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First BDR trip alone and scared 🤪

1899 Views 71 Replies 29 Participants Last post by  jncdi
So i am prepping to do my first real trip on the KLR of any consequence. I will be driving the beginning and the ending parts of the new mexico bdr. Trailoring bike to ruidoso and doing trails north. Trailoring to albequerque and then doing grants nm to colorado. Not camping but will have emergency supplies.

So what are the must dos to the bike and what must haves as far as tools besides of course tire tools. Oil and air filter just done. Just never been so far back country alone.
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Hey there! When do you think you will be up ABQ way?
I will be getting back into the country around the 14th and will have some time off before going back to work. I too have also been wanting to run the NMBDR but wanted to do it with a riding buddy.
Just cus. . .
Well. . .
You know. . .

I normally do everything on my own (getting friends to commit and then follow through can be tough) but being remote for extended periods of time can be unnerving. I would love to take a trip with a fellow KLR enthusiast.
Late July. But i am not camping. My bones no longer allow it but having a riding wingman would be nice.
May I recommend a JUDGE or similar revolver. ABQ is bad AF and sometimes that spreads beyond its city limits.
My best friend has lived there for years. The problems like allways tend to be concentrated in certain areas. And how you gonna pull that judge when a carjacker has a gun at your head quickdraw. Using my head has worked for me.
Does a person need special insurance in case of backcountry rescue in a national forest? Just in case they do something stupid and break a leg.lol Does the forest or park service charge for rescue? My last ambulance ride was about a mile and cost 1300. Of course they did give me pain meds. It was 400 out of pocket after insurance.
If you have an InReach device (I am sure the same is true of other devices) you can add the SAR 100 plan for $39.95 for the year. That will give you a certificate of insurance and cover you up to $100,000 in Search and Rescue Benefits. It is definitely cheaper than $1300 for an ambulance ride and a helicopter cost more than that per hour.

Search and Rescue Insurance | Garmin
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My best friend has lived there for years. The problems like allways tend to be concentrated in certain areas. And how you gonna pull that judge when a carjacker has a gun at your head quickdraw. Using my head has worked for me.
Thats the great thing about riding a motorcycle, dont have to worry about being CarJacked. ABQ is a mess has been for many years. I lived there and still have an abundance of family there and surrounding area, and we visit frequently. They complain about how bad the crime has increased even since I left. The show COPS is not even allowed to be filmed there anymore. Very sad, because the food is terrific and that was a great area to live at one time. On the revolver topic, having it as an option could deter someone from taking advantage of a person or their stuff. There are many situations to what if, so using your head is the best choice i agree. If there is no other option then you can let the judge sort it out. Not limited to bad people, Snakes are an issue this time of year there and bears / mountain cats in the north can be also.
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I think if you buy a park pass it includes the rescue insurance but id check your specific situation. Im pretty careful with that stuff as a chopper ride out is tens of thousands of dollars and some even more than that.

I spend about half the year outside of the USA and so also bought a 5 year Med Jet insurance for the family. Those people are legit professionals and will send a rescue pretty much anyplace on the planet (with a few exclusions for active war zones) and fly you back to a hospital of youe choosing in the usa.

I will never forget seeing a guy i knew pretty well die in a third world hospital. It was in the tropics and must have been 100 degrees in the "hospital". We bribed the doctor to get his bed rolled out of the main stadium type room with hundreds of people. They let him be in the baby delivery room and i remember looking at the scale to weigh new babies and it looked like it was from the 1920s with blood caked so think it had ridges. That is burned in my mind and im not getting stuck im that situation.

I dont know why im telling war stories, but i also was locked down in Peru earlier this year and airports were shut because of civil unrest and a guy in our hotel had an issue with the altitude we were stuck at 11,300 feet and his lungs went out. By the time the airport opened he needed medical evac and his family got a quote for $80,000 to fly him back to puerto rico. They couldnt afford it so he died up there.

My point is, the insurance is a key part of me being willing to take the risks i take.
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May I recommend a JUDGE or similar revolver. ABQ is bad AF and sometimes that spreads beyond its city limits.
No shit. A close friend of mine got shot at a Motel 6 there about 7 years ago. He was just passing through and stopped for the night. Fortunately, he killed the shooter and survived his wounds. So don't tell me that carrying a gun won't make a difference.
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I think if you buy a park pass it includes the rescue insurance but id check your specific situation.
I am not aware of any that do. At least to the best of my knowledge my National Park pass came with nothing more than a card and a plastic mirror hanger.

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New Mexico does not charge for search and rescue according to the internet lol.
New Mexico does not charge for search and rescue according to the internet lol.
Colorado doesn't either. But I believe you will find (at least it is the case in Colorado) that the free Search and Rescue does not include Medical Transport and that is where bills can add up for you.
No shit. A close friend of mine got shot at a Motel 6 there about 7 years ago. He was just passing through and stopped for the night. Fortunately, he killed the shooter and survived his wounds. So don't tell me that carrying a gun won't make a difference.
I understand having a gun in your dwelling. Just not carrying on the road. Plus motel 6 and other motels with doors directly to outside have been filled with addicts and dealers for years. Glad your friend survived.
Colorado doesn't either. But I believe you will find (at least it is the case in Colorado) that the free Search and Rescue does not include Medical Transport and that is where bills can add up for you.
So does the medical transport include the helicopter ride? Hmmm back to buying insurance i guess.
?
Colorado doesn't either. But I believe you will find (at least it is the case in Colorado) that the free Search and Rescue does not include Medical Transport and that is where bills can add up for you.
From my understanding, with the Purchase of a Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle permit, basic Search & Rescue is included. Uncertain whether that would cover a helicopter ride or not?
No shit. A close friend of mine got shot at a Motel 6 there about 7 years ago. He was just passing through and stopped for the night. Fortunately, he killed the shooter and survived his wounds. So don't tell me that carrying a gun won't make a difference.
Holy Cow!
I would like to hear more details about that story.
Hey there! When do you think you will be up ABQ way?

Luce,

It's too soon for me this year. I just got my KLR yesterday and have to get the rhythm with it. However, I'd like to have a riding partner for some trips. We can plan one out for next year. Maybe get Carpediem to make it a group ride. Just a thought.

TStol
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Let me know if you want a riding partner for next year. I just got my KLR yesterday. I need to get my bike and myself in shape for some travel.

TStol
I understand having a gun in your dwelling. Just not carrying on the road. Plus motel 6 and other motels with doors directly to outside have been filled with addicts and dealers for years. Glad your friend survived.
I would rather have my gun and not need it than need it and not have it.
I'm not paranoid, I'm prepared.
FYI, I'm a Texas LTC instructor, Pistol Instructor and RSO. We take our training very serious. I have your six brother.
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In regards to flats:

If you don't already I'd recommend trying Ride-on brand tire sealer/balancer. You'll have to pull your wheel weights off because it's going to dynamically balance as you ride. It'll also prevent 'most' flats you'd typically encounter.

Should you still need to change a tube or tire I highly recommend the Baja no-pinch tool. It makes life a breeze and when you're on the side of the road changing a tire, the quicker/easier the better!

Best wishes
In regards to flats:

If you don't already I'd recommend trying Ride-on brand tire sealer/balancer. You'll have to pull your wheel weights off because it's going to dynamically balance as you ride. It'll also prevent 'most' flats you'd typically encounter.

Should you still need to change a tube or tire I highly recommend the Baja no-pinch tool. It makes life a breeze and when you're on the side of the road changing a tire, the quicker/easier the better!

Best wishes
I will look at those but i alredy bought the beadbreaker.
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