I'm so glad you posted this! I just attended Touratech West last week and had similar thoughts about it as well. The event was run well, but when we arrived mid-day Thursday (opening day for general attendees) the camping area (a hayfield that was cut down into sharp 3-inch spikes) was nearly full of campers! We figured that getting there kinda early would allow us to pick a premium site. I guess the 1000 other bikers had the same thought. Anyways, the first night a group of neighbors ignored the 10 PM quiet time rule, partying past midnight. Having an early training class the following morning, I wore my earplugs, which didn't help much. I could still make out their boisterous conversation and music, which triggered my brain into analytical thought versus sleep mode. I didn't want to engage the drunken laughter, until the next morning. This I attempted to handle delicately but was met with belligerent posturing. Which leads me to my next discovery. Touratech's security was a complete joke. The staff said there should be roving security, but we never saw them. Be ready to deal with situations on your own. They had a few food trucks, although I made my own food. Vendor booths were chill and friendly. I spent more time demoing bikes than riding the GPX trails provided by Touratech. There just wasn't enough time. I"ll go back though. My instructor warned us about staying in our lanes on the trail. Apparently, 2 riders collided on the trail injuring one of them. The routes were crowded, even during my demos. The volunteers were awesome! But, I feel the same way about going back though. I really enjoyed talking to the 'other' neighbors and making plans to go on future rides with them. Who knows, it might pan out... I don't think it's worth the cost though. I'd rather spend that money staying in state parks, and riding with friends.
Touratech: I was a bit appalled that several of the Touratech routes crossed paths and had traffic flowing the opposite direction, resulting in ONCOMING traffic.
I am sorry I did not get to meet you at the Giant Loop Ride. I also went to the Tourtech Rally in Plain WA at the end of June and it was pretty much the same except twice as many people there. we where all camped tight together in a lumpy hay field. I have been to the Giant Loop ride 3 times and am not sure if I want to do it again. The Tourtech Rally is a little too crowded but it is closer to my home. I did really enjoy meeting you tuber's that I watch a lot and seeing all the latest motorcycle accessories. Thanks for sharing your travels.
That ride home through the rainstorm over the mountains dropping down toward Detroit was sure an experience! Didn't bump into you, or I'd have said hi! Dusty camping, but I think I'm game for next year.
I've been there 2nd year in a row. But I had my bike in a trailer behind my truck with a camper. So I really enjoyed the rides, then was absolutely priceless hot pool after the ride, and I had all the comfort in the camper thereafter. No struggling at all. Going to attend it again. Thanks for the review!
I went last year and had the same complaint of no organization for solo riders. I’d recommend Touratech West in Plaine, WA. They have rides with a leader and trail and signup sheets to meet others to ride specific trails at a certain time. Very well organized. It’s only missing the hot springs but they have two huge bon fires every night and live music.
Never done a rally. Really appreciate your insights regarding the Giant Loop. Also, many of the comments below are excellent. Someone mentioned a Chief Joseph rally over in John Day...that is some beautiful country!
Fair review and hey you’ve got some new stories ha. Guess there is the extra ride-out for different routes. I wonder if there’s an existing App that they could use to help like-minded riders connect. Like Rever lets users connect and post/comment, but it would need to give some more options. Well you’re lucky to have some beautiful wooded areas to ride so close! Thanks for posting up and sharing your thoughts! ✌🏼🏁
I think I saw you at the McDonald's in Burns on Sunday morning. Next time I see you, now I know who you are because of your nice videos about the Giant Loop ride, I'll stop by and say hello.
Thanks for the honest review, I also would have an issue been a single rider .. pairing small group at these event should be something important for them ........Alain & Yellow
I stayed there a year ago by myself with my van and husky 501 on bumper on way to Idaho BDR ride with some old pals. I sure appreciate your review, especially the part about they need to come with a way for people to meet and make new likeminded trail riders thanks again !
