Wilco Off-Road's Hitchgate Solo solves spare-tire issue, but can pose hurdles

There is no law of physics, nature or probability that assures only one flat tire will occur when traveling wildland roads.

Wilco's Hitchgate Solo mounted on our 4Runner.

That's why we carry two all-terrain spare tires, and recommend that our clients do so as well.

However, the problem of where to carry a large, 70-lb. (32 kg.) or heavier second spare wheel is difficult to resolve.

To get the the added security of a second spare tire, we opted a few years ago for Texas-based Wilco Offroad's Hitchgate Solo, a spare-tire carrier that mounts on the tow hitch. Initial fitment difficulties, and subsequent difficulties getting Wilco to fulfill our order for small replacement parts (worn Delrin washers for the swing arm) left us no option but to give a luke-warm early recommendation, with warnings.

Now, after thousands of backcountry miles, we've resolved these issues, but only after some effort by us.

The Hitchgate Solo remains solidly mounted, wobble free and easy to use regardless of the terrain. The only maintenance has been to snug up the swing arm's pivot bolt, a simple and infrequent task; and replacing the Delrin washers on the swing arm, also an infrequent task. (They do wear out, so order spares.) We've found that it does indeed provide the peace of mind that a second spare tire provides, as well as a place for our trash container and extra-fuel can.

Mackay, Idaho: Mo' betta than Moab?

MACKAY, Idaho -- Move over, Moab. This scenic Idaho ranching town -- founded on mining long ago yet rich today in outdoor recreation and small-town charm -- is hot on your wheels.That's the impression I gained during four days of riding adventure motorcycles in the lofty mountains surrounding this yet-to-be-discovered rival to Utah's mecca for dirt-road adventure.

Located on the Big Lost River in Custer County (Google Map), in the shadow of Idaho's Lost River Range -- Idaho's highest -- little Mackay (MAC ee) is accommodating to ADV and dirt-bike riders, ATVs, SUVs, mountain bikes and hikers alike.

So a fellow adventure-motorcycle rider, Dave, and I allocated four days to exploring the region's mountains and valleys via a vast network of dirt roads that rivaled the best of the northern Rockies. We traveled on dual-sport motorcycles ... he on his Honda 650, I on my Kawasaki KLR 650.

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Wagon Wheel Motel

We unloaded our bikes and checked in at the Wagon Wheel Motel -- convenient, comfortable, reasonably priced and well-kept. After a long day of exploring, we could sit out each evening and gaze at the towering, 12,000-foot-plus Lost River Range just east of town.

Autumn makes up for wet summer of '09

The summer of 2009 will be remembered in southeastern Idaho as a wet one. So when a September dry spell finally arrived with the colors I look forward to, it was time to mount my KLR 650 and ride mountain roads that were new to me.

I packed tools, spare tubes, a hand pump and other items for roadside repairs. I also stowed clothing for inclement weather, a possibility anytime in the northern Rocky Mountains.

Most important, the bike had a new rear tire. Having dealt with flat tires far from help in the past, that inspires confidence, because I often explore alone.