Category Archives: Adventure

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2 months, 3 Weeks & 4 Days


Not too much longer until the day we get hitched.  I mean why not?  We have only been together almost 16 years….;-)  Here is our post from our scouting out the venue ride last year SUNSHINE COAST onward to the venue POST here and here is a video showing you WHY we picked the WESTCOAST WILDERNESS LODGE

We rode up on our 2010 BMW 650′s and this year we will be riding up on our ’13 BMW F8′s.  And, YES of course we will have our pictures taken with our bikes.  ;-) The sunshine coast of BC is not that far from the lower mainland, but once you get there you feel like you are in another world!

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Sneaking Out of Alaska (and back) – Gary & Deb – 2013


Gary & Deb from Anchorage, AK are heading out on their own ADV soon.  We stayed with these guys while on our trip to Alaska in 2011 while the Triumph Tigers that we borrowed from Triumph Canada were in the Motorcycle Shop getting worked on for 4 days.  Great hosts, they love ADV riders and are about to embark on their very first LONG ride themselves.  Why not check out their thread on the ADV Riders Forum and track them when they post their SpotWalla page too?  Have a great time guys…we are envious you are getting out ont he road.  Be safe and as the old saying goes…”"KEEP THE RUBBER SIDE DOWN”.

SNEAKING OUT OF ALASKA click here

Prologue - We’ve been meaning to get on the road and stretch our legs sooner, but couldn’t bear to leave our best friend Duke the wonder dog behind. This situation changed this past November when at age 13, cancer had Duke on the ropes and we eased his passing and had him transitioned into eternal rest. I mention Duke’s passing because several of the ADV crowd have stayed with us on their journeys and have played with him – Duke was a memorable pal to many and is dearly missed.
Rest in peace, Dukie boy.

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Longing for the Open Road – Memories of our 2010 BMW F650GS Bikes


Since we seem to not be able to get away on a decent rode trip this year I am entertaining myself with pics from our 2010 Cross Country Trip…and other trips.  In 2010 we both got our first Beemers and we picked mine up in March 2010, Cheryl’s in Dec 2009.  By June 2010 we were off for 26 days to ride across Canada and the USA.  No planning just learned by ourselves what to pack and how to navigate ourselves. 

I hope we are tempting all you street riders to come to the ADV side of dual sporting….enjoy….

Continue reading →

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We need a TRIP!


This is what we did in 2010 and hope to do more like this on our BMW F800′s….our BMW F650′s treated us well…

Here are some of our pics of the 2010 F650GS Beemers….
Also, here are 2 maps of the States and Provinces we have been to….we have so much riding to do in north America!

BC Interior 2010 Continue reading →

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Driven – The Arctic Circle


Every once in awhile I come across a video that just resonates with me…I mean everyone should watch this especially if you are an adventurer.  This guy Ed from New Mexico rode 10,000 miles in 26 days and how he sees Canada and Alaska is spot on.  I LOVE, absolutely LOVE his attitude, sense of humor….I mean everything about his heart and soul.  I really hope everyone who takes a look at this post takes the time to sit back and watch….it is soooooo worth it trust me.

I think this is my most favorite ADV video I have seen so far….and I loved seeing where we went through his eyes….BRAVO!

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2014 BMW F800GS Adventure – First Look


So, our F800GS has been out for a while and really no one has reviewed our bike.  The new ADV version comes around and there are first impressions popping Oh well….At least BMW has released an ADV 800!  But then again..aren’t all our bikes ADV tourers?????  Would you buy this?  The price seems not that bad compared to our 2013 fully loaded F800′s.

SOURCE:  CYCLE WORLD

BMW F800GS Adventure photo off-road action

Until now, BMW Motorrad has applied the “Adventure” moniker only to its large GS models with Boxer engines. In mid-June, however, that changes with the debut of the all-new 2014 BMW F800GS Adventure, a bike designed to be better in the dirt than a standard F800GS while also being a much-improved touring rig. Continue reading →

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SPOT ON!


Add a two piece adjustable height seat, adjustable shield and shaft would be almost perfection!  LOVE IT! SHOULD have called it the F800GSA!!!!!!

Seat is higher than the F8GS non ADV…remember no lowering this bike.  So, in the end unless BMW introduces an adjustable seat including the height this version will not be for the vertically challenged at all!  Although Cheryl all ready picked the red and I love the yellow!  ;-)

SOURCE: OneWheelDrive

Oh, BMW faithful, you have been waiting for this for such a very long time… the F800GS Adventure. Behold the gallery, the scroll down and ponder the specs. Continue reading →

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TNE Phase Three Section Three – North Rd, James Bay, Trans Taiga


Get ready for some long remote roads.  This last chapter in the TNE route consists of three roads that together cover almost 1500 kilometres.

compass north logo

This chapter of the TNE starts off in the town of Chibougamau.