I went last year and was surprised about the lack of accommodations in regard to camping. I ended up having to stay in a muddy sage bush area with only one Porta potty to share with over forty people . It seems as though the event has outgrown the venue. This year I just stayed in a hotel in Burns and was closer to the rides that I wanted to take. If you’re interested in going to another event, check out the Death Valley ride in March “Noobs Rally “. Their food is much better and the a the ride groups are better organized.
Sounds like this rally may have outgrown itself. I went when it first started (10 ish years ago?) and it was intimate and a lot of fun. I fell in love the area and the hot springs and went back and stayed there for a night since then when out that way moto camping (1600 mile loop) with a riding buddy. I appreciate you doing this review although it may have swayed me from attending the rally again (appears they have too many attendees anyway)! I will be back to Crystal Crane it's really beautiful there when you have it mostly to yourself.
Nice post & videography ! Q: when you're mototouring are you hotel or tent ? Do you try to hit a certain # of miles or % of trip per day ? I'm looking to do my first multi day cross country Tour - tent most nights (but no cooking) from Texas to N Dakota or across towards CDA Idaho. Hoping to escape our crazy Southern heat a few weeks lol.
I almost always camp, if I’m riding in the United States. In Mexico, I stay in hotels. It’s usually a interesting destination that determines the miles I ride.
Unsecured gas can comes flying off their trailer and you politely Say it’s not their fault, but if that gas can would’ve crashed you, it would’ve been their fault. as far as the event, been there done that. My favorite part about events like that for me is sitting around the fire pit drinking beer, and talking motorcycles until it’s time to hit the rack. anyways, great content. Be safe out there, and enjoy life to the fullest.
I have not been to a rally, so this is just my opinion: I like riding alone or with well known close friends or family. I generally do not enjoy crowds. I honestly think these events might be over-rated. And expensive. Some of the podcast people promote some of these events and they often say that the events are a great deal. Of course THEY are not paying for their stay so what does that tell us? I think that it would be fun and beneficial to go to a training event, but when I look at the pricing I just can’t justify it. I’m retired and I occasionally take island fishing and camping trips near the Canadian border in northern Minnesota, and a typical week long trip costs less than a few hundred dollars (not including my boat and gear). I’m surprised there are so many people willing to plunk down so much money for rally’s and training.
I don't think that CF Moto has wide distributon here in USA. They're good stuff though. Taiwan & China bikes right ? Parts availability is main drawback. For that reason slightly used / unridden "garage queen" Japanese bike is best bet in USA.
It was nice to chat with you a few times. For a rally by a luggage manufacturer, I was surprised by the amount of trailered in campers. I enjoyed the demo rides and seeing the variety of bikes there. I personally didn't see the value for the $300. BTW, was it an orange fuel tank? I picked it up if the owners want it back!
Hi Bruce, Well, you're not a rally virgin anymore👍🏻😁. Glad you got something out of it and was able to form your own opinion. Often when you go with pals who've been before, the event doesn't quite line up with their hype, if you know what I mean. I know I mentioned the launch of the 2025 390 Adventure, but as the previous poster advised, do check out the CF Moto 450 MT. We're getting it in the UK with 4 year warranty, so CF must be very confident in this bike. Be interested to hear your thoughts. Take care, Pete UK.
@peterrobinson5211 problem is a 4 year warranty voided by not paying exhorbitant amounts of $ for simple service work (by the dealer) I would prefer to do myself may as well be no warranty. I have some interest in that platform but that "scam" (IMO) re the warranty may be a deal breaker for me.
@@sspmoto Totally agree re: 4year warranty. Maybe the extra dealer visits are designed to offset the initial low price. Rieju have a similar range with just an 18 month warranty. Have always been reluctant to put bikes into dealerships, as I'm quite capable of over tightening the chain and putting a scratch in the tank, without paying a fortune as well.😁
Thanks for the video. Just curious, how long after your knee replacement were you able to get up on the pegs without a lot of pain? I've got one coming up in Nov.
It is still difficult to stand on the pegs, 8 months after my surgery. I can stand for 2-4 minutes at a time. Not because of pain, but because my leg is still weak and a bit wobbly. It's improving with time. Best wishes.
