You’ve been warned! The dangers of the Trans America Trail (TAT - E18)

[@skydiver6711]

I recognized this section as soon as it started. I rode the Oklahoma TAT last year on my 1981 Honda CT 110 and just had the time of my life and I was 71 at the time.

[@MotoMission.]

You are awesome. That’s so incredible.

[@davisworth5114]

Good for you! Riding these 600# machines on this trail doesn't look like fun, I would like to do it on my 250 Bultaco Matador or my 350 H-D Sprint.

[@lloydsplace2]

That's very cool. I'm 73, have a chinese adv.

[@aliensphyncter9528]

This is like watching two guys who never rode a bike before

[@MotoMission.]

Correct

[@johnmclaughlin4802]

@@MotoMission.😂

[@skydiver6711]

I k ow you pain brother. I just finished the Oklahoma Tat yesterday 9/27/23 and saw some those roads that just looked like a farmer had driven there enough that he made his own road. I drove one of them and swore that was the last one of those I would ride. They were dry, but my dirt riding skills are not that good, I was by myself and would have been there for days if I got stuck, and finally I'm 72 years old and realized there are some thing beyond my ability. But I sure had a great time.

[@MotoMission.]

Wow. That can be a sketchy area. Sometimes the best thing to do is turn around and avoid the nasty road ahead of us. Thanks for letting me know about your experience. Glad to see you are riding. Enjoy it

[@stevehoward3981]

I did the Oklahoma section on a Yamaha TW 200 and had to carry it for some small sections because of that mud lol. If you put your foot down when you picked it up you had a 20 pound cake of mud stuck to your boots, it was so bad. I will never forget that. When we got off of that road, our engines were encased in a 4 inch thick pot of mud that had to be cracked off so the engine could get some air.

[@MotoMission.]

Oh ma goshhhhh. That’s insane. Yeah people don’t know. I had to warn people about this because it is the toughest section of the entire 6500 miles across America.

[@mrclean0967]

Wow, what a great video! I felt like I was riding along with you and your buddy. Dang, that mud section was treacherous. Safe riding Sir.

[@MotoMission.]

Yeah. That mud can get ya.

[@thegreatoutthere]

I recognized the Panhandle terrain, mud and sand from my TAT journey! But it is an essential part of the TAT. I was reminded of the quote from Big Dog to Dingweed, "How many stop signs did we run in Oklahoma?" Answer: "ALL of them!"

[@MotoMission.]

Haha. Cracks me up.

[@tenncutt]

Y'all need to put a drone up in those spots where you're not sure which way to go. Nothing like an aerial view! Great video

[@MotoMission.]

Oh yeaahhh. Haha. I do have one w me at all times. I gotta remember that.

[@getinit56]

@@MotoMission.smh

[@LifeIsJustLiveIt]

Thanks for the heads up. We headed out on the TAT a couple of weeks ago but unfortunately my buddy went down and blew his knee out on a gravel switch back near NC, TN line. We're waiting on MRI results and hopefully the knee to heal where we can get back out there. Everything I've seen on KZbin, Blogs etc. Is to "GO AROUND OKLAHOMA" Nothing but sand, straight, mud, wind and a waiste of time and energy. Plus a lot of wear and tear on the bikes. You just sent home the point.. Looks like a good place for a nuclear waiste dump🤣🤣🤣

[@MotoMission.]

Sorry to hear about that. Bummer. Yeah Oklahoma can get ya. I actually enjoyed it. Even tho was super hot most days. I found it interesting. The mud will get you in trouble in Oklahoma. Y’all stay safe. Let’s ride

[@MountaineerMoto]

We skipped the Oklahoma sections and just shot straight across last year and didn’t regret it one bit. We got updates on Facebook groups that persuaded us to just go around. But I’m hoping to do the TAT again soon and may attempt it on the next trip.

[@MotoMission.]

I understand. But we actually loved Oklahoma sections. We found them interesting and beautiful. But I do understand the temptation to skip it and get to Colorado asap. I wanted to see every single mile of the tat. And film it of course. I wanted it to be a resource for the riding community. Glad you are riding the tat

[@jamesadams2334]

...............................OR, you can learn how to ride!

