#USAONDIRT a 5,000 Mile OffRoad Adventure Across America

[Sir William Goes]

Some may remember last year I took a trip on the Trans America Trail, which is a 5,000 mile trail from Andrews NC to Port Orford OR that is made up of forest service roads, Jeep trails, and looging roads. The trail is roughly 80% OffRoad the whole time. Last year I was rerouted allot due to snow so I was unable to do all of the trail. This year I will be doing another trip where I'll take the TAT to the west coast then down the PCH to LA go to Mojave Rd get on rte66 and then come home. I will be taking my better half of 14yrs with me this time and we are totally stoked about the whole trip. I will have nightly updates on here and you are welcome to follow along with the following

YouTube - Search #USAONDIRT I will be trying to get a video a week uploaded
Facebook.com/USAONDIRT
Instagram @USAONDIRT

This will be an awesome trip and with Kristi coming with me it should be very entertaining to say the least. Stay tuned and hope y'all enjoy!!

**Warning, Kristi and I are complete novices and you will probably see us doing lots the hard way or wrong way, It's ok!!!**

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[Sir William Goes]

After an anxious last week getting everything ready for our trip we finally left this morning at around 530. We arrived in Andrews at about 930 stopped at the Ingles to get groceries to fill up the fridge and pantry box. Kristis creamer literally takes up half the fridge however my beer takes up the other half so I suppose it's ok!! We had a great drive today the trail is pretty covered up with tree limbs and leaves and such from the remnants of hurricane Harvey it was also raining and windy most the day. We drove 160 miles on the TAT today and found a nice camp in a place called Turkeypen Cove near the Tenn / GA border. We were able to get camp set up without too much incident other than the tent is tied off in the most awkward of ways buy hey it will work!! Here are some pics from today's travels.



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[Sir William Goes]

We drove 226 miles today mostly through the northern part of GA near the Tenn mountains. I had no idea that GA had mountains like this. As pretty as the scenery is, it still amazes me that Kristi and I both feel almost bored with the same ol thing!! We are both very anxious to get out west and the monotony of switch back after switch back is luckily broken up by brief yet undescribably breath taking views. We did allot of pavement driving today which normally I would frown upon but to be honest, I was kinda glad to be going more than 30mph!! We found a Dollar General, or as Kristi and I call it a Dollar Geng-ral, and we were able to pick up some towels so that we could shower when given the chance. Mine is energy efficient,says so right on the tag!! We tried to stop at Cloudland Canyon State Park to camp but the sites were all full and to stay we had to check in with the office which was closed. Its ok though because we found R Haven Overnite Family Park which is a cool little spot for only $5 perperson and has shower laundry fire wood and a bathroom to replace the digging of holes!!! Tomorrow we hope to gain some ground by leaving early and not stopping for lunch for as long. Though their are no promises because if we come across another pretty area like the one we ate at today we very well may stop and soak it in, as we did by a beautiful river that cuts it's way through the valley. I think that once we make it past this little bit of mountains we have left we will gain some time pretty quickly. Here are some pics from today's travels, peace.

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[Edward Gentle]

Looks like a totally awesome trip. I'll be looking for it on youtube.

 

[LuxuryOverland]

Nice! Hope you're having a blast!!

 

[Sir William Goes]

