At least for those that are able, I feel riding a bike up this thing would be sooooo much more rewarding than just hopping in a Jeep or a SXS. Goes from a nice trip with the family to a rewarding struggle.
INCREDIBLE GUYS. Be proud of yourself, a major accomplishment. For the folks watching this that haven’t been there…very challenging terrain and the cameras do not do justice to the grade/steepness of these hills. I have completed most of the trails in the area in a truck and Jeep and there is no way I would attempt on an adventure bike…only enduros. Hats off to y’all
Great episode. One of the best footage of Cinnamon Pass I've seen from drone perspective. A++ . Fantastic effort to keep the videos and Sena intercom rolling while traversing one fo the toughest passes in Rockies on fully loaded big bikes. Worthy of UA-cam award. Kam
Thank you for the kind comment! I couldn't do it without my buddies Jason (video editor extraordinaire) and Steve (on-screen comedic relief)! ;-) Since all three of us are working professional photographers, we broke the TAT into 4 stages to accommodate our work schedules. We completed STAGE 1 in May last year, STAGE 2 in June, and STAGE 3 in September. We'll return to Moab in May of this year to complete STAGE 4. But while waiting for the snow to melt in the mountains, we did an awesome "gap" adventure, riding the entire SCAR (South Carolina Adventure Route). So we'll be editing and releasing those video, along with several other "how to" and "review" videos we've recorded. We have tons of other adventured in the plans, including a return trip to Mexico (check out the first one here if you haven't already: ua-cam.com/play/PLMpCu16Bx7xOgz2lP1igdN0uYO1Aht3Nz.html). But you'll have to wait and see what some of the others are...we don't want to spoil ALL the surprises!!!
I’ve done parts of my hometown Brazil, I’d like to try the TAT starting from VA where I live. Thank you for taking the time to share with us. If you stop by VA maybe we can have some coffee and do theMABDR. Ride on Sir, stay safe.
Jason, what did you learn? "I learned I'm glad I wasn't trying to pull Steve's AT out of this hole!" lol Glad to see you all made it! Gives hope to us on 2 KLRs and a KTM 690. I was thinking, for the KLRs... that they could keep their 16 tooth front sprockets for the eastern TAT (OEM is 15, there is the freedom to go up or down one tooth without major issues), but switch to a 14 tooth for Colorado and Moab. Not a hard maintenance job but might be really handy climbing passes.
That's funny, Searching! :-) As far as the gearing on your KLR, I'm sure stock or 1 tooth lower would be plenty. Those thumpers have such great torque at lower RPM that you can chug along at slow speeds and be just fine.
I left the 15 tooth on my Klr for the entire trip. Made it over all the passes no problem with plenty of power to spare. Also I'm pretty heavy loaded. My bike with me and all my gear was 920 lbs.
Hope you three are planning some summer excursions for 2021. Really enjoy watching. Stop in and see us at Pandoras Motor Sports in Chattanooga if you come thru.
Absolutely! Glad you're enjoying the videos!!! We head back to Utah next month to complete the final leg of the TAT. And we've got a few other trips in the works. I have some riding friends in the Chattanooga area. Next time I'm up that way I'll be sure to stop in and say "Hi"! :-)
Now that you have done that what do you think would be the ideal bike for that part of the trail while still being able to ride it to the trail? I also have a 2011 V-Strom 650
Hi Keith! Jason on his V-Strom 650 and I on my CB500X did quite well on everything except the more gnarly stuff like Cinnamon Pass. Our bikes are admittedly more road-oriented adventure bikes that "can" go off-road if needed. Steve on his Africa Twin was much more comfortable off-road, and did absolutely fin on pavement. That is probably a much better 50/50 bike. But remember Steve is a big guy. So that larger machine fits him quite well. Personally, I wouldn't want something that big as I am much shorter than the others. I'd have to say the perfect TAT bike would be something like the Yamaha T7 that's equally at home on both, but lighter than the Africa Twin. Or even better would be a CB500X with the full Rally Raid L2 suspension kit. If you're into older carbureted machines, you have plenty of options like the DR650, XR650, or KLR650. Hope this helps!
