The joy of travel

Like lemmings rushing over a cliff we pack ourselves into flying metal tubes. Hostages probably have better conditions. And I paid for the privilege!!!

Back To Civilization

Back in San Francisco after enjoying 20" of snow in Yosemite with friends.

Not to mention friends who didn't move their cars before the snow came in. We had to dig out a path almost 1/4 mile through the woods to get them out.

But it was good exercise and a bit of weird fun. Another adventure story in the making. Thanksgiving dinner was warm and wonderful as it always is with good friends. And then there was the tobogganing ...

I'm back in range of a data connection so posts will resume on a regular basis. Hope you're all still out there.

Yosemite

About 12" of snow and loving it!

San Francisco

Where too much neon is never enough.

KLR vs GS

Note: I will be in the air tomorrow on my way to the mountains of the left coast. I'll be sending in updates as I did on my way across country to Bonneville. I'll be back in December.

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When you can buy four KLR's for the price of one GS you have to think about how that extra money could be used to actually go on an adventure. While I've been impressed with how a friend's GS would do well when the going got tough he had to work a lot harder than I did on my Transalp and there were places that those wide cylinders just wouldn't go.

Most GS's, like most Harleys, are personal statements rather than touring machines. I wonder how you say "Bad Ass" in German?
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It's not safe in the woods

This morning's Washington Post had this comment:

some Democrats are eager to use the lame-duck session that starts this week to pass as many bills as possible while the party still controls both chambers of Congress.

While the article was about another topic it echoed other voices I've heard about the lame-duck session coming up. Most importantly, a lot of members who were voted out of office will try to ram through legislation to enforce their Green Taliban agenda.

Land closures will be at the top of their list and they will care little about what people think because they have already lost their elections and have nothing more to lose. Now is the time to write the politicians who have been re-elected and tell them you hold them accountable for the actions of all the members of their party. The Blue Ribbon Coalition has an excellent political action program. If you don't belong, you should. At least you should use their resources to write your politicians to let them know how you feel about open access.

Write today, or cry tomorrow!!

Bicycle Skill

Hermann sent me this. I can't get a picture but I assure you that since we love all things wheeled you will be impressed. I was literally holding my breath at times. Definitely not the usual bunny hopping post jumping!

http://wimp.com/bicycleskill/

Funny Papers

I've been pretty busy lately with winter prep on the many bikes we have around here. However, I always find time to read the latest edition of Hot Bike Magazine when it arrives. It's better than the comics to make me smile.

A tech article in this month's edition shows how to install 20" ape hangers for under $500. OMG - LOL - ROTF !!!

Where else could you find ads for carbon fiber shorty helmets so you could look really Bad Ass! ??

I will give them credit on two points. First, this is a serious magazine that's all about the bikes. I may laugh about the ape hangers but they also have tech articles on more serious subjects such as suspension upgrades for the XR1200 and twin disk brake upgrades (who knew a HD could go fast enough to need one?).

Secondly, Hot Bike is not a sleaze rag. If you're looking for naked bimbos draped across ridiculous cartoon bikes this is not the place. They show women with their own bikes as real people who love to ride.

Veterans Day

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Whether you are for the war or not, everyone should support the men and women in our military. One of the greatest disgraces in this country's history was the way the soldiers of the Vietnam era were treated when they returned home. It was the politicians who sent them who should have been spit on, not the people they sent to serve.

It's very simple. Write your politican about the way you feel about the wars but honor the women and men who go into harm's way.

Take care of the ones who take care of you!

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Moto Gear Sale

Here's a quick way to get some of the Christmas shopping for your moto friends out of the way and save some money while doing it.

The Coconut sox are a favorite of mine (hint, hint).

 And how many of your buddies could use a decent tire pressure gauge in their tank bags!?

Tell them you saw it here. Maybe they'll add me to Santa's list.
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Tron LightCycle

I'm looking out my window and everything is white. As in the first snow of the year. No riding today! What to do to get some 2 wheeled fun while still staying warm?

I showed off the Tron LightCycle before but at a cost of $35,000 it's a bit out of my budget. However Disney has felt my pain and come to the rescue.

Here's one that I can afford and, best of all, work on while I'm enjoying my hot chocolate and cookies. Get the free parts and instructions here.

The official Tron site is here. The movie is coming soon, I'll be there!