When I saw your tent location by the road…….. I would have bailed. Stealth camping or just go somewhere else would be my other choices. And good to know the bdr routes are 30 miles or so one way. Sounds like they would have to pay me to come now. Just Not enough naked sheep or dancing women at my age….. Look forward to the next rally for you. LMAO, getting old has its virtues.
I went last year. It was definitely not worth the money. The camping area sucked, it was very expensive for some gps tracks you can make on Gaia for free. There’s better use of my time and money.
Try an easy rider rodeo rally. You'll really be able appreciate the small rallies a lot better. Watch out for that pile of poop and watch out there's a puddle of puke right there and are those genital warts oh my goodness. It's mind blowing how wretched and immoral we are as a people. I hated it.
thanks for the insight.... too many bodies for me thank you... too darn many people and where you get alot of people you have alot of problems (strange how that works,but it does work that way.).... with inflation so darn high I can't afford to eat yet alone to go for frivolous rides... what used to cost me $150.00 to fill a grocery cart just a few years ago now costs $350.00 .... and my monthly SSI has not changed ! FJB !
I'm so glad you posted this! I just attended Touratech West last week and had similar thoughts about it as well. The event was run well, but when we arrived mid-day Thursday (opening day for general attendees) the camping area (a hayfield that was cut down into sharp 3-inch spikes) was nearly full of campers! We figured that getting there kinda early would allow us to pick a premium site. I guess the 1000 other bikers had the same thought. Anyways, the first night a group of neighbors ignored the 10 PM quiet time rule, partying past midnight. Having an early training class the following morning, I wore my earplugs, which didn't help much. I could still make out their boisterous conversation and music, which triggered my brain into analytical thought versus sleep mode. I didn't want to engage the drunken laughter, until the next morning. This I attempted to handle delicately but was met with belligerent posturing. Which leads me to my next discovery. Touratech's security was a complete joke. The staff said there should be roving security, but we never saw them. Be ready to deal with situations on your own. They had a few food trucks, although I made my own food. Vendor booths were chill and friendly. I spent more time demoing bikes than riding the GPX trails provided by Touratech. There just wasn't enough time. I"ll go back though. My instructor warned us about staying in our lanes on the trail. Apparently, 2 riders collided on the trail injuring one of them. The routes were crowded, even during my demos. The volunteers were awesome! But, I feel the same way about going back though. I really enjoyed talking to the 'other' neighbors and making plans to go on future rides with them. Who knows, it might pan out... I don't think it's worth the cost though. I'd rather spend that money staying in state parks, and riding with friends.
Touratech: I was a bit appalled that several of the Touratech routes crossed paths and had traffic flowing the opposite direction, resulting in ONCOMING traffic.
Thanks for the review. I think I'll keep riding solo. Wouldn't mind one riding partner, but not much into the group thing.
Good on you for riding to the rally, doesn’t matter how long you take to get there, it’s the pleasure of the ride.
I am sorry I did not get to meet you at the Giant Loop Ride. I also went to the Tourtech Rally in Plain WA at the end of June and it was pretty much the same except twice as many people there. we where all camped tight together in a lumpy hay field. I have been to the Giant Loop ride 3 times and am not sure if I want to do it again. The Tourtech Rally is a little too crowded but it is closer to my home. I did really enjoy meeting you tuber's that I watch a lot and seeing all the latest motorcycle accessories. Thanks for sharing your travels.
Thank you for sharing your Rally experience, always better to be safe than sorry, looking forward to the next adventure!
Thanks for the honest review. Glad you had a good time and made it home safe.
I liked this series of videos. Everything you stated is pretty much the experience I've had at the rallies I've attended.
Nice job!
good job and thanks, appreciate seeing what it was like.
That ride home through the rainstorm over the mountains dropping down toward Detroit was sure an experience!
Didn't bump into you, or I'd have said hi!
Dusty camping, but I think I'm game for next year.
I've been there 2nd year in a row. But I had my bike in a trailer behind my truck with a camper. So I really enjoyed the rides, then was absolutely priceless hot pool after the ride, and I had all the comfort in the camper thereafter. No struggling at all. Going to attend it again. Thanks for the review!
