Another day at the races

The Murdercycles MiniBike Throwdown 23 was filled with thrills and spills.

Luckily the minibike is ok! And so is the rider who walked away laughing.

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Double take

Although totally a Pepsi person I have to give Coke a gold star for this one!

Let's take an extra second | Experiment
Tomémonos un segundo para destruir los prejuicios. Creado por Cyranos McCann para Coca Cola.Enjoy!
Posted by Redactores Publicitarios on Wednesday, May 20, 2015

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Voluntown Fire Dept & EMT Fund Raiser

The Voluntown Fire Dept is the first responder for much of the Pachaug trail system. This is something I found out the hard way a few days ago. The EMTs came and got me and hauled me off to Backus Hospital. First rate care! They took my bike to the fire station and kept it until my brother would pick it up for me.

What was amazing is that they told me there was No Charge for any of it. The EMTs, the ambulance ride, the bike pickup and storage, NOTHING!! You can't get any better than that.

On Saturday, June 6th, they are having a Steak Dinner Fund Raiser. $15 for dinner. It starts at 6pm in the afternoon. The address is 205 Preston City Rd (Rt 165), Voluntown, CT 06384 which is just south of where 138, 165, and 49 cross. 

My buddies and I will be attending and I urge everyone who rides Pachaug to add it to their schedule. We should support those who support us.

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Take a break before you break something!

Inspector Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood) said "A man's got to know his limitations"

Continuing to ride when you know you're exhausted is a good way for things to end badly!

Thanks to the Voluntown EMT Squad for taking good care of me!

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Vintage parts disconnect

I go to the Honda shop to get some parts for a 1964 Honda C100 Super Cub I'm restoring.

The parts person is a young guy who is eager to help but is a little confused by my requests. Trying to be concilitory I say, "That's OK, this bike was made before you were born.

He looks back with a grin and says, "Hey, that model was made before my parents were born!"

We both laughed at that one and I'll bet he's telling his friends just like I'm telling you.

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Larz Anderson Motorcycle Exhibit

The Larz Anderson Museum in Boston is showing a new exhibit of motorcycles titled Beauty of the Beast beginning 8 May. Sounds like Art of the Motorcycle Boston Style.

This museum focuses solely on motor cars and cycles, both antique and modern. Their lawn exhibit days are a special joy.

Here is part of the announcement.

The new exhibit will be exploring the motorcycle from an artistic, historic, mechanical and cultural perspective will open to the public on May 8th. The exhibit will examine the life history of the motorcycle, from the pioneering 1800’s era – when an engine was simply bolted to a bicycle – through the present day technological and artistic triumphs achieved by manufacturers in Asia, Europe and the United States, leading to a shift in cultural perceptions, and a world-wide fan base of enthusiasts.

There will be a special Opening Party on 7 May from 6-10 if you would like dinner and a preview showing. They usually let you wander about more freely at these events in case you want to look a little closer at the bikes. 

See you there!

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Honda shows a 250 adventure bike prototype

An article in ADVPulse reveals a prototype 250 Adventure bike from Honda based on the highly regarded CRF250L.

This looks pretty exciting but I'm still waiting for the new Africa Twin!

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Something more to contemplate

A while ago I offered a couple of quotes to think about. I started writing a post to discuss my thoughts but was quickly overwhelmed by where it took me. It still sits in my Drafts folder as a struggle to bring it into focus.

In the meantime I came across this quote in an article by James Clear. It extends my thinking on this subject; that we seem in such a rush to get nowhere.

“One is weary of living in the country and moves to the city; one is weary of one’s native land and goes abroad; one is weary of Europe and goes to America, etc.; one indulges in the fanatical hope of an endless journey from star to star…

One is weary of eating on porcelain and eats on silver; wearying of that, one eats on gold.”
—Soren Kierkegaard

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Free Trials Training Classes

Admit it, you've always wanted to ride a trials bike. Who wouldn't want to be able to wheelie and bunny hop a motorcycle!?

New England Trials Assn is holding free trials clinics and will even loan you a bike to ride. How cool is that!? Or how crazy?

You can find signup info here. Send an email to NETA Prez Charles Gray <cegray51@yahoo.com> and he will send you the signup form. I'll be riding the May event in Meriden CT. Come join me or attend any of the other clinics.

Don't forget that the USA round of the Trials Championship will be held in Rhode Island this year. These guys are even better than all those YouTube videos! Taking the NETA class will expand your appreciation for these riders. Plus you'll be able to dazzle and amaze your friends with all your new knowledge of scoring and technique.

Warning: Trials riding can become very addictive!

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First Ride Of The Season

After a depressingly cold and snowy winter the sun has finally appeared and turned the snow banks into bike friendly mud.

Bob, Dave, and I did a pre-ride of the Pachaug Big Bike/Adventure Loop on Sunday and had a blast! Dave was on a XR650L, Bob on a DRZ400, and I rode my ATK 605. This is in preparation for publishing the loop route sheet for the NETRA BB/A Series.

