Death Valley in the Summer

So, like, would that be suicide? I will be free this weekend, and have
been wanting to visit the place for a long time. On a percentage scale,
with 100 being certain death, 90 being strong likelihood of permanent
physical and/or emotional harm, and anything below 70 meaning I will
derive at least a modicum of pleasure from this, how would you rate such
an undertaking? I will use a Kamelback water bladder for
hydration-on-the-go, having read on this group the numerous admonitions
on the subject, and promise to stop at any and all lemonade,
Gatorade(R), and other non-distilled or fermented potables stands I come
across.

Khaled

 

Not necessarily suicide, though you could be pleading for euthanasia.
Having crossed the Sonoran at 109 on a motorcycle, I don't recommend
it. My eyes were burning so badly that I could hardly see
(fortunately, it occurred to me to put ice on them when I arrived in
Phoenix, and while the next day was a bit rough, they were fine after
that.

They really don't call it "Death Valley" to encourage tourism.

Rich, Urban Biker

 

I think it was 2001/2002.

BMW tests all their vehicles in Death Valley, to make sure that they'll
work in extreme temperatures.

-B

 

When I lived up in Oakhurst, near the southgate of Yosemite I once
rode the 45 miles down to Fresno when it was 107 degrees. On the way
down, where were places where the road was cut through the rock and
riding through these places felt like I was riding through a blast
furnace, the temperature was at least 20 degrees hotter. By the time
that I got down to Fresno I was completely parched and went through
the largest size cup that A&W made in about a minute, then ordered a
second one!

If that was any indication of what death valley is like, then the
largest Camelback is not going to be large enough for the ride, you'll
have to hydrate until you're feeling like you're going to burst and
you're still likely to be thirsty as hell when you get out the other
side!

Brett
01 Yamaha R1
99 Honda F4 (Track bike)
89 Katana 750

 

<snip>

Yes. It can be done. You may even enjoy bragging about it afterwards.
Not only does it get hot, but the low elevations (below sea level)
make the transfer of heat from the air to you more efficient than you
may be used to. And definitely follow the off road advice. They don't
call it "Death Valley" for nothing. Check in with the Park Rangers
before you do anything that may turn out to have been a mistake.

Al Moore
DoD 734

 

I agree with above, ride this one in the winter, also, my two cents,
insanely hot temps lower engine efficiency and reduce horsepower. Read not
as fun. I did DV in August a couple of years ago and mostly wished I was
somewhere else. I remember pulling over to shed clothing in the unbearable
heat and within minutes the vultures were circling and landing on the rocky
outcrops nearby. OTOH, the valley was quite beautiful in a heat-haze kind
of way.

 

Hope you don't plan on riding on some soft sticky compound tires.

I quit after 95 degrees now. I recall sitting in the shade of a roadsign
along I-15 north of Las Vegas in the desert. Far from being fun. Around
112 or so.

B~

 

Yeah Trona, I have been trying to forget it since the first time I was
there. But...they do have a gas station.
And a salt mine. But that's it.

 

I hope you guys are happy. I canceled the trip. I'll have to settle
for Alice's/Skyline Sunday. First time I've been there in months.
Khaled

 

Are you sure those are mud formations? I thought they looked rather
suspicious.

 

Trona Pinnacles

 

Trona Pinnacles. And they may look like mud, but actually, they're the
remains of coral reefs - there was a lot of water there, once, long
ago...

Al Moore
DoD 734

 

Why PC? Are you referring to engine size? What is the max limit on
2-strokes, these days?

nb