Tag Archives: camping

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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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If I don’t camp am I not a true ADV rider??????


I find there are three sides to the concept of camping while traveling on a bike. 

  1. Stealth Camping:  Living temporarily in a location, usually for recreation, in a covert or secretive fashion.  Stealth camping is also referred to as wild camping, ninja camping, or free camping.  (source:  stealthcamping.com)
  2. Tent Camping: Enjoying the great outdoors living in a tent usually in some sort of park or campground
  3. No way tent camping: Enjoy riding a bike from hotel/motel to hotel/motel

Cheryl and I are mostly #2 and #3.  Our theory about riding and camping/tenting is this…..If it’s not raining when we stop for the day and we are not too tired, we camp.  Our definition of camping can be setting up our tent or staying in a cabin.  We usually don’t mind if it rains on us after we get camp set up but truly dislike breaking down wet gear and having to pack it.  If it’s raining, we are tired we might still cabin it or hotel/motel.

We have foam pillows ;-)

camping gear can pack small

Continue reading →

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OUR KLIM SPOTwalla Page (will be activated July 9th)


On our trip will be using our SPOT Connect for tracking purposes.  This is so useful for our friends and family to keep an eye on us while traveling and in way easy on us so we do not have to make phone calls.  So, feel free as I say follow the bouncing ball and see where we are.  From July 12-16 we will be camping out while attending the KLIM Adventure rally.  The SPOT will not be activated at that time but before, July 9th and after see where we go because we have no idea where we are heading after KLIM.

See our other SPOT adventures here:  SPOT PAGE

SPOT KLIM ADVENTURE TRIP and then WHO KNOWS LINK!

If at anytime the SPOT is not sending out our GPS coordinates please feel free to comment here.  We do not always check to see if the SPOT is working.  Thanks.

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Our Tent progression & New Grrl sleeping bags ;-)


Seems like every year we get a new tent.  In 2010 we bought one-off eBay a Sierra Design.  Summer 2011 we decided we need more space and got a MSR Mutha Hubba.  Continue reading →

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BMW Motorrad – RawHyde Adventure Camp


Thanks Kathy for posting this on our FB page!

This should have followed my post from May 2nd, 2012 click here

Attending Adventure Camp with RawHyde Adventures, the official BMW Motorrad off-road training academy in North America, will greatly improve your off-road motorcycle skills and will open the doors to your adventure lifestyle, helping you become part of a global adventure motorcycle community. Your all-inclusive, semi-rustic weekend spent at RawHyde will create skills, memories and relationships that last a lifetime. -Teaching you and allowing you to do things on a motorcycle that you never thought you could do. Learn in a building-block manner starting from the very basics, then take your achievements to the next level, gently guided by your BMW Training Coach. Bring your own bike or rent one from RawHyde. Both beginner classes and advanced classes available. All dual-sport makes are welcome. http://www.rawhyde-adventures.com Continue reading →

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Utah Backcountry Discovery Route (UTBDR) Extended Trailer


This is a really good trailer to watch and see some of the back country of UTAH.  Especially good for those who read this BLOG from outside North America.  One thing missing from this video is a female ADV rider….HINT!!!!!!  ;-)   Love their KLIM suits, Touratech seems to be a sponsor of everything as well as KLIM.  The KTM and BMW bikes look awesome….sure makes you want to ride!!!!!!!!!!!  Enjoy!

Got this link from Pacific Motosports  They are working on their new site….have look at their old site…this is our BMW dealer.

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OUR 2010 BEEMERS MEGA PIC POST


We have both owned 2010 BMW F650GS aka F798Gsa bikes since 2010. Check back here every so often for new pics!

We have made this street version of the GS family more off-road worthy by adding some crash protection, better tires, added a beak to look more like its big brother the 800GS, have changed our chains to DID, we use Galfer brake pads which we feel last longer and are better than OEM, hand guards, Fastway pegs, Jesse Safari 8 inch luggage, Denali auxiliary lights, better headlamps bulbs than OEM, built-in heat controllers for our Gerbing’s heated gear, headlamp protector, larger Cee Bailey wind shield, we use K&N oil filters, semi synthetic oil, change this at about 15,000 KM, Renazco seat, Wunderlich tank bags, Kaoko lock (not used that much), rad protector and some other protection covers, side stand extender made by MOTOROVERLAND (MOD), ( we used a Touratech side extender for the 2010 trip) and perhaps a few things we have over looked.

