Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1547331
November 2026 27 At that point, Taylor asked if anybody wanted to "try this bony steep single track" since a er a mile or two it would drop back down onto our planned track. Part of me really wanted to do it just to watch Taylor ride a 1390 on this stuff that would be a workout for me on a 300. But, in the interests of managing expecta ons and being able to ride the 890 tomorrow… I reluctantly noped out of that. No one else would bite, so we stuck to the blue route and began a lengthy descent to some river Valley or another. Along the way, we hit some nasty deep washouts along the forest road, some of which got so deep and difficult to cross that they tried to lead you over the embankment. A few bikes had to be manhandled through these obstacles, but we all got through with no harm to man or machine. Eventu- ally, we hit asphalt and headed a few miles west to Pritchard Tavern for burgers and beverages. Taylor was great about answering all our ques ons regarding ISDE prep and compe on. Much of an ISDE is won or lost before you even saddle up. Like many college courses, homework is a significant part of the grade! Go figure. A er our late lunch, we enjoyed some picturesque twisty asphalt that led us to an even twis er gravel road up into the hills. We descended to the South Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River a few miles east of Kellogg, and it was a short hop back to the start—a great day, in all aspects. That evening was the award ceremony, with all the thank-yous and, perhaps most importantly, the an- nouncement that the 2027 KTM Rally is planned for Mammoth Mountain in California. I will certainly try to make it! So should you. -Jim