Ft Irwin California??
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 227
Likes: 20
From: So Cal
Never been stationed there ,but have worked at Ft Irwin many times.Couldn't imagine being stuck there for an extended period of time.If you do go there you will learn more about the desert tortoise than you'll ever want to know.Make sure you don't ever pick one up.There is a great restraunt in nearby Barstow though,called the Idle Spur.Good luck to you
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,083
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From: Tulsa, OK
I lived in Barstow from 84 to 89, it truly is the armpit of the state. That being said I could and did ride year round, and my Jeep had a bikini top only added doors for crosswind protection in the winter, yes I did have to bundle up.
Others have mentioned various reasons I would never go back, basically not a single firearm I own could ever be transported over state lines and I am vehemently opposed to gun registration.
But the other side of the coin is though the desert is stark it does have a certain beauty and variety to it, something I was reminded of this summer when we rented a bike in Vegas. You're also centrally located in Barstow to really be able to go and explore the surrounding areas.
Big Bear 1.5 Hours (Mountains)
Long Beach 2 hours
Las Vegas 2.5 hours
Kernville 2.5 hours (Mountains)
San Diego 3 hours
San Francisco 6 hours.
I never lived in the Ft. Riley vicinity but I was born and raised in Kansas and from a motorcyclists perspective it's flat boring and yeah winter sucks.
I have no clue about the Ft. Drum area.
Enjoy the desert. It's nice to visit but I'll never live in it again.
Others have mentioned various reasons I would never go back, basically not a single firearm I own could ever be transported over state lines and I am vehemently opposed to gun registration.
But the other side of the coin is though the desert is stark it does have a certain beauty and variety to it, something I was reminded of this summer when we rented a bike in Vegas. You're also centrally located in Barstow to really be able to go and explore the surrounding areas.
Big Bear 1.5 Hours (Mountains)
Long Beach 2 hours
Las Vegas 2.5 hours
Kernville 2.5 hours (Mountains)
San Diego 3 hours
San Francisco 6 hours.
I never lived in the Ft. Riley vicinity but I was born and raised in Kansas and from a motorcyclists perspective it's flat boring and yeah winter sucks.
I have no clue about the Ft. Drum area.
Enjoy the desert. It's nice to visit but I'll never live in it again.
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From: Sandpoint, Idaho
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Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Port Arthur, Texas
Dr Doooooooom! that damn 60 with the gas launcher... man that thing sucked.
Never stationed at Ft Irwin but went through two rotations, 99 and 100 and it sucked. Both times!
I lived in Southern Cali before I joined the Army and I've had my fill, given the choice of the three you listed, I'd be getting acquainted with Dorothy
BTW, thanks for your service
Never stationed at Ft Irwin but went through two rotations, 99 and 100 and it sucked. Both times!
I lived in Southern Cali before I joined the Army and I've had my fill, given the choice of the three you listed, I'd be getting acquainted with Dorothy
BTW, thanks for your service
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
Never been to any of the bases, but being a rider I would also check the various motorcycle laws at each location., ie helmets (both Irwin and Drum would require you to wear it off base) . Also Ca and NY have some messed up laws, ie firearms. Ultimately it will be your choice, pros and cons for all three places. Good luck.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,451
Likes: 1
From: South Florida
I think the registration bit may be the problem. Would be for me.
Ft. Irwin sucks HARD. Stationed there in '88/'89 & a rotation there in '96. Nothing to do, middle of nowhere. Coldest I've been in my life was in the Mojave desert- 11* F, 75 mph winds & 4000'. Boo on that.
When I was there, I seem to remember it was 34 miles from the main gate to Barstow.
I'd go w/Ft. Riley.
Ft. Irwin sucks HARD. Stationed there in '88/'89 & a rotation there in '96. Nothing to do, middle of nowhere. Coldest I've been in my life was in the Mojave desert- 11* F, 75 mph winds & 4000'. Boo on that.
When I was there, I seem to remember it was 34 miles from the main gate to Barstow.
I'd go w/Ft. Riley.
Are you serious???
Ft. Irwin is.......... HOT!!!, COLD!!!, WINDY!!!, and desolate! You could not pay me enough to ever go back to that place willingly.
I almost forgot that place still existed. I spent two months in the desert there back in '83. Wow, I guess I'm getting old, lol.
I remember it being very hot during the day, 4:00pm sandstorms daily (wouldn't want my bike anywhere near that!), and freezing at nightfall. Only thing good about that place was the training.
Back then the US Army's unit stationed there was trained in Russian tactical warfare utilizing Soviet era equipment and weapons. My battalion was the first to successfully defeat them in '83.
Last edited by Roger That; Nov 7, 2013 at 09:14 AM.
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From: Northwestern Nevada
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From: Here and now
Nope, and if you read further you'll see that I've already acknowledged that both the weapons he described would pose a problem here. The bike with all of its modifications, would not. Thankfully and unbelievably the governor just vetoed the latest attempt to ban any new sales of semi automatic rifles with detachable magazines.
Last edited by dribble; Nov 7, 2013 at 07:31 PM.