Yamaha Super Ténéré

The new Super Ténéré is coming from Europe to the U.S. I have only one word for it, BIG. The Yamaha web site lists it at 575 pounds ready to ride.

To put this in perspective the new Triumph Tiger 800 comes in at 462 pounds and the BMW 800GS at 455 pounds. Even the BMW 1200 GS Adventure is lighter at 564.

Let's face it, this (and the 1200 GS) are bikes for fire roads, not trails. More often than not they are comfy road bikes for riders that don't want the Gold Wing look but don't want to be bent over a sport bike. My friend Bob bought a GS, not because he wanted to ever go off road, but because his wife said that it had the most comfortable back seat.

The Super Ténéré and the big GS are for comfy riding and Class 1 dirt roads. If you can take your Corolla there you can take your bike there. And that's just fine for the people who are going to buy them. Think of them as 2 wheel SUV's. It's good to see that Yamaha is taking a chance and giving us choice. If it sells well Honda might even wake up and bring the Transalp or Varadero.

$20 Swingarm Stand

 

Snagged this off the NYC VinMoto list.

While perusing the internet I found a really cool article on how to make your own Swingarm Stand for $20. This is specifically for the sv650 but looks like it can be adapted.

http://www.svrider.com/tips/pipestand/SwingarmStand.htm 

Credit goes to Doug Roever from the SV Rider list for this great idea. Also to Seth from NYC VinMoto for forwarding it.

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Vote Today !!

Vote for whomever you want but vote today! I would like my favorites to win of course, but I'd rather lose to an informed electorate than win by indifferent default.

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Today - NOW - Vote Like A Motorcyclist!

Let them know that You Ride and You Vote

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Good Friends and Great Friends

An old joke goes, "A good friend will post your bail. A great friend will be sitting next to you saying, 'That was fun!'"

Air bubbles in the upper injection line

When you you call for motorcycle advice, a good friend will patiently go over all the possible causes, effects, and remedies. A great friend will show up on your doorstep with manuals and special tools, and spend a couple of hours working on your bike with you.

Thanks Paul!

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Nov 2 - Vote Like A Motorcyclist!

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Busted

Generally I think the MythBusters are a bunch of weenies who use bad science and twisted logic to be entertaining. However, I recently saw them rebuke the BMW tablecloth ad.



Granted that they seem to be using a Buell instead of the BMW S1000RR but the run up with all the cable seems to negate that. However, by making everything lighter they do reduce friction but they also reduce the mass and, hence, inertia of the resting objects. That's where there science gets a little lite.

No matter what or where the truth is in all this, the fact is that BMW has reaped an enormous amount of exposure for the RR from the ad and all the call backs. Somebody at the ad agency should be getting a big bonus this Christmas. A 1000cc bonus??

Here's Aprilia's answer

Here's the Vespa spoof.

Here's the original.
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Dirt Bag Challenge

San Francisco always goes its own way. Brooklyn has the HoleShot/Detonation/Brand-X rally and the City By The Bay has the Dirt Bag Challenge. I don't want to get into a left coast vs right coast thing. Each one has the flavor of it's environment.

One of the things I like about the DBC is the builders challenge. 30 days, $1000, and it has to be ridden 4 miles around Hunter's Point. Oh, and no Harleys! Check out the rules. The pictures of past year's event show the usual collection of choppers and bobbers. There is also quite a collection of vintage bikes and everyday riders. Luckily, I just might be out there for this event. I'll post a full report.

Finally, what's not to like about a girl with a 996 bra?
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The Way It Should Be

The Washington Backcountry Discovery Route is an example of what can happen when groups share and cooperate instead of dogmatically pursuing narrow agendas. The more people get out into the wilderness and experience all that it offers, the more the Green Taliban will be exposed for what they are.

Visit the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route website and check out the maps and descriptions. Now if they could hook up with the end of the TransAmerica Trail it would be even better! And then link up with the Continental Divide trail ...

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Nov 2 - Vote Like A Motorcyclist!

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Tiddler Pictures

Getting Ready To Go In The Morning

Here is the link to the MMM Tiddler Rally pictures with help from John and Bob. It was a huge success with over two dozen bikes from all over New England. People rode in small groups of 3-5 bikes at their own pace. Lunch was at Harry's Place, an old hamburger and ice cream stand from the '50's. After the ride everyone warmed up by the fireplace with Amy's excellent chili while Beth showed pictures from the Bonneville Adventure.

