GIANT LOOP 2025
RALLIES ALONE
Should you fly solo to a motorcycle rally? Yes.
This is my second year attending the Giant Loop Rally solo, and both times have been extremely memorable. There is an element of excitement and freedom you don’t get when traveling in a group. I love riding with friends, but the solo pilot has been lit, and I’m going to crank up the gas.
As far as the rally goes: I met cool people, had awesome rides, and shared a few excellent cigars over great conversations and storytelling. It doesn’t get better than that.
Day One:
Drive six hours to Sisters. Arrive just in time to stop by my favorite shop and load up on gear, helping out a local shop and saving some cash on tax. Check in at the hotel and grab some grub at the local food trucks. I had one of the best Kafta bowls I’ve ever had—this is also my first Kafta bowl. A few drinks, then rest up. Another three hours of driving tomorrow morning.
Day Two:
Load up at the local grocery store. Big bread sandwiches are in my future. Walk over to Sisters Coffee, get my fix, and head out. During the three-hour drive, I decided not to drink at this rally. I’m on the T7 and I want to get as much riding as I can. The bike still needs a proper rundown. I did all the work over winter, and it’s been waiting. I’m excited to see how I’ll do on this bike. Being transparent, the aftertaste of a bad gin and tonic is also playing a role in my decision to go “sober” for this event.
The same parking spot from last year is available. That is excellent. Easy access to everything. I should mention that I drive to this event with the bike on the back. Iron ass is not a title I want nor a status I wish to achieve. I also have 80/20 Mitas enduro tires on the T7, and wearing knobs down on pavement is like making the Last Word with sour mix.
When I car camp, I bring the business. I bring a sleeping cot, coffee grinder, table, chairs, power bank, Pelican case full of cigars. I’m there to ride, have a good time, and hopefully meet some like-minded people. Having said that, setting up a six-person tent by yourself in the wind can be comical, especially when you only use it a few times a year. Luckily, there is always someone around to lend a hand. It’s also an easy way to meet new people and potential riding partners. If they’re willing to help unload a bike or set up a tent, they’re cool in my book. For example, 890 George and 690 Matt.
Day Three:
The Fancy Five got assembled last night (all of us have some sort of fancy rig or bike). Someone with a bigger map and opinion decided to take the lead, and that is totally fine by me. One less thing to think about. All I want in my head is the sound of the engine and the feedback from my bike setup.
We landed on a route that sounded fun but not too challenging. It’s the first day of riding. Half of us are on big bikes—no big deal, sounds great. Maybe we can get two rides in. Turns out the terrain changes quite a bit out here, and the mud is no joke. We spent quite a bit of time finding alternate paths through brush and dried creek beds. We hit some mud and even got a decent hill climb. We eventually found our way with the help from a Cowboy.
The two-hour ride turned into a five-hour ride. It was hot, dusty, challenging, and no one got hurt. It was a great day. Solid group of riders too. Smooth Mike and his 300L led the pack. I did my best to enjoy the ride and keep up. Besides Mike, I was one of the faster riders in our group. I’m not bragging—it’s just cool to see how working on proper riding techniques improves your riding. Put the effort in, get the reward. Makes sense.
Day Four:
Another great day of riding. Checked out the caverns controlled by the Freemasons aka the Knights Templar.
Day Five:
Load up and head out. I have a show to catch tonight.
