I Found an Alpine Forest in the Desert on my Tiny Motorcycle

[@billmartin3198]

Love the concept of having the van as a remote base camp to come back to after a long day exploring on the bike.

[@SterlingNoren]

As I get older I find I appreciate the creature comforts a bit more. So much of my bike travels have been roughing it, now I'm "smoothing it"!

[@AdventureAryck]

Bill, I've been up in the PNW on OHV areas, BLM and sno-lots this summer with an old GS, 525 and 300. Rode the bdrs and all of the local riding areas. It's been handy to pick the right tool for riding that day and easier to work around weather. Starlink makes trading possible between 4-8am, the rest of the day riding, and you get to park in the middle and ride the BDR both ways🤣

[@jrodriguez8216]

@@SterlingNoren “Smoothing it”, I like it,. You may have coined a new biker saying 😊

[@billmartin3198]

@@AdventureAryck Ah, very nice! I like yer style!

[@billmartin3198]

@@jrodriguez8216 Pretty sure Eva gets all the credit for the term "Smoothing It". This according to Sterling himself about 3 years ago when he posted Riding Solo - Episode 12. 😉

[@davidskeen4000]

Thank you for all your efforts to make and share this adventure. Excellent work.

[@tracythorleifson]

You really do have the eye of artist, Sterling. Your work is often beautiful, but this video was just magical. Of course, Apache National Forest scenery doesn’t hurt! 😃😃😃💯

[@robedmunds7163]

Leaving your two big bikes at home and having a fantastic journey on a little bike is really impressive. It shows we should always reevaluate what we do and have a flexible mindset.

[@trey8367]

😂

[@Richard-ej4zi]

This is a professional grade video. Thank you, Sterling, for your passion and time. These trails are on my to-do list now.

[@Richard-ej4zi]

May I ask how do you like your hitch bike carrier and which model it is? Thank you so much.

[@SterlingNoren]

@@Richard-ej4zi love it. By Joe Hauler

[@8rett]

Absolutely loving the music choice at ~10 minutes in! What a great adventure. The New Mexico side of these mountains (the Mogollon) was and forever will be my favorite place to escape from the world

[@billmartin3198]

I really like the music at 14:09 Perfect captures the mood I think I'd be in riding there.

[@twowheelrodeo]

Out of all the videos on KZbin some of yours are truly my favorite. The quality always has something new to offer while maintaining a balance that becomes familiar.

[@SterlingNoren]

Thank you so much!

[@joecarpenter2034]

Thank you so much for a great trip this Sunday morning.

[@AdventureAryck]

Thank You Sterling! Great video ❤

[@josephd5715]

Sometimes we forget that there is so much beauty in our own backyard. Thanks for the reminder, Sterling. ✌♥

[@glennsmith1040]

Fantastic countryside Sterling. Mountain's are magical. Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@davidinghram2494]

A very nice video to enjoy with my lunch today. Thanks Sterling!

[@chriscm6461]

Beautifully shot film Sterling, thank you. Tiny wee bike is doing well indeed.👍😊

[@duanerowland2453]

Used to spend my summers n the New Mexico side of that area. Absolutely gorgeous, from Blue up to Alpine, and all the way out to Springerville. Those Forest Service roads around Escadilla from Luna, NM over to Springerville/Eager, AZ are some of my fondest memories. Used to hit those with my Grandpa in his old Datusn pickup. :) Great times.

[@dalton-at-work]

i camped on mt. graham near safford this spring, not quite new mexico but a great spot

[@Uts9000]

great, just great

[@wallacerobertsconsulting2894]

Love your videography, Sterling. Thanks for taking us along on the ride.

[@tompelham7035]

That was terrific, thanks very much for the effort!

[@andy-pk2pe]

Brilliant. Thank you for making yet another fantastic video. Beautiful scenery and very relaxing. I also enjoyed the choice of music. I was just a bit disappointed that you didnt include your cooking as i like to watch that aswell . Thanks Sterling, looking forward to the next one

[@knappdaddy]

I love how you have proven you don’t need a big expensive adventure bike to get out and have a big adventure !! What a great time you’ve been having on this great little bike !!

[@trey8367]

🤢

[@SterlingNoren]

So much fun indeed!

