- Joined
- Sep 23, 2007
- Messages
- 822
The posts in here mostly seem to assume that one is always hiking or backpacking. But if anything, a survival situation riding can be far more serious than one on foot, given the possibility for more serious injury, and the fact that you can cover so much ground in a very short time and end up way further from your truck, medical assistance, rescue, etc. (further than even a fit hiker could cover in days!).
During the cool months, we ride dirt bikes and sport ATV's in the high and low deserts (Rasor, Ocotillo, etc....not real big on dunes). Travel is "light and fast"...whatever you can get into a small/medium size day pack. Days are usually mild, and nights cold, but rarely temps below freezing. Sure, it can rain or snow or be extremely windy, but one can check the weather forecasts in advance and avoid those conditions if you wish (or not!).
Here, water is the main thing, and protection from the wind. Only in an extreme case, would I bother to build a fire (fuel isn't very robust). My basic kit is 3+ liters of water, Gortex jacket, poncho (wind protection), some powerbars, and the basic "survival" essentials (firemaking, signal mirror, compass, milti-tool, etc.). Keep in mind, that I am already dressed in full MX gear, so that means helmet, gloves, goggles, chest protector, wind proof pants, very sturdy knee high MX boots, etc....so I already have very good protection from the elements.
During the warm months, we avoid the very hot deserts, and ride at high altitude (Eastern Sierra, White/Inyo's, San Bernardino's, etc.). Here we ride 4X4 utility quads (that have racks for more gear), and dirt bikes. Weather can be anything from hot in the valley where the rides start, to thunderstorms, sleet and snow at high altitude.
Same basic kit as the desert, but on the utes you have the option of carrying extra gear that you wouldn't carry on a sport quad. Things like an axe and tarps for an emergency shelter, extra layers of clothing, etc. Here again, I still like to go "light and fast", so no big hillbilly boxes fastened to the racks or anything like that. If anything, the guys I ride with who are "hunter" types, take way to much heavy gear with them.
We also venture into the mountains in winter on the 4X4's, and this gets into the type of conditions a smowmobiler would encounter.....
The best insurance is to NOT ride alone, but if nobody is available to ride with me, I never shy away from going solo. Here, I understand the added risk, and am willing to accept it! Always file a precise "flight plan" with the family, and if I don't have cell service take a sat phone.
During the cool months, we ride dirt bikes and sport ATV's in the high and low deserts (Rasor, Ocotillo, etc....not real big on dunes). Travel is "light and fast"...whatever you can get into a small/medium size day pack. Days are usually mild, and nights cold, but rarely temps below freezing. Sure, it can rain or snow or be extremely windy, but one can check the weather forecasts in advance and avoid those conditions if you wish (or not!).
Here, water is the main thing, and protection from the wind. Only in an extreme case, would I bother to build a fire (fuel isn't very robust). My basic kit is 3+ liters of water, Gortex jacket, poncho (wind protection), some powerbars, and the basic "survival" essentials (firemaking, signal mirror, compass, milti-tool, etc.). Keep in mind, that I am already dressed in full MX gear, so that means helmet, gloves, goggles, chest protector, wind proof pants, very sturdy knee high MX boots, etc....so I already have very good protection from the elements.
During the warm months, we avoid the very hot deserts, and ride at high altitude (Eastern Sierra, White/Inyo's, San Bernardino's, etc.). Here we ride 4X4 utility quads (that have racks for more gear), and dirt bikes. Weather can be anything from hot in the valley where the rides start, to thunderstorms, sleet and snow at high altitude.
Same basic kit as the desert, but on the utes you have the option of carrying extra gear that you wouldn't carry on a sport quad. Things like an axe and tarps for an emergency shelter, extra layers of clothing, etc. Here again, I still like to go "light and fast", so no big hillbilly boxes fastened to the racks or anything like that. If anything, the guys I ride with who are "hunter" types, take way to much heavy gear with them.
We also venture into the mountains in winter on the 4X4's, and this gets into the type of conditions a smowmobiler would encounter.....
The best insurance is to NOT ride alone, but if nobody is available to ride with me, I never shy away from going solo. Here, I understand the added risk, and am willing to accept it! Always file a precise "flight plan" with the family, and if I don't have cell service take a sat phone.
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