-door you will be a lot more comfortable in a 2-door if there are lots of trees/obstacles next to the trail like in LV, so ask in advance (or just pee on the door). In LV, there were only 2 out of 14.

 

[AXMRDR]

I agree 100%, though nothing went wrong on our trip.

NOTE TO ALL on this thread. Take an extra day and visit Arches National Park, if you haven't already been there. But be aware that you need a timed entry pass https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10088426/ticket/10088427 or enter the Park before 7AM. Not sure if this applies all year or just the busiest season.

I would recommend getting a National Parks Pass that last for a year good and are good at all of the National Parks. There are several NPs within a days ride of Moab (if you are driving there.)

 

[scratchhax]

Doesn't look there is any shade there (went to LV in November and it has lots, but haven't been to Moab since the 70s or so).

can confirm, no shade anywhere but the caves.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

We went to Moab in November and had excellent weather. It was 75 degrees that day! It was a great trip. I'm a novice off-roader, so this was a truly great experience. I would love to spend more time in Moab. Such a great little town.

Awesome view. We hope you enjoyed your trip!

 

[GCaballero]

I would recommend getting a National Parks Pass that last for a year good and are good at all of the National Parks. There are several NPs within a days ride of Moab (if you are driving there.)

For the most crowded National Parks (e.g. Arches, Yosemite), the Park Service now requires a timed entry pass IN ADDITION TO your regular Park Pass (whether you get a Park-specific pass, an annual all-Parks pass, or a senior lifetime pass(!)). Maybe not always required, but always required in the busy season in certain Parks. It’s only a couple bucks & available online, but they sell out. In my experience, the pass system has done a good job of controlling crowds, traffic, and parking availability at Arches and Yosemite. Timed entry passes are required usually 7am-4pm, but I think most Parks are open earlier and later than that regulated window, if you can't get the timed entry pass.

 

[AXMRDR]

For the most crowded National Parks (e.g. Arches, Yosemite), the Park Service now requires a timed entry pass IN ADDITION TO your regular Park Pass (whether you get a Park-specific pass, an annual all-Parks pass, or a senior lifetime pass(!)). Maybe not always required, but always required in the busy season in certain Parks. It’s only a couple bucks & available online, but they sell out. In my experience, the pass system has done a good job of controlling crowds, traffic, and parking availability at Arches and Yosemite. Timed entry passes are required usually 7am-4pm, but I think most Parks are open earlier and later than that regulated window, if you can't get the timed entry pass.

Thanks for that info. I've never ran into that situation. Good to know. Guess I was lucky.

Visited 7 NPs on my 2019 retirement ride of Route 66 on my Harley. Circled back through GC and Utah on my way home.

 

[GCaballero]

Thanks for that info. I've never ran into that situation. Good to know. Guess I was lucky.

Visited 7 NPs on my 2019 retirement ride of Route 66 on my Harley. Circled back through GC and Utah on my way home.

The timed entry pass system is quite new and only applies to certain Parks. The lines at the gates and the lack of parking was getting out of control at those Parks.

That retirement tour sounds great. After many different bikes, I am now on a BMW GS. Would like to make that Route 66 ride someday. My last trip was from NYC suburbs (home) to some bucket list roads, like Tail of the Dragon & Cherohala Skyway, down by the Smokies. Ride Safe!

BTW, if you have any more National Park trips ahead, check out Ash Nudd at Dirt In My Shoes https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/ . Great insider's guides. Not free, but worth the price IMO.

 

[AXMRDR]

The timed entry pass system is quite new and only applies to certain Parks. The lines at the gates and the lack of parking was getting out of control at those Parks.

That retirement tour sounds great. After many different bikes, I am now on a BMW GS. Would like to make that Route 66 ride someday. My last trip was from NYC suburbs (home) to some bucket list roads, like Tail of the Dragon & Cherohala Skyway, down by the Smokies. Ride Safe!

BTW, if you have any more National Park trips ahead, check out Ash Nudd at Dirt In My Shoes https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/ . Great insider's guides. Not free, but worth the price IMO.

Thanks for the link. I've bookmarked it for my next NP trip.

Route 66 was great. I researched it for a year before heading out. I never was much of a gPS guy but I did take one on this trip. Saved certain attraction spots so I wouldn't miss them, but I still did. RT66 is combined with several other roads so it isn't a cut and dried path.

The riding in the Smokies is great. Been there many times. As a matter of fact this year's motorcycle trip was out there headquartered in Maggie Valley. Spent a week riding with some friends from all around the States. We get together at least once a year for a week somewhere different in the US.

I really enjoyed riding out west. Scenery was awesome as was the weather.

I've been all over the states on my '98 Road King which I've owned for 23 years. Engine was a 80 cu inch but upgraded years ago with a 111 cu inch. Changed gearset to 6 speed. Hardly anything on it today was on it when it rolled out of the factory.

I have to say that since I bought my Bronco I haven't ridden my bikes near as much. Love driving the Bronco a lot, but nothing else is like a bike trip.

