Deal With Difficulty ALONE on Your Motorcycle

[@michaelledford3315]

Great job on that tough trail Joe! Sometimes we find ourselves on trails we shouldn't take alone but picking your line and getting off the bike to check water crossings is a great practice. Stay safe!

[@jrdepew]

Yeah, was more than bargained for but now I'm more comfortable in that stuff.

[@Manuel_PS]

Hi, I'm Manuel. I loved your video, as I'm 65 years old and I usually travel offroad alone. I have a Voge 300 Rally bike and I'm delighted with it. I've been stuck several times and I felt a lot of solidarity with you in your difficult moments. What a satisfaction you must have felt when you were finally able to get out of difficulties. You are an inspiration to me. Thank you very much.🍕👍🤪

[@jrdepew]

Thanks for sharing Manuel.

[@theroad8365]

Nice video, JD. Got myself in some situations like this over this years, and more recently in Southern Colorado, last week on Elwood Pass, near Pagosa Springs. I appreciate your faith & willingness to solicit the Almighty's guidance. I do that regularly, myself.

[@jrdepew]

Thank you for the comment. Spread the GOOD NEWS!

[@activeoutdoorssawmillediti7736]

JR I'm in your age range and also ride a WR. I couldn't help but notice your comment about not wanting to deal with a flat tire while out on the trail-I completely get that! You may already know this trick but something that's saved me in the past, especially when riding solo, is carrying a handful of heavy-duty zip ties. If I get a flat, I secure the tire to the rim with zip ties spaced about every 6 inches. This has gotten me home where I could properly replace the tire. It works great in the dirt, and I've even ridden on pavement at 25-30 mph without issues. These tough tires usually hold up fine, and the rim never touches the ground. As long as you take it slow, this can be a lifesaver in a tough spot.

[@jrdepew]

Thanks for sharing the tip! I like it.

[@andrewleonardi7255]

Joe you are The Man! Much respect for your riding prowess on such a challenging trail!

[@jrdepew]

I appreciate that!

[@johnsonshieh50]

You made it! Another beautiful day!

[@jrdepew]

Yes it was!

[@wiscokid4395]

I like your chill wisdom. Reminds me of a Tao writing.

[@jrdepew]

Thank you, "Grasshopper" Appreciate the support.

[@dandersonjr]

Pretty tough track to tackle on you own but you did well. Thanks.

[@jrdepew]

Would have been better to have a partner.

[@dougstevenson5470]

Really great Joe! Could you do a video about all of your equipment you take along with you? Love to see a packing list and see what you think are essentials.

[@jrdepew]

Good idea.

[@advredbikes]

Awesome ride Joe these things where we choose a track and don’t make it it does happen, but I think you’re phrase staying mentally fit in those situations is key, I had that happened to me and very soft mud about a month ago and had to do much like yourself dragged across the mud and lift it up overit is exhausting. Thank you so much. Looking forward to next one.

[@jrdepew]

Just say no to mud!

[@patrkbukly]

Great stuff as always JR

[@jrdepew]

Thanks so much. Appreciate the feedback.

[@rustyspiker3569]

Thank you, JR for,the great video . Old guys still got the stuff! I sure can see the advantage of having a small bike. I believe a 250 or 300 would compliment my Tiger 800. I could take places I would never try on the 800. They both definitely have their place. 🤩

[@jrdepew]

Right on!

[@steveschwan3099]

Yam 250xt and Tiger 800xc here!..1950 birth😄

[@emfl4437]

Nothing like a tough ride to make you feel alive and grateful. Great riding, you are making me want to get out and explore some back roads. Cheers 🏍️🤙

[@jrdepew]

Meeting and beating a tough challenge is rewarding. Each obstacle overcome is confidence and skill building. Doesn’t mean you aren’t glad when it’s over. Now, you can savor the experience!

[@osimnod]

Holy Moly, that wasn't a trail, that was a Hillbilly track! That Honda is going to need a tractor and a body shop afterwards. Thanks for keeping your cool and ending on a high note.

[@jrdepew]

There is a real sense of accomplishment at the end. Finding the balance between pushing your limits and exceeding them, engaging in while analyzing risks makes me alive. Young talented riders could make this look easy I’m sure. The bike had no damage after the mud washed off!