[@trey8367]

​🤡@@SterlingNoren

[@trey8367]

😂​@@SterlingNoren

[@aBluegrassPicker]

Great roads! Bonus points for the Kermit chair in the background at the end.

[@richardrobertson9501]

Good morning Stirling, another beautifully crafted video. Loved the ride through the mountains on this windy morning in Manitoba. Pure enjoyment.

[@JoelStorm-j3u]

that looks like a really fun time!!! and I'm loving your little bike too!

[@herdfan697278]

Thanks for the ride!❤

[@skipstang]

Thank for this Sterling! Perfectly timed with the final days of this never ending summer. Another adventure destination added to the list!

[@joaocopola9467]

Beautiful shots....you're the man 👏👏👏

[@SterlingNoren]

Thank you 🙌

[@deborahlewis9128]

Sterling, I just love watching your videos! Thank you so much!

[@lorenmars5244]

Can't ride today, I need new tires. Itchin to ride and this video is killin me. Love my state of AZ. Great work again Sterling, thanks.

[@neilurquhart8622]

Stirling: Brilliant as always, superb photography and editing. (Time consuming to set up the camera, ride through the picture then go back to pick up the camera). Much appreciation from Cambridge UK🇬🇧

[@michaelparish2435]

What a great video!! Awesome Thank you.

[@lisasnider3981]

You do such a wonderful job capturing a mood and feeling. Great to explore on two wheels! You’re an artist.

[@enduromotorradtouren]

Surprise, surprise. I had expected Arizona to be arid and red. Another great episode on a tiny bike, Günter/Nürnberg

[@outlaw7x77]

It's refreshing to see a guy's willing to step down to a 125cc Dual Sport. I had a 1985 Honda CT 110cc. I used it for quite a few years while my kids were little and $ was a bit tighter. The youtube channel...can't remember the name...rode his CT90 all over the world...British guy...BRAVO!!! Anyway, thanks...love your content...I live very near Mt Rainier...I have a XR650R Honda, but I'd love to puttz up the backside of Mt Rainier Foothills with you, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, etc......I know where Sasquatch lives, if you know what I mean. June is best time...but snow can still get in the way...still...this part of Washington is among the best in the world for beauty...❤

[@SterlingNoren]

Love it. I lived in WA state for 23 years and traveled all the roads!

[@georgegolitzin6196]

Ed March, c90adventures. Based in Moab now. Check out his mini jeep series, it’s hysterical.

[@davechavis4275]

Thanks again Sterling.

[@UltralightMotorcycleCamping]

I love seeing the little Honda Trail 125 out exploring the back roads of beautiful Arizona. It seems that every time you post a video of one of your adventures, I add another area to my list of places to ride and moto camp and the Blue Mountain is no exception. Google Maps shows two Blue Mountains in Arizona. One is north of Phoenix but you seem to be on the eastern edge of the state where I could presumably camp in the Apache or Sitgreaves national forests. Thank you for taking the time and making the effort to make such gorgeous documentaries of your adventures. You are much appreciated.

[@SterlingNoren]

Yes, on the east side of the state there are actually the white Mountains and the blue Mountains

[@brucegerken1063]

Great video thank you very well done as always.

[@markbevans8564]

As always your day is a wonderful trip through northern Arizona you picked a perfect mount to take you on. Excellent Sir! 👍

[@Bikergramp57]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. You have inspired me to look at some small dual-sport bikes and maybe take up moto-camping.

[@alainmichaud6747]

Your tiny motorcycle series is fantastic ....as you videography and photos, at least this time not many flat tires.....great job with the butler map , to bad they don't have this as much in Canada , I also a bit sad Yellow my Ryker is now away for winter and started to do some travel , our Tanzania safari was fantastic. I will try to make it to Arizona soon as you give me the taste to visit it again .

[@michaelledford3315]

As always a great video! When you first showed your camp set up I saw two chairs outside the van. I thought Eva was joining you. Hopefully, I can be at your ride in April then ride up in the area you are in now. Safe travels sir!

[@garydawson8972]

A million thanks Sterling, for showing this place. It's now on my agenda to go there soon. Carol and I were up on Mt Graham recently for a similar experience. Once at Riggs lake, in a pouring rain, I was transported back to the Pacific NW. Onward, amigo!!