[@kuhndj67]

Watch out for those Oklahoma Intersections... no stop signs. There were a few spots with sand in OK but they weren't THAT long. I still remember riding through that farm and thinking the exact same thing... and I rode THROUGH that corn field... it was entertaining.

[@MotoMission.]

Yeah. Oklahoma was more interesting than I expected. I loved it. Glad you survived it. Haha. The mud there is pure evil. Haha

[@cyclopathic998]

As local rider explained the trick is to watch the other road when you approach intersection. There will be a flume of dust if there's someone approaching and they'll time intersection without stopping as you should.

[@MotoMission.]

Yep. I’m on board with that. We got to where we were running thru those at 60mph with confidence. I loved crossing Oklahoma. I hope people don’t skip that state. It’s fun

[@marinekillab]

I live in Amarillo and it’s the same here. I got my first bike (a KLR) about a year ago and I just recently switched my tires to some Shinko 224’s. So I’d been hitting more dirt and boosting my confidence. I found a short dirt road to ride on the way to work and one day rode it when it was raining. We’ll rode it about a hundred feet till I decided to turn back. I was very lucky I didn’t drop it but turning it around and retreating to the asphalt was work. Hearing you breath heavy in the vid was giving me flashbacks.😅Ripped that confidence right away from me.

[@MotoMission.]

Haha. Yeah. Sand ain’t easy

[@Tankerman]

Nice save, I really thought you were going down. Railroad fella was cool. Yall living the dream. Stay safe

[@MotoMission.]

Yeah. I should have hit the ground on that one. But I twisted it out ! Crazy one

[@JohnnyFuelMotorcycleAdventures]

I did the Trans-Wisconsin Adventure Trail (T.W.A.T.) on my KLR650 without any trouble. Well, there was a sketchy sand section around Black River Falls but nothing I couldn't do. I would like to think the TAT is accessible for larger adventure bikes but after seeing this I don't know....

[@MotoMission.]

It would be fine on a big bike. Just have to be wise on a few sections. Mud is the toughest part

[@JohnnyFuelMotorcycleAdventures]

@@MotoMission. ok good to know. Maybe it’s passable so long as it’s been dry.

[@MotoMission.]

We had a couple of places that we had to turn around because it was too muddy. But even small bikes had to turn back. Some of the mud can be slick and some can be very sticky. Imagine gum wrapped around your wheel. It gets to where it will not even roll anymore. That’s why you must turn around and find alternate route.

[@davidbones8947]

Great vid brother just found it and subscribed that looks like some of the flattest land im in oregon im planing the tat from oregon to salida co this year good to see Gods word on the big screen after all he created it for our riding

[@MotoMission.]

Hey. Thank you. If you ride that you will love it. What a great idea. I may join you. Haha

[@cyclopathic998]

I remember this section rode it last year and this Aug before labor day. It will get pretty slippery when wet and it doesn't have to rain just enough for farmers run irrigation pumps.. but it rained last year.

[@MotoMission.]

Yes. You are totally right. It can surprise you real fast and throw you down. I talked to other riders who got totally stuck. Mud got so thick and sticky they couldn’t roll the front wheel. Oklahoma is a wild place.

[@patmetcalf3635]

I did the entire Transamerica trail on an old 1984 Honda goldwing

[@MotoMission.]

You are a legend. Send a video

[@philipadams3325]

So, I was watching this video just the other day (first video of yours I had seen as I was looking at videos of the TAT), and my wife comes in and gets excited and exclaims - "Hot Knife Guy!" She knew you from her VBS videos. Great to see you and Sean from Bikes and Beards using your platform for your Christian message.

[@MotoMission.]

Thanks for saying hello.

[@thecorporategypsy]

Mos def gpsKevin route eg road ending at cornfield. OK mud is the real deal and you gave excellent advice ie if it has rained then go around. When it was dry OK was one of my fav sections but when wet, we got towed out

[@MotoMission.]

