Training on loose sand, experimenting with tire air pressures

Today's primary objective after work was to train/work on riding on loose sand, something that proved quite difficult at times in the last couple of days.  I got to a small stretch leading to the Mill Canyon Trailhead and began trying different air pressure levels.

Started off at 13 PSI, not very stable and much use of the "outriggers", my feet dabbing the sand in order to remain upright.

Lowered it to 11 PSI on the front and 10 in the rear.  Better handling with some occasional dabbing.  Didn't really want to go lower than 10 PSI so after a few runs back and forth, called it good for the day.  I was quite sweaty and tired at this point so I rode over to a nearby rock formation to park in its shade for a bit.

Yagi rode the sloping slick rock at the base of the rock formation with no issues, the only difficulty being in its rider's mind.

After I was rested and cooled off, I rode about a bit, exploring some trails that lead to closed off areas again.  Upon my return to the aforementioned rock formation I took a pic of it for future reference:

 Yes, lots of slick rock to ride over.

 La Sal Mountains

Imposing Rock formation on the way back

to the MIll Canyon campground.

I started heading in the direction of the campsite, but decided to take the turnoff to something called Tusher Tunnel.  Sounded intriguing.  Trouble is, you have to climb this deeply sandy hill to get to the tunnel.  I'd done this hill before when I first took Scarlett, my 2014 Ural sidecar rig to Moab, years ago.  It was pretty tough on three wheels and being alone, I decided instead to detour onto the Monitor-Merrimac OHV Loop Section P.

This part of the loop was ALL Sand.  The tan colored stuff was doable though I did manage to drop Yagi for the first time today in some deep stuff:

Further forward, the sand would turn gray in color, I think it was silt from the creek that the trail runs through.  I remember going through some wet stuff in past rides with fellow Uralisti through something called Tusher Wash.

I didn't make it that far at all, the gray sand convinced me to head back.  I waited for a large herd of UTVs to race by and then proceeded at a more leisurely speed back to the campsite.

I did stop before the highway and aired the tires up.  Managed 12.5 in the rear tire and only 11 in the front tire with the small hand pump I carried.  Looks like I'll have carry the electric one from now on!

 About an hour before sunset, I again posed Yagi

on a hill with the La Sal mountains in the distanbce

Pretty much the same sunset angle as yesterday but with much more clouds, it was an OK sunset, not great.

 Last gasp by the sun....

T-Dubing to the Canyonlands National Park

Today was a ride to familiar locations, Shaffer Trail and the sights of Canyonland National Park.  These locations are west of Moab along Utah 313, a nicely paved road with some curvy sections to keep motorcycle riders entertained.

Today's sunrise was "OK"

For the record, it's almost 12 miles to the Archview RV Campground which is located at the junction of 191 and 313.  From there it's about 24 miles more to Shaffer's Trail so not a long ride.  I would end up filling up Yagi's small tank both going and returning; not because I needed to but to avoid inconvenience later on this week.

After showing my annual pass at the fee station, it was a very short ride to the entrance to Shaffer's Trail.  It's dirt road all the way down to the bottom of the canyon.  It's not a bad road at all, except for one sharp right hand off camber and steeply sloping turn where it pays to be careful.

It was a very hazy day, plenty of sunshine and not many clouds.  So it was warm riding and I'm thankful for Lightroom's de-hazing feature!

 One's first real view of the canyon into which one 

descends using Shaffer's trail.

 Several switchbacks allow one to basically go

up and down the sheer canyon walls.

Soon, I was at the bottom of the canyon and the end of Shaffer's Trail.

After the spot in the above picture, looking back towards the canyon walls, one is presented with the choice of either Potash Road which leads to Moab after a few miles of rough trail; or White Rim Road. which I took.

Alas, my phone alerted me that there was a call I had to attend for work so I didn't even make it as far as Musselman Arch before having to turn around and ride up Shaffer's Trail to a spot where I could get 4G signal!  Drat.

 Back at the top of the canyon, my view during the work call.

 After a long call, I posed Yagi within six feet of the rocky

ledge for this picture.

Work call over with, and me being on top of the canyon.  I decided to see the rest of Canyonland's offerings.  I was reminded, as I approached the visitor center, that there's a Shaffer's Trail overlook with very good overlooks of the trail for those who don't want to ride it I suppose:

About six miles further down the road, you get to the "Grand View" Overlook area.  I wasn't too impressed but not bad.  I don't think I'll return again though unless perhaps during sunset/sunrise.

 What you basically see from the Grand View overlook.

 Far off in the distance, were these more interesting rock formations.

Making my way back towards Moab, I chanced to spot this curious looking rock formation, it looked like someone had sliced off half of it at first.  I found a spot to park Yagi and walked in to get a better look:

 Using the telephoto lens, I got a closer look.

I dub this rock, Ural Transmission Rock as it

reminded me of the gearbox on a Ural Sidecar rig.

Made it back to the campsite and some more work and chores with no issues.  I do have to remember to pack Vitamin I (Ibuprofen) as long riding times on Yagi lead to some lower back pain and sore buttocks.

Sunset was "meh"

Another good day in the Moab area.  I think I'll go test out lower air levels on Yagi's tire in the nearby trail to the Monitor and Merrimac OHV Loop.  I've got them down to 13 PSI.  They rode fine that way today, am sure there's more tire wear and less MPG but for now, it's a learning thing.

Riding Brigitta to a Sunset

Yep, sunset pictures....again.

It was Brigitta's turn in the rotation for riding so it was her that posed for the pictures.

CCjon had suggested to me that instead of continuing sunset pics...don't post more till one comes along that beats the top ten sunsets I've shot before.

Of course, have I done that?  Compile a list of top ten?  Nope.  Sorry CCjon.

Instead, I inflict these upon you, my faithful audience.

Back home and a Spring Sunset

Got back from Glamping in the Hugo SWA this past Saturday.

Got the URRV all cleaned up, fixed a few things that needed fixing such as the trailer marker light on the left side (the light portion disappeared), further secured the light that lets me check the water level on the fresh water tank and determined tongue weight on the trailer for future usage.

Not much else to report, rode the other rig, Fiona and Brigitta got some much needed exercise as well this week.  Trying to be better about keeping track on when I last rode a particular motorcycle, to ensure not too long an interval occurs between rides.

Tonight, Friday, I rode Scarlett, my 2014 Patrol to a pretty decent sunset.