Outta here on July 9th 2012


Finally we get to go away on our bikes for more than a long weekend.  This will not be an epic trip like last years 44 day Alaskan Adventure but it’s going to be a great trip just the same.  We will have our SPOT Connect with us on tracking too.  We do this not only for anyone who might want to follow but for our family and friends to keep an eye on us.  We hate using cell phones on the road and this is one way we can stay in touch with those we need to without using the phone.

We also can skype etc.  Technology comes in handy.  There will be live update on this BLOG, our Facebook pages as well as tons of pictures.  Anyone who follows this blog sure knows Leslie LOVES her pictures.  We are excited to head down to KLIM and see where our suits are made or come from at least.  We are looking forward to getting some off roads riding tips, meeting other ADV riders and enthusiasts.  Just excited to get outta of here and get away from our jobs and be together on the road.  That is where we feel our best.

Closer to departure date I will post the SPOTwalla page so if you feel lke you want to track where we are going you can see it live.  We have no idea really where we are going after Rigby, ID so everyone else will find out when we do.  ;-)

More info on this 2 weeks adventure on the next few weeks.  WE can not wait! :-)

NEWS FLASH – This JUST IN


UPDATE on our KLIM Latitude Jacket COLLAR ISSUES!

Pictures to follow but here is my update regarding our collar issues on our new KLIM Latitude jackets.  I posted this on the ADV Riders Forum. 

GREAT Customer Service KLIM!  Thanks!

BEFORE: 

STILL BEFORE: 

Hey guys and gals…we contacted KLIM about our collar issues and ended up sending them back for modifications. WE had to use KLIM to stay within the warranty and of course to keep the integrity of the jacket/Gore Tex.

We are pleased to announce KLIM shorten our current collars by 2 cm and added some more felt around the flap as well as added a little piece of Velcro to hold the flap when the jacket is open. I will post pics when I can to show how the new shortened collars no longer hit our helmets or impede with our shoulder checks, the collar no longer jabs into my neck and the helmet strap no longer gets caught on the Velcro for the flap.

Now, KLIM will charge $80 for this mod and I would suggest calling down there to get particulars on your own issue if you have any. We are much happier because we are much more comfortable in these jackets now. So, just passing along what we did to rectify what we felt was a very unfortunate collar issue for the price we paid. Seems for now this is what they are going to do for all new production jackets. Take them down 2cm or 1 inch since ours worked.

When I get the chance I will post pictures of the new collars and the height.  We got both our jackets done.  That’s it for now just wanted to get the word out if you own this jacket, KLIM Latitude and hate the collar call them @ Ph. 208.552.7433 and ask how they can make your collar feel better. Any questions feel to post them in the comments. 

KLIM’s Second Annual Adventure Summit This July


We are having problems figuring out where to go for at least one ride this summer.  KLIM has their annual ride and here is all the info one would ever want.  I hope we can make this event if we both can get off work…anyone going to go?

Daily rides leaving from base camp (on the Snake River) will show you the way to great views and good times.

April 27 2012

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

A Long Commute // KLIM


I have never met Mark from KLIM but have had many email exchanges and have spoken to him over the phone.  NICE commute he has to work.  Maybe one day I can work for KLIM?  ;-)   Now compare Mark’s commute to mine…

What’s it like for Mark to commute from Arizona to Idaho for work? Awe-some! Watch now.

For more information about KLIM, visit http://www.klim.com

Continue reading

KLIM LATITUDE SUIT 1ST IMPRESSIONS


Sorry that the video is a bit dark and no zooms.  Cheryl is away and I promise our second impressions video will be better done.  Hope this video will provide you all with some useful info and isn’t too painful to watch.

UPDATE:  We sold both suits.  Just turned out they were not fir us, too stiff.

