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July 3, 2026

The Ultimate Southern California Adventure Bike day trip

July 3, 2026

Adventure bikes were made for days like this.

We leave Los Angeles behind and head east toward the iconic old western town of Pioneertown before climbing into the San Bernardino Mountains via Burns Canyon Road. From there, we cross the historic gold mining region of Holcomb Valley and finish with one of Southern California's most scenic dirt descents down Coxey Truck Trail into Apple Valley.

Along the way we explore abandoned mining country, towering rock formations, and endless mountain views while putting three big adventure bikes to the test: the Ducati DesertX, Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition, and BMW R 1250 GS Adventure.

Of course, no real adventure ever goes exactly as planned. A mysterious flat tire threatens to end the ride before it begins, and later an unexpected crash reminds us that even easy dirt roads demand respect. Thankfully, a couple of fellow adventurers lend a hand - proof that the spirit of the backcountry is still alive and well.

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July 3, 2026

June 21, 2026

WE PLANNED 100 MILES. THE HEAT HAD OTHER IDEAS.

June 21, 2026

With the Checkers River Run and LAB2V looming on the horizon, we headed to Hungry Valley OHV Park for an endurance training day. The goal was simple: complete a 50-mile loop twice for a total of 100 miles.

The reality? The California heat had other plans.

After 48 miles and three hours on the trails, hydration stops became more frequent and energy levels started to fade. A humbling reminder that long-distance off-road riding requires more than just a capable motorcycle.

Join us as we put our fitness, stamina, and determination to the test in preparation for some of the biggest rides of the year.

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June 21, 2026

June 3, 2026

Kennedy Meadows: California’s Best Singletrack?

June 3, 2026

Ten riders trade the desert heat of Southern California for the cool alpine mountain air of Kennedy Meadows - arguably some of the most fun singletrack riding in California. With breathtaking Sierra views, tranquil meadows, water crossings, downed trees, trailside repairs, and quiet nights camping at 7,400 feet in Fish Creek, the trip delivered equal parts challenge, adventure, and camaraderie. A reminder that sometimes the best rides happen far from the desert dust.

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June 3, 2026

April 12, 2026

Baptism by Fire: Death Valley Noobs Rally 2026

April 12, 2026

Big bike or lightweight dual sport… what’s the right tool for the Death Valley Noobs Rally?

Over 200 riders showed up to the 2026 Death Valley Noobs Rally - some on fully loaded adventure machines, others on stripped-down dirt weapons. Same terrain. Same heat. Completely different experiences.

So what actually works best out here? Is it about capability… or survival?

Let’s find out.

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April 12, 2026

January 18, 2026

90 Miles of Desert Wonder: Anza-Borrego to Ocotillo Wells

January 18, 2026

An unforgettable 90-mile dual sport journey through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Ocotillo Wells, packed with iconic landmarks, wildly varied terrain, and the kind of desert beauty that stays with you long after the ride ends

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January 18, 2026

December 29, 2025

Baptized by Sand: Riding Superstition Mountain

December 29, 2025

One of the Department of Wander crew’s final outings of the year took us deep into the Southern California desert, to a place that doesn’t just test riders - it reshapes them. Superstition Mountain, tucked near the Mexican border between Ocotillo Wells and the edge of nowhere, is all about sand, speed, and learning to trust your throttle.

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December 29, 2025

December 13, 2025

Carved by Time: Riding the Landscapes of Ballinger Canyon

December 13, 2025

Ballinger Canyon isn’t just a place you ride through - it’s a place you ride within. The scenery feels massive and intimate at the same time. Towering canyon walls rise up on either side, shaped by time and weather, their layers telling a story that stretches far beyond a single ride. In the narrow sections, the land closes in, amplifying every sound and making each turn feel deliberate and earned.

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December 13, 2025

December 2, 2025

LAB2V 2025: 500 Miles, Broken Bones, and the Brotherhood of the Desert

December 2, 2025

500 miles. Two days. One busted thumb. And a desert that tried to break us.
Ride with the Department of Wander crew across the Mojave on the legendary LAB2V—Palmdale to Barstow to Vegas—through sand, rock, wind, and absolute chaos. This is the Thanksgiving sufferfest we’ll never forget

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December 2, 2025

October 28, 2025

The Return of a Legend: Riding the 2025 Checkers River Run

October 28, 2025

The legendary Checkers River Run roared back to life in 2025, and the Department of Wander crew couldn’t resist the challenge. Two hundred miles of raw Mojave Desert lay ahead — from the volcanic fields near Barstow to the golden shores of the Colorado River. What followed was a punishing, unforgettable journey of endurance, dust, and desert beauty.

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October 28, 2025

September 14, 2025

Riding the Reopened Trails of Hungry Valley OHV

September 14, 2025

Riding the single track here is always a treat. Flowing turns, stretches of loose sand, climbs that test your balance, and fast runs where you can let the bike breathe. Hungry Valley offers a mix that works for riders of any skill level.

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September 14, 2025

June 7, 2025

Giant Loop Ride 2025

June 7, 2025

If you’ve ever wanted to feel the wild pulse of the American West beneath your tires, the annual Giant Loop Ride out of Crane Hot Springs, Oregon, might just be your calling.

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June 7, 2025

May 17, 2025

San Francisquito Canyon

May 17, 2025

If you're itching for a dirt escape that’s big bike friendly and just a short ride from the sprawl of Los Angeles, San Francisquito Canyon might just be your ticket.

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May 17, 2025

May 11, 2025

Alabama Hills

May 11, 2025

The iconic Alabama Hills near Lone Pine

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May 11, 2025

Frazier Mountain

May 11, 2025

Stunning views and exciting single track riding amongst the trees on Frazier Mountain

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May 11, 2025

April 26, 2025

Hidden Dirt Riding Gems in LA County

April 26, 2025

30+ miles of big bike friendly dirt roads a stone throw from Los Angeles

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April 26, 2025

April 21, 2025

Dove springs. Best single track riding in california?

April 21, 2025

Dove Springs offer scenic trails for riders at every skill level.

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April 21, 2025

Find your own adventure

Riding in California elicits pure joy. An unspoken connection between you, the earth, and the endless sky. Each twist and turn ignites a feeling so profound that it drowns out the noise of the world - leaving only the hum of the engine and the wild beauty of the ride. Enjoy, be safe and ride responsibly.

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