If you ever get serious about that RT 66 trip I have some intel that I'll share with ya. I started in southern Missouri and went to Oatman AZ, not the whole route. Most of the cool stuff is in that part of the US.

 

[2 Tall Ones]

Great write up on the Moab experience. I did that on the 29th of June and Dave was our guide as well. Such a fantastic experience. I left with great insight to the capabilities of the Bronco and confirmation that I picked the right vehicle for the next stage of my life. It is far more capable than I ever intend on using but I am glad I know now what was learned from the Off-Roadeo in case I ever need it. Pictures below, one of my size 15 boot in a dino tracks.

Wife and I drove out from N Cal via i-80 spent the night in Elko, then through SLC, down into Provo, then Route 6 into Moab. What a drive! We were in Moab for 4 days. Hit Arches for a few hours one evening after 4PM, drove right in with out issue got some great pics and were back at our hotel before dark.

We stayed at the Element. Great hotel with a decent breakfast included. It is a Marriott property for those of you in the Bonvoy program.

We left Moab on the 1st and took I-70/US50 W and let me tell you, I have neve seen more beautiful lands than what one sees driving I-70 between Green Valley and Salina Utah. You have to drive it to appreciate it.

Took US 50 we through the last bit of Utah and across Nevada back to CA. They do not call that road the Loneliest Road in the country without reason. There were times when we would go 1 - 2 hours without seeing another vehicle on the road. And no cell coverage!

Spent the night in Eureka, NV. Great little mining town with some interesting history. Check out the Jefferson House hotel.

Final day of driving was across the rest of NV into Fernley, NV where we picked up I-80 and deadheaded home.

 

[Karl_in_Chicago]

Thanks for the link. I've bookmarked it for my next NP trip.

Route 66 was great. I researched it for a year before heading out. I never was much of a gPS guy but I did take one on this trip. Saved certain attraction spots so I wouldn't miss them, but I still did. RT66 is combined with several other roads so it isn't a cut and dried path.

The riding in the Smokies is great. Been there many times. As a matter of fact this year's motorcycle trip was out there headquartered in Maggie Valley. Spent a week riding with some friends from all around the States. We get together at least once a year for a week somewhere different in the US.

I really enjoyed riding out west. Scenery was awesome as was the weather.

I've been all over the states on my '98 Road King which I've owned for 23 years. Engine was a 80 cu inch but upgraded years ago with a 111 cu inch. Changed gearset to 6 speed. Hardly anything on it today was on it when it rolled out of the factory.

I have to say that since I bought my Bronco I haven't ridden my bikes near as much. Love driving the Bronco a lot, but nothing else is like a bike trip.

If you ever get serious about that RT 66 trip I have some intel that I'll share with ya. I started in southern Missouri and went to Oatman AZ, not the whole route. Most of the cool stuff is in that part of the US.

My wife and I did 66 out west to our destination of the north rim of Grand Canyon over 30 years ago on our '88 FLHTC. Unplanned stop in OKC as that's where an exhaust heat shield decided it had better things to do than protect my leg, LOL. Was able to snag a room in a motel that was home base for a Nomad convention, clerk told me I could park on the walkway outside my room since the lot was full. Wandering the lot and seeing all those Nomads and talking to their owners was a blast. Stayed in a tiny cabin in the park and ate most meals at the Lodge; my wife had never had trout before that trip and ended up having it breakfast, lunch and dinner every day! Still orders it anytime she sees it on a menu. Return trip was north and east through Utah/Colorado; had done my research and knew to make damn sure we got gas in Salina - that's no joke about last gas for 100+ miles! Some steep grades on I-70 heading east, we were doing fine until some truck jumped in front of me and I had to throttle down and when I went to roll back on it was strainnnnning to pick up speed. I was thinking maybe the altitude was starting to kick me until I realized I was still in 5th, doh! Once my brain fart cleared we were back to normal - not bad for a 2-up fully loaded mostly stock carbureted 80 cube bagger (~50 HP).

After having briefly seen the South Rim and staying at the North Rim I would HIGHLY recommend to anyone going to GC that has the time to do so to opt for the North Rim. I don't know what it is now but even back then it was reportedly a 10:1 ratio of visitors between South and North. The higher elevation also makes the N Rim considerably cooler in the summer.

If I do Moab offroadeo (back on topic!) I'll probably drive the Bronco out (vs flying) so I can spend more time exploring Utah as it was just a pass-through for us back then.

 

[GCaballero]

If you ever get serious about that RT 66 trip I have some intel that I'll share with ya. I started in southern Missouri and went to Oatman AZ, not the whole route. Most of the cool stuff is in that part of the US.

Thanks for the tip. It will probably be a while before I go. My brother and I already have our next few destinations planned.

I've been to a lot of places in the Rockies and loved it, but that was in the family car when I was a kid, not on two wheels. Hoping to revisit some of those places on two wheels over the next few years. I used to do track riding and I've been on a few western race tracks on two wheels--didn't take in much of the scenery. Future trips are going to be much more relaxed. I just retired near the end of last year BTW.

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