WRITTEN BY SUE GOLDBERG
Jeff and I met through our common passion for horses. As well as being an active surfer, skier, and motorcycle rider, Jeff also loves horses, which was how our story began. We first met in rural Southern Oregon at a steer roping event and married a year later. Since then I have been lucky enough to enjoy many horse events as Jeff continued his passion for riding motorcycles of all varieties. We had always liked the idea of going riding together, but I had never ridden a motorcycle before. It wasn’t until Jeff spotted the UBCO 2×2 at a local sportsman’s event that he felt they would be perfect for spending time together enjoying our love of exploring the outdoors.
As I had never ridden a motorcycle before, I wasn’t sure how I was going to handle the 2×2, but I took to it very easily and soon we were off enjoying the local mountain ranges, just minutes from our home. Jeff tested the limits of the 2×2’s with extremely steep gravel roads, while I was following right behind him. We loved it! Since then we have outfitted them with front and rear bags, water bottle holders below the seats, fishing rod holders and even a gun scabbard for hunting. I even use the 2×2 to keep warm. The UBCO 12 volt auxiliary plug allows us to plug in our Gerbing heated jackets during the cooler winter months.
With the arrival of summer came a week-long visit to Yellowstone, where we wanted to do and see as much as possible. Again we headed out and tested the 2x2s on extreme trails as well as touring through the town of West Yellowstone – a bonus for the street legal 2×2. Heading out and exploring the local attractions and lakes, and exploring hunting areas is our favorite way to spend our weekends, and the UBCO has opened so many new doors for us.
A recent trip to Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierra Mountains of California where Jeff had been a ski instructor years before, gave us endless options to enjoy the 2x2s. They provided us with easy access to local restaurants, lakes, lodges, historical sights, and endless scenery; all above 7,000 feet of elevation.
The first day at Mammoth we took the 2×2’s up to the Mammoth Mountain ski resort, which is 3 miles up a steep grade. The local staff were very impressed because several had bought similar gas-powered bikes and were disappointed because of poor performance at the extreme elevations. The 2x2s powered right up the mountain without hesitation and regenerated their batteries on the way down. At a scenic overlook above 9,200 feet of elevation, several BMW, Honda and Harley Davidson riders were quite impressed with the UBCO’s parked next to them.
One full day was spent riding the off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails around Mammoth. The local information center provided a map of the endless roads to new destinations. We saw spectacular sights most visitors to the mountain never see due to their remote locations. The City of Mammoth was well situated for UBCO travel as the speed limit is 20 – 35 mph wherever you go.
The UBCO 2x2s provide us with endless opportunities to go hunting, fishing, picnicking or just sight-seeing with their versatile frame and utility mounts. We’ve taken our 2x2s over downed trees of up to 6” that have come across our paths. I particularly enjoy powering through large mud holes that frequent the Pacific Northwest trails.
On our travels, we have crossed paths with many hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail that covers over 2,600 miles from Mexico to Canada. The ease of loading and unloading, the maneuverability and feeling secure in any situation are features that keeps us looking for the next new adventure – together.