You got towed out? Wow. Nasty

[@thecorporategypsy]

@@MotoMission. burned up the clutch. Like you said, had never seen mud like that “sticky”, “tacky” and built up under the fenders and between bike and tires. We sent a rider to a nearby farm and he came out with a massive fork lift. Towed to NM then Colorado Springs for a new clutch then continued the TAT ride. I was ready to experience Adventure!

[@TheWinger1008]

I rember that farm in the beginning. I thought the same thing too. We were questioning whether our GPS was wrong I expected a farmer to come out any second to see why we were there :-)

[@MotoMission.]

Yeah. That is a crazy section. I felt like I was trespassing.

[@advrides]

Awesome Video, Guys. I hope to come to America one day and tour there... For now I'm doing a South African trip this December... Just another bnormal humble guy and his lady friend on Adventure Bikes.

[@MotoMission.]

That’s incredible You are truly loving the dream. If we are ever in the same country then we should make sure to cross paths and ride a bit. Lemme know how s África goes.

[@thecorporategypsy]

Celebrated my birthday in “Its not remotely” Liberal KS at the Cattleman’s Cafe. No alcohol but a super place unfortunately it seems to be closed

[@MotoMission.]

Happy birthday. Sorry i forgot about that. :)

[@thecorporategypsy]

Thank you!

[@maxpower9499]

Cafe had a fire. Think it's maybe open again now.

[@thecorporategypsy]

@@maxpower9499 Awesome! I loved it and glad its back. Its mos def a good spot and good people!

[@Ghostrider-71]

This looks like fun and a challenge for sure. I am a new KLR650 owner and new rider. I think I will get some more experience before I attempt anything like this.

[@MotoMission.]

Fundamentals. Get some coaching if necessary. But it’s well worth it. Adventure !

[@fwilliams5205]

Badass video bro,,, Something I always wanted to do.. Im still in the learning process of trying to drive a motorcycle lol.. my whole family can ride but me,, lol It's kinda embarrassing but once I find the right teacher I'm gunna be hitting all the trails just like you,, Thanks again for the video it boosted my morale and made me wanna keep on keeping on...

[@MotoMission.]

You can do it! Focus on the fundamentals. It will become comfortable

[@Thesaurcery4U2C]

HA. I stayed in that same motel in liberal about 4 years ago for about a month, when I was doing some work on a restaurant down there. I always wanted to do this ride. Well, still do but I got a street and mx bike now. Had an older xt650 that I thought about doing it a few years back. I just never seem to have a riding buddy that we both have dual sport/enduro bikes at the same time.

[@MotoMission.]

Great memories of that place.

[@HairyButWhole]

Is there any other routes? That looked bit too flat and straight, or is it just the Oklahoma geography?

[@MotoMission.]

This part of Oklahoma is flat. No way around it. Gotta cross this part of the country in the trans America trail. But it’s awesome

[@billstone8138]

Run full knobbies the entire way. I get about 1k each rear D606, twice that with the front MT21. Well worth the extra expense to have the security knowing that if and when you hit that stuff, you're prepared.

[@MotoMission.]

Always run full knobbies. I’m with ya on that

[@wadewhite1006]

Love the scripture. So true!

[@MotoMission.]

Thanks for watching

[@AdventureGlide]

excellent Video. I just found your channel. 👍

[@MotoMission.]

Happy to hear that. Thanks for the comment.

[@shakyhandpictures2185]

Wow, so we’ll done boys, now I have to go back and start this from the beginning, outstanding KZbin suggestion!!! Cheers from Canada

[@MotoMission.]

Hey. Happy that you are watching my vids. The TAT series was an experiment. That turned into my full time gig. Hope you enjoy them.

[@TheHoovercm]

Appropriate bible verse for this day's ride! Beautiful scenery! I can't believe you see a rattlesnake then ride out through the brush to bypass the muddy spot you just went through; that would have been fresh on my mind! 😀

[@kevincraig8257]

cant imagine what that rancher thought a little mud almost did them in and unmarked interactions on the tat imagine that that rancher has probably dodged hail the size of cantelopes and class 5 twisters yea a little mud feel lucky

[@MotoMission.]

Haha. He sees plenty.

[@georgewashington1106]

What time of year was this? Is the posting date of the video an indication of when you did this, or did you post the video later?

