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August 23 and 24, 2024, were two unforgettable days spent exploring sections 1 and 2 of the Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route (NorCal BDR). I had been itching for a proper off-road adventure, and with Mahesh offering me the keys to his KLX230, the timing was perfect. A few friends from the ADV Rider community joined in, making this trip not just about the ride but also about camaraderie and shared challenges.

I started by renting an older Toyota Tacoma off Turo to haul the bike. The plan was to drive to Bridgeport, California, use it as a base, and take on the route from there. After checking into the cozy Bridgeport Inn and unloading the KLX, I set my sights on tackling Section 1 that afternoon.

Day 1: Exploring Section 1

The adventure began with Conway Ranch Road, a scenic two-track dirt road off Highway 395. It was sandy in spots, but the KLX230 handled like a dream—light, nimble, and confidence-inspiring. From there, I picked up Cottonwood Canyon Road via Pole Line Road, heading toward Bodie. This was an easy stretch, and I found myself pushing the bike, enjoying its responsiveness.

Bodie, the historic ghost town, offered a great photo stop before I climbed out on Bodie Masonic Road. Despite hearing warnings from other riders about the difficulty, the climb felt manageable. Maybe the KLX was just the right bike for the job, or maybe I got lucky, but either way, I was having a blast. The route offered a few fun water crossings and eventually led me down Aurora Canyon Road to Highway 182.

Before calling it a day, I made a quick detour to the Travertine Hot Springs. The area was peaceful, and I chatted briefly with a group of Swedish travelers soaking in the springs before heading back. On the trail back to Bridgeport, I encountered a bull snake lazily crossing the path—a fitting end to a day that felt deeply connected to nature. After riding 59.1 miles of mixed terrain, I parked the bike and grabbed dinner at Rhino’s Bar & Grill. The burger was decent, the beer refreshing, and the crowd had a small-town charm I wasn’t quite used to from the Bay Area.

Day 2: Conquering Mount Patterson

Day two brought reinforcements. Prashanth arrived with his CRF250, Prathap brought his Aprilia Tuareg, and Suraj joined with his CRF300L. Together, we planned to tackle Section 2’s hard split—Mount Patterson, which stands at an impressive 11,673 feet (3,558 meters), making it the highest point on the Northern California BDR. Its elevation and rugged terrain make it a challenging yet rewarding ride for adventure enthusiasts.

We started by riding down Highway 395 to Burcham Flat Road, a dirt superhighway where 60 mph felt easy and exhilarating. From there, the real fun began as we turned onto Lobdell Lake Road. The climb up to Lobdell Lake, around 9,500 feet, was scenic and peppered with shallow water crossings. The crisp air at the lake signaled that we were in for a cold day.

Prathap quickly discovered that the gnarly climb to Mount Patterson was too much for his Aprilia and decided to bow out early. The rest of us pressed on. The trail was steep, rocky, and unforgiving. My KLX struggled on the steepest inclines, its limited power requiring me to rev and dump the clutch to keep moving. Suraj had a small tip-over, and Prashanth, despite multiple crashes, showed remarkable determination, making it up 95% of the climb before his bike succumbed to the punishing terrain.

The final stretch to the summit felt surreal. The trail flattened briefly, revealing a landscape that looked like Mars—complete with a quirky sign that read “Mars with Flowers.” The last push was brutal, with loose rocks and relentless wind, but I made it to the top. There, a flag marked the summit, and I paused just long enough to snap a few photos before retreating from the freezing winds.

On the descent, I passed Suraj, who had decided to turn back after repeated attempts to climb the particularly tricky last hillclimb. At the base, we regrouped, shaken but exhilarated by the challenge we’d just faced.

We ended the ride by exploring FS-22482, a rugged road with one massive water crossing that nearly took me down. After a few miles, the terrain became increasingly tough, so we turned back to Lobdell Lake. Prashanth’s bike needed some roadside fixes—his bent shifter forced him to descend the mountain in first gear. Once repaired, we made our way back to the lake.

Wrapping It Up

With about 60 miles logged that day, I felt a mix of pride and exhaustion as I loaded the KLX back into the truck. We shared a few laughs, exchanged photos, and then I began the long drive home, stopping at Taco Bell on Highway 108 for a quick dinner.

These two days of riding were everything I could’ve hoped for—a perfect escape into the mountains, shared challenges, and the simple joy of a little bike that could. There’s something deeply satisfying about tackling tough trails and coming out the other side, stronger and more connected to the adventure. This trip was a reminder of why I ride: for the thrill, the camaraderie, and the moments of pure, unfiltered freedom.