I was happily surprised that there was not as much mud on the trails as I had expected. On the other hand there was some snow on the ground next to the trail in a couple of places. One puddle had mini-icebergs floating in it!

Those pesky electrons!

The sunny, 60F weather was perfect for riding and we kept up a good pace. Best of all, no injuries and no major breakdowns. My main fuse blew but it was quickly replaced and no other problems were experienced.

Dave, going up the hill!

We're doing it again this Saturday. Be There or Be Square!

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Reminder: Don't forget about Jap Bike Mike's Swap Meet on Sunday the 19^th!

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Low $$ trip to Alaska

My friend Hermann sent me this.

http://motoquest.com/motorcycle-rental/transporter-specials-9

A BMW F800 GS for $90 / day from San Francisco to Anchorage. A fast check shows a United flight from Anchorage to Boston for $212!

Major adventure for low bucks! Book now or cry later.

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Modern devices - Will they last?

Two more questions to go on my database final exam. In the meantime I came across this quote about telephones which are celebrating the 100^th anniversary of the first transcontinental call. You can read the complete article on modern technologies and whether they'll last here.

"can I simply point out the irony of the text message? Bell invented the telephone so we could hear each other's real voices instead of sending short, clipped messaged via telegram. For over 75 years, we have long intimate conversations on this device. Now we take the smartphone, the most powerful communication device ever invented, and turn it into a glorified telegraph machine sending shorter messages than Western Union. Seriously?"

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Something to contemplate

While I'm finishing up a database certification course this week and digging out all of the @#$%! global warming in my driveway I've been thinking of why we do the things we do.

Until I get back in a couple of days I'd like you to think about these two quotes.

The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation. From the desperate city you go into the desperate country, and have to console yourself with the bravery of minks and muskrats. A stereotyped but unconscious despair is concealed even under what are called the games and amusements of mankind. There is no play in them, for this comes after work. But it is a characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things.”

from Thoreau's Walden

Alas for those that never sing,

But die with all their music in them.

from Oliver Wendell Holmes' "The Voiceless"

My thoughts on this in a couple of days.

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Man Glamping

My friend Jason sent me this video of the Wilderness Collective going for a bike ride.

I can't embed the video so I'll just post the link. Watch it here.

Jason dared me to watch the whole thing. I only made it through about 30 seconds before experiencing nausea and vertigo. If he said 'Man' or 'Men' one more time I was sure I was going to pass out.

384 miles in 84 hours!! Wow, that's an average of 4 miles per hour. Pretty MANLY!! That meal looks like they ravaged the brie and Chablis section of Whole Foods. 

Not to dis my queer friends but isn't a bunch of guys all wearing matching boots, helmets, and hoodies a little gay?

This link will take you to the comments of the group that reposted the video after the original comments were closed. The cheers and jeers are pretty funny and well deserved.

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Did I choose the wrong bike for my trip?

This video has caused some doubts in my mind.

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An award

Last night I was given the Rider of the Year award by the British Iron Association of CT. This was for my ride from Calif. to Conn. which was documented in this blog. The presentation was made at the annual Cabin Fever dinner party.

Mr Beth is always happy to be recognized

However, it was not without the usual mishaps of my life as you can see above. The real plaque is locked in one of the members' truck. The lock was frozen from the recent storm and the plaque trapped inside. Or so they say ...

In it's place I received the made to order dinner plate you see above with the Mr Beth inscription. Beth is the social maven of the family and I'm just her humble servant.

It is a very nice award and I've been assured that I'll get the real thing at the next meeting. What inscription it will contain is still a mystery. I'll post a followup when I get it.

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Equipment - Luggage - Another Voice

In my last post I mentioned the Giant Loop Coyote bag that I used on my last trip through the Copper Canyons. ADVPulse has done an excellent comparison of the Wolfman and Giant Loop bags. You can read it here.

I own products from both these companies and they are always at the top of my list whenever I buy new equipment. They are well built and designed with real world trail riding in mind. They may not win the farkle contest at the Friday night tavern races but I guarantee you'll love them out on the trail.

Good Job ADVPulse.

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Equipment - Luggage

We all have baggage. For what your psychoanalyst can't help you with you will need luggage.

To tell a real adventure rider look at the panniers. If there are no scratches they are either a poser or just got them for their birthday. Maybe poser is too strong a word. Maybe they like the look and comfort of an adventure bike and are happy to stick to paved roads on weekend rides. I'm not here to judge.

OK, maybe I can be a little judgmental. When I see a GS in full battle gear with extra lights and gear but no dirt, I'm suspicious. When the skid plate is pristine without a single gouge or dent, I'm pretty sure. And when I see the Hero Cam mount, I'm convinced. DORK!! Adventure riding is inversely proportional to bling and directly proportional to dirt. A clean bike is the emblem of an unimaginative mind.

There are many suppliers of adventure gear. Twisted Throttle, Touratech, Wolfman, and Happy Trails are among my favorites. Whitehorse Gear is not as big but gets a special mention for being a local New England company that is very supportive of riders.