[@SterlingNoren]

You will love it. It’s nice to have a place to cool off in the summertime. I’d actually like to go back up there in the middle of winter and camp in my van and a snowstorm!

[@g.s.3450]

Great video! I used to take my kids to Alpine every summer, and they liked it better than going to Disneyland! The Alpine region is wonderful. Thanks for the well done video.

[@thirdcoastvolkswerks2195]

Great photography as always, Sterling.

[@chrisd4283]

I’m so thankful we live in the same state and you can show me the beauty that I still need to see her for myself. Thank you.

[@clarkleakins879]

Fabulous! Reminds me of my younger days exploring the Sierra Nevada on my Honda Trail 90. So much experience on just a few dollars of fuel.

[@SterlingNoren]

113 miles/gallon

[@stumuxlow]

Just to add my thanks for posting this great video, you have an amazing eye and talent for telling an engaging story without overly producing it all, it's such a relaxing watch and really pulled me in to the scenery, genuine artistry, thanks again!

[@davidskaggs9914]

Love riding Arizona back country. Rode middlemarch pass from Pearce to Tombstone couple days ago. Ate at big nose Kate's saloon🍻

[@davidangulo931]

Outstanding audio-videography! Glad to have met you yesterday morning in the 💚of the Sonoran desert!

[@SterlingNoren]

It was a pleasure meeting you out there!

[@JasonNareau]

This is a great video. It is nice to see you enjoying the adventure.

[@marcotoivovideo]

Gorgeous!! We rode some of those roads quite a few years back. Stunning scenery!! We did venture into New Mexico for about three miles and were rewarded with hail for those miles!! Then climbed up out of Blue back towards camp by Hannigan Meadow. Thanks for this trip and memory!

[@SterlingNoren]

Motorcycles make memories that’s for sure!

[@gregc6661]

Great video! That’s got to be one of the most beautiful parts of Arizona

[@SterlingNoren]

Couldn't agree more!

[@dankorolyk5917]

Fantastic scenery,who would have thought,thanks.

[@ljoelmchanley3676]

I do believe you have one of the best jobs on the planet, thanks for the hard work!

[@SterlingNoren]

You betcha!

[@psjasker]

Your camera work is next level. Thoroughly enjoyable on my 65” TV

[@TerryManitoba]

I agree - 95% of my YT watchin' is through my Apple TV on a 65" er

[@SterlingNoren]

That's what I like to hear - big screen enjoyment!

[@TerryManitoba]

@@SterlingNoren Well some of us have to put our Big Boy pants on🤡

[@wadewhite1006]

Love the White Mountains! Great video! I usually set up basecamp outside of Alpine, Az. I once counted 100+ elk in one meadow! Trout fishing is also great in this area.Thanks for all you do!

[@anybodyoutthere3208]

Ok this was one of your very best. Love AZ with all my heart ❤️ Every shot is amazing Sterling. I was in tears missing it so much. Best channel around ❤

[@SterlingNoren]

Thank you so much! I hope you get to come back again.

[@PyramidHead76]

Great content, great photos, great to see a 125 living a hard life :)

[@bruceholmes4006]

Great video. Love that part of Arizona.

[@marklawrence4596]

Your "Tiny Motorcycle" adventures look very relaxing! At 67 my KLR is a bit heavy on the VT forest roads maybe a Trail 125 is in my future! Great video. Thanks!

[@SterlingNoren]

I'm not getting rid of my bigger bikes but certainly feels a little bit more relaxing to me :-)

[@marklawrence4596]

No, I wouldn't think so. You have too many more BDR films and other projects in your future I imagine. I love those films too!!

[@laurieberg2880]

Thank you

[@erikjensen6503]

My old stomping grounds!

[@propwash66]

It's work with benefits

[@richardvalitalo3670]

Wow, great way to beat the heat,late july/august was really hot riding in the midwest.

[@greenrush4313]

Great bike.I used to have it but traded it in I live in az. Wife and i rv all over the country so i put a heavy lift on and got pan America.Its a blast.Really good video. I have sunscribed.Thanks much and be safe on your travels

[@SterlingNoren]

Thanks and welcome!

[@williambanzhof9739]

EXCELLENT!

