April 5 – 6 2016
In February I turned 50, half a century old. I remember when I was younger thinking 50 was old, yet when I look in a mirror…I don’t see an old woman. Weird, I see someone who has been through many trials and tribulations but not weathered, not old, just living.
Continue reading “50 is just a number & Helicopter”
Great review written and ridden by Lemmy at Revzilla. Oh and if you buy from Revzilla it does help this blog…just saying, please and thank you.
Continue reading “2016 BMW S1000XR review by LEMMY”
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
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”
Published: 08 October 2015
BMW stumbled over a rampant global sales success when they released the R nineT. The world went nuts for the air-cooled retro roadster, leaving the factory struggling to keep pace with demand, and as hungry owners twiddled their thumbs for delivery, bikes were changing hands in the order queue at a £1000 premium over the retail price.
Now, two years on from the first unveiling of their nineT, BMW are set to add to the range with up to four further models based on the same platform – as imagined here by our MCN’s talented illustrator. But rather than going high-end with a bejewelled version, the new range will be built around the exact opposite – a budget version fit for customisation.
The first bike expected to arrive will be a Scrambler, something BMW have already as good as confirmed with ‘Path 22’, their bonkers surfboard-equipped concept bike shown in June this year. While that boasted a smattering of Öhlins, Akrapovic exhausts and a 9ft surfboard, we’d expect the production version to be somewhat more conventional, and certainly sans surfboard!
What was immediately clear from the concept though was that the new iterations will have a cheaper-to-produce steel petrol tank, more budget suspension, and alloy wheels instead of expensive laced rims. The brakes are also likely to be taken from a cheaper parts bin, while the nineT’s pressed aluminium trinkets and costly exhaust are also likely to be casualties of the lower price tag.
We expect the Scrambler to be released in production form at next month’s Milan show, but our German sources suggest that this bike is just the tip of the iceberg with a four-bike family set to sit beneath the R nineT in terms of spec and price.
While they may be another year or so away from being unveiled, we believe the Scrambler will be joined by a back-to-basics roadster that more closely mimics the nineT’s styling, and offers owners an ideal blank canvass from which to build their own vision of boxer perfection. Arguably more attractive though is the suggestion that there will be a GS-esque version that draws inspiration from the original R80G/S of 1981. Described as looking not unlike the original Paris-Dakar bikes, it’s sure to attract riders who don’t see themselves in the hipster camp, but who want the retro vibe. It’s interesting that when BMW released the HP2 Enduro in 2005, no-one wanted it. The Megamoto of 2007 didn’t fare much better, while the HP2 Sport was an instant – if small volume – icon. Proof, maybe, that timing is everything. The rare Enduro now commands upwards of £12k if you can find one (there’s one on mcnbikesforsale.com right now for £12.5k), while other retro offerings from the same period, Ducati’s Sport Classic springs to mind, are also soaring in demand, and value.
Ducati’s experience leads us neatly to the fourth of the rumoured bikes, which is expected to be a café-racer described as having a seat unit similar to Moto Guzzi’s V7 Racer, and an Imola-style nose cowl that’s redolent of Ducati’s Sport 1000.
The base model roadster is expected to arrive at sub-£8000 to compete heavily with the rest of the burgeoning sector for retro roadsters, while the three pre-styled models are likely to command a slight premium, but to still limbo neatly under the £8500 bar.
Continue reading “BMW’s new air-cooled GS”
SEE Original post here: ADV PULSE
Thanks to Gary from AK for leading me to this article.
I have been fortunate to have been able to ride most of these roads while in Alaska in 2011. Nice to read a seasoned riders recommendations. Once you have been to Alaska it will forever be embedded in you memory as an epic ride.
Alaska always seems to come up as a top bucket list destination for Adventure Riders and it’s easy to see why. America’s “Last Frontier” offers vast untouched natural beauty and pristine landscapes that are unsurpassed in North America. With endless miles of challenging routes to explore, an adventure motorcycle is the perfect tool to fully experience all Alaska has to offer. Here are ten must-see destinations for any Adventure Rider interested in taking an Alaska motorcycle trip.
Courtesy Phil Freeman
This is the farthest north you can ride a motorcycle on the continent. The road is 414 miles long out of Fairbanks, and throws at you broken chip seal and a calcium chloride infused dirt surface. It also is the mother lode of sloppy grater and water truck road construction and wind blasting semis, headed to the bay. This is one destination you don’t want to skip on your Alaska motorcycle trip! It offers excellent remote scenery and does not bore; the view is just as good going up as it is going back south. But don’t try to do this ride all in one sitting, many riders have attempted it, and many have succumbed to either road conditions or stamina.
Courtesy Phil Freeman
Courtesy Phil Freeman
This is the original entrance to Denali National Park and is over 120 miles of dirt loveliness. The scenery is epic, the remoteness is real (yes, you are now part of the food chain) and stopping and exploring along the way is off the charts. The Alaska Range parallels this entire ride, and offers scene after scene of quintessential “Alaska.” There are mining roads that meander this way and that, off the main road, which make for hard-core adventure. Do not go alone into this world; bring a buddy, and the willingness to adventure! Stay over at Gracious House (mile 82) and save a day or two for exploring from there. Pack a fly rod if you are into that kind of thing. Bring a camera: you will be seeing some furry friends.
Courtesy Phil Freeman
This town was started around the turn of the last century as a stop-over for gold seekers. It is a veritable oasis in the midst of unadulterated wilderness. The Road House in Town offers refuge, camping, food and bar. A dip in the hot springs is worth every cent and is a very unique experience. There are two roads worth exploring: The road to Tofty and the road to Ruby (Wyatt Earp’s famed Gold Rush Residence). Mind “No Trespassing” signs, as you are riding through gold mining country. Gear up light, get on your pegs and get ready for some great jeep trails! Never hurts to talk to the locals as conditions change out on these far, outpost roads.
Courtesy Phil Freeman
This is the unsung hero of adventure riding in Alaska. It is remote, rugged, and the Alaska Flags replace the American ones. The people are hardy, welcoming and will help you seek out some fantastic jeep two-track stuff that fans out from the main road. If you go out there, plan for a couple of days riding. The old gold mining roads out there allow you to access places that literally no one goes to anymore. Make sure to check out Circle City on the Yukon