Exploring on 3x Honda Trail CT125s: Ivestor Gap Trail (PART 3 OF 3)

Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/3L9NlabeaQZK9peS7jfPyu?si=RulWtkRHSYuzJCAwBqLfYwOff-Road Rodeo Logo Merch! https://www.etsy.com/shop/OffRoadRodeoShop Links to Everything! https://linktr.ee/offroadrodeo Decathlon https://www.decathlon.com/?rstr=offroadrodeo ____________________________ PART 3 OF 3 Ivestor Gap Trail..... Wow. I really didn't know what to expect. Ivestor Gap Trail sits atop Black Balsam's parking area and is open to off-road vehicles from mid-August (we rode it on August 18th...) to January 1st. Ivestor Gap Trail begins with some sections that have been filled in with loose stone. I imagine at one time they would have been extremely washed out and proved to be some sort of challenge. As you roll across these sections you begin to enter the woods and start making your way into progressively chunkier gravel. Before you know it you're having to pick lines and dodge baby-head sized rocks as you weave in and out of standing puddles. It's important to pick good lines as to avoid flatting or damaging your motorcycle....more on that later......We crept our way up the trail, passing hikers every quarter mile or so. The view of the distant mountains was worth the struggle itself. When we finally made it to the top we were met with a breathtaking view of the mountains. Nestled in between two peaks, the overlook was grassy and overgrown. You could see remnants of previous campfires and tent sites. Some folks in a side-by-side had made it to this area before us. They had watched us pull in and then wandered off to hike the nearby trail. Josh, John, and myself enjoyed some snacks (courtesty of John....Josh and I forgot to bring food....) and some water while taking in the view. We shared some stories and thoughts about the trail. After a few minutes of recovery we loaded up and headed back down the trail to Black Balsam. We encountered more hikers on our way out, and most were friendly. Right before we were off the most technical part of the trail, I bashed my skid-late off a pile of rocks. I had been standing and was trying to negotiate the best lines I could. I miscalculated and whalloped the skid-plate off the rocks. We made it back to pavement and reconvened before heading out to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I had a killer time with these two dudes and I'm looking forward to riding with them again soon. A big shoutout to Josh and John for letting me film our ride and for being awesome and very kind dudes. Thanks guys!! -Jake ____________________________ Product Links!! If you use these links it really helps the channel!! ELECTRONICS iPad 9th Gen, 64GB https://amzn.to/3OA4L14 Garmin Zumo XT https://amzn.to/3tXmbLx Jackery https://amzn.to/3EC3Mci Garmin InReach https://amzn.to/3AJL3u1 Phone Tripod https://amzn.to/3K4E02u GoPro Hero 9 Kit https://amzn.to/3tt57xq GoPro Hero 9/10 Media Mod https://amzn.to/3at82ja Sony Lavalier Microphone https://amzn.to/3IsYoK6 Dango Design Gripper Mount https://amzn.to/3NXqNsD Garmin Edge 530 GPS (Navigation Enabled) https://amzn.to/3wZ1UIl USB Plug-in (Updated Design) https://amzn.to/3yySdRc ________________ CLOTHING Fly Armored Tech Hoodie https://amzn.to/3i1S3vS Bell SRT Modular Helmet https://amzn.to/3VostzJ Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100 Down Jacket https://www.decathlon.com/?rstr=offroadrodeo Hawk Motorcycle Pants https://amzn.to/3OPLrgJ ________________ PARTS AND TOOLS 45L Motorcycle Top Case https://amzn.to/3gypPZg Shinko 244 3.00x17 Tire https://amzn.to/378fpeo Motion Pro Beadpro Tire Levers, Alloy https://amzn.to/3kLghZH Motion Pro BeadBuddy https://amzn.to/38EsOeh JTF 273.13 13t Sprocket https://amzn.to/3LAKWnF Milwaukee M12 Tire Inflator https://amzn.to/3AmQyzK Battery Tender Junior https://amzn.to/3I6LIIs Honda GN4 Oil 10w-30 for Honda Trail https://amzn.to/3xCHTWD IRC Heavy Duty Tube 17” https://amzn.to/3bK2kKa ________________ CAMPING & TRAVEL LifeStraw https://amzn.to/3VvixVf Camping Cook Set https://amzn.to/3c5Gotr