[@1956tubetime]

I like that shirt. I have one of their holsters in color green ink swirl. Great video. I'm 68 this week.

[@jrdepew]

Keep riding!

[@RoadDogSteve]

At 71 I agree 100%... great video... thanks

[@RubiKonAdventures]

Love your tenacity. Keep going. Never give up. ~GrizzLee

[@jrdepew]

Thanks Grizz. Nice to hear from you.

[@adampatterson707]

I'm glad you're taking us along for the ride. That is definitely beyond my riding skills. Thank you sir.

[@jrdepew]

My pleasure!!

[@7nash974]

Enjoyed your video. Thanks.

[@jrdepew]

Thank you!

[@AdventureTomek]

I’ve definitely had those moments on the trail. Nice job getting out of there

[@jrdepew]

Thanks 👍

[@normananderson2583]

A folding saw like Joe used can come in very handy as we saw...

[@PSBEadventures]

Awesome man, thanks for taking us along! I just went the weekend up into the hills solo and found myself on a very similar trail. Steep, baby heads and mud and ruts deep enough to swallow the whole bike. I almost turned around but ground through it. Glad I did, it was a fantastic trail. Video on it soon hopefully. Me and Koty have ridden up in that area close to where you were, doing the BDR. We took a little side trip up to Reddish Knob and hit some side trails. Rough as a cob is an understatement.

[@jrdepew]

That is awesome! Look forward to seeing your video. This trail is close to Redish Knob. Next video I ride to Redish and beyond.

[@PSBEadventures]

@jrdepew can't wait man! I'll be watching for it.

[@RadConSuper]

Another great video! Good job

[@jrdepew]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jonwoodworker]

Have you or can you do a video on your navigation set up?

[@jrdepew]

Good idea. I haven’t yet.

[@CycleGeezer]

Great video. I'm 69 and I definitely think I would be worn out after a day like you had. I guess I better start working out more.

[@jrdepew]

Me too! Thanks 👍

[@Ozarks57.]

Wow, that looked tough! Those ledge rocks looked amazingly similar to what we have in the Mark Twain Forest in Southern Missouri. Thanks for taking us along.

[@jrdepew]

Lots of recent rain too.

[@martypowell4395]

Awesome trail!!

[@jrdepew]

It was! Next time I’ll go with someone.

[@robertclark499]

Hey Joe hope you are doing well you sure had your hands full but you handled it like a pro , by the way I love your new bike

[@jrdepew]

It carried me through. Thanks.

[@OlsonADV]

Another awesome adventure!

[@jrdepew]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@SteelHorseman]

This is absolutely crazy 🤪!! Wow!!

[@jrdepew]

Steel Horse did all the work.🙂

[@n164bj]

Just never know what you will come across! Civic on a challenging trail? What we're they thinking, how did it make it? Wow!

[@jrdepew]

I’m sure it involved some substances!

[@johnsheehy69]

I love ur advebtures JR! I live in North Georgia and would love to ride with you anytime!

[@jrdepew]

Was down that way recently. New BDR X coming there.

[@dwayneneufeld1696]

I like the shirt! Good video!

[@jrdepew]

Thank you.

[@gsxrg46]

Great adventure. Where is this? I’m asking because I don’t want to ride there lol 😊

[@jrdepew]

Hah! Union Springs road, George Washington National Forest.

[@elgringoec]

