I rode the event with my dad(Who is in his 70's) in 2017, hoping we can ride it together this year. The ride was a blast for me. My dad had small get off on day one, which caused him to stop on day two at Baker, so I continued on solo. We did "easy ways" and the only hard route I did was the last stretch through Red Rock Canyon. I did not find the ride to be technically difficult, I do know some "hard ways" can be a little tougher. I think that everyone who is at least a decent rider can do the event, time can become a premium if you have any issues, so I would suggest not to spend too much time sight seeing. We had to fix two flats on day one, but still made it to Barstow in daylight.
Yes, starts on the Friday after Thanksgiving in Palmdale, ends in Las Vegas the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
I know a little about this event.
I've done the ride since 2000 and been the Coordinator for 10 years or so. Damn ride gets in your blood. We got a 5 year permit last year, finally, so we're good for a while!
This ride is going to have some surprises this year, but nothing too difficult if you do the easy ways. The hard ways are more like a good days riding but again, we don't want to break you or your bike so mostly hard ways are just longer.
There's nothing like riding your dirt bike(plated) down the strip for a picture under the Welcome to Las Vegas sign.
I'll post up more as we get closer but you should get your room at the Ramada today, like, today for Friday after Thanksgiving. You can always cancel but you want to be at that hotel after day 1.
Give me a call for any details or insights, I could write for days on this ride but I have to scoot right now. Gimme a call, 562 244 0244
Kieth Huff
AMA District 37 Dualsport Prez
La-Barstow-to-Vegas event Coordinator
I know a little about this event.
I've done the ride since 2000 and been the Coordinator for 10 years or so. Damn ride gets in your blood. We got a 5 year permit last year, finally, so we're good for a while!
This ride is going to have some surprises this year, but nothing too difficult if you do the easy ways. The hard ways are more like a good days riding but again, we don't want to break you or your bike so mostly hard ways are just longer.
There's nothing like riding your dirt bike(plated) down the strip for a picture under the Welcome to Las Vegas sign.
I'll post up more as we get closer but you should get your room at the Ramada today, like, today for Friday after Thanksgiving. You can always cancel but you want to be at that hotel after day 1.
Give me a call for any details or insights, I could write for days on this ride but I have to scoot right now. Gimme a call, 562 244 0244
Kieth Huff
AMA District 37 Dualsport Prez
La-Barstow-to-Vegas event Coordinator
Our volunteer staffing model is about at their limits with 600 riders. We're usually just under that. Another issue is our footprint. I have to deal with 4 BLM field offices in 2 states, the State Lands Commission and the Forest service. All have their own stips and requirements. It takes me over a year to secure all the permits. last year we paid approx 20k in fees for 2018's run.
Tradition is the only reason we keep it the Thanksgiving weekend. Always start on Friday after Turkey. Scott Cox told me a few years ago we could easily get this event to 1000 riders. I almost choked him!
So, the self limiting logistics helps us keep the dust down, the numbers manageable and below the tree huggers radar. This is truly a ride that wont go on forever. The simple urban sprawl prevents the B2V race from returning. The closest you can get to Vegas in the dirt is 26 miles, that number will increase as the metropolis continues to build.
Get your room at the Ramada now, today. Next best is Quality Inn, across the street from the Ramada. I also like the California Inn since it's the same side of the street as the Ramada.
I encourage you to immerse yourself in the weekend, it's the friggin' Woodstock of motorcycling except it's happened 35 times! I have a legendary VIP party in my Mike Tyson suite after the reception Saturday night. I kick everyone out around 4:00 a.m.. Last year Snoop Dog was next door since he had a show at the Orleans that Saturday night. The whole floor was like a Cheech and Chong van scene. The costumery on the ladies (nsfw) was awesome! View attachment 726468