Another reason to do this BLOG is for those who are just embarking on ADV riding or wanting to buy this DS bike hopefully you guys and gals might just learn a few things that we have tried and either succeeded or not.  We are not professionals but every day average riders so we hope most can relate.  if there are any questions please post here.  For the guys and gals out there who ride, feel free to read the comments and share your own success stories or secrets.  The more info we can provide here the better the newbies will feel asking questions in public. 

Remember there are NO dumb questions!

Here are some of our pics of the 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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2012 KAWASAKI KLR650 – RTW BIKE?


2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 | Preview

Tom Wera
10/25/2011
IS THE KLR THE BEST RTW DS BIKE?  My Colleague Ken owns one, he has been making modifications and we have talked about this topic.  Perhaps this is the best bike to take around the world…simple to maintain, inexpensive, reliable, light and can handle all the luggage too.
Seat is high but who cares eh if the bike makes the trip.  No computer uploads/downloads, not a bad idea, not complex…again a plus…so, questions for the readers out there….what do you think?  RTW, just an ADV bike, commuter or all of the above?
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NEW 2012 KTM ADVENTURE ABS (R) | PREVIEW


We have always been intrigued by the KTM bikes and their rugged ADV looks but as far as a bike for us and our riding they are a bit over kill.  Sure is a great ADV bike and from everything we read while comfort may be lacking on the pavement, this is a great choice for rugged off road terrain. 

2012 KTM Adventure ABS (R) | Preview

Tom Wera
11/16/2011

 

Click the images below for bigger versions:

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2012 KTM Motorcycle

Regardless of your destination, the 2012 KTM Adventure 990 was designed to take you there.

And with 115 horsepower on tap from the 999cc 75-degree V-Twin, the Adventure 990 can take you there rather quickly.

The Adventure 990 returns for 2012 as a carry-over with few upgrades – new orange powder-coated engine guards, newly-designed wrap-around hand guards, a modified center stand for easier use and new colors/graphics.

KTM also continues to offer the “R” model for the more adventurous rider. The KTM Adventure R, offered in a black color scheme, features a longer, 248mm/ 9.8-inches of suspension travel for aggressive riding, a seat height of 35.2 inches and higher ground clearance of 296mm/11.7 inches.

Both the standard Adventure and Adventure R arrive standard with ABS.

Beginning with the motor, the water-cooled V-Twin features four-valve cylinder heads with flow-optimized ducts and two overhead camshafts. The motor has lightweight pistons and connection roads for “decidedly spontaneous responsiveness, underlining its extremely sporty engine characteristics.”

Feeding the KTM Adventure 990 (R) is modern Keihin fuel injection that is also optimized for spontaneous response, allowing the machine to “harmonize raw power with optimum rideability.”

The trellis frame and aluminum subframe were designed to save weight while maintaining torsional stiffness needed for both on- and off-road performance. The KTM Adventure uses WP suspension components with adjustment so the rider can personally tailor the bike to his or her needs.

Braking is all Brembo, with dual 300mm discs up front squeezed by a two-piston caliper, with a 240mm single disc out back also squeezed by a two-piston caliper. The 2012 KTM Adventure 990 and Adventure R also feature standard ABS.

Speaking of the ABS, KTM says “The dis-connectible dual-circuit ABS system developed in cooperation with Bosch offers total protection against over-braking in all sports and touring situations, while maintaining the full effect and perfect feedback of a genuine sports brake thanks to very fine sensors.”

For long-distance comfort, the KTM Adventure 990 features a fairing/windscreen that offers optimal protection from the elements, a comfortable seat for both rider and passenger, and a large 15.2-gallon gas tank for non-stop miles. The oversized gas tank was also designed to support the legs while standing.

KTM says: “There is no shortage of details on the Adventure that distinguish it as a genuine travel enduro: from the practical, easily operated centre stand, the lockable stowage compartment between the tanks and the on-board electrical socket, to the robust engine guard, stable crash bars and hand guards.

“In addition to the standard engine guard, should the worst come to the worst, the Adventure is also equipped with orange powder-coated, extra-stable tubular crash bars, so that the bodywork is not so quickly damaged.”

