Camping is fun, but when I'm focusing on riding, I don't like to hardcore tent it. KOA Kamping Kabins (Coos Bay) are ok, so are the yurts at Honeyman (Florence), and the cabins at Discovery Point (Winchester). I like the folks at Discovery Point - have stayed there 3 times a year for the last 3 years and they have always been really great to us.

I only got my paddles a year ago in March. I have ridden all over the place on stockers - like they said, just be careful about the tree shots/idiot holes. I dropped my pressure down to 1.5 or 2 pounds (not sure what the metric equivalent is.)

Memorial is really crowded, which can be a good thing or bad, depending on your tastes.

Weather can be absolutely gorgeous (bring sunblock) or pouring rain (bring raingear too) or cloudy and windy........Be prepared for almost anything - we've ridden in just about all conditions down there. Don't forget your goggles - if the sand is blowing, they are a must! A bandana for over the mouth is nice when windy too unless you like sandflavored chapstick, ew!

Remember, reserve EARLY! and have lots of FUN!

 

I would order some cheap sand sharks, Gekos suk... you could sell them after your trip. Your driving a long distance to be disappointed because you wished you had bought some paddles.

 

Raptrguy,
You've received a bunch of advice, most of it good.
I certainly agree with the weather comments, as well as the "deep hole" cautions.
I also agree that since you are driving a long ways and have only three days to ride, maximize your riding time. Paddles will help you do that.
I have used Geckos for two years on my Predator, they are very good. I have SSII's on my Raptor. But I recommended the SSII's because they are the number one most popular all-around sand tire, and also very good. I would not advise straight paddles for you....their cornering sucks.
Lodging: The only advantage the Kabins give you is direct access to the dunes, otherwise a motel room is better. With only three days to ride, I would trailer in to all three areas,...one area each day, to see it all. And if doing that, then you may as well enjoy a motel. Maybe get one centrally located and not move. It's only 20 miles either way to the north and south dunes if you have lodging in the middle (near Winchester).
I don't know much about the motels since I have always had an RV. But I'm sure you can get good information off the internet. There are small motels scattered all along the highway between Florence and Coos Bay, and some just a short ways back off the highway. Reedsport is a good sized town centrally located right on Hwy 101. I like Lakeside....it's about 2 miles east of 101, again centrally located, a little smaller, off the beaten track, so quiet and very friendly.
If you are going on the Holiday weekend, make your reservations NOW.
If you could hook up with some locals and let them show you around, that would be ideal.

The ATV shops are in Florence to the north and North Bend/Coos Bay to the south.
Watch out for washouts on the beach, you can't see them until it is too late.
Also, many folks blow up their 2-strokes at the drag strip or on the beach because they don't get them properly warmed up, or they hold them wide-open too long on the endless flat runs. You should be OK with a Raptor, but let them rest once in a while.
Watch the noise limit (now 93 db?), it is enforced. If you are running an aftermarket pipe, mount your stock or at least bring it with you.
Also Oregon must pump gas for you, you cannot pump it yourself. So, they enforce legal containers in many places....some won't fill your illegal plastic cans.
Let me know if you want additional information files that I have. I have coordinated many trips to the Oregon Dunes.
You will have FUN!
Sandals

 

Sandals and everyone THANKS SO MUCH. I'm really impressed that so many of you fine folks posted comments and reply's to questions i had. It really helps with figuring things out for the group of us. Both Discovery point and KOA are booked solid, no wonder given the long weekend. I was suggested to contact the Bay Bridge Motel which is nearby, so i've booked in there for the weekend. It really would have been nice to be at a dune access location but its really no big deal whatsoever to trailer in to the various locations. It looks like i'll be buying some Sand Sharks (II) as this has been the over whelming response to my initial question. If any of you guys or gals will be there for that long weekend, we'd love to meet up with you, ride, and have a few beers together. There should be six of us coming down if everyone can get their respective $hit together. If anyone is interested in hooking up, email me at raptrguy@hotmail.com with your details, cell # etc and i'll touch base with you to arrange details.

Thanks Again, and i hope to see some of ya down there!!!

Regards,

Raptrguy in Canada!!!

 

 

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You said you're getting sandshark 2's but it's sandskate 2's! Please get the sandstars I love mine and i've tried sandskate 2's on a buddy's quad and they wern't as good as the sandstars! Also sandstars are cheaper so just get those! You won't regret it!

 

My sand Star fronts just came in, i am just kicked back looking at them can't wait to try them out.............Pismo on the 22and[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I got a set this summer and I love them. Better than the mohawks and whatever that single rib tire I had were.

 

I agree that you should get a pair of SandStars. The big bore 4 strokes do very well with the big 22" paddles. Also the Kenda Dune Runner is a worthy low cost option available in a 22". Can you get these at American cost? You might try to buy some local to save some money.