[@AzPauly]

Beautiful ride! I had a similar experience in the Coconino Forest last month putting just under 200mi on my dual sport and camping at 7200ft for a couple nights 👍

[@SterlingNoren]

Fantastic!

[@rondarrelladventures8843]

great video

[@650gringo]

I think I saw you and your Honda stop at the Alpine store late one evening this summer. I remember wondering how the bike ran at 8000 foot altitude. The sight of you enjoying the cool country on a small light weight dirt road capable bike got me wishing for the same thing. Tomorrow I am going to look at a Yamaha TW200.

[@wanderlpnw]

Beautiful! I recommend Hawley Lake on the Apache reservation if you haven't been up there.

[@Desert2snowoffwego]

Very nice production! What a treat to find this video of an area that I used to travel nearly 40 years ago--the White Mts, the high platau

[@SterlingNoren]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Porsche996driver]

10:17 Breathtaking! Not sure about maga Arizona these days tho.

[@TerryManitoba]

How much have drone changed YT visuals! Butler maps ROCK - I've been using the highway version since their inception. (& still use the old maps I bought 15 ish years ago) Nice seeing the little Honda NOT overburdened with you touring set up👍

[@capng]

So far I've only watched a couple of your videos, but I've subscribed because of the really good quality video & audio presentations that you put together. I'm impressed with your video work, the good quality audio without the music suddenly going up several decibels in volume (& good music at that). Your video work includes great editing of the various cameras & drone shots. Kudos! Well done!

[@SterlingNoren]

Music is important but as with all editing techniques I find that there is a fine line and less is more usually. Thank you.

[@yamittr250]

Hey, I see HOW to NOW see elevation thanks. Had this GPS for a year and couldn't figure that out. WAHOOOO. Looks like 5K on the bike with GPS on, more done tho. Love your video's and had no idea that state had woods and water. Keep em coming Sir..

[@SterlingNoren]

I’ve learned a lot about elevation because of motorcycling.

[@emfl4437]

Thanks so much for sharing your moto-adventure s. I am about 2 weeks away from an annual dirt-bike camping trip. Cheers

[@SterlingNoren]

Have fun!

[@samhill3496]

Love it going up to Alpine and Mormon Lake area. Lots between Threeway and there. Camped several places. It's cool. And has some water. Good vid Sterling. Very cinematic. safe rides

[@SterlingNoren]

It's an inspiring area to slow down and see more!

[@samhill3496]

@@SterlingNoren lot to see for certain. Winter can be brutal but beautiful. I had some mines and in general just rode around in the area. Good to get the hell away from the maddening crowd.

[@georgegolitzin6196]

Love the carousel music around 10 minutes… Thinking hard about a 250 dual sport, I’ve had it with heavy advs. 🤨

[@SterlingNoren]

Nice to have a choice what to ride.

[@gregoryeastman6804]

Great video I live over in Tucson I am going to have to get my **** up there. Driven through that area on 191 but I haven't explored the dirt roads and I definitely want to, thanks for this video great job

[@SterlingNoren]

Such a nice place to be in the summer!

[@prescoln]

Would love to see a breakdown of your van build and short history on how you made it happen!

[@SterlingNoren]

Good idea!

[@marcoluoma3770]

Hard to believe this is AZ. As always, your videos are the best ADV bike videos on YT. Thank you.

[@SterlingNoren]

Thanks for being here!

[@michaelsupple6081]

Sterling, I would highly recommend you replace those open S hooks on your tie down straps with the gated style S hooks. I had two open S hooks come loose. Fortunately I had a back up strap attached to my roof rack or the bikes would have fallen off. I've even gone so far as to replace the S hooks with locking climber grade carabiners. I also have a Trail 125 in my little stable of three. It's such a fun bike especially for what you are doing.

[@SterlingNoren]

Thanks for the tip!

[@michaelsupple6081]

@@SterlingNoren I highly recommend Rhino Straps.

[@Desertfox92308]

Great scenery and music! I only lived in Arizona for a short time, wish I could have ridden in that area. I live in the PNW now, so it's pretty good where I live. Lol.

[@SterlingNoren]

PNW has great roads too!

[@ruckinehround6965]

Love it…..new subscriber, just awesome.

