Month: April 2013

The Biggest Dogs in the World – There Be Giants


Let’s face it, some people like their pets big! If you are looking for a large dog there are a number of breeds which are generally referred to as giants. Be careful, though – you should only consider these breeds if you have lots of space, lots of time and quite a deal of money. The Ark in Space takes a look at the giants of the canine world.

SOURCE: THE ARK IN SPACE

The English Mastiff

The English Mastiff, in terms of mass is the big daddy of all dogs and its dimensions particularly that of the male are something to be believed. Every inch of this dog gives off strength and power – if the planet Krypton had a dog then this would probably be it. The world record holding breed for weight, this dog can weigh up to two hundred and fifty pounds for a male and around fifty pounds less than a female. The breed has been around for a long time – the name probably derives from the Anglo-Saxon word for powerful –masty. It is generally recognized to be the oldest dog breed in the UK. Continue reading “The Biggest Dogs in the World – There Be Giants”

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

2013 BMW F800GT – First Ride


The name’s almost the same but this middleweight sport-tourer is much better.

I have read so many First Ride reviews but yet to read an in depth on of our 2013 BMW F800GS…so weird how our bike has received so little attention…

SOURCE:  CYCLE WORLD

April 26, 2013 By
Photographer :  Jonathan Beck2013 BMW F800GT - action #1 Continue reading “2013 BMW F800GT – First Ride”

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 “Competition Accessories Slider 4.0 Kevlar Riding Jean Review”

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 “New Farkles – Some for FUN some we need!”

Picture of the Day


Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains
Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains

This was taken in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains in Cades Cove on Sparks Lane in October 2012. I went to the cove in hopes of a lot of fog, a little disappointed there wasn’t that much. But walking down the lane as the sun came up, the light all photographers dream about showed itself.

(This photo and caption were submitted to My Shot.)

Photograph by Christopher Ewing, My Shot

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

More young riders, women, minorities choosing Harley-Davidson: OEM


HD has the best marketing I have ever seen for their customers and they do attract many because of the culture they advertise too.

SOURCE: Dealer News

Publish Date:

Apr 22, 2013

Continue reading “More young riders, women, minorities choosing Harley-Davidson: OEM”

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
Continue reading “Section Two – Baie Comeau to Chibougmau”

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 “TNE Phase One-True North East”

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 “Motorcycle Safety Then and Now”

How Dangerous are Motorcycles, Really?


DO YOU AGREE with these STATS????  SOURCE:  A LAW FIRM 😉

We have compiled the most recent traffic statistics to show you how motorcycles stack up against automobiles in road safety. Even though motorcyclists are involved in fewer accidents each year than car owners, the rates at which motorcyclists are gravely injured in an accident is surprisingly high. Bike owners are also involved in a higher percentage of accidents involving speeding, alcohol and driving with an invalid license. Find out what risks you may be taking before you purchase that new bike.

Motorcycle wreck statistics make for a fascinating read, especially if you actually own a bike. Many injury attorneys in Houston deal with cases related to motorcycle accidents and fatalities. While bikers have a legendary reputation for boldness among the general public, the sensible biker quietly fears for his safety on the roads, as well he should. The statistics below represent only a small amount of the data that indicates just how much danger waits on the road for the average motorcycle rider.

The greatest dangers seem to come from the lack of awareness among drivers of larger vehicles regarding the smaller vehicles they share the road with. Reports attribute most motorcycle wrecks not to malice or inconsiderate disregard in the larger vehicle driver, but to the simple failure to really notice a motorcycle on the road. If you are a motorcycle rider, work up a good healthy dose of fear. A solid amount of caution might just help keep you safer on the roads. The next time you saddle up for a trip on your bike, consider these tidbits:

  • About 70% of motorcycle accidents occur at intersections.
  • In almost two thirds of motorcycle collisions with another vehicle, it was the other vehicle that violated the motorcyclist’s right of way.
  • Bikers die from accidents at about 37 times the rate of the occupants of all other vehicles.
  • Approximately 80% of collisions injure or kill a motorcyclist, but only about 20% injure or kill occupants of all other cars.
  • In 2009, bikers accounted for 13% of fatal accidents, but only for 3% of registered vehicles on the roads.
  • A large proportion of motorcycle accidents involve riders who have had their bikes for less than a month.
  • Single vehicle accidents represent approximately half of motorcycle wrecks. Continue reading “How Dangerous are Motorcycles, Really?”

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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