Category Archives: Gear & Stuff

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How to combat the killer Mosquitoes in the North


Back in 2011 when we rode to Alaska we were fortunate to only run into the mosquito swarm once near the Atigun Pass.  We were armed with two of these shirts just in case.  The draw back to not being attacked by these “killer”, huge bugs was that we rode in cold rain almost the entire trip.  You never know what season it will be up there if you are planning a trip.  You need to prepare for HOT, warm, cold to down right freezing weather. 

If you have sun and warmth on your adventure, then there is a good chance you will have mosquitoes.  This shirt may seem like over kill, no pun intended but from those who have had to use it swear by them…we did not have to use ours but it will be a staple item if we venture back up-country.

CHECK out bugshirt.com for this shirt

The Original Bug Shirt®: Elite Edition

Elite sandstone bugs - small

“ELITE EDITION” Continue reading →

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Building a Water-Cooled BMW R1200GS


I think I am just not your normal grrl…because this to me is beauty and I would want it in my bedroom! ;-)   EYE Candy for sure!
Friday, 10 May 2013 03:56 Justin Coffey

There’s no doubt that BMW’s new water-cooled R1200GS is a capable adventure touring motorcycle. With 125hp, spoked-wheels, dynamic suspension, cruise control and an assortment of other options, the new GS is everything we expected it to be, and then some. But there’s always some room for improvement. Luggage and protection items are an easy upgrade and will transform the R1200GS from adequate to extraordinary.  Touratech’s Zega Pro pannier systems provides safe and secure storage, both on and off the bike, while crash bars and an Expedition skid plate protect the most important part of any motorcycle, the power-plant. Additional accessories, such as a stainless steel headlight guard and radiator guards will keep road debris from damaging important parts, while a larger sidestand foot will keep the R1200GS upright in everything from soft sand to loose gravel.  Continue reading →

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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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Random “COOL” Stuff Post


SOURCE:  uncrate

SanDisk Cruzer Orbit

SanDisk Cruzer Orbit

Flash drives can be amazingly handy, but their small size can also make them a huge pain in the ass to find. Keep yours handy by making it a SanDisk Cruzer Orbit ($30-$50). This intelligent drive sports a circular design that makes it a snap to attach to key rings, carabiners, lanyards, and binders, and doubles as a protective mechanism for the USB connector. Available in 8, 16, and 32 GB capacities.

More    Tech    Computer Peripherals$30-$50    Buy    Share    SAVE
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BMW DEMO DAY


Went down to our dealer on Sunday, May 5th to check out the BMW Demo day.  I was not able to reserve a spot to test ride anything because of work and when I arrived all the bikes were signed out.  Signed out for every ride no less. 

Pacific Motosports 

Hosted the ride and all riders got to go out for at least an hour on the bikes.  There were demo’s of almost every bike they make except the new 800 Adventure was not there. I really wanted to ride the F800GT and the new 1200 but I just watched and then enjoyed a great solo ride in the exceptional heat.  It was over 30 C or 90 F yesterday.  Cheryl was at work and I just rode around to decompress from my work.   May have to purchase a smaller tent for myself soon.  Cheryl’s new job is not as flexible with days off and I have a feeling I will be doing some rallies unfortunately alone.

We might have to wait a bit until Cheryl settles in and gets through her apprenticeship before we start making any real bike plans.  As for me?  I need to embrace solo riding which might be good…I hope we both can attend the BMW MOA rally in Salem, Oregon together but I don’t think Cheryl will be able to get to the Touratech event in June or some local rides our dealer has set up like this one.. Continue reading →

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Gerbings Recall


JUST FYI! If you have this model jacket I would recommend getting it fixed or replaced while you are not needing to use your liner. ;-)

WARNING: Gerbing’s Plug CompatibilityGerbing uses coaxial plugs that meet our exact quality specifications. Other manufacturers have not shared their coaxial plug specifications, nor supported testing, so that we can assess whether they match our plug quality and are compatible with our plugs. Therefore, Gerbing cannot recommend that you connect anything other than a Gerbing plug to a Gerbing plug regardless of how similar the plugs may look, may feel, or may appear to fit or work together.
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10 Tips for Camping with Your Photography Gear


SOURCE: Improve Photography

A beautiful female photographer holds a tripod and a DSLR while hiking and camping.