Next year there will be three Tiddler rides; Spring, 4th of July with Amy and Doug, and Fall with Beth and J. Details will be forth coming as they develop.

A Rider Never Stands So Tall

As When They Stoop To Ride A Small Bike

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Triumph Tiger XC

One of the reasons that Triumph has increased their sales while practically everyone else's has fallen off is because they continually think outside the norms. Their cruiser has a parallel twin engine. Their sport bike has 675cc triple for better torque rather than the same old high strung 600cc 4-cylinder.

 

Now they are trying something really radical. They're making their adventure bike, the Tiger, smaller! Down from 1050cc to 800cc, hopefully with a concomitant reduction in weight. I comes in normal and XC versions, the XC conspicuous by it's handguards and 21" front wheel. 

Admittedly it looks way to GS-ish but time will tell when it hits the showroom floors soon.

If only KTM would release the 690 Adventure here in the U.S. Then there would be real rejoicing in Mudville.
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Tiddler Update

Apres Rally fun

Tiddler Update

Lunch break

Tiddler Update

Last crew out

Tiddler Update

They're off!

Tiddler Update

It's starting

Tiddler News

They're lining up already

Tiddler Route Sheets

I've driven the two routes for tomorrow's Tiddler Rally so often that I think I could do it with my eyes closed. I've checked, and rechecked, all the twists and turns, to make sure that every rider will stay on course and not get lost. I've tried to apply all the WTF?'s I've experienced following other route sheets so that people will not return wondering "What were you thinking here?"

To that end I've posted the route sheets here. However, the rules are:

• No GPS
• No iPods
• No mobile phones (unless you need to be picked up but bonus points if you walk up to the nearest house and ask to use their phone).

Ride like it was 1966 - The Summer of Love 

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If You Got To Know Me ...

This is what the government of the UK does to help with motorcycle awareness. A great campaign to show that there's real people under the leathers and behind the face shields. Certainly a lot more creative than the bland "Motorcycles are everywhere" posters and bumper stickers you see here.

Not that it would have helped the biker who was killed by the drunken senator who was speeding or the rider who was killed by the woman who was painting her nails. Still, it might get people to past thinking that we're all morons with loud pipes and a sneer. It says, "Hey, we're regular people just like you. You'd like to have most of us over for tea sometime."

You can get a copy of the song from the artist here. This is the video of them making the video.


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Mouse Tales

The only reason for mice to exist is to ensure that other critters don't go hungry. And to make sure that the air filter industry stays in full production. Above are the filters out of two NX250's and one Transalp. Notice that the Transalp filter is eaten in both sides!

The mice come in through the air box inlet and set up house keeping. They usually bring in a lot of extra debris to enhance the environment so that the bike is not only not getting filtered air, it is running as if on full choke because of all the extra crap blocking the passage. Damn them! We are looking at $75 of filters here!

Moth balls are the anti-mouse deterrent. Mice hate moth balls! I hate mice so I usually buy a case at a time. I always pack my bikes with moth balls when I put them away for the winter. Not only are the air filters eaten away but the little pests chew through the wiring and everything else in sight. Not to mention the mess from them using the world as their toilet. Whoever says that animals don't foul their nests have never seen a mouse nest!

This year seems especially bad. If the bike sits even 2-3 days they will move in. Now I have to put moth balls in ALL the air boxes.

You have been warned! If your bike is running a little strange check the air filter. Who knows what strangers may be lurking there.
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More Tiddler News

It just keeps getting better. Over two dozen people from four states have told us they will be riding the MMM Tiddler Rally. WoHoo!

Here's a sample of the roads I've laid out for your enjoyment. 

As an added bonus a Cruise Night for hot rods and vintage cars will be held that same afternoon so we can go over after we get back and see some other sights.
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MMM Tiddler Ride and Wonder Woman

It just might be coincidence but this Sunday's MMM Tiddler Ride is also the date of Wonder Woman Day! We just might see a glass airship flying overhead with a raven haired beauty watching our progress.

Lynda Carter is now pursuing a career as a jazz singer and is looking as hot as ever. The sounds from her web site are pretty nice and I'm looking forward to seeing her when she comes to Boston.

