Part 1: Smokey Mountains 500 - solo on my DR650

[@JohnnyPowRides]

I know everyone is bummed as I am that the water crossings on Witt Rd didn't make it on video. That was by far the most exciting part of the ride all day. I had a lot of GoPro issues this weekend. Freeze ups, not turning on, etc. I swore I had the camera running through all of the water crossings but the file didn't record.

[@gorrdd]

John, Did you check for any bit of water or dampness in the SD card slot? If your sure the camera was recording, the card and or card contacts, would be the next issue to check.

[@JohnnyPowRides]

@@gorrdd it wasn't water - it did it several times all weekend. I think it was compatibility with the SD card. I'm gonna use a new one for SCBR that Ang recommended

[@gorrdd]

@@JohnnyPowRides I agree, John. It has something to do with the SD card you were using. I hope that gets resolved for you... Gord

[@JohnnyPowRides]

@@4x4junkie86 it was a GoPro Hero 9. It finally died for good on my during the Scooter Cannonball after day one, after yet again being a hassle. I've since replaced it with a Hero 11 and have had no issues with this one

[@SomeGuyRides]

Johnny Pow is going for the world record of number of times completing the SM500... That wasn't a coyote, that was your second samsquatch siting. DR seems to be running great. Man - that route is a thing of beauty... Can't believe it's been 2 years since we did it on the Honda Trails. Nice job Pow!

[@JohnnyPowRides]

next time I might try to do it twice - in the same weekend!

[@Dzlator]

I like how you put each road name on the screen. You do a good job with your production, thanks for the work you do to bring your travels to us.

[@JohnnyPowRides]

trying to make it interesting as I can

[@user-fk2mp5xh4s]

Beautiful route. I left my ❤ when visiting for the first time, hope to return again. Safe Travels!

[@rosarioroberto5823]

Great video 🇺🇲🍾🎉🇺🇲 Do you have maps to follow the hwy, trial, routes, etc. thank you so much for assisting me and keep producing more videos

[@gorrdd]

Thanks John... nice to see the DR ran flawlessly for you. That is the best equipment for those kinds of roads. You were making great time on those back dirt roads. Better than even the Himalayan... won't even mention the 125. Too bad it's just too tall of a seat height for Angelo... Sorry the GoPro turned off on you. That is a common problem with earlier models. I don't know if they finally got that resolved in the latest Hero 11 Black or not. Turned into a beautiful day. You need some sunlight among those deep forest trees. Are so much more interesting contrast than the flat overcast.😊 Gord

[@WadeMade]

Well done!!

[@eastnoble4032]

The views were amazing.

[@josephleister9198]

Another great video, thanks....You should have gone to the desert with your pal Ang....just a thought, looked like a good time too....

[@JohnnyPowRides]

Yeah I'll be going through many of the same areas in less than a week!

[@mikeandrews1899]

Got that DR all straightened out and working good ! 👍

[@JohnnyPowRides]

😬

[@mikeandrews1899]

I almost got a 650 , but got the drz400 instead .... Mainly bc of weight . Been pleased with it , but the other day I got an opportunity to ride a bud's dr650 for a bit .... And I was impressed . Both are fantastic "dual purpose" machines ( 70's lingo I find more appropriate for those two type motorcycles ) can't go wrong with either one .... Unless you're looking to do some true off-road shit ! 👌👍

[@mikeandrews1899]

I still can't believe you rode a CT-one too five over black bear pass .... 😵‍💫

[@JohnnyPowRides]

@@mikeandrews1899 we didn’t do Black Bear - we did Engineer, California, and Ophir

[@mikeandrews1899]

@@JohnnyPowRidesI guess that's why I can't believe it ! 😁 still badd ass on a 9hp ( @ sea level ) CT 💪

[@user-qw9pv5oj5s]

Your DR650 is by far my favorite bike in your collection, then the GasGas.

[@JohnnyPowRides]

I'm riding a trials event tomorrow! Gas Gas is loaded in the truck!

[@user-qw9pv5oj5s]

@@JohnnyPowRides Good luck tomorrow, stay focused. I think your trials videos are great, I like how you show us your section walk-thru before you ride it. Your videos are getting better each time, keep up the good work.

[@surfman1968]

Nice job JP. Looks like the old dr is running good.

[@surfman1968]

I think you should go back and do the water crossings again. 😂😂😂

[@JohnnyPowRides]

had I known at the time I would have... I learned this only days after being back home

[@mikeandrews1899]

"old" 😳 .... those dr's will run forever !!!!!

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

I ride a bike, i been on tail of dragon, but not on my bike, actually in a overloaded uhaul lmao, i didn't even realize it because it was night, but at end of it ivwas wholey sht those are lot twists turns id live do that on a bike, and that's when lady i was helping move told me about the dragon, i definitely want make it backbthere on a bike

[@toddjbaxter]

where can I order a map?

[@beartrax7709]

Can I ask what handlebars you are running they look like they have very little sweep, which I am looking to put on my DR. Thanks!

[@JohnnyPowRides]

ProTaper EVO 1 1/8" Handlebar CR High Bend Black

[@JohnnyPowRides]

with the ProTaper adapters/risers to convert to fat bar width

[@JohnnyPowRides]

they do have some sweep but it's not tons. The camera wide-angle might make them appear to be flatter on video than in real life. They are quite wide - my cables are at their max length. I may try trimming down the bars a bit

[@RJ_DSRider]

Since you seem to constantly have gopro issues, maybe you should throw them in the creek and get you a dji osmo action 3.

[@JohnnyPowRides]

those looks awesome - except for external audio

[@DirtbikeXpeditions]

What are you using for navigation/mapping?

[@JohnnyPowRides]

GAIA

[@mikeandrews1899]

What type phone mount you got there ?

[@JohnnyPowRides]

Ram mount. I'll update the description with a link.

[@knowone6214]

looks like Go Pro needs retired....LOL

[@JohnnyPowRides]

one day...

[@user-fk2mp5xh4s]

I just received a new Gopro coming from the Hero2, and am I disappointed with the design as well as battery life. Gopro will always be terrible in design flaws.