Community Forums

bsavage · 12-03-2007, 03:17 PM

I'm going to add on to Kernel's question... we are going in January also, and were planning on bringing our bicycles, but we could bring our Trials Motorcycles (off road motorcycles) to do some of the back areas you mentioned, Bill. So, what do you think, bicycles or dirt bikes? Or both?

Thanks in advance,

Brenda, of...

Bill Davis · 12-03-2007, 04:15 PM

Quartzsite has something to offer all vehicles. You can get a little off the beaten path with a 2WD vehicle, if you're careful. Then you will need 4WD to go any farthur. And the narrower the better. We do pretty good in our Jeep Wrangler, then have to pull over and let the Quads go by. They seem to go anywhere. If you had a dirt bike, that may be the best. You will have a road surface of dirt, rocks, and sand. Be prepared for all. If you can propel a mountain bike back there, you're better than I am. But it would work fine. Maybe a 4WD carrying bikes on the back to get into the rough stuff. Don't go alone. Carry water and a tow belt, etc. And a camera, it can be beautiful in there. My wife gets a little crazy climbing the hills, last time she "hung air" on the way to Dripping Springs. I'm hogging space, PM me for more. Love to talk about it.

Bob (WA0MQE) · 12-04-2007, 01:25 PM

To add to Bill's comments regarding bikes, I take both a 250cc Yamaha big tired dirt bike (street legal) and a good mountain bike when I go out there. The motorcycle does very well, mainly because it's the model Yamaha built with the extra large rear tire. The bicycle doesn't fair as well. Mainly because there's a lot of loose deep sand in the dry creek beds. Many of the roads aren't too bad but most of the time you need to cross the creek beds to get to some of the more interesting areas. As far as riding around the LTVA's and the free areas these are okay, but if you try and take the back way into Quartzsite even some of the motorcycles have problems.

There are still plenty of good places to ride though, and if time or your stamina isn't an issue you can get to most of them via better routes.

Have fun...

Bill Davis · 12-04-2007, 03:32 PM

I use National Geographic Back Roads Explorer Topo maps. Very detailed and cover the Quartzsite area well. Print out a map and take my GPSr. Can't get lost. I also add in the Geocaches in the area.

bsavage · 12-04-2007, 04:05 PM

Thanks for the input... being the DW, my philosophy is "let's take everything... just in case!". As we have the trailer and we can... well, I'm voting for bicycles and motorcycles! Bill, I would love to know about ghost towns! And, as this thread is about Quartzsite, I think others would like to hear too! I don't think you're taking up too much space, rather sharing your invaluable experience. Do tell, please?

Brenda, of...

Bill Davis · 12-05-2007, 06:49 AM

Well, I guess if I'm taking up too much space someone will tell me. As for ghost towns, first you go to, strangely enough, www.ghosttowns.com. This will give you basic info, driving conditions, and a short history. I am in to Geocaching, and heartily recommend it to anyone who gets out and about. This is where we have found much overlooked history on an area. Geocaches are often placed at sites of historical value. It's an easy to afford sport, good for retired folks as well as the young. www.geocaching.com. Up and running for about $100.00. I could go on and on about it, but I wont.
Ghost towns in the desert are often located near former mining activity, and there are of abandonded holes in the ground. Be very careful, very few are safe. There is a Geocache near Quartzsite called The Bat Cave. Got your interest up? www.quartzsitechamber.com has points of interest. A basic book on desert travel is good to tell you what to take along. Never travel alone. What else?