On June 23, 2024, I finally tackled Section 3 of the Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route (NorCal BDR). For the unfamiliar, the NorCal BDR is a scenic and adventurous off-road motorcycle route that spans the length of Northern California. Designed for dual-sport and adventure motorcycles, it connects dirt roads, forest tracks, and backcountry trails, offering riders a unique way to explore the state. The official NorCal BDR documentary premiered on YouTube on May 16, 2024. I watched the entire film, captivated by the sweeping views, technical challenges, and camaraderie it showcased.

This ride had been on my mind ever since the documentary’s release, but it took me a while to get back in the saddle. About a month prior, Mahesh had a crash that shook me, and I hadn’t ridden since. However, with a free Sunday and a desire to shake off the nerves, I decided to take on Section 3.

The Ride: Bear Valley to Kyburz

Starting from home early, I rode to Bear Valley on my Yamaha Tenere 700. The warm temperatures began to creep in even during the morning, adding a layer of challenge to the day. Section 3 covers 85.9 miles, taking riders through stunning forested two-track trails, steep descents, riverside campgrounds, and scenic mountain views.

Right outside Bear Valley, the route quickly drew me in with its deep pine forests and peaceful trails. Winton Road offered a smooth backwoods pavement stretch, but the highlight was Forest Route 7N08—a steep descent to the Mokelumne River. Here, I took a break at one of the picturesque riverside campgrounds, dipped my feet in the cool water, and enjoyed a moment of relaxation before continuing on.

Crossing the narrow river bridge led to a series of steep, dilapidated pavement switchbacks. These climbs eventually opened up to the stunning traverse of the Bear River Reservoir dam—a view worth every hairpin turn. Further along, I took the optional detour to the Leek Springs Hill Lookout Tower (7,621’). This section was easy to navigate but offered incredible panoramas.

The final stretch followed the historic Mormon Emigrant Trail and concluded with a series of challenging switchbacks descending into the tiny town of Kyburz on Highway 50. The descent tested my nerves, but the Tenere 700 handled it beautifully, giving me the confidence I’d been missing.

The Journey Back

The ride back home was marked by one unavoidable factor: the heat. Temperatures soared to a scorching 104°F, making hydration and frequent stops essential. Despite the oppressive weather, I made it back safely, exhausted but exhilarated.

Riding Section 3 of the NorCal BDR was exactly what I needed. It wasn’t just about the miles or the scenery—it was about rediscovering my love for motorcycling and finding confidence in myself and my machine again. The Tenere 700 proved itself on every surface, and I came home with a smile, already dreaming of the next adventure.

May 27th, 2024: A Life-Changing Ride

This was supposed to be another classic Sierra passes loop—something we’ve done for years without a second thought (2011–2023). This time it was just Mahesh (BMW S1000XR), Ram (Honda Goldwing 1800), Anil (Yamaha FJR1300), Ayon (KTM Superduke 1290R) and me (Yamaha MT-09). Everything was normal at first. We took the usual side roads into the Sierra foothills, stopped for gas at the Chevron in Jamestown, and joked around like always.

Anil and I started riding ahead of the group after that, stopping at Donnell Vista to take in the view. But as the minutes passed and no one showed up, I started getting a bad feeling. Then Ayon pulled in about five minutes later, looking shaken.

“Mahesh crashed,” he said.

At the same time, I noticed a few missed calls from Akshay on my phone. My stomach sank. We rode back slowly, dreading what we’d find. When we got to the crash site, Ram was there. He told us what happened—Mahesh had T-boned a pickup truck that pulled into his right of way.

The scene was grim. Mahesh’s bike was destroyed, and while he later shared pictures of the crash, I can’t bring myself to post them here. What saved him was pure luck. There was a fire station nearby, so help arrived fast. The paramedics cut off his gear, stabilized him, and airlifted him to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto.

We rode to the hospital, hearts in our throats. Someone from SpeedMachis had already called his wife, and she was on her way. The initial news was rough: Mahesh had a cracked hip, injuries to his hands, legs, and knees. He stayed at the hospital for a few days before being transferred to a rehab center closer to home.

The recovery was brutal. It took months for Mahesh to heal—especially his torn ACL, which kept him limping the longest. I visited him as much as I could, but it was hard to shake the fear that had settled in. For weeks, I couldn’t even think about getting back on my bike without feeling sick.

That ride changed everything for all of us. It forced us to face how quickly things can go sideways. We know the risks—we’ve always known them—but this was different. Seeing one of us go down like that, so close to losing everything, hit hard.