[@MotoMission.]

I posted that video the next day. Maybe 2 days later. I was filming and editing same day for all the tat vids and had them uploaded and scheduled to post at about midnight every night. Made for some really long days. But I loved it.

[@mikedenton6485]

What maps did you use, Sams or Kevins?

[@MotoMission.]

Both. Then split off into Sam’s for the final stretch.

[@mikedenton6485]

@@MotoMission. my trip will be within the next two years. I'm going to use both myself.

[@kenjohnsonfamilyvideos281]

This is on my bucket list, except by Jeep. Trying to talk some friends into joining me. Great editing & music & videography too!

[@MotoMission.]

Highly recommend. You will have a blast

[@snapcrack55]

Every couple of months you could do a couple of states in a weekend!

[@thecorporategypsy]

I remember that sand section and remember my head bouncing off the ground

[@MotoMission.]

No bueno

[@thecorporategypsy]

@@MotoMission. in the film I shot you can hear me say BLEEP that hurt

[@thecorporategypsy]

BLEEP is not the word I used but had to cover it up as try not to curse in the film

[@stokeandspoke1177]

got close to that snake even with a camera! Seen those babies move quick in the sun. Glad y'all are ripping and having fun!

[@MotoMission.]

They are delicious

[@davidwilliams6556]

I see you have the same RAM Cell phone mount I just ordered, but your phone is not in it. Have you had issues with it. Can you tell me about your gps and phone setup?

[@MotoMission.]

It’s the best phone mount. I love it. However. I want to ignore my phone often times when I ride. I want to forget about it. I don’t wanna see the messages pop up. So I put the phone in my pocket. But to answer your question. I have not had problems with this mount. My gps is a garmin xt zumo. It rocks. Love it. I tried using the phone as a gps one time. Never again.

[@davidwilliams6556]

@@MotoMission. Good to know. I was planning on using my old phone as the gps, and pocketing my current phone. Originally I was planning on using my Magellan TRX7 (waterproof) off-road gps, but it’s pretty big, and I want to travel as light as possible. We have also been talking about bypassing the Oklahoma section, for the very reason you cite in your video. Thanks for putting the video out!

[@MotoMission.]

I understand. The main thing is you are riding and having fun. It’s gonna be an adventure. Please update me on your trip and let me know how it goes. I’m easy to find if you wanna email me. Brockgill.com

[@AdventuresonZero]

Great video! 😅 Cliff notes: water on ground in Midwest = bad

[@MotoMission.]

Yes. You got that right. Ha

[@kenbianucci2223]

Keep at it, you'll garner more followers.

[@MotoMission.]

Thanks ken I hope people will enjoy the adventures we are filming. Much more coming

[@kpd3308]

Try out the clay down here in GA/SC when it's wet!

[@MotoMission.]

I think that is a bad idea. Sign me up. :)

[@pambaker5254]

Yuk!! The mud was rough. And that snake!! Ferocious!!

[@MotoMission.]

He is a biter

[@jwerner3903]

@@MotoMission. He was doing his job and defending his home 😁

[@jamesadams2334]

If you can't ride sand AND you can't turn around where you are, WTF are you doing on the TAT?

[@MotoMission.]

That’s the warning. The tat is a blast but it’s not for everyone.

[@chad145]

What map did you use?

[@MotoMission.]

I used both kevin and Sam. They mostly overlapped. The end we chose to stick to Sam’s route

[@mosbysmen]

the NE corner of oklahoma is great motorcycle roads twisty in the ozarks

[@MotoMission.]

Yes. Love that place

[@gator1984atcomcast]

Injured both knees recently on wet Georgia mud.

[@MotoMission.]

Ughhhhhh. Sorry to hear that. That’s no good. What bike were you riding ? Any advice you can share to keep us safe ?

[@jumper5029]

I would love to do the s on my tw200

[@MotoMission.]

We met a guy doing it on the tw. He was cool !

[@weebercorey]

Where we're going, we don't need roads!

[@MotoMission.]

Dats right! Haha

[@397coney7]

I couldn’t stop in a town named Liberal😂

[@moemuggy4971]

You're taking your crippling defeat way too hard.