Day three we woke up to a little bit of rain or condensation dripping from the trees we were under. This normally is no big deal, unless you don't put the rain fly on because there's only a 10% chance of rain. Ironically, the night before was 80% so we put it on and there was nothing, that's how it works tho right!!! We made up a tremendous amount of time today, since I woke up to being dripped on at 530am I was able to get up shower and start breakfast early. Against my better judgement I also woke Kristi up, luckily I survived what could have turned to be a deadly ordeal!!!! She understood that we needed to leave early anyways and ultimately completely appreciated that we did. We drove mostly on pavement today which was ok because we are ready for some new scenery. I quickly found out that the possibility of making camp at Lake Waterloo AL was possible and that became the goal for today. I called for our campsite to be open in the universe and let everyone know that it would be. Leaving Tenn off of hwy 13 I let Kristi know that this was the spot that I had received a punctured tire the year before. While driving down the same road we hit a limb that immediately made every light in the dash come on, I was at certain that I had hit a speed sensor and upon inspection, atop a sketchy Rock ramp I had built on the side of the road that horrified Kristi, I found that I was right. The limb broke the housing that the speed sensor is in and needs to be replaced. The only problem is that it's labor day and the dealers parts dept are usually closed. One of the reasons that I have chose this particular 4runner is because of the fact that it does not have electric 4wd but an actual lever instead. This means that I am still able to put it in 4wd. Not letting that deture our spirits we trucked on to Waterloo and pulled up to find the campsite that Kristi hasn't stopped talking about the entire time wide open and ready for us as I had called it into existence. We had an amazing dinner with phenomenal scenery and after a long day of driving, 12hrs to be exact, we are ready for bed. Our entertainment includes fireworks over the mountainous lake. Till next time, peace. Here are some pics.

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[Sir William Goes]

Day 4. We woke up to our top notch campsite and awesome view of Lake Waterloo and the mountains that surround it. We did gain some good ground today and the roads consisted of mostly dirt gravel and clay mixed with varied parts of asphalt. You really had to be paying attention because the deep wash outs on the clay and gravel roads come up quick and could easily destroy the front end of the 4runner even going 20-40mph. We stopped at an auto parts store to see how much a wheel speed sensor would be and to my surprise they wanted $200. My mechanic JR taught me long ago to buy anything with a wire from the dealer and that's what my plan is. I was thinking if it was a cheap sensor than I would risk buying two but I was wrong. Thankfully nothing too eventful today just lots of driving. We arrived at George P. Cossar State Park which I had found late night last year and never got to enjoy the true beauty. I'm definitely glad that we were able to come this time. We were meet with stunning views of a lake and more deer than I had ever seen in my life and they are not skittish like normal deer. The campsite we chose gives us an awesome view of the lake and deer and is away from most of the retirees that also know about this jewl of a park. Best of all they have full amenities so we will be taking not 1 but 2 showers while we can!! My goal this trip has been to ensure Kristi Johnson gets to be just as blown away by the beauty of our world as I was my first time. Every time we arrive to a campsite so far and set up camp she stops and looks at me and says "man this is gorgeous, like it's almost worth a trip just to come stay here" I think it's safe to say she's enjoying the views. Well time to go enjoy a warm shower, here are some pics from today's travels.

Peace.

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[Doug C]

Loving the daily updates! Safe travels!

 

[Sir William Goes]

Got the first episode of #usaondirt loaded. I will try to get these loaded at least 1 a week so subscribe to be notified and thanks for watching


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[Sir William Goes]

