The GRIT Routes: Overview

All of these Expeditions are designed to be long adventure journeys in Idaho for plated dirt bike riders utilizing the maximum amount of trail miles that supports our gas range criteria and stage goals. They are designed for athletic B+ level dirt bikers, not dual sport tourists. The recommended pony of choice includes everything from light 250 2-strokes to the versatile XR650R.  But the rugged trails will thrash most any KLR650 or above “big” Adventure bikes, so we can’t recommend these. The most popular pony is a modern 450 enduro thumper.  The routes often go far from any support. So you have to carry what you need to resolve and survive a problem. There is real risk involved in this activity, so we highly recommend a satellite tracking device using either SPOT, or upgrade to the InReach as your “safety net” solution to get family or professional recovery in the event you become disabled. You can do these routes either solo or with companions. Solo is more intense and challenging. But with the more people in your group, the odds of getting a disabled rider or bike multiplies. Plus, you are only as fast as your slowest rider, so choose wisely.

These Treks will test the skill, and especially the endurance of most any rider and his machine. They are designed so you can sleep in a motel each night if you have intermediate rider skills and good endurance. But plan on night riding at times and be prepared with good headlights.  Each leg from Motel/Gas/Food to Motel/Gas/Food is called a “Stage”. But you can break up stages and camp along the route at one of the many identified camp sites if you prefer. But most people will need to pack light, so even if you plan to camp, only camp in minimalist mode. At a minimum, bring enough to survive a night in the forest.

These tracks have been thoroughly checked to use legal trails, and many have been recommended by local experts when available. With few small exceptions, the GRIT tracks are all GPS track log based. But even with that, trail conditions can change rapidly so one should always be prepared to reroute. Easier bypass options are often provided for reroute aids.  We currently have 3 expeditions released with many options within each route:

– The Great R’Idaho Trail – Nevada to Canada (GRIT1-N2C):  A rugged 1300 mile expedition that goes from Jackpot, NV to the Eastport, ID Canadian Border crossing in 7 stages using 400 miles of cycle trail. There is also an additional 150+ miles of bonus trail options if that is not enough. The baseline route is about 30 hours of road, and 40 hours of trail moving time for a B rider or about 60% of the time without special tests.

– The Great R’Idaho Trail – Northern Loop (GRIT2-No.Loop):  A 800 mile, 5 stage, giant figure 8 loop journey in Northern Idaho with roughly 280 miles of trail plus 66 miles of additional special test trail options. That’s about 17 hours of road, and 28 hours of trail saddle time or 60% of the time without special tests.

– The Great R’Idaho Trail – Southern Loop (GRIT3-So.Loop):  A 600 mile, 5 stage giant loop with a whopping 340 miles of cycle trail in the high country of Southern Idaho. Plus, it only has a max gas range required of only 129 miles. This route still has many tracks that are map based, but with extensive local expert review. That’s about 8 hours of road, and 32 hours of trail saddle time, even without the ~50 miles of advanced special test trail options. You will be on trail 80% of your time. This tough loop is nicknamed The “Idaho 500”. It is a worthy challenge for A riders when riding “True GRIT” style and the special test options are included.