[@SterlingNoren]

Thanks and welcome

[@Ben47471]

I would love to explore that area, I think I was close to there when i rode the NMBDR I I did not spend any time just passed through. great video as usual

[@SterlingNoren]

I did not spend any time and just passed through… How many times do we do that in life?

[@johnsikessikes5404]

Kairological time (greek). Time that is rich in things that can't be measured. Why we travel.

[@evnthrzon]

I was up there in the late 90s. Only seen 1 car from New Mexico. Was very remote back then. Probably hasn't changed. If your lucky you might get to see some strange flying stuff😉 Was told through some off beat info some of the Area 51 stuff is stationed there. Don't know how true are not. Seems like a perfect place for that.. Anyways thanks for the videos.

[@SterlingNoren]

One of the most famous UFO abductions in history took place in that area…

[@osimnod]

Fabulous scenery and you captured it beautifully in every respect. By chance, were you any where near Pinetop?

[@richardmourdock2719]

I always enjoy drone footage of deer and wild animals quietly eating their dinners or wading in a stream.... and then chuckle that the National Park Service prohibits the flying of drones in national parks because they "disturb the animals." uh huh.... Sure they do.

[@leeredpath8332]

surprised how empty it is, thought a lot more people would be out trying to beat the heat.

[@billmartin3198]

So, was Hannagan Meadow Lodge open? No footage inside makes me think no??

[@SterlingNoren]

Not open that day. Only food was for the hummingbirds!

[@dalton-at-work]

i wonder if i saw you going through Young, AZ (aka pleasant valley) with a group? I was driving a truck and stopped at the post office/sandwich shop (lol) to fix my shifter cable popping off the trans

[@dalton-at-work]

this was last summer BTW

[@AmpedRider]

Another inspirational video from the Master of moto videos. Since this summer's never ending heat continues in Phoenix, I will travel up to the area that you rode for some cooler riding and soothing scenery. I've been up 191 many times but you have inspired me to explore the dirt in that area. Thank you Sterling! PS - how did you fuel that little bike for a 150 mile ride?

[@SterlingNoren]

You will enjoy the back roads up there. I can go about 160 miles per tank.

[@mehriarabdouli54]

Thank you, I find extra use for my van. Would you tell me where you get the topbox from? Thank you in advance

[@SterlingNoren]

Top Box - amzn.to/3BuZ029

[@johanballin6601]

Great video and audio as usual from your work. Soundtrack please?

[@SterlingNoren]

I get my music through Epidemic Sound. You might have a look there :-)

[@davedeeley9678]

Beautiful countryside expertly captured! How late in the year (or early in the season) can you ride there?

[@SterlingNoren]

Im not exactly sure. Until the first snow and cold... November maybe?

[@tombstone2826]

Dude that looks like a great way to spend the day ! How do you like your Honda ?

[@SterlingNoren]

Fantastic of course!

[@8th_Decade_Adventures]

Hi Sterling. I enjoyed your video. I am your neighbor in Santa Fe. I have a question. Do you put a cover on your Honda Trail 125 seat to make it more comfortable? If so, which one? Or have you replaced the OEM saddle? Any info u have is appreciated. Sam

[@SterlingNoren]

No cover, original seat :-)

[@scottschwen7558]

Great video - putting it on our must ride list ! Your videos are top notch ! Scott & Janelle Boise, Idaho, USA, Earth 🌎 Yamaha Super Tenere ES 1200 . RIDE & BE FREE !!!

[@SterlingNoren]

Thanks Idaho!

[@ddavis2390]

Can you please tell me where you got your windshield and mounting bracket? Thanks.

[@SterlingNoren]

I ordered it from someplace in Thailand I believe. Might have been through Facebook. Not a lot of after market parts here in the USA.

[@jeremiahkilato295]

We miss the cooking videos

[@SterlingNoren]

Noted. I'll do some more :-)

[@johnsaranchuk]

Will you be doing GS adventures again soon?

[@SterlingNoren]

Oh yeah, I just need to finish what I started - the best dirt roads in AZ on the little Honda. There's about 15 of them total and I want to finish before the end of the year. But I will be back on the GS and the Husky too.

[@trey8367]

​@😂SterlingNoren