Thanks for the video and commentary.
From my perspective.. Too many people.
Next.
I went last year and had the same complaint of no organization for solo riders. I’d recommend Touratech West in Plaine, WA. They have rides with a leader and trail and signup sheets to meet others to ride specific trails at a certain time. Very well organized. It’s only missing the hot springs but they have two huge bon fires every night and live music.
I'll look into that one. I had a friend who went and enjoyed it as well.
Great content, and it looks like you are fortunate to have some nice places to ride in your area
Cheers!
Never done a rally. Really appreciate your insights regarding the Giant Loop. Also, many of the comments below are excellent. Someone mentioned a Chief Joseph rally over in John Day...that is some beautiful country!
Fair review and hey you’ve got some new stories ha. Guess there is the extra ride-out for different routes. I wonder if there’s an existing App that they could use to help like-minded riders connect. Like Rever lets users connect and post/comment, but it would need to give some more options.
Well you’re lucky to have some beautiful wooded areas to ride so close! Thanks for posting up and sharing your thoughts! ✌🏼🏁
I think I saw you at the McDonald's in Burns on Sunday morning. Next time I see you, now I know who you are because of your nice videos about the Giant Loop ride, I'll stop by and say hello.
That was me. Fueling up with coffee and a muffin.
Thanks for the honest review, I also would have an issue been a single rider .. pairing small group at these event should be something important for them ........Alain & Yellow
I stayed there a year ago by myself with my van and husky 501 on bumper on way to Idaho BDR ride with some old pals. I sure appreciate your review, especially the part about they need to come with a way for people to meet and make new likeminded trail riders thanks again !
I went last year and was surprised about the lack of accommodations in regard to camping. I ended up having to stay in a muddy sage bush area with only one Porta potty to share with over forty people .
It seems as though the event has outgrown the venue.
This year I just stayed in a hotel in Burns and was closer to the rides that I wanted to take.
If you’re interested in going to another event, check out the Death Valley ride in March “Noobs Rally “.
Their food is much better and the a the ride groups are better organized.
Sounds like this rally may have outgrown itself. I went when it first started (10 ish years ago?) and it was intimate and a lot of fun. I fell in love the area and the hot springs and went back and stayed there for a night since then when out that way moto camping (1600 mile loop) with a riding buddy. I appreciate you doing this review although it may have swayed me from attending the rally again (appears they have too many attendees anyway)! I will be back to Crystal Crane it's really beautiful there when you have it mostly to yourself.
Nice post & videography !
Q: when you're mototouring are you hotel or tent ?
Do you try to hit a certain # of miles or % of trip per day ?
I'm looking to do my first multi day cross country Tour - tent most nights (but no cooking) from Texas to N Dakota or across towards CDA Idaho.
Hoping to escape our crazy Southern heat a few weeks lol.
I almost always camp, if I’m riding in the United States. In Mexico, I stay in hotels. It’s usually a interesting destination that determines the miles I ride.
sounds like you had a good time. might consider doing what I see at begining of this video - tow motorcycles and not worry about weather going home?
I went last year and totally agree with you. Ok once but didn’t want to go back this. Beautiful country though.
Unsecured gas can comes flying off their trailer and you politely Say it’s not their fault, but if that gas can would’ve crashed you, it would’ve been their fault. as far as the event, been there done that. My favorite part about events like that for me is sitting around the fire pit drinking beer, and talking motorcycles until it’s time to hit the rack. anyways, great content. Be safe out there, and enjoy life to the fullest.
I have not been to a rally, so this is just my opinion: I like riding alone or with well known close friends or family. I generally do not enjoy crowds. I honestly think these events might be over-rated. And expensive. Some of the podcast people promote some of these events and they often say that the events are a great deal. Of course THEY are not paying for their stay so what does that tell us? I think that it would be fun and beneficial to go to a training event, but when I look at the pricing I just can’t justify it. I’m retired and I occasionally take island fishing and camping trips near the Canadian border in northern Minnesota, and a typical week long trip costs less than a few hundred dollars (not including my boat and gear). I’m surprised there are so many people willing to plunk down so much money for rally’s and training.