Chibougamau has a population of 7500 and has most modern amenities available.  It is the largest community in northern Quebec and serves as the hub to the smaller towns in the area.  Strip malls, motels, garages and the other places one might expect from a town this size all exist.  For many folks travelling the TNT this town makes for a logical stopover as once you leave you won’t encounter much civilization for the remainder of the route.

There is a strong Cree Indian presence in town.  The name Chibougamau translates to “crossed by a river” in the Cree language.  A few early explorers visited this area in the late 17th century but it wasn’t until gold was discovered in the area that white folks began to settle in the area.   In 1903 attempts to prospect the area took place but it wasn’t until 1951 that people started to settle in what is now the town site.  Along with the mines, logging and sawmill industries have helped to keep this town on the map.  Like many northern towns in Quebec, English is rarely spoken.

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Photo: A stop sign written in Cree and French Continue reading →

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Section Two – Baie Comeau to Chibougmau


TNE Phase Two

Section Two – Baie Comeau to Chibougamau

This chapter of the True North East route could best be described as remote.  The route begins in the town of Baie Comeau.  This town has a population of approximately 26, 000 and has been around since 1889.  A few years later the first saw mill arrived and the town has been functioning as a resource town ever since.  Located on the shores of the ST Lawrence River and at the mouth of the Manicouagan River, the town is not without its charm.  This is the last place to gear up for a few days of the route and the town offers typical modern amenities for a town of its size.

The route leaving Baie Comeau follows gravel roads for 380 kilometres before you’ll find the next location for fuel.  Needless to say you must stock up on fuel prior to leaving this town.  This chapter of the TNE is also used for the Trans Canada Adventure Trail (TCAT) and was created by Fabric Tremblay.  Fab is local to the area and without his local knowledge it would have been very difficult to have created this chapter of the route, Thanks!

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Photo by Fabrice Tremblay
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TNE Phase One-True North East


compass north logo

 SOURCE:  GRAVEL TRAVEL

The Dirt

Name: True North East (TNE)

Location: New Brunswick & Quebec

Distance: Approx 2500 km’s

Duration: 7-10 days

Rating: Primarily Class 2 roads with Class 1 roads making up 30% of the route.  2 short sections of class 4.

Creator: Ted Johnson and Fabrice Tremblay, a special thanks to Steve Vardy

Section One – USA Border to Matane

This chapter could best be called “Welcome to Canada” as the TNE route begins at the border between Canada and the USA.  A mix of gravel and paved roads, this section of the TNE will take travellers across the province of New Brunswick and into Quebec.

img_4700  Continue reading →

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Motorcycle Safety Then and Now


Words By Noble McIntyre
Photos By Jeff Cobb

SOURCE:  Motorcycle Safety News

Motorcycles have always evoked an image of freedom, individuality, and as the case may be, rebellion. With that freedom, there is also the possibility of an injury.

Motorcycle safety has evolved significantly over the years and the rudimentary helmet and classic leather jacket have been replaced by modern materials.

Helmets

Interest in developing motorcycle helmets began in 1935, when T.E. Lawrence (better known as Lawrence of Arabia) suffered a fatal motorcycle crash. His neurosurgeon, Hugh Cairns, began the research that would eventually lead to the development of the motorcycle crash helmet. The first patent for a motorcycle helmet was submitted in 1953 by Professor C. F. “Red” Lombard.

Riding is risky enough and racers know not to take excessive chances with their gear; their tech is continually trickling down to street riders. (Click on photos to enlarge.) Continue reading →

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How to Load Your Motorcycle


Motorcycles can be a great way to commute, transport smaller stuff from point A to B, or travel, sightsee and tour.

Depending on how much you carry, however, added weight can affect wear and tear on the whole bike, including suspension, tires, drive train, and brakes. It can also affect how well you can brake, corner, and of course, accelerate.

The more you pile on, the more you need to pay attention to where you place heavier items, how you attach them, and what the added ballast placed in various spots on your bike does to handling and control.

Following are some pointers to keep in mind, whether you are carrying the least or the most:

Keeping It Light

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How-To Adventure Prep Your Bike: Before You Go A Guide to Being Smart About Your Upcoming Trip


I have to agree with this great article….again not only for Noobs is this written for…even experienced riders who travel far distances can always learn from insight. 
BMW GS Adventure Prep
By , Photography by BMW,

Nobody walks out to the garage and pulls on a helmet and riding gear thinking, “I really want to be bored. I think I’ll go ride my motorcycle.” Continue reading →