Giant Loop Rider: GL Designer Explores Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route

By September 15, 2014Honda, Riders, Suzuki, Yamaha

Giant Loop’s design director, Brian Frankle, recently joined up with a couple of local friends from Bend for an Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route adventure on his Suzuki DRZ400. Here are some of his pics and comments:

“Took a short 4 day trip on the moto on the Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route. Rendezvoused with a few others on day 2 in Ukiah, Oregon. Other than great company, seeing a Bighorn Sheep along the South Fork of the John Day River was a highlight.”

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As a long-distance runner and through-hiker (just finish 5th in Pine to Palm 100, he’s hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, etc.) Brian’s an ultralight packer. On this trip he’s living the life of luxury with the Great Basin Saddlebag and Pannier Pockets on his DRZ400.

“Bridge Creek Wildlife Area outside of Ukiah, Oregon. Wildlife Count: 3 cows.”

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Our friend and customer Patrick used the Coyote Saddlebag and Fandango Pro Tank Bag on his Honda CRF250L.

“PK at Olive Lake Umatilla National Forest. Olive Lake is a reservoir that provided water and turned the generators at Fremont Power House…which in turn, supplied power to the largest Dredge used for gold mining in North America which sits in Sumpter, Oregon.”

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Oregon had it’s own version of the Gold Rush.

“The Dredge in Sumpter, Oregon.”

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GL friend and customer Dave packed the Coyote Saddleabg and Fandango Pro Tank Bag on his Yamaha WR250.

“Lunch stop, throttle cable repair, and opening day for Bow Season. Lots of hunters out and about. Malheur National Forest.”

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Brian definitely applies our philosophy of “go light, go fast, go far” to his camping gear.

“Find sticks, make shelter. Ochoco National Forest.”