Well that looked like fun! Okay, maybe not so much the part where you thought you might ride through the oversized tire ruts in the mudpits they've been digging for decades. Or facing the hill with ledges that you have to weave and bob through, or have trials-based Enduro skills to blip up. That thing looks menacing. It's something to walk first to select a line that doesn't dead-end between a rock and a hard spot. I see you took the cheater side; when I was frequenting there, that was rougher than the original part. That stone structure you passed on the left is an old fort, and those ledges in the right, there's an overlook up there at a wild camping spot, a habitual place to stop for a break and catch your breath. I didn't know where you were when the show started. I'm looking at these roads thinking "that looks familiar". But then, similarities abound. Sometimes even a different country can look like our mountains. When you said "first intersection" and panned around, the lay of the land, that tree, it clicked. That's Dunkle hollow. He'll drop into there. When you went straight, I was like, oh no, has he not inquired about what this is like? Is this the lesson? As you went on I thought maybe my mind is playing tricks on me. But that meadow knob view is unmistakeable. I was headed up that rocky hill toward meadow one time and ended up in the woods. They tend to throw you around and I was coming up at a good clip. I couldn't quite hold the line that time. 😂 I've been through there a good hundred or so times over the years but only a couple times alone. And once with my wife on the back. It's more comforting to have a riding buddy along than to go it solo. Used to be you couldn't get a cell signal anywhere up in there. Like you said, if something happens to you or your bike... (I've never carried a SPOT/InReach). The other benefit to going with another rider is you can push it a little more. We used to cook through there. I'm talking second-third gear through that mess. I remember a time following my buddy Marty, trying like heck to keep up, and realizing that nobody would believe we're doing this. It's one of the handfuls of times I found myself laughing in my helmet. It's almost a miracle I didn't die up in there. 😂 But that was just so much fun! And a serious workout. I'd have sore muscles for days. But those days are gone, I haven't been up on there for years, actually. Wow. Marty moved away, and my other good riding buddy has had a couple heart attacks, and we've stuck to all the other roads around, when we infrequently get out there. They're less likely to result in an extraction, even though we do wick it up through there. One time we did a loop to see how long it would take. Up Union, down sugar grove (when it was gravel), over to Rocky run, and out long run - a little over two hours. Not much chatting that time! So yeah, I've been slammed with projects involving offspring, haven't gone riding much, videos are hard to keep up with. I started writing this comment days ago. I do take time to ride the little bikes with grandkids though, and get my daily peddle bike exercise. I'm still hoping we can meet up sometime and do a little riding. I always think that things will slow down in the future, but that has yet to happen. There's always things going, and I'm not complaining, God has given me purpose, and I'm very grateful. The times I can get away are infrequent and unpredictable. But if you give me a heads up when you're gonna be across the range again, it's possible I might be able to ride out and meet you. Where did you pick to camp for this video? Looked like it could have been deep into hone quarry or near flagpole.

[@jrdepew]

Hah! I knew Union Springs was a bugger and the big water made it more so. It did surprise me though.

[@normananderson2583]

Joe, I really like the size and visibility of your Navigation unit. Is what you are using a standard automotive unit that you can load with tracks or is this a committed gps moto navigation unit? And which apps do you like to use? Your advice would be much appreciated..maybe even turn into a future video. Really like all your videos!

[@jrdepew]

It is a Samsung Tab7 Lite tablet in a protective case mounted to handle bar with Quadlock and Ram Mount. I use the Gaia map app and load GPX files to it. It is the same as using a phone nav only bigger. Here is a link to YT video that explains a bit. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWTVlWOoqbStrbcsi=jtbYfstbbuMZhDjB

[@RealHooksy]

As they say, the adventure only starts when things go wrong. Sometimes you get in too deep, but when you have no choice you have to get the job done. Great effort JR👍🦘

[@jrdepew]

Well said!

[@normananderson2583]

Yes, the hard core of it: it's not an adventure unless you are lost or in trouble!

[@Kactoily]

Nice update! Are you interested in reviewing our 6-in-1 drinking water tester? It can test bacteria, virus, microplastic, heavy metal, and weed kiiler., etc! We're sure that you'll love it.

[@jamsessionrecordshop8872]

Be careful out there!

[@jrdepew]

Yep!

[@kugangles9860]

What I find nowadays the SxS are the ones tearing up the trails more so than the 4X4 Jeeps. At least they are out here in AZ.

[@RoadDogSteve]

Yeah and they wonder why their being closed down. The farther you get from Phoenix the less of them I encounter. Good and not too bright in most all powersports.....

[@JohnDoe-1000xt]

2014 DR650..JR..wow..are you crazy..one nasty road.. I prob would have turned around at the start.. 😇

[@jrdepew]

Thanks. I'd do it again with someone. A tropical storm came through a couple weeks earlier and changed the terrain some. It was challenging but doable.

[@frostbitevinnie]

Looks like a hoot!

[@jrdepew]

Hoot and holler after times!

[@fuglbird]

Have you considered a mounting bike? It would be more fun on these trails.

[@jrdepew]

Been there done that. I prefer this!

[@marvelboy9383]

gerat video as alwas so now that you are on that smaller bike what's going to happen with your d r 650

[@jrdepew]

It’s resting in the garage. Waiting it’s turn!