As for colors, the Adventure 990 is offered in a white or blue color scheme, and the Adventure R in black.

Following are the specs for the 2012 KTM Adventure 990 ABS and Adventure R; as of this writing, the MSRP was not released, but expect to pay around $15,000 for the models.

2012 KTM Adventure 990 ABS / Adventure R Specs:

  • Engine type: 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, V 75°
  • Displacement: 999 cc
  • Bore/stroke: 101/62.4 mm
  • Power: 115hp @ 8750 rpm
  • Torque: 73.8 lb-ft @ 6750 rpm
  • Compression ratio: 11.5:1
  • Starter/battery: Electric starter/12V 11.2Ah
  • Transmission: 6 gears
  • Fuel system: Keihin Electronic fuel injection
  • Control: 4 V/DOHC
  • Lubrication: Pressure lubrication
  • Engine oil: Motorex, SAE 10W-50
  • Primary drive: 35:67
  • Final drive: 16:42
  • Cooling: Liquid cooling
  • Clutch: Wet multi-disc clutch, hydraulically operated
  • Engine management/ignition: Keihin EMS

Chassis:

  • Frame: Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame, powder-coated
  • Subframe: Aluminum
  • Handlebar: Aluminum, tapered, 28/22 mm
  • Front suspension: WP-USD 48 mm
  • Rear suspension: WP-PDS shock absorber with hydraulic spring pre-load
  • Suspension travel front/rear: 210/210 mm
  • Suspension travel front/rear R Model, 248/248 mm
  • Front brake: 2 x Brembo two piston, floating caliper, floating brake disc 300mm
  • Rear brake: Brembo two piston, floating caliper, floating brake disc 240 mm
  • ABS: Bosch two channel ABS
  • Wheels front/rear: 2.15 x 21”; 4.25 x 18”
  • Tires front/rear: 90/90-21”; 150/70 R 18″
  • Chain: X-Ring 5/8 x 5/16″
  • Silencer: Twin stainless steel silencer with regulated catalytic converter
  • Steering head angle: 26.6°
  • Wheel base: 1,570 ± 10 mm
  • Ground clearance: 261 mm/10.3″
  • Ground clearance R Model: 296 mm/11.7″
  • Seat height: 860 mm/33.9
  • Seat height R Model: 895 mm/35.2″
  • Tank capacity: approx. 19.5 litres/15.2gal – 4 litres/1gal reserve
  • Weight (ready to race): approx. 209,5 kg / 461.9lbs (without fuel)
  • Weight: R Model: approx. 207 kg / 456.4lbs (without fuel)
  • MSRP:TBD

Info Compliments of Ultimate Motorcycling

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go GLAMPING – Luxury and Quirky Campsites


More info on Glamping here!

Really cool website…camping choices for everyone out there!

Editor’s Picks

Latest Glamping Holidays

UNITED KINGDOM » Secret Valley, Somerset

Secret Valley, Somerset

Wooden wigwams and yurts surrounded by striking countryside within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty… more »

 EUROPE » Glampelo, Central Portugal

Glampelo, Central Portugal

Absolute relaxation in a full service venue offering luxury safari tents in a completely secluded valley with private river… more »
AFRICA » Teniqua Treetops, Western Cape

Teniqua Treetops, Western Cape

Unique and secluded tented treehouse accommodation on the popular Garden Route in Western Cape… more »

 AMERICAS » Bar W Guest Ranch, Montana

Bar W Guest Ranch, Montana

Cushy camping in these luxurious canvas lodge tents at the foot of the mountains near the town of Whitefish… more »
ASIA » Hintok River Camp at Hellfire Pass, River Kwai

Hintok River Camp at Hellfire Pass, River Kwai

A unique safari-style tented camp resort situated on one of the most spectacular spots along the famous River Kwai… more »

 OCEANIA » Alure Boutique Villas, Queensland

Alure Boutique Villas, Queensland

High-end luxury awaits you at this first class tented villa in the heart of Queensland’s Granite Belt wine country… more »
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Safe & Enjoyable Winter Riding


Source: Anthony from Revzilla

Safe & Enjoyable Cold Weather Motorcycle Riding

By BoochZilla

Changing Seasons, Changing Gears 

We all know about changing gears on the bike. Up is “up”, and down is “down.” How about that riding skill called changing gears between your ears? Autumn is a great time for riding. Temperatures are moderate and, in many parts of the land, beautiful color tours await. But the change in seasons also brings some different riding conditions that may require some mental gear changes.