Day 5
The end of day 4 was a little shaky When my phone decided to not work because it was out of memory, I remind you that my phone debacle is real!! I have been fighting with phones for years now and won't even begin to describe it in this post. Any who, I then tried to hook it to the laptop and transfer everything. While doing that the laptop decided that it wanted to freak out and turn off then do nothing but run the fan, to be honest if it was not for Kristi being with me to calm me down I would be writing about how I lost my shit and destroyed my laptop. Keep in mind the only reason I bought a laptop is because of this trip, I've used it for more now but when I got it that was why. Kristi, my rock, gently reminded me that 1 my luck with electronic devices of any sort is terrible and 2 perhaps this was a reminder that I just need to stop being bothered by the stupid stuff and enjoy my trip. I woke up early, went to the bath house that the park had and enjoyed my second shower of the stay, I learned last time take advantage of every shower because they are nice and you don't know when the next one is coming!! It was then that I really reflected on what Kristi had to say about letting the small things interrupt my trip, I determined that she was absolutely correct. Do not let her know, it may go to her head!!! I got back to camp, woke her up, cooked breakfast and then sat by the beautiful lake with the wild deer while she took her second shower. While packing up I tried the laptop for 1 last time and wouldn't you know it works perfect now!!! I guess the universe was just teaching one of the many life lessons!! We left out and drove quite a bit, about 300+ miles I believe. I let Kristi know that she would forget her days and time and miles as we went along, and we have!! I had every intention of keeping up but when the sensor broke I disconnected the battery in the truck and that reset everything, we have been kinda slack since!!! We made it to the TAT stop where we were able to get a picture for the book they make every year, really cool little spot and I honestly believe the TAT travelers are the most exciting thing to come through the little area it sits!! After talking with them for a second we were off again, trying to gain time. We are in fear that we will not finish the TAT in time to enjoy the other parts of the trip I have planned for us. My goal was to finish the TAT in 20 days then have 10 to come back and see other stuff, seems that most believe the TAT will take the entire time. I have choose to shorten it by skipping many of the unnecessary backtrack and hauling ass every chance I get. I ordered the part I need from a dealer in the middle of Oklahoma about 50 miles south of the TAT and I'm trying to get there by tomorrow. Outside of the TAT stop We were meet with a completely flooded road that I decided to reroute for. While on the trail in the farmlands of AK We stopped to make lunch and were immediately bombarded with the most mosquitoes I have ever seen in my life, and they were HUGE. These were pterodactyl mosquitos!!! In no time at all We had 20+ in the 4runner attacking us and they were huge. We would continue to fight them all day. We drove until nearly 9pm when we found a little spot to set up camp in the Ozark National Forest. We plan to leave pretty early and look forward to being out west. The views today have been awesome as normal and the moon is so full I thought many times there were headlights coming through the woods, here are some pics from today's travels. Till tomorrow, peace.

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[Sir William Goes]

Day 6
Today was just a good day of driving. We woke up at a campsite we had found the night before very late in an attempt to make up time. When we got there it was pick black and no cell service and we were the only souls for miles. Kristi ended up calling this site Jason's home!! When we awoke we found that on the other side of the campground there was a really nice water fall and some of the prettiest teal color water, I contemplated jumping off into the water but decided not to. We drove through Arkansas up and down the Ozarks enjoying some beautiful views. We stopped at the Oark General Store and had a fantastic lunch complete with homemade pies that were amazing. This store is the oldeststill in operation and has been there since 1890. It almost seemed like everyone that walked in worked there but what a cool little place. We came across the most technical portion of the trail thus far and to sum the days driving up in one word it would be bumpy. The trail had some large rocks all through out the entire trail that would come up insectios just after doing 40-55 through gravel, these were interesting encounters to say the least!! Once we got into Oklahoma it was kinda the same however if it wasn't large rocks you were dodging, it was washouts. We came across one of the prettiest rivers we have seen yet, the Illinois River. I wish we could have camped there but Kristi and I both determined that we had to keep it moving. The dealer that I have ordered the part I need for the truck is near Ponca City OK which is still a good ways away. After stopping at a grocery store to restock We found a campsite off of Hwy 69 in Oklahoma outside of Pryor. It has a great view and while cooking dinner 4 other TAT riders pulled up on bikes. 1 is from Houston and the others are from New Foundland which I think wild!! We enjoyed a beautiful view of the sunset over a great lake. The local ducks came to investigate us and just before I could tell Kristi not too she made the mistake of feeding them!! Luckily they left us alone after they learned we were done with that activity. The best part is we were able to get showers today and will again in the morning!! Tomorrow is a long day of driving so I'll catch up with you then, hopefully I can get a video loaded while waiting on the truck at the dealer and hopefully Kristi can find a place to do laundry so I can stop hearing about it!! Here are some pics from today, Till tomorrow, peace.