Would you guys have wanted lighter bikes at this point climbing Cinnamon? How did the midsized bikes do control wise? Did you feel like you were fighting it a lot?
Hi Two Wheel Dawg! As I commented when the KTM rider without any luggage passed us, "wouldn't that be fun?". :-) Of course it would have been more fun crossing Cinnamon Pass on a light-weight dirt bike. But a lightweight dirt bike would have been extremely uncomfortable on the long, boring, windswept plains of Oklahoma. So overall, I'd say we were each very happy with our bikes.
Chris mentions the front sprocket. Many V-Strommers change the front sprocket from 15 to 16 for a reduction in RPM on the highway. I was wondering if Jason's issues were related to a changed front sprocket that would work against him in the mountains. Jason?
Maybe Jason is just a rookie and will take any plausible excuse! Hehe. I have no idea if the sprocket made any difference. Truthfully, I was learning on the road. But to answer your question, after the TAT, I changed out both the sprockets and chain. The front was a 15 and I replaced it with a 15. Thanks for watching!!
Just a suggestion, but if you feel that 1st gear is too tall, one way to get around it is to give more power on the throttle, but then control the speed with your clutch. Stay in the friction zone. It'll make up for the gearing to some degree. Regardless, you guys were doing great!
Thank you Chris fo the wonderful video. I love how Cinnamon and Ophir have the easy well graded road up to the pass, then butt puckering downhills (at least fo our big bikes).
Awesome video guys again! I have a question for you: I am thinking of doing the TAT alone. Is it crazy? Should I go with someone? Thanks and keep like this 😜🤟👌👍
Hi The Rod! Glad you enjoyed the episode!!! I would nave no reservations about doing the TAT solo. But then again, I did Mexico solo: ua-cam.com/play/PLMpCu16Bx7xOgz2lP1igdN0uYO1Aht3Nz.html. HA! :-) Seriously though, as long as you stay within your limitations, you'll be fine. And there is enough traffic on the difficult parts that if you're ever in a bad situation, someone will be along to help. It's an AWESOME adventure! GO FOR IT!!!
Agreed! Unfortunately we happened to hit the pass on a holiday weekend. In hindsight, we should have adjusted our trip to time it in the middle of the week when traffic would have been a lot less.
At least for those that are able, I feel riding a bike up this thing would be sooooo much more rewarding than just hopping in a Jeep or a SXS. Goes from a nice trip with the family to a rewarding struggle.
Agreed! Thanks for watching. Make sure to hit that sub and like button for us, Greg. :)
Great video guys. Jason, don't be so hard on yourself - that is a hard ride and the traffic alone would spook me - you are doing great!
Thank you for the encouraging words, Ginger! Jason is on vacation...but I'm sure he'll see your kind comment soon. :-)
Thanks Ginger!
Outstanding!
Thanks for watching, Len!
INCREDIBLE GUYS. Be proud of yourself, a major accomplishment. For the folks watching this that haven’t been there…very challenging terrain and the cameras do not do justice to the grade/steepness of these hills. I have completed most of the trails in the area in a truck and Jeep and there is no way I would attempt on an adventure bike…only enduros. Hats off to y’all
Thank you, sir!!! - Jason
@@Jason_MotoPhotoAdventures absolutely, awesome job sir.
We appreciate you, Bill! It looked like you had an awesome time out there (on 4 wheels)!!! 🙂 Hope to see you Saturday...
Great episode. One of the best footage of Cinnamon Pass I've seen from drone perspective. A++ . Fantastic effort to keep the videos and Sena intercom rolling while traversing one fo the toughest passes in Rockies on fully loaded big bikes. Worthy of UA-cam award. Kam
Thank you so much, Kam! It's nice to have someone "in the know" who realizes how much effort goes into these. :-)
Great video, thanks for posting.