Mahesh was lucky in so many ways. The fire station, the fast response, the fact that he was wearing all the gear—it all lined up in his favor. But it gave us all a reality check. Every ride carries risk, and every time we suit up, we’re trusting our skills, our gear, and maybe a bit of luck to get us home.

It’s worth noting that May 27th was Memorial Day, and the traffic was insane. Holiday weekends bring out more cars, more distractions, and more chances for things to go wrong. Looking back, we all agreed it was a mistake to plan a ride on such a busy day. In the future, we’ve decided to avoid riding on long weekends or holidays altogether—it’s just not worth the added risk.

Thinking about it all, I couldn’t help but feel terrible for the streak of bad luck Mahesh has faced recently. He lost his job before his trip to Ecuador, then his mother passed away not long ago—a loss that still weighs heavily—and now this crash on top of everything. To make matters worse, during our ride to Georgetown, Duncan Peak, and Foresthill, a bunch of his belongings were stolen including top box. It feels like the universe has been throwing shit at him, yet he’s faced it all without any complaints.

Even now, thinking back to that day gives me a long pause. It wasn’t just a ride—it was a reminder of how fragile this life is and how much we take for granted. Mahesh is back on his feet, and he’ll probably ride again, but none of us will ever forget that day.

On May 10, 2024 – a Friday – Mahesh and I decided it was time to hit the road. He rode his Ducati Scrambler 1100, while I took out the Tenere 700. The plan was simple: take Highway 26 through some quiet towns, grab a bite, and then climb up to Carson Pass on Highway 88.

Highway 26 was pretty smooth, winding through Valley Springs, Mokelumne Hill, and West Point – towns that feel like they’re frozen in time. When we got to West Point, we stopped at a local joint called “Pizza Plus” for lunch. Mediocre is putting it generously, but then again, when you’re in the middle of nowhere, you can’t expect a gourmet experience.

After fueling up, we hit Highway 88 and made our way up to Carson Pass. The ride became more scenic, and snow still coated the mountains, adding to the views as we climbed. The Tenere handled the twisties like a champ, steady and smooth, while Mahesh’s Scrambler tore through with that Ducati flair. Up at the pass, we took a break, enjoying the stillness and the cold mountain air.

The ride back was uneventful, but overall, it was a solid day out on the bikes. Great scenery, good company, and some fantastic stretches of road.

Sometimes, when you’re a rider, you get these moments. Boredom kicks in, and you just need a change of scenery – or, better yet, a nice, long stretch of road. So, that’s how I ended up on my Yamaha Tenere 700, heading down to Paso Robles. It was March 15, a Friday, and though there was nothing specific on the agenda, the open road felt like it was calling.

Taking Highway 25 both ways was a treat. That stretch of road is all about the views and less about the speed. The Tenere handles well – nice and smooth, eats up the miles without any fuss. It’s comfortable for these longer trips, though it’s no MT-09. I missed that sporty punch you get from a more aggressive bike. But that’s the trade-off with the Tenere: you get comfort and capability, just not the raw sportiness.

Once I reached Paso, I stopped at Firestone Walker Brewing Co. for a beer and a veggie burger. It was good, but the price was steep – $40 for a drink and a meal. Guess that’s just how things are these days.

Overall, the ride was solid, a good mix of solitude and scenery.

Took the TU250X out for a spin today, starting from home and heading towards San Francisco. I’ve done this ride a few times, but today was special—a February day with clear skies and warm sun. Not the usual gloomy Bay Area winter weather. The TU250X handled itself decently on the freeway, which I was slightly worried about, given its size. But it managed well enough, keeping pace without much fuss.

First stop was at Fort Point, right under the Golden Gate Bridge. I always find it a bit surreal, standing beneath such an engineering marvel. Took a few pictures—couldn’t resist. From there, crossed the bridge and made my way up into the Marin Headlands. Now, the views from there are something else. Clear day, blue skies, and the Pacific stretched out in front of me. Stopped again, took a few more shots of the bike and the surroundings.

After soaking in the scenery, I decided to head down to Sausalito. It’s a lovely little place, lively and vibrant, with the bay sparkling in the sun. Before anything else, I made a quick stop by the Record Plant. Not many people know about this place, but Fleetwood Mac recorded Rumours there—an iconic album in a modest, unassuming wooden building at 2200 Marinship Way. Always fun to imagine the music that flowed through those walls.

Rounded off the stop with a cup of coffee, sitting in downtown Sausalito and watching the world go by. The views of the bay were spectacular, as usual. There’s something calming about the water and the gentle buzz of the town.