Wildlife
As the leaves change and the die-off of summer vegetation occurs, deer, found virtually everywhere in North America, begin to change their feeding habits and move about more. Likewise, it’s their breeding season and is accompanied by an increasing frenzy of activity. In the autumn, in many states, this is compounded by the fact of their being spooked by hunters. The end result is more movement, more activity, and a greater threat to you as a motorcyclist. Change gears and give more thought to the possibility of deer on the road – especially less traveled two-laners and during the post-dawn and pre-sunset hours. The same applies to areas where our even bigger antlered friends (Antelope, Elk, Moose) wander. Cover the brake and give increased heed to those “deer crossing” signs.
Reduced Daylight
Not only are the forest critters in the road more active around dawn and dusk but dawn is arriving later, and dusk much earlier. If you are a year round rider or commuter, chances are increasing that you will be riding in darkness. You may want to make sure that your motorcycle gear (and bike) is up to the challenge.
Is your bike’s charging system performing correctly? Are all your lights working? Maybe it’s time to think again about that auxiliary lighting you’ve been looking at all Summer. Do your riding jacket or pants have reflective strips or panels? If not, why? Time to upgrade perhaps? You’ve been riding all year with sunglasses. What about your nighttime vision? Is the prescription for your glasses or contact lenses up to date?
Bridge Freezes Before Road Surface
We all know this sign or its cousin “Icy Conditions.” We’ve all scoffed at it throughout the warm weather riding season. Now it’s time to take serious heed. Especially in late afternoon, or early evening, as air temperatures fall toward the freezing mark, the ground can and does retain a great deal of warmth. But bridges and overpasses, completely surrounded by the chilled air, may not. The absolute worst is in light drizzle with temperatures hovering right around 32 degrees. The roadway may be simply wet. Bridges can be something far more challenging. And steel open grate bridges are the worst. It may be time to just go home! Also keep in mind that during the early morning hours underpasses can be treacherous when the sun warms the countryside but the underpass remains in the shade and overnight icing fails to melt. Caution is advised.
Focus on the Cold
When the temperature dips, we all feel it. Typically at 60mph you can add a 20 degree windchill to the ambient air temperature while riding. That means that you can go from comfy to cold in a hurry. Cold hands, feet or other parts or the body are just as bad as a poorly fitting piece of gear – they cause discomfort which leads to a loss of focus.
Wearing the appropriate base layers, mid layers, shell and potentially heated gear will greatly improve your chances for riding fun and safety. Also, take into account elevation changes on longer rides and make an extra effort to check the forecast in the cooler temp ranges as a little rain can produce much more extreme riding conditions quickly, than similar conditions at more reasonable temps.
Wet Leaves
Ice isn’t the only slip and fall hazard. All those beautiful fall colors – the photogenic oranges, reds, and browns that cover the landscape eventually fall to the ground as winter begins to exert its hold. As often as not the leaves fall en mass as a rainstorm drives them from the trees and directly into your roadway! And wet leaves can be as slippery as ice! How do we protect ourselves?
With the same methodologies we use to avoid nasty surprises like loose gravel or decreasing radius corners. Remember that it’s always heads up looking as far as possible into the turns and continue to practice what the Motorcycle Safety Foundation calls late apex cornering. You are less likely to run wide, have better visibility into the corner, and there is more margin for error if you simply practice braking a bit earlier, doing all your turning before the apex, and smoothly accelerating after the apex.
Riding into the autumn and into early winter brings some new challenges but they are all manageable if we just mentally change gears and adapt. Do so and you’ll enjoy another great season of motorcycling and you can always beef up your cold weather riding gear as well. Here’s hoping that everyone gets through the fall season without having to take evasive action on freezing or wet leaves to avoid a deer at sunset. Ride safe!
-Jack Broomall

Jack Broomall is a lifelong motorcyclist. His motorcycle adventures have taken him across the North American continent several times, to Alaska, the Alps, the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man. He is a member of the Iron Butt Association and also owns several motorcycle Land Speed Records set at the Bonneville Salt Flats where he is a member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club. He has been known to do occasional restorations of his favorite bikes from the 1970s and enjoys track days as well.