840D Cordura Shell = thick

Continue reading

ADV LIFE by RAWHYDE


A new website on the web that points ADV riders in the right direction for accessories, where to ride, gear companies who are top-notch, online dealers who have great reputations for their products and customer service.  If you are getting into ADV riding and need info and direction, this is for you.  If you are an avid ADV rider all ready this site is for you too.  As a matter of fact it’s for all of us who love to ride and are in the market for accessories, riding tricks etc.  Check it out….it’s a great bookmark!

ADVLife.us click here!

The Reality Behind TRUST // Klim


We wear KLIM.  WHY?  Watch this video and everything they claim so far we have found to be true.  One thing the video forgot to say is how great their customer service is, how great the warranty is on their gear and how great their gear lasts.  Waterproofness and durability are two things we were looking for when shopping around.  We spent a lot of money on less expensive gear trying to find our way. 

I wish someone would have pointed us into the KLIM direction from the beginning…we would have found a way to save our money.  The Traverse suit, the one we wear right now is not completely off the charts $$ wise but their Latitude, Badlands and Rally suits get up there in price.  Worth it?  depends if you need your gear to be convenient when it comes to waterproofing and breath-ability. If you like your own layering choice as we do KLIM is for you.

Continue reading

UTAH BACKCOUNTRY DISCOVERY ROUTE EXTENDED TRAILER


Maybe next year Cheryl and I stay completely in the backcountry???????????? 

 

Here is an extended trailer for the Utah Backcountry Discovery Route (UTBDR) expedition documentary DVD.

The film is being produced by Joe and Flora Lloyd of Curbsyde Productions and will be distributed by Noren Films.

The UTBDR project is brought to you by:

- Touratech-USA
- KLIM Technical Riding Gear
- Butler Motorcycle Maps
- Nemo Equipment
- WARN
- Sidi Boots
- BMW Motorcycle of Utah
- The Edge Powersports
- Canyonlands Jeep Rentals
- BMW MOA
- Noren Films
- Technik Studios
- Curbsyde Productions.

Additional info on the UTBDR can be found here:

http://www.utbdr.com

For more on the Backcountry Discovery Routes please visit:

http://www.backcountrydiscoveryroutes.com

2011 SHELTON VALLEY DUAL SPORT & ADVENTURE RIDE


Another great video from Curbsyde Productions. Sounds like they have this ride twice a year, one in June and one in October.  Would love to see about going out on the next June ride 2012.  This just looks awesome and I love the passion these riders have for the Adventure.  Cheryl and I have to go one day, I mean where are the women?  ;-)  

That is one purpose for this blog, it’s not only to share where we go but about all the other exciting events, riders and info that I can find out there and document it.  We also really want women to see that everyone can ADV tour and have a great safe time.

Curbsyde Productions here

GERBING’s HEADQUARTERS TRIP


Heading out tomorrow, November 6th to go see the Gerbing Headquarters on Monday.  We will have our SPOT Tracking on as always.  We use this as a safety thing as well as to track our own route.  So, if you have nothing else to do check in and see where we are.  I have a good time tracking rides in real-time.  I guess I am a nerd like that….the link is also in our SPOT Tracking page where our previous trips are too. The tracking and map will become active when we leave.  Maybe around 1000 PST.

Gerbing Trip Nov. 6th, 7th & 8th 2011

KLIM’s NEW BADLANDS AND LATITUDE IS SHIPPING


I have posted info about the new KLIM gear before but dealers are now shipping the new Badlands and Latitude ADV suits.  We are HUGE fans of KLIM gear not only because this is a company that listens to the riders who buy their stuff, but it is truly ADV gear, waterproof without liners and extremely comfortable while be made with top quality material.  They also sell long pants sizing as well.