The ride back was straightforward—freeway all the way. The TUX performed admirably, no complaints there. All in all, it was one of those rides where everything just fell into place. Sunny weather, smooth roads, and a great bike under me. Makes for a good day out.

Here are the miles I rode in 2023, not including the trip to Ecuador.

Versys-X 300 (now sold): 7,369 to 10,855 = 3,486 miles

MT-09: 5,016 to 6,800 = 1,784 miles

Tenere 700: 1,636 to 4,814 = 3,178 miles

TU250X: 13,886 to 14,959 = 1,073 miles

Total Miles in 2023: 9,521 miles

[This post has been written by ChatGPT – it is hideous, I know]

Exploring California’s Hidden Dirt Roads: A Winter Ride Adventure

On December 22, 2023, I embarked on a thrilling motorcycle journey through some of California’s most remote and scenic dirt roads, inspired by the “Five Great California Dirt Roads” thread on ADVrider. Of the five routes highlighted, I chose to tackle #2 Leesville Road and #3 Huffmaster Road. These routes took me deep into the rugged, uninhabited parts of Northern California, offering a perfect blend of adventure, solitude, and stunning scenery.

The Ride Begins

Starting in Fremont, I hopped onto I-5 and made my way north. The highway ride was long, but I was fueled by excitement, knowing that some wild terrain awaited me. Despite it being winter, the skies were clear, and the sun was shining—a rarity for late December. The temperature was crisp, but that golden sunlight kept me warm as I cruised up the freeway, with my trusty Yamaha Tenere 700 beneath me. The Tenere performed admirably, though as I’d soon find out, the stock tires had their limitations on the dirt roads ahead.

Leesville Road: Wet, Muddy, and Rugged

The first dirt road on my list was Leesville Road. This part of the ride immediately tested both my skills and my bike’s capabilities. The rains earlier in the week had left the road wet and muddy, which made for a challenging but exhilarating ride. Mud splattered everywhere, and before long, my tires were caked in it, significantly reducing my traction. The Tenere 700 soldiered on, but I had to be extra cautious on the slick sections. Still, the wet conditions only added to the adventure, and I felt a great sense of accomplishment as I navigated through the slippery mess.

Despite the challenging terrain, the beauty of Leesville Road in the winter was undeniable. Rolling hills stretched out as far as the eye could see, untouched by civilization. The road meandered through these peaceful landscapes, with no signs of human habitation for miles.

Huffmaster Road: A Serendipitous Encounter

After conquering Leesville Road, I headed towards Huffmaster Road. This route, known for its desolate and rugged beauty, lived up to its reputation. The landscape was wild and uninhabited, offering a real sense of solitude. As I rode along, I encountered only a handful of vehicles—mostly ranchers going about their day.

At one point, my journey came to a halt when I came across a locked gate. For a moment, I thought my ride might be cut short, but luck was on my side. I noticed a nearby rancher and decided to strike up a conversation. After a friendly chat, he was kind enough to open the gate for me and allow me to pass through. It was a simple gesture, but it reinforced the sense of camaraderie that often comes with adventure riding. The rancher’s openness turned a potential roadblock into one of the more memorable moments of the trip.

As I continued along Huffmaster Road, I couldn’t help but marvel at the raw, untamed beauty of the area. The road was rough, the landscape barren, and the experience felt like a true escape from the hustle of daily life. It’s moments like these that make adventure riding so special—pushing through adversity and discovering something extraordinary along the way.

Heading Home

After Huffmaster Road, I made my way to Maxwell Sties Road, which would lead me back to I-5 for the ride home. Maxwell Sties Road was a bit more forgiving, offering a smoother and more relaxed ride after the challenges of the day. It was a long haul back down the highway to Fremont, but the satisfaction of a day well-spent on the bike made every mile worthwhile.

Reflections on the Ride

The combination of dirt, mud, and scenic backroads made for an unforgettable day of riding. The stock tires on my Tenere 700 struggled in the muddy conditions, so next time, I might opt for more aggressive, off-road tires to handle the terrain better. But even with the occasional slip and slide, the bike handled the adventure admirably. The wet, unpredictable nature of Leesville Road, the remote beauty of Huffmaster Road, and the unexpected hospitality from a rancher—each aspect of this trip contributed to a perfect winter ride.

Adventure riding isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the journey, the challenges you face, and the people you meet along the way. I’ll definitely be back to explore more of California’s dirt roads, and next time, maybe I’ll tackle the remaining routes on the list.

Until then, the memories of this winter ride will keep me dreaming of the next great adventure.