[@beversluis1]

@@moemuggy4971 you communist

[@rickvann3489]

That's where one of the biggest beef processing plants are.

[@ukjeeper]

20 miles down the road, back in OK, there's a town called "Hooker". Might be more your style.... ;-)

[@dewilew2137]

Then you’re pretty pathetic, honestly. ❄️❄️❄️

[@rlovell383]

Definitely making a case for taking a lighter bike on the TAT! That looked tiring.

[@MotoMission.]

Always better to have a lighter bike when things are nasty. I think overall a mid weight bike is ideal. Most days I was happy with the 890 and had no regrets.

[@blaiseflegg5880]

@BrockGill. About to give it a shot on a ktm 1090, should be around 650-680 pounds fully loaded down. I’m doing a road trip that’s going to include sections of the tat. Any ones that are musts and some I should skip? Not looking for anything crazy just fun.

[@robtob360]

I would think taking a bike that's too heavy would be on the danger list.

[@MotoMission.]

Yep. Agree with you on that. What bike do you like most for the tat ?

[@Dinoxt12]

Stand up on the Pegs & Get your But, over the rear tire much as you can & gas it in...the soft sand...Good Video.

[@MotoMission.]

Yeeeessss. That’s the answer. Sounds like you have experience Thanks for watching

[@kentalanlee]

This is why a lighter dual purpose bike is better than a heavy adventure machine.

[@MotoMission.]

Yes. Always a good idea

[@bobwershing3505]

Yep, Okieville dirt roads, when wet, are indeed like pancake batter...👎

[@MotoMission.]

You are right on that

[@williamdolezal9184]

When riding sand get your bike in a higher gear and stay on top of the sand lower gears have to much torque

[@MotoMission.]

Yeah. Sand is rideable w good technique

[@RGB872]

Whose tracks? Sam or Kevin? Thanks.

[@MotoMission.]

We have both. But have done mostly kevin. About to go the rest of the way on Sams

[@thecorporategypsy]

@@MotoMission. ok then that makes sense ie road ending at a field. Thought it was Kevin’s

[@MotoMission.]

There are a few spots that need updates. BRidges out and roads closed on occasion. Overall it was great route

[@thecorporategypsy]

@@MotoMission. kevin does not do updates eg Cades Cove was closed for at least five years but still on kevins tracks

[@maxpower9499]

@@MotoMission. Suppose that could be said for the whole route. I live about 18 miles north of where you were dead ending into the corn circle. Being local i'd completely redo the route from Liberal to Raton. The route as is, has you missing lots of beautiful terrain, while going through lots of unnecessarily tough two track stuff without much to look at. Everybody has seen corn, might as well blast through there on better gravel roads to get to the pretty stuff in Cimarron county and New Mexico.

[@duncang01]

The Pivots were running, that's how the road got wet.

[@MotoMission.]

Yep. We found a few leaky ones

[@defendfreedom777]

Reminds me of the miles of dirt roads in Iraq without the IEDs and ambushes.

[@MotoMission.]

Oh wow. I can’t imagine. Thank you for your service. My father was in Vietnam. Much respect

[@defendfreedom777]

@@MotoMission. Brock you are most welcome,I have a feeling that guys like you/Americans like you are well worth of every mile of those dirt roads ! I like your videos and subscribed.

[@tangoreal9098]

Nothing quite like Oklahoma mud!

[@MotoMission.]

Yeah. That stuff brings nightmares.

[@TheMrprez]

We stayed at that same motel in Liberal.

[@MotoMission.]

No way! Haha. Good memories !

[@joshyonkin7137]

First time on a bike for you guys?

[@MotoMission.]

Took the training wheels off that same morning. Impressive huh ?

[@plastruk]

One thing I would do next time I’m Oklahoma… knobbies more more and a lighter bike

[@MotoMission.]

Yep. Would have been easier. I had great knobbies. But that mud is no joke

[@goobtechgarage114]

15:35 Sub! Good video. Looking at doing this but on on a machine that probably hasn’t ever done it. God bless.

[@MotoMission.]