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[Sir William Goes]

Day 7
We woke up today to a beautiful view of the lake in Snowdale State Park and based off the temperature this morning it's appropriately named. Though it was a bit brisk it was no where near some of the temps that I had to endure last year. The Camp host at Snowdale was a complete 180 from the camp host at Natural Falls State Park whom I believe was named Dwayne, I had encountered his grumpy confrontational attitude the year before while trying to find a state park to camp in. The Camp host at Snowdale was polite and came to chit chat with us in the morning about the trail and the other riders that had come through this week. It was a little difficult getting up after I spent most the night drinking beer and talking with the TAT riders that were camping next to us. They are in my opinion truly riding the Trans America Trail since they are on Dual Sport motorcycles. John was from Houston and the other 3 were from New Foundland which is wild!! We left out and stuck to the boring regular streets in order to make it to the Toyota dealer I had set an appointment with to repair the 4Runner. While that was getting done I dropped Kristi off to do laundry which had really been bothering her. Luckily she did because if we would have waited it would have take a day to get it all done!!! From there we went to one of my favorite chains out here Braum's in Ponca City OK. We then got onto the trail and traveled on. I found camp at Alabaster Caverns State Park which has beautiful mesa views and hiking trails as well as a cave you can explore, after paying for a permit of course!! Best of all though Kristi and I are the only ones here so that's excellent!! We can't wait to see the stars and the moon over the plains!! I'm hoping tomorrow to began the assent into the Rocky Mountains and start the Western half of our trip which we are both extremely stoked for!! Here are some pics from today's travels. Till tomorrow, peace.

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[Sir William Goes]

Word to sum up today LONG!!! We drove 475 miles today and made up amazing time. We were mesmerized by the sweeping landscape of the the Oklahoma farmland and how it seemed to just go on forever and ever as far as the eye could see. One think that I never realized is that all that flat land was at around 3000 ft in the are. Considering where we are from the tallest mountains are 5000 and the average one is around 2-3000 that is crazy, then you add in the fact that it's flat and the sand on top is like beach land sand is mind blowing!! Luckily this part of the trip the landscape seems to change rather quickly from flat sand to rocks and tree shrubs to all that with the huge peaks of the Colorado Rocky's. Colorado is absolutely beautiful and we are just getting into it good. We stopped through the town of Trinidad where we were meet with some very eclectic folks. Apparently the pot they get there is way different than what I've experienced on the east coast!!! From oder women with bright pink and blue hair to huge works of art atop of cars busses and other vehicles. It was quite interesting to say the least. From there we decided to continue driving in hopes to find a place to camp. What we were meet with was tons of private land that realistically we could have probably pulled off so not the trees just a bit and camped and no one would have known but Kristi and I both decided we didn't want to be awoke at the we hrs by a rancher and his shotgun, I explained that it would be my luck someone had been stealing from him for the two months prior to us showing up and camping on his land and he would think it was us!!! So we drove on looking for BLM land. That has proven to be a chore both times I have don't this trip. If anyone has any easy way to find BLM land please hook a brother up!!! We never did find it but drove to Cuchara and found a national park to camp in, finally. On the way Kristi started feeling ill I believe due to the altitude, luckily it somewhat went away b4 we set up camp. Just about the time I was getting dinner started a family pulled up and kindly let me know that they had reserved the spot we had taken. Through the hurry I was in we never thought to check if the site was reserved and come to find out it was. Luckily we were able to find a spot right by the camp entrance and in near the bathroom. We cooked camp pizzas with tortilla wraps and pizza toppings that were awesome. Tomorrow we will get up and go have breakfast at Lus main St cafe where I had the most amazing breakfast burrito ever last time. By the way, it's very cold at 10k feet in the air where we are camping!!! Till tomorrow, peace.