KLIM’s NEWLETTER here

We are not paid employees of KLIM just LOVE sharing what works for us.  We hope the new Latitude will be in our future.  We have been wearing the Traverse for a year now and it has been almost perfect.  We knew the new gear was on the horizon and now that it is here in the flesh, the Latitude seems to really be what we are looking for.  The Latitude simply has hip gators for rider to use and open while sitting to give a little more room.  But for the women out there this is a HUGE addtition because it may allow for we grrls to fit into smaller jacket sizing with using the hip gators all the time.  Plus, the new gear has more pockets than the Traverse.  We need pockets while traveling and this is a nice addition that the Traverse really lacks.

Have a look and if you are lucky to find a dealer who has these in stock, maybe try them on for size. ;-)

BADLANDS

 

Badlands Pants

 

Latitude

 

Latitude Pants

Some say KLIM is too expensive.  I think if we found this gear in the first place we would have saved money in the long run.  We have been through so many brands, types of set up and so far KLIM is the closest to what we need in gear without sacrificing comfort and safety.  

 

UTBDR – What is this?


The Utah Backcountry Discovery Route, or UTBDR, is a scenic driving route across the state of Utah, from Arizona to Idaho, for dual-sport adventure motorcycles and 4×4 vehicles. This 1000 mile long south-north route uses mostly un-paved backroads and will pass through a number of iconic locations including Moab, Valley of the Gods, the Abajo and La Sal Mountain Ranges, Nine Mile Canyon, and the northern Wasatch Mountains.

Backcountry Discovery Routes HERE

Some sections they refer to being as technical look ridiculously technical for big bikes but in a fun way.

Olympic Peninsula Pics Con’t


 

The leaves still don't seem to be at their fall peak

Whenever I see these signs I expect the worse but it's always not that bad

My favorite pic from the trip for some reason

Hardly any traffic

Leslie's bike

Cheryl's bike

Both bikes are pretty loaded for ADV riding and of course fairing protection.  The Denali LED lights are a huge asset for not only increased visibility for the rider but just an important for others to see us.  Riding in front of Cheryl even during the day they really stand out.  At night you can’t miss them.

Motooverland kickstand extender - Brand new and fits perfectly! Check it out. Made for the F800 and F650

Sections of the roads were very twistie and fun to ride

Sraying on the pavement, Cheryl needs a new chain and sprockets preety badly by now. 32000 KM on the BMW OEM chain and sprockets

We have been on this ferry to Port Townsand many times and well worth the $10.90 for both bikes

Some people who do not ride ask me “why so many pictures of your bikes?”  Well, because they are beautiful.  :-)

Port Townsand

what would it be like without rain for a Cheryl & Leslie's ride?

cool General Store, nice owners too

Heading down to Salt Creek Campground

Watch out for deer, we arrived at dusk

there is a private campground called Crescent Beach to the right

Our site for the nite

this view was right next to our site

we were all prepared for a cold night with our new sleeping bags but it was only 8 Celsius over night

no rain over night

heading out for some food to cook at the site before dark

so vute, why would anyone want to hunt and eat these guys?

never has to worry about it getting dark while in Alaska this summer

warmed up sandwiches for dinner, fire comes in handy more ways than one

nothing too fancy

Some nice folks offered us dry wood to help with our fire.  Most campers at this site had truck loads of their own firewood.  We?  not so much but we got help.

Cheryl always has to climb some tree

morning sunrise

Cheryl and I both agree there is something really special about the ocean and being by water

while Cheryl slept, I took a tour of the bluffs

Our breakfast for champions. Not!

why is it that while on the road cornbeef hash tastes so good?

we got poured on camping in Seabeck

trying to light a fire in the rain, worked for a bit but then bit the dust

we were the only tenters at the State campground and there was a 5th wheeler parked too

just not working in the rain

Kudos goes to our Mutha Hubba tent. Kept everything dry including us

Forest Ranger dude said they get 65 inches of rain a year in the area. He also brought us coffee to our site but we had no mugs! Nice guy!

another short ferry to ride to Edmonds, WA

we arrived with only 10 mins to spare before the ferry took off

off the Peninsula now and heading home

The Canadian Border and the completed loop. 983 or so KM.