Tell me what you are thinking. Very interesting idea you seem to be cooking

[@goobtechgarage114]

@@MotoMission. can’t say on here but I would tell you privately. Don’t want anyone taking my idea haha.

[@nehpetsrellek2750]

The field corn is great for roasting.

[@MotoMission.]

I’m gonna pick some and try it. :)

[@chinagregsmotorcycleadvent7555]

It looked like fun to me!

[@MotoMission.]

Haha. Yes. It was a blast.

[@AKAOmnivore]

Driving corn rows is a wonderful thing, across them no so much 🙂

[@MotoMission.]

We like corn :)

[@philipadams3325]

I did Route 66 several years ago, and somewhere I have a pic of my GPS showing I was "still on" the route but the actuality it had just disappeared in front of me. Had to turn around and head back to go around that section on 40.

[@michaelmorley331]

At this point .. looks like light weight is more important than more hp... My friend did tat on suz dr650...he said THAT was too big at times. An old BMW airhead with it's crazy low counter of mass might be the ticket. Video good entertainment

[@MotoMission.]

Yes. I agree. It’s almost always good to go lightweight. I filmed the entire tat so riders can see what they are getting into. Hope these vids are helpful. And hope they are fun to watch.

[@gator1984atcomcast]

Great realistic experience.

[@MotoMission.]

Thanks for watching

[@mikecarr1484]

Your not supposed to lay down a 650. They are heavy.

[@MotoMission.]

Haha. Corrreect !

[@mikecarr1484]

Your bud may need a smaller bike. He can't handle the weight of that. Considering he can't keep it upright without struggling.. maybe a 250. Xt225 or something. He would not be so fatigued at the end of the day.

[@MotoMission.]

Yep. I always vote for a smaller lighter bike. It can be much better experience in sand or mud especially. And usually more fun

[@jesseonamotorcycle]

Great with buddy 👍🏼

[@coconutz247]

this is where i disagree with going off road just to be off tarmac. you can call it an adventure but there's nothing really special about doing battle with muddy cornfields. itchy boots does the same thing.....get's stuck, makes a u turn, and turns off the camera. still enjoyed the ride.

[@MotoMission.]

I hate mud.

[@NickCager]

Wow... beautiful trail.

[@MotoMission.]

It really is!

[@MyWillypilly]

Protip : Slow down on rough terrain. It's not a video game.

[@MotoMission.]

Yep. I only have one life out here. :)

[@Motoramblings]

Not doing it, I heed the warning after watching this!!

[@MotoMission.]

Haha. I will not twist your arm.

[@aliensphyncter9528]

Who tries to a lift a bike from the middle

[@MotoMission.]

It was the first time

[@Swimloll]

8:38 there is a video of it lmao

[@MotoMission.]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@cmuz0013]

Lots of straight line riding.

[@MotoMission.]

Correct. For miles and miles ! But I still love riding it. Haha

[@davidallan2188]

Fabulous

[@MotoMission.]

Thanks David !

[@ogasi1798]

sand is god - gimme sand all day every day

[@MotoMission.]

Haha.

[@ManiacRacing]

Any particular reason you added that GARBAGE music around 14 minutes? TOTALLY ruined the vibe.

[@MotoMission.]

Was either that or my singing.

[@leasttrending]

Do u all have street tires on dirt wtf city boys

[@MotoMission.]

First time

[@twowheelpursuits]

Nice

[@NeoMK]

Why you guys chose the heaviest, useless bikes on earth is beyond me.

[@MotoMission.]

Haha. We should have talked to you before we started the trip. But it sure beat walking it. Haha.

[@pauldonathan5316]

Everyone does that

[@mikecrockett3669]

Cup half full……always!

[@MotoMission.]

It better be. Haha

[@DavidNorthcutt-gk1jn]

That’s my kind of ride in

[@MotoMission.]

Yeah! Epic riding

[@madesuardasuarda]

You don't know how to ride 4:03...

[@MotoMission.]

Beginners luck that I even made it I’m sure

[@wiscokid4395]

Doesn't look like you aged much since you did Dumb & Dumber

[@MotoMission.]

“I get 70 miles per gallon on this hog”