It would be nice to hear from some California based explorers. Anyone here?
Brad

 

That is why we have the utilities. In the desert (during the winter months), the best tactic is to use MOMENTUM and 2X4 sport bikes are great at that. Plus, the suspension is cush. Most things that will get you stuck on a 2X4, will get you stuck just as bad on a 4X4.

In the summer (when the desert is hot), we shift to riding the mountains (mostly eastern Sierra), and mostly ride the utilities. Here, grapling for traction is the tactic. I especially like doing bolder srewn old mining roads. Here, HIGH GROUND CLEARANCE is the primary issue (10" ground clearance vs 4" on the sport bikes), and having a waterproof shaft drive and high snorkle for stream crossings. A 4X4 is nice to have though, but if you pick your line well a 2X4 will get you by most of the time. The utilities open up a whole other world out there waiting to be explored!!

What and where do you ride? Join us for a ride sometine!

 

Brad, I will be purchasing a utility quad this fall and be exploring the back roads of Big Bear and other areas. I see that you are in 29 Palms. I am not far from you, in Morongo Valley, CA. Maybe we can hook up sometime for a ride.

 

Howdy

A friend and I each purchased Polaris Sportsman 500s about a year ago. We are thinking of assembling a small, dedicated exploring group that has an interest in western US mining history, natural history and uses 4wd utility ATVs as a tool to explore deep into remote areas of the western US. We also want to revisit some of the areas we visited previously in the trucks. Some of these areas would require a 4wd utility machine with a payload capability for overnight camping eqipment.

In the website below there are many pictures and even a few pictures of the new ATVs in the 2001 patrol pics section.
Brad




exploring website

 

One thing you may find is that because the quads are green stickered, you won't be able to take them some places where you can take a street legal vehicle! Sometimes the notion of a street legal dual-sport dirt bike seems attractive, but then you give up the cargo capacity of a quad with racks.

 

Brad....

I don't live in california. I live in Utah the reason I am replying is That most of my riding has been centered around old mining towns etc.... There is some amazing history behind these old towns. our trails take us anywhere from 5000 ft to 11000 ft some get pretty technical....anyway if you want to venture out to Utah ican point out a few of these sites

 

Dash,
Thanks.
Actually I grew up in Utah! Go ahead and email me direct and we can start some dialogue.
Brad
outlawed@outlawhummers.com