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Berkshire Update

Here's Adam's update on yesterday's ride with more details than I had. I've sent him a note on how to spell my name (J. not "Jay"). Since he was such an excellent host and ride leader he won't be flogged.

http://74.53.234.2/~riptide/mariner/showthread.php?t=1784
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Ride Report - Bershires

Adam put together some great roads to ride on. Although I've ridden extensively in the region many were new to me. Nature was cooperating, sort of. Scattered rain had  been forecast but it was always ahead or behind us. Slick roads mixed with lots of leaves meant that the pace was moderate with plenty of time for sightseeing.

The temps started in the high 40's and got into the low 50's as the day progressed. Sun occasionally popped out and the extra warmth was welcome. A quick stop for hot cider and a cookie was a treat and a chance to gain back some body heat.

Back on the road we were winding along the back roads near lunch when things go exciting. One of the guys on a K bike dumped it into a guard rail. Seeing it coming he jumped off the bike and somersaulted over the railing. Laying on his back he assured everyone that he was OK. Plastic was broken but nothing personal. Bungee cords and tape were produced to mend the bike enough to get home.

Unfortunately, I had chosen that moment to stare off into the forest and when I looked up all I saw was a lot of bikes stopped in the middle of the road. I grabbed too much front brake and found out how little traction knobby tires have on cold pavement. Down I went too. You can see the stripes that each knob made as it tried for grip.

This is when all that gear pays for itself. Armored jacket and pants took the hit. My gloves were scuffed in ways that I'm glad my hands weren't. I got up, got help picking up the bike and there was happiness that both of us were in good shape. My forks were twisted but I pulled out my t-handle and loosened enough bolts to get the front wheel pointed in the right direction again.

There was 70 more miles to get back to the car and I reflected on how a different bike would have been a better choice. That Honda NT700V with heated grips and ABS would have certainly been a good one. I wonder if it's too early to send Santa my request?
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Riding today

Chilly but fun in the Berkshire mountains.

Wooden I Love A Vespa

If you read the current motorcycle press you would be forgiven for thinking that the only creative thinking on two wheels is the bobber and the cafe bike. Frankly, they are not that original any more. Sure, it's great that people are doing some real custom work rather than just bolting on some more chrome from a catalog. But, be honest, when was the last time you saw one that really made your heart skip a beat?

I found this article in Wired magazine of all places. Daniela is Vespa replica built entirely of wood by a custom furniture maker. No showroom queen this one, it's ride-able! I can't imagine what one of these would cost but it's something that I would definitely put my own money down for if I had enough. This would be a total show stopper wherever it went.

Read the article and watch the video at the end. You can keep the Ducati, I'll take Daniela.
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MMM Tiddler Update

Details at the bottom

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We've been out scouting roads for the upcoming MMM Tiddler Ride and I must say that I think that the morning and afternoon routes are especially scenic. Hill and dale, farmlands and lakes, my advice is to bring your camera and prepare to pause once in a while to appreciate the New England fall colors and sights. The photo above is my attempt to find a shortcut around a bridge that was out. As you can tell I'm having great fun. New roads were found and the route sheet was updated. No knobby tires will be needed!

The routes include a few graded dirt roads that are all small bike friendly. If they are Miata friendly your bike will have no problem. This is a rural area and such roads are part of why we live here.

The long range weather forecast is for cool temps in the 60's and sunny skies. Perfect for a leisure ride. After the ride chili, BBQ chicken, and hot dogs will be provided to everyone before they head home.

Details

• Date: Sunday, 24 Oct
• Time: 9am
• First bikes out: 10am
• Place: 150 Kinney Rd, Amston CT 06231
• Contact: Beth (bbraun@dreamqueen.com or J. (braunj@cb77.org)
• Bikes: Think CB350 and anything older, slower, or smaller.
• Nobody will be turned away for not having a small bike. Just ride in the spirit of the event and you'll have a lot of fun. Small bikes are infectious, you'll want one for next time.
• Bring:
  
  • Route sheet holder - Both sheets and strip charts will be provided.
  • Camera
  • Cash for lunch at Harry's.
  • There are plenty of gas stations along the way.
  • A sense of wander.

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WSJ Discovers Something Louder Than A Harley

Who knew the money nerds had a sense of humor? Read the whole article here.