When most riders get a new bike the first thing they think about is bags. It's the most obvious symbol of being a serious rider. Serious riders need stuff, and need a place to put it. The old cowboy saddle bags have evolved into a variety of metal panniers, textile bags, and rubberized, waterproof vaults.

Before I comment on each type allow me to rant for a moment on top boxes. Top boxes are great if you own a Vespa, deliver pizzas for a living, or live in a third world country. Other than that - What were you thinking? As high as possible and behind the rear axle?! Could there be any place worse to add weight to a bike?

“Oh, but it's so convenient. I can put my helmet in there when I stop” I hear them say. If carrying a helmet is that much of a burden maybe they should buy a Buick! Not only is it horrible for weight distribution, it's as aerodynamic as a brick. The wind wraps around the body and then hits this billboard for laziness. You'd better get that big bore kit so you can keep up with the mopeds.

Side winds are especially fun as they try to push the back end while the lightened front end is less grippy. Gusty side winds make it feel like a sail boat on the bay, and on rocky trails it feels like an inverted pendulum is attached to the bike. Don't do it !!!

And now back to our regular programming.

Metal boxes are generally secure, durable, and waterproof. They look serious and enhance the go anywhere appearance of the bike. The downside is that they are heavy, expensive, and it's tempting to get one with too much room. By that I mean that there is an addictive tendency to fill them up. Horror Vacui – Nature abhors a vacuum. First it's the rain suit in case it rains. Then it's a couple of tools, and a flashlight, and a tire patch kit, and a tire pump, and a sweater, and so on. There is no end.

On an extended trip they can offer superior protection in case of rough terrain and an unexpected trip off the trail. They also come with locks that keep prying fingers at bay. Plus they are great places to put all the cool stickers you pick up along the way.

Just as you can buy a “fashion leather” bike jacket that will shred the first time you hit pavement, you can buy adventure-ish metal panniers that will fold up the first time they hit the ground. Luckily, it was a friend's bags that exposed this fact to me. Before you buy, take the lid off and try to flex the box diagonally. If it moves you should consider just how tough you intend to get before putting down your money.

An alternative is to make your own boxes. This picture is of my Transalp with panniers I made from Army surplus Mermite boxes bought on eBay. The cost was about $100 plus another $150 for the rack. This thread on ADVRider shows how to do it. I have also seen them made with Pelican cases and ammo boxes. If you are handy with a welder you can make them yourself from scratch.

This picture points out another great benefit of hard bags. The bike can't fall as far - which makes it much easier to pick up when it goes over. After a long day on the road that is priceless!

Dry bags are a relatively new alternative to hard bags. People have been adapting kayaking and white water bags to motorcycles for a long time, but it seems that only recently products made specifically for motorcycling have become available. Their big advantages are light weight and lower cost - and they're waterproof.

When I say waterproof, I mean that they can stay 3 feet underwater for at least 30 minutes without a drop entering the bag. It can take that long to pick up a bike that has fallen over in a river.

The Wolfman Rocky Mountain bags and Happy Trails rack together are $740, versus the Happy Trails Owyhee system (bags + rack) at $1019. As they say on TV, “A significant savings!” Both are 64 liter capacity but the metal boxes with liner may be more convenient for access and organization. Only you can judge how the value of convenience relates to your budget.

For bikes with only a subframe in the rear, two systems come to mind. Dirt Bagz with lightweight brackets to protect them from the exhaust and rear wheel are great for small loads and short trips. My friend Marty used them for a 10 day trip to Baja with his XR650R and was very happy.

 

For longer trips and more complete protection there are the Giant Loop bags. I used the Giant Loop Coyote bag on my recent trip into Mexico. By itself it is water resistant but with the waterproof inner bags it meets my requirements for motorcycle swimming. The capacity of the Coyote bag might seem small at 30 liters but it is well organized into 3 fitted pods that held most of my gear. Tools and parts in the left pod, cook gear and food in the right pod, and clothes in the center pod. For longer trips a 2^nd dry bag can be added to the system for a total of 100 liters. I used this one for my sleeping bag and other stuff.

Perhaps the best part of the GL Coyote is that it is solidly strapped to the bike. The weight is kept low and there is absolutely no motion when the bike starts dancing in the rocks. Between trips the entire system comes off the bike and there are no racks left behind.

The bag, pods, and extra dry bag come to only $590. They are less convenient than the other options but the versatility and the solid mounting make it a very attractive option for any adventure bike. Especially true if you own more than one bike as it can be transferred without any additional racks or adapters.

Whatever you choose remember,

Adventure travel is all about less. Less weight, less stuff, less self.

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2-Stroke Fun

This is a promo for KTM but is certainly worth the time just for the great riding. On the track footage notice that the rider's head stays level and smooth while the bike and suspension are doing all the work.

When Moto GP was all about the engine (2-stroke 500cc) and the rider, not about who programmed the best electronic.

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A Valentine Suggestion

At a loss to find that perfect Valentine gift for your One True Love? Thanks to my friend Peter you need look no further. Find it here. A candle that will bring back fond memories of that Husky 450 WR or Yami TZ.

Now if only they had one flavored like Castrol R.

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