How tall is too tall?


Most pics can be enlarged! Updated from a previous post

Check Out your ERGO’s by CLICKING HERE

I have been asked many times “how can you ride such a tall bikes”?  So, I have put together some pics to try to show as close as I can with the specs I know what I might look like on all the recent bikes I have owned or “borrowed”.  My height is 5’5″, well almost 5’5″ 😉 with an in seam of 30.5 inches. 

Riding “tall” bikes within reason is doable for any rider who can ride.  All about your own comfort and instincts.  Trust them and learn. Continue reading “How tall is too tall?”

What comes around goes around


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Good bye 1200GS for now

I feel like I am always saying good bye to something…this time it’s my brand new 2015 BMW 1200GS.  Totaled on October 17, 2015 only after owning her for 3 months.  Welcoming back will be my loaded 2013 BMW F800GS.

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Continue reading “What comes around goes around”

Welcome Sint Maarten Population: 39,689-# 218th Country


Amazing…Sint Maarten is my 218th country to stop by the blog.  I am learning every day about all the different countries that exist in this world.  I have to be honest…never knew there were so many that have gotten their own country status…geography 101!  Continue reading “Welcome Sint Maarten Population: 39,689-# 218th Country”

The Lure of the Motorcycle


October 17th, 2015 was a new adventure for me.  I crashed and totaled my brand new 2015 BMW 1200GSW.  Some were hoping this would be my wake up call hoping I would not want to ever ride again.  I wonder if those same people question those who have been in a car crash?  I digress.

My life with my bike(s) has been full of LIFE.  Exploration, going places I would never dream about going in a car.  Meeting so many people who don’t share my passion about bikes but want to know “how do you do this alone?”  What is it like to ride in bad weather?  Don’t you get scared?  Aren’t you worried you will crash and die?

My life with my bike(s) has been about meeting people who share my passion and want to exchange stories.

Well, the later question is easy, not one I hope many experience but was I worried I would ever crash and die?  Yes.  It’s the truth.  Always in the back of my brain, somewhere was that thought but I was never scared for that day if and when it happened.

What scared the crap out of me on October 17th was the fact I had precious cargo on board.  I never envisioned myself jeopardizing another life all the while doing what I LOVE and know can be dangerous.  I mean pretty much just living can be dangerous into today’s society but we all know riding on two wheels, exposed to many things makes us more vulnerable to  “accidents” and injuries.

IMG_3534 Continue reading “The Lure of the Motorcycle”

2015 BMW 1200GS, FOLIAGE RIDE….CRASH


October 17 2015 – beauty turns into pain, all pics clickable to enlarge

Lessons learned…no one is immune to accidents no matter how many miles you have under your wheels.

Gear: Alipnestars Toucan boots-SAVED my Tibia from shattering, KLIM Altitude suit – saved my body from drainage ditch rash and broken shoulder, Shoei RF 1200 helmet – saved my head after landing on it, KLIM gloves saved my hands

so sad to see BLUE in this shape

2 UP – Joe Rocket basic gear, saved my partner from ditch rash, broken shoulder and her SCORPION helmet saved her head as well.  KLIM gloves protected her hands and TCX boots protected her feet. Continue reading “2015 BMW 1200GS, FOLIAGE RIDE….CRASH”

Jesse Luggage & AltRider = QUALITY


Simple install adding Jesse Luggage racks to my brand new Jesse luggage adds functionality for especially 2 up traveling.  Can’t say I love drilling into new panniers but in the end it was easy if you are careful.  Have owned Jesse Luggage since 2010…never had an issue even after my bikes took naps.  Waterproof and within the handle bars.  That’s how I like my bags.

BTW…new vanity plate coming soon.  👌

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I all ready have AltRider protection and I feel they are the best out there.  Taking off the head lamp shield is a piece of cake to clean.  The gang out there in Seattle at AltRider are always thinking…. Continue reading “Jesse Luggage & AltRider = QUALITY”

Struggling with Diabetes….part of life


My name is Leslie…I am a diabetic.

What-causes-diabetesWhen you see diagrams like the above you have to say to yourself…I am so embarrassed to have given myself diabetes.  But the truth is it runs in my family.  Maybe some of the above is true at times, but I am NOT embarrassed to say I have Type II diabetes.  It’s not my fault..and it can’t be a prison sentence either.  Diabetes for me is the biggest mind F@#K I have ever dealt with.

type-2-diabetes-1-638 Continue reading “Struggling with Diabetes….part of life”

BMW R1200GSW – my progression with the GS family


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ALL PICS CAN BE CLICKED

I always wondered if I would ever get the Giant GS model – 1200.  I have had a 2010 BMW F650GS and that was when I got bit by the Dual Sport bug. 

TRUE
TRUE

Although truly meant as a road bike my 650 took me across countries, USA/Canada in 2010 and rode thousands of miles in and around the PNW and BC, Canada.  Sold that bike with over 60 thousand KM. 

My 2010 BMW F798GS
On top of Mt. Washington, NH

Continue reading “BMW R1200GSW – my progression with the GS family”

After 2.5 months there is still a glitch…


I have moved back to the States from Canada just a little over 2 months ago. The Transition back has been not without complications.

IMG_5928 Continue reading “After 2.5 months there is still a glitch…”

KLIM LATITUDE take 3 = A lot of bang for the buck


New KLIM Latitude one of the most comfortable versatile suits on the market.  Not too heavy, priced OK, for me a good suit for every riding I do.  Highly recommend and I am sure KLIM will tweak this version yet again.  I will keep this one for sure…as well as my Altitude.  Love the new BLACK Altitude suit.  KLIM said they did not make any changes regarding the style of the Altitude by releasing the black version but I swear the collar is more forgiving as well as the width of the chest.  Could be wrong but sure feels different than my gray version.  That’s for another review.  😉

My bike for testing was my 2013 BMW F800GS.

It’s traded in 😵

Soon I will be riding a 2015 BMW R1200GSW.

yummy

More about my new bike soon… Continue reading “KLIM LATITUDE take 3 = A lot of bang for the buck”

2013 BMW F800GS for SALE! $10,800 Canadians Please read entire POST.


$10,800 – I am selling my F800 to get a 1200GS…I have a passenger periodically and it’s time to get a USA bike.  My bike has been MANY places and hope the new owner carries on the tradition.  Needs to go back to Canada.

LI Ferry Continue reading “2013 BMW F800GS for SALE! $10,800 Canadians Please read entire POST.”

My First 2 Weeks Home


May 30 2015 – work in progress the new BLOG layout

Random post updating my first 2 weeks back in New York after my over 8000 mile road trip from Vancouver to NY, the beach, rich people, weather, more grief, new beginnings and adjustments = back to reality?

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Xander, 15 years old, diagnosed on 2008 with severe heart failure and 4 month prognosis. Out lives my 13 year old Sierra and 10 year old Cruizer-lovely Beagle. Xander at 7 weeks..this is a keeper

Continue reading “My First 2 Weeks Home”

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