Thanks for watching! Hit that bell, if you haven't, :)
Much appreciated, Phil!!!
Great video of your adventure Chris. What month did you travel and what is your next trip planned!
Thank you for the kind comment! I couldn't do it without my buddies Jason (video editor extraordinaire) and Steve (on-screen comedic relief)! ;-) Since all three of us are working professional photographers, we broke the TAT into 4 stages to accommodate our work schedules. We completed STAGE 1 in May last year, STAGE 2 in June, and STAGE 3 in September. We'll return to Moab in May of this year to complete STAGE 4. But while waiting for the snow to melt in the mountains, we did an awesome "gap" adventure, riding the entire SCAR (South Carolina Adventure Route). So we'll be editing and releasing those video, along with several other "how to" and "review" videos we've recorded. We have tons of other adventured in the plans, including a return trip to Mexico (check out the first one here if you haven't already: ua-cam.com/play/PLMpCu16Bx7xOgz2lP1igdN0uYO1Aht3Nz.html). But you'll have to wait and see what some of the others are...we don't want to spoil ALL the surprises!!!
Another great video. Thanks for the time and effort. Jason, proud of you!
Thanks!
he did great
That was amazing! But more traffic than the M4!!!
Haha! correct, though I've never been on the M4. Thanks for watching! Hit the like, subscribe, and bell for us, thanks!
I’ve done parts of my hometown Brazil, I’d like to try the TAT starting from VA where I live. Thank you for taking the time to share with us. If you stop by VA maybe we can have some coffee and do theMABDR. Ride on Sir, stay safe.
Thanks AB! We'd love that. We'll be at the Horizons Unlimited Travelers Meeting in Appomattox Virginia this April. You should come!!!
My favorite Colorado pass when I rode the TAT! Love the editing, too.
Than you so much! We loved it too!!!
Thanks!
Jason, what did you learn? "I learned I'm glad I wasn't trying to pull Steve's AT out of this hole!" lol Glad to see you all made it! Gives hope to us on 2 KLRs and a KTM 690. I was thinking, for the KLRs... that they could keep their 16 tooth front sprockets for the eastern TAT (OEM is 15, there is the freedom to go up or down one tooth without major issues), but switch to a 14 tooth for Colorado and Moab. Not a hard maintenance job but might be really handy climbing passes.
Hahaha! Right?
That's funny, Searching! :-) As far as the gearing on your KLR, I'm sure stock or 1 tooth lower would be plenty. Those thumpers have such great torque at lower RPM that you can chug along at slow speeds and be just fine.
I left the 15 tooth on my Klr for the entire trip. Made it over all the passes no problem with plenty of power to spare. Also I'm pretty heavy loaded. My bike with me and all my gear was 920 lbs.
@@michaelladymon5143 thanks for the info. That's pretty impressive to have a KLR at 920 lbs!!!
gotta go with the gear that works for you
Hope you three are planning some summer excursions for 2021. Really enjoy watching. Stop in and see us at Pandoras Motor Sports in Chattanooga if you come thru.
Absolutely! Glad you're enjoying the videos!!! We head back to Utah next month to complete the final leg of the TAT. And we've got a few other trips in the works. I have some riding friends in the Chattanooga area. Next time I'm up that way I'll be sure to stop in and say "Hi"! :-)
Watching this reminds me of riding it on my GS...also reminds me why I went to a lighter bike, so much less work and carry faster pace.
I can believe it!!!
Awesome guys! Chris I bet you’re happy you added that RR suspension on Trinity!