So it’s the end of 2023 and I’ve owned 14 bikes so far. Maybe a good time to review the latest one – a 2009 TU250X

• 2005 Suzuki DR650SE
• 2002 Suzuki SV650
• 2003 Kawasaki ZZR1200
• 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 1000
• 2004 Kawasaki ZRX1200R
• 2011 Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa
• 2015 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
• 2008 KTM 990 Adventure S
• 2007 Ducati SportClassic 1000S
• 2001 Kawasaki W650
• 2019 Kawasaki Versys-X 300
• 2021 Yamaha MT-09
• 2021 Yamaha Tenere 700
• 2009 Suzuki TU250X

After spending three months and clocking about a thousand miles on the Suzuki TU250X, I find myself thoroughly impressed by this bike’s unique blend of classic charm and modern functionality. From the get-go, the charming retro aesthetics were what caught my eye, and they haven’t disappointed. The 249cc single-cylinder engine strikes a good balance, offering a smooth and enjoyable experience for both city commuting and leisurely rides through scenic routes, evoking a truly nostalgic feel.

While it’s still early to pass judgment on long-term reliability, the TU250X has proven itself as a reliable companion on the road. The classic design, complete with chrome accents and a timeless silhouette, consistently turns heads – particularly noticeable when parked at iconic spots like Alice’s Restaurant. Every time I am there, it becomes a bit of a talking point among fellow riders, sparking conversations with those who share an appreciation for the charming and nostalgic elements of motorcycles.

What truly surprised me, though, is how well this bike handles in the twisties. The nimble and responsive nature of the TU250X allows it to maintain an impressive pace through winding roads, almost outperforming some of the bigger bikes (literbikes lol). The sheer joy of railing through turns at full throttle not only highlights the bike’s agility but also brings a genuine smile to my face.

In essence, the Suzuki TU250X has successfully merged aesthetic charm with unexpected performance. Whether I’m cruising on straight highways or carving through winding mountain roads, this bike has exceeded my expectations and created a charming and nostalgic experience that captures the essence of classic styling while delivering an exhilarating ride. While time will reveal more about its long-term reliability, the TU250X has, without a doubt, become a special and enjoyable part of my riding journey.

This was an adv ride to Georgetown and Foresthill, Mahesh was on his Ducati Scrambler 1100 and I rode the Yamaha Tenere 700. This was Thanksgiving week and the kids were off from school. Shruti has work meetings in November and December (“Peak”) starting at 6:30AM, so we were doing 5AM classes at Elite Performance Gym. So I’d had a pretty early start to the day and I was also feeling a bit under the weather, but in spite of all this, I decided to head out for the ride.

I met Mahesh at the Mission gas station and we took the highways to the central valley. We took Hwy 88 and then Hwy 124 through Ione. After riding the nice twisties on Hwy 49, we cut over Hwy 50 to Hwy 193 towards Georgetown. We gassed up in Georgetown and took the amazing Wentworth Springs Road towards the Rubicon trail. WSR was a lot of fun, I was riding it after a long time (2016) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The pavement is still perfect, the turns are perfectly banked and there was no traffic whatsoever.

From WSR we turned off on 11 Pines Road and were greeted by some amazing vistas. We crossed the scenic bridge across the Rubicon river and eventually made our way to the French Meadows Reservoir. The weather was perfect at this point, not very cold and not hot at all.

From French Meadows we took Mosquito Ridge Road heading back towards Foresthill. MRR is also an amazing road and had a lot of fun on the twisty parts. Currently (November 2023), MRR was closed 7 miles from the Robinson Flat Rd intersection. We used Robinson Flat Road to cut over to Foresthill Rd. This was a nice ~6 mile dirt road mostly double-track and easy work for the Tenere. About a half mile from the Foresthill Rd intersection is Duncan Peak Lookout which we wanted to visit but it was closed for the season.

Along the dirt road Mahesh realized that his GIV top box was coming loose. He took it off at the side of the trail and road the short distance to the Duncan Peak trail gate. We inspected the bike and realized that the bolts that hold the muffler and rear rack to the subframe had sheared off. I pulled out a few zip ties and secured it in place and then also added a bungee cord and a lashing strap. Mahesh was able to make it home without further incident, but unfortunately somebody took the GIVI top box that he had left on the side of the trail. Someone stole his top box, in a matter of 20 minutes, and he was really bummed about it.

We rode back to Foresthill had a late lunch at Dragon Boat Chinese Restaurant. The food was great, the hot chowmein, rice and veggies felt great on the cold day. The portion sizes were HUGE.

From Foresthill we made a straight shot home on I-80 and I was home by 7pm. It was a long freeway ride back, but the Tenere is a roomy and comfortable bike.