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[Sir William Goes]

Today was an amazing day for OffRoad Adventure. After waking up and having an amazing breakfast with a perfect view of the sunrise over the Rocky's we set out back on the TAT through Salida CO and into some of the roughest terrain we have come across yet. Super technical climbs to over 12,500 ft with steep drop offs and switchbacks. Mix all that with a little rain and low clouds and it definitely keep you on your toes. We spent most the day in 4wd which is what I love, the rocky terrain and the less than 10mph quickly bored Kristi after going over Cinnimon Pass Engineer Pass and Corkscrew Pass I hear a metal on metal noise from the 4runner and decided to check it out. I found that somehow the dust shield was rubbing the brake rotors. After a quick fix we decided due to time we would get off the trail and head to Telluride, Colorado via normal roads, after all we had done enough offroading for today and we both were looking forward to the pizza I have craved since having it last year. We arrive at Brown Dog Pizza in Telluride and now are enjoying a cold beer and the best pizza ever. This is a must stop if you are around here. We still have yet to find a shower but are hopeful that we will tomorrow. Tonight we will just enjoy the town and figure out a place to stay when the time comes!! Here are some pics, Till tomorrow, peace.

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[Sir William Goes]

Episode 2 is on the books. Go have a look!!

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[itsdchz]

Amazing! I am glad I came across this. I followed your thread on T4R last year, and am so jealous again of your journey, but loving the details. Thanks so much for posting and allowing us to be a part of your journey!

 

[Craig M]

Enjoying the trip vicariously so far, looking forward to more!

BTW, I've always been told that Trinidad CO has a large transgender population, so the excentricities sound about right. We usually stop there for gas on our way to our annual trip to the San Juans.

 

[Doug C]

How are the BFG tires holding up?

 

[Sir William Goes]

How are the BFG tires holding up?

Like an absolute champ!!

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[Sir William Goes]

This morning started out the same as the other mornings in Colorado, waking up freezing and wondering why I didn't just go ahead and pack the big sleeping bag I thought would take up too much space. Even though it's not really cold the mid 40s just seem chilly when you left the 90s and the days driving lead you through 80degree temps just to arrive to a high spot in the terrain 10k+ ft high and it's cold!! Mix that with the seemingly impossible task to try and catch your breath and it becomes a bit of a nuisance at times. We traveled through more beautiful terrain up until we took off the trail to go to Mess Verde National Park and see the ruins of ancient civilization that made what I interpreted to be small community in the rocks. What an awesome sight to see. The hike to see it was a swift reminder that I am out of shape and I even caught Kristi in a slight gasp a certain times. The trail said to take 45 min to an hour and was wmiles with stong decent and accents. We did it in 30min on the dot so I consider that a win!! Starting out we had big plans of all these areas of the park we wanted to see. We quickly figured out that we had underestimated the physical aspect, it wasn't like these places were just right off the road side, they were a hike! We saw enough to satisfy us, for now. This is where I would say having the National Park Annual Pass is good because we still have multiple others we want to see. We pressed on back to the Trans America Trail and then headed towards Moab. We stopped at a campsite along the way that was a bit too rich for our blood due to the fact that we were only tent camping and not really using many amenities so we carried on. We found a beautiful place outside of Lasal UT On San Was Mountain in the National Forest. The price here is Unbeatable guaranteed!! Part of the thrill of this trail is the fact that you really don't know where you will end up at the end of the day. With a teammate like the one I have, it really doesn't matter. As normal, we each get out and immediately go straight to a routine we have and usually have camp complete with kitchen and full sleeping arrangements done within 20min. After 320 miles today, I'm spent and we are enjoying nice mid 60s weather tonight. Unfortunately I am have the most EXTREME technical difficulties at the moment. My phone is full and can't do shit and Kristi loaded all the pics for this day to her personal FB instead of the one I specifically designed for the trip. Then to top it all off the laptop is done. I'm not sure what happened but it has worked absolutely fine until this trip specifically when I need it. So I will get pics asap when I figure out how. Hopefully all the electronics don't fly off a cliff in the mean time

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