Indeed I am!!! Also glad I switched from Shinko 705 to TKC80 tires. :-)
Now that you have done that what do you think would be the ideal bike for that part of the trail while still being able to ride it to the trail? I also have a 2011 V-Strom 650
Hi Keith! Jason on his V-Strom 650 and I on my CB500X did quite well on everything except the more gnarly stuff like Cinnamon Pass. Our bikes are admittedly more road-oriented adventure bikes that "can" go off-road if needed. Steve on his Africa Twin was much more comfortable off-road, and did absolutely fin on pavement. That is probably a much better 50/50 bike. But remember Steve is a big guy. So that larger machine fits him quite well. Personally, I wouldn't want something that big as I am much shorter than the others. I'd have to say the perfect TAT bike would be something like the Yamaha T7 that's equally at home on both, but lighter than the Africa Twin. Or even better would be a CB500X with the full Rally Raid L2 suspension kit. If you're into older carbureted machines, you have plenty of options like the DR650, XR650, or KLR650. Hope this helps!
Would you guys have wanted lighter bikes at this point climbing Cinnamon? How did the midsized bikes do control wise? Did you feel like you were fighting it a lot?
Hi Two Wheel Dawg! As I commented when the KTM rider without any luggage passed us, "wouldn't that be fun?". :-) Of course it would have been more fun crossing Cinnamon Pass on a light-weight dirt bike. But a lightweight dirt bike would have been extremely uncomfortable on the long, boring, windswept plains of Oklahoma. So overall, I'd say we were each very happy with our bikes.
Chris mentions the front sprocket. Many V-Strommers change the front sprocket from 15 to 16 for a reduction in RPM on the highway. I was wondering if Jason's issues were related to a changed front sprocket that would work against him in the mountains. Jason?
Great question, Brent! Maybe the previous owner put a 16T in it?
Maybe Jason is just a rookie and will take any plausible excuse! Hehe. I have no idea if the sprocket made any difference. Truthfully, I was learning on the road. But to answer your question, after the TAT, I changed out both the sprockets and chain. The front was a 15 and I replaced it with a 15. Thanks for watching!!
Just a suggestion, but if you feel that 1st gear is too tall, one way to get around it is to give more power on the throttle, but then control the speed with your clutch. Stay in the friction zone. It'll make up for the gearing to some degree. Regardless, you guys were doing great!
Excellent tip, Tim! Thanks for watching.
Thanks Tim. Figuring it out as I go. :)
@@Jason_MotoPhotoAdventures You're doing great. Gotta support my fellow SCAR area riders.
We sure appreciate it, Tim!!!
Watch out for the bumpy ride to come down into Animas Forks. This is fun taking this trail with you on the video; great coverage.
Thanks Casey! Glad you're enjoying the adventure. :-)
Thank you Chris fo the wonderful video.
I love how Cinnamon and Ophir have the easy well graded road up to the pass, then butt puckering downhills (at least fo our big bikes).
@@MrHamish54 you're very welcome! And you're right. It was easier going up than coming down! :-)
Awesome video guys again! I have a question for you: I am thinking of doing the TAT alone. Is it crazy? Should I go with someone? Thanks and keep like this 😜🤟👌👍
Hi The Rod! Glad you enjoyed the episode!!! I would nave no reservations about doing the TAT solo. But then again, I did Mexico solo: ua-cam.com/play/PLMpCu16Bx7xOgz2lP1igdN0uYO1Aht3Nz.html. HA! :-) Seriously though, as long as you stay within your limitations, you'll be fine. And there is enough traffic on the difficult parts that if you're ever in a bad situation, someone will be along to help. It's an AWESOME adventure! GO FOR IT!!!
@@MotoPhotoAdventures thanks for your answer! I’m from Spain and I will wait till Covid let the people travell!😂😰
@@RODLASS- I think ALL of us are waiting for Covid to let us travel. :-) Mucho gusto, amigo.
great footage....not seen anything this good. The heavy breathing and problems are seldom shown in most videos.
The downside to many of the passes in Colorado is all of the traffic.
Would have been a lot less traffic had we not done this on a holiday weekend! :-)
But ya meet so many cool folks! Haha
Too Much Traffic...No Fun.
Agreed! Unfortunately we happened to hit the pass on a holiday weekend. In hindsight, we should have adjusted our trip to time it in the middle of the week when traffic would have been a lot less.