[@ShedBuiltStuff]

Big loose rocks are the hardest to navigate. There is no magic answer to mastery.

[@jrdepew]

Wear the gear and hang on!

[@Alex_556]

Looks like there was a quite challenging adventure, glad you made it through. One thing I noticed: looks like you ride a 2-stroke style on a 4-stroke bike. Did you have an extensive 2-stroke experience in the past?

[@jimtitt3571]

Looks normal to me, he's travelling at a gentlemanly pace so doesn't need to rev the crap out of it. Those WR's have a nice power curve which makes them easy to ride, the more you rev them the more power (of which there isn't much anyway).

[@jrdepew]

Not since early 1970’s. Just trying to use techniques that work I guess. I’m almost 74😛

[@Alex_556]

@@jimtitt3571 I am talking about not using an engine brake downhill.

[@jrdepew]

I think the camera just isn’t picking up the sound. Sometimes I used second gear.

[@Alex_556]

@@jrdepew Oh, I see. The video gives an impression that all the descents done with closed throttle and fully depressed clutch. Thanks for clarification, have safe trips!

[@seawench555]

Grandad try some easier tracks, especially solo.🇦🇺🤣 great riding, well done

[@jrdepew]

Challenge accepted! Sometimes your in it before you know what’s there.

[@seawench555]

@@jrdepew absolutely, I have a Yamaha dt175, older model, like me 🤣 but she sure can go, we like to moto camp, but I research the closest easiest tracks and love finding hidden gems, especially a river where we can fish, swim. I rode solo most my life, but it's way more fun sharing with a likeminded mate. Thanks for replying, keep riding till we cant💯😲

[@michaelinmon522]

What area of VA was that trail? Perhaps I will attempt that one once my skill level improves!

[@jrdepew]

Union Springs Road, George Washington National Forest, SW of Harrisonburg.

[@michaelinmon522]

@@jrdepew I assume you rode the trail sometime after Debby rolled through. It's been pretty dry this year (at least in N.VA - Leesburg area).

[@jrdepew]

Yep. The extra rain from Debbie made for some swimming pools!

[@gonagain]

Younger guys would race right up that. Us older guys don't care to break things.

[@jrdepew]

For sure! I’m not anxious to be in a cast.

[@AdventureTomek]

Is that a DJI OSMO you using? I’m currently using GoPro and having issues.

[@jrdepew]

It is. Both Older models, DJI Osmo Action. Been flawless for several years. Might spend the bucks and get the newest one which is really an upgrade in feature such as mounting, audio, and othe advances.

[@squid148]

I think the best decision that you made was to take a light bike in the first place. 😅

[@jrdepew]

Amen!

[@MotoMission.]

I should have gone w you

[@jrdepew]

Would have been a blast!

[@aBluegrassPicker]

Maybe time to get a Rokon?

[@jrdepew]

Hah!

[@hoosiertrailrider]

Hey, nice videography. I'm 65 and ride thousands of miles off-road. Mainly single track and two track. Mostly Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and Illinois. CRF450L. A tip, timidness is not helpful when attacking challenging terrain. Momentum, clutch control and body position is. Cheers!

[@jrdepew]

Thanks for the tips!

[@jeremyphillips2117]

Next time get off the bike and push it while using the clutch to get it out of mud. Never seen anyone try and drag it side ways. 😢

[@jrdepew]

😳

[@Windblown]

I hope the forest service fines the dummy that took a car up that route and leaving it.

[@jrdepew]

Same thoughts. Current tag too. Had to have come in the way it was headed out.

[@hoosiertrailrider]

Most likely stolen.

[@rjh2772]

Use more of your legs

[@jrdepew]

I hate hiking.

[@craigvolk2653]

I've always considered you a "when in a hole 'stop digging' kind of guy". I'm going to have to reevaluate things. Maybe I was giving too much credit to your profession. Due diligence???

[@jrdepew]

One man's hole is another man's adventure.

[@phantomshtter]

You're literally just using your brakes up rolling downhill in neutral.🤷 Then stops in a mudhole. I can't watch anymore.🤦 Engine braking and momentum are your friends.

[@jrdepew]

Was never in neutral, almost never used brakes, bike came to a stop in deep muddy silt. Momentum is your friend till it’s not. But thanks for the tips.