Category: About me

SpotWalla = Tracking


I have set up and tested my SpotWalla web page.  The page is active and all is good. If you are interested you might want to bookmark this page if you want to see my route and track. It will show movement Saturday morning…

You can leave comments on the SpotWalla page and adjust how many days you want to see at one time and what % of the GPS locations. It will ping every 10 mins. as long as I keep the batteries fresh The controls are to the left of the map.

To view this page CLICK HERE – SpotWalla X Country 2014

2 more sleeps…

Last Minute Inspection


I got lucky and was able to get my bike inspected, oil changed to semi-synthetic, new oil filter and chain adjusted @This is a local shop that can work on most bikes including BMW’S. Which is great because they fit me in and are way cheaper than the dealer. The guys even fixed my top box. Was missing a spacer and would rattle like crazy. A recent find of mine. Box is secured and going no where…no charge even though they had to take the mount a part.I did not get the techs names but they were very helpful and the young man who worked on my bike said when I left…”that’s a NICE bike”. So, love the fact they will work on my bike and even will do major work…all certified and approved. A Universal shop near my house and I did not know this until yesterday.I need a lift like this in my garage. Now that there is only one bike I think that I will place this on my own wish list.

It was in the 90’s F today…30 C. Helmet vents really well and so does my jacket. my bike turned 13,300 KM’s today

which will be most likely my starting mileage on Saturday. Bike checked out really well as it should and I feel so much better I had a pro take a look before I left. 3 days left..

 

 

 

 

More Prep and Gadgets


I have heard many times that riding today’s bikes are way too technological and we as riders bring too many gadgets. I guess it’s partly true in some sense but I also believe as an ADV rider (all rides are an ADV to the rider BTW), that we can choose how we want to travel at all times.

I mean isn’t that the beauty of taking a trip in any shape of form as you will and make it what you want? Some like single cylinder engines with no techno gadgets, to get away from the crazy world we live in….solitude. I can find solitude even riding with others on my bike. To me there is no real argument to judge or be judge how one defines an adventure. I say do whatever you want as long as you come back in one piece.

On this trip being SOLO, I am more confident that using my SPOT Connect is a great way for my family/friends and the public to keep an eye on me. I will have tracking set up and with this little device I can send a LIVE text message at the end of the day to say where I am and all is OK up to ten emails.


Continue reading “More Prep and Gadgets”

Slowly but Surely


I am making progress in packing. I know doesn’t seem to be such a huge task and it’s not when all you have to do is focus on a trip. I look forward to the end of this week..many issues will have at least some answers, again personally and then I can figure out what I am coming back too. In the meanwhile after today I will just not care about the personal and focus on myself being fortunate to explore the great continent of North America yet again in 2014.

Continue reading “Slowly but Surely”

Real Life Gear Testing


Throughout my X Country trip I will be reviewing in detail the gear I use, new and old.  The big new additions to my kit are the KLIM Altitude suit, Shoei RF 1200 helmet, Cardo Q3 intercom, Alpinestars Toucan GoreTex boots ( I have had these for a while and LOVE them) and a new OverBoard Dry bag…

Why not check out my Face Book Page and Ride Report

cardo_scala_rider_q3_detail Continue reading “Real Life Gear Testing”

10 more days to Departure


“If you are going through hell, keep going” – 2014 Adventure starts in 10 days….will be posting my SpotWalla page soon so my route can be tracked live.  Click the link, join the live Ride Report…will be posting lot’s of info there and many will comment…will post here are well as my FaceBook page.  All will have some different info especially the FB page.

“If you’re going through Hell, keep going.” – Solo X Country 2014


Departure date May 17, 2014 for 30 days. Plan – Vancouver, BC to North Carolina to Long Island, Upstate New York and back. Don’t know the route yet.

LINK TO my Ride Report on ADV Rider Forum Click HERE

SPOT Live Tracking Page

I have done quite a few big RR’s and smaller one’s but what makes this one different is I am no longer with my thought to be partner for life Cheryl. Let me back up…Cheryl and I were partners as common law for 15 years before she proposed to me in March 2012. In August of 2013 we had a destination wedding that turned out to be the best day of my life. We shared our relationship with 62 of our closest family and friends over a 2 day party. Continue reading ““If you’re going through Hell, keep going.” – Solo X Country 2014”

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