Dual Sport Camp in Talladega May 26th?

[bblass]

Is there any interest in doing a dual sport camp out in Talladega National Forest next Saturday, May 26th?

The loose, tentative plan for now would be to ride out late that morning, try to get around 100 miles of dirt exploring in and then camp off of 600-1 that night and ride out. Dinner would probably be riding into Sylacauga or Talladega.

Interested to hear tips from those who've done this or an experienced guide to lead us.

[Bamagator]

There're 2-3 prime camping spots with awesome views  on 600-1. Pinhoti trail for hiking goes along the mountain, so with Memorial Day weekend expect some traffic up there. I've hiked the ridge before and ridden it a long time ago but still need to learn some of the roads on the lower valleys.

I will check my calendar for fam needs and flag you mid week, maybe join for your day excursion and exploration.  I'm down in Chelsea so it would be an easy meet up to ride down. My off-road skills need some brushing up

[kylepeterson]

that's a great plan.

I'll check with the wife unit before I commit.

the primitive spots on 600 are really nice views, but there are other places close to water falls nearby also... and more remote places to camp if you're willing to go a little deeper.

I'll send you some stuff

[Bamagator]

PM sent to scope out your goals for the ride my man.  Lemme know.

[bblass]

So far we've got 3 committed and 3 maybe's with everyone dependent on the weather.

I've got two possible trips depending on what the group wants to do - 1 is a 100 mile loop around the talladega area and another is from sylacauga to piedmont.

@dknx and @kylepeterson may also have some ideas on cool sights to explore off these roads

Talladega Loop:
https://www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/track/4a6466ffe3ebefc8b503d87b25bb53b3/?layer=GaiaTopoRasterFeet

Sylacauga to Piedmont:
https://www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/track/9ea27d970397078e82b3978684e524c3/?layer=GaiaTopoRasterFeet

I've done both of these before and each one is around a day with generous stops. You could do each in about 5 hours if you pushed it. 600-1 & 600-2 are the only technical parts we'll encounter and both are tackled fairly easily on larger dual sports. A 1200 GS or Vstrom will require a little talent though.

General plan subject to the will of the group is to meet at the Bull's Gap Trailhead off AL 148 with a plan of KSU at 11AM Saturday morning. A few of us are riding down from Birmingham with a plan to leave at 9:30 from Homewood. Let us know if you want to join us or we can meet up off 280.

Plan to take it as it comes and call an audible on camping that night if the weather looks permitting. Dinner will probably be at a local establishment in with plans to purchase supplies (beer) for that evening while we're near civilization.

[dknx]

Fingers crossed the weather holds out. Will be a great trip.

[Fencejumper09]

Doubt I will be able to make it but, I have filled out the necessary forms for a formal request with the wife!

Looks like the night time weather will be perfect for hanging in a hammock!

[springer]

Doubt I will be able to make it but, I have filled out the necessary forms for a formal request with the wife!

Looks like the night time weather will be perfect for hanging in a hammock!

There is a forum for that?   :-[

[Frank Smith]

It's not a form, it's a contract application, contingent on 20 or so things you agree to do for her both before and after your trip. Btw, it's usually binding. Ask me how I know.

[Fencejumper09]

Yep, what he said!

[Fencejumper09]

Apparently my forms weren't filled out correctly as my request has been denied!

[jrobinson]

easier to get forgiveness than permission.

[norton73]

easier to get forgiveness than permission.

Depends how long you can take the cold shoulder until it is granted...

[kylepeterson]

looks like my participation will depend on the rain, since all I have is street tires!

I'll charge up the Bluetooth speaker and update my list of annoying repetitive edm !

[bblass]

I'll charge up the Bluetooth speaker and update my list of annoying repetitive edm !

A mountaintop rave in a thunderstorm would be a true viking way to go out!