Being in the outdoors with photography gear can be tricky.

It is summer time in the Northern Hemisphere, and for many of us, that means enjoying photography while camping, hiking, or just being in the great outdoors.  Along with being outdoors with your camera and lenses come several problems: heat, dust, weight, etc.  Since I moved to Idaho, I have been spending a lot of time camping with my photography gear, so most of these tips are from personal experience.  Here you go!

Outdoor Photography Tip #1:  Bring no more than two lenses.  When I am going to be shooting in an easily accessible location in the city, I usually bring a couple bags of gear full of lenses and other stuff, but when I go outdoors I decide on two lenses and do not allow myself to bring any more.  Typically, I bring a 10-24mm lens for landscapes and a 70-200mm lens for close range wildlife photography and some landscapes. Continue reading →

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Alternative Conversion for Tubed to Tubeless


Wicked alternative to buying new rims for our bikes to make them capable of having tubeless tires.  A Facebook reader of ours Tom, posted this idea.  Tom had this done to his brand new Triumph Tiger 800 down in his home country of the Phillipeans.  I asked Tom to keep me updated how this holds up.  So, far 150 KM’s no problems.  I am curious if this will hold and if his tires will leak…we shall see….in the mean time…have a look and tell us what you think?  YEAH or NAY??? I have included pics from Tom’s install.

Continue reading →

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Tool ideas by Gary in AK


It’s always great to hear what other ADV riders are doing with their bikes and farkles.

Our guest Blogger is Gary from Alaska, Gary Rides a 650 VStrom and here is his solution to carrying tools and where he bought his tool kit from…thanks Gary!

Thought you might like this as a possible blog topic – motorcycle tools to take on the road.  In this niche topic, I would offer Blue Ridge Racing tools as the best, and this is what we carry.  They are not cheap (in quality or price), and as you browse their kits, you can see they are put together with logic by riders.

In addition to the stage III kit, I have two of these:  http://www.agrisupply.com/manual-canister-large-with-neoprene-seal/p/67670/&sid=&eid=/
mounted on the inside of my left rear SW Motech case frame.   My Blue Ridge Racing Tools are in these tubes as well as tire plugs, valves, etc.

http://www.blueridgeracing.com/motoStore.htm

Hope this is useful…

Gary

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Competition Accessories Slider 4.0 Kevlar Riding Jean Review


I would hope if you are riding in jeans that your jeans have Kevlar in them at the very least.  These Sliders look the part and would hopefully do the trick if you were to find yourself in a slide….anything is better than just Levi’s.  ;-) Stay safe.

The company says its Sliders 4.0 Kevlar Jeans provide the comfort and look of your favorite pair of jeans, but with the added protection of genuine DuPont Kevlar. Sliders Motorcycle Jeans use a generous amount of Kevlar, with coverage in the knees, shins, seat, and sides of your legs and hips.

Sliders also gives you the option of using CE rated knee armor, with 3 position pockets so you can get the knee armor to sit in just the right spot. With a relaxed fit, Sliders Jeans are very comfortable both on and off the bike, and are constructed of a durable 13.5oz denim. Sliders Riding Jeans are sold by waist and inseam sizes, just like normal jeans. Continue reading →

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New Farkles – Some for FUN some we need!


It’s always fun when you get a new bike and get to buy some big-ticket items but sometimes it’s the little less expensive farkles that make your bike your own.

Having owned BMW’s before, two ’10 F650GS’s, we have learned from our first time out of the gate what we want, need and who we want to buy from as in dealers/suppliers.  The good news there are accessories for these bikes all over the place and so many choices and price ranges.  I do most of the research for what goes on the bikes and Cheryl of course installs it all.  Recently, we have been on a AltRider kick.  Why?  Well, the do make some great products like our crash bars, head light protector and rad guard but I have to say they ship so fast to Canada I can often get my order faster than I can ride down to my dealer here in BC.  We pick and choose where and when we buy accessories/farkles based on impulse ;-) or as we can afford them.

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.

creestopsign

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!

55
Photo by Fabrice Tremblay
Continue reading →

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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 →