Hi, think about the new CF-Moto MT 450. Kindly Fiete
I don't think that CF Moto has wide distributon here in USA.
They're good stuff though.
Taiwan & China bikes right ?
Parts availability is main drawback.
For that reason slightly used / unridden "garage queen" Japanese bike is best bet in USA.
It was nice to chat with you a few times. For a rally by a luggage manufacturer, I was surprised by the amount of trailered in campers. I enjoyed the demo rides and seeing the variety of bikes there. I personally didn't see the value for the $300.
BTW, was it an orange fuel tank? I picked it up if the owners want it back!
It was red or orange. I was more focused on keeping the bike upright.
Hi Bruce,
Well, you're not a rally virgin anymore👍🏻😁. Glad you got something out of it and was able to form your own opinion. Often when you go with pals who've been before, the event doesn't quite line up with their hype, if you know what I mean. I know I mentioned the launch of the 2025 390 Adventure, but as the previous poster advised, do check out the CF Moto 450 MT. We're getting it in the UK with 4 year warranty, so CF must be very confident in this bike. Be interested to hear your thoughts. Take care, Pete UK.
@peterrobinson5211 problem is a 4 year warranty voided by not paying exhorbitant amounts of $ for simple service work (by the dealer) I would prefer to do myself may as well be no warranty. I have some interest in that platform but that "scam" (IMO) re the warranty may be a deal breaker for me.
@@sspmoto Totally agree re: 4year warranty. Maybe the extra dealer visits are designed to offset the initial low price. Rieju have a similar range with just an 18 month warranty. Have always been reluctant to put bikes into dealerships, as I'm quite capable of over tightening the chain and putting a scratch in the tank, without paying a fortune as well.😁
@@peterrobinson5211 exactly my friend 👍
Thanks for the video. Just curious, how long after your knee replacement were you able to get up on the pegs without a lot of pain? I've got one coming up in Nov.
It is still difficult to stand on the pegs, 8 months after my surgery. I can stand for 2-4 minutes at a time. Not because of pain, but because my leg is still weak and a bit wobbly. It's improving with time. Best wishes.
hey buddy do you still have your teardrop & suv ?
Yes! I’m taking them to the Oregon coast in a few days. I’ll post a short video later in July.
I prefer attending "dual sport events' rather than rallies.
Rallies cost far too much.
They should call that Indian head peak on the drone footage. Hey did you see Juan at the rally?
Consider the Chief Joseph BMW ralley in John Day. You'll want to repeat that one and you don't need to ride a BMW.
When I saw your tent location by the road…….. I would have bailed. Stealth camping or just go somewhere else would be my other choices. And good to know the bdr routes are 30 miles or so one way. Sounds like they would have to pay me to come now. Just Not enough naked sheep or dancing women at my age…..
Look forward to the next rally for you. LMAO, getting old has its virtues.
Not even an apology for the fuel.tank not tied down properly..... seems typical.
Unsecured gas can not their fault? I beg to differ. You might have had another series of hospital videos.
I won't be going back. Too far away from camp to ride tge distant places.
I went last year. It was definitely not worth the money. The camping area sucked, it was very expensive for some gps tracks you can make on Gaia for free. There’s better use of my time and money.
Try an easy rider rodeo rally. You'll really be able appreciate the small rallies a lot better. Watch out for that pile of poop and watch out there's a puddle of puke right there and are those genital warts oh my goodness. It's mind blowing how wretched and immoral we are as a people. I hated it.
thanks for the insight.... too many bodies for me thank you... too darn many people and where you get alot of people you have alot of problems (strange how that works,but it does work that way.).... with inflation so darn high I can't afford to eat yet alone to go for frivolous rides... what used to cost me $150.00 to fill a grocery cart just a few years ago now costs $350.00 .... and my monthly SSI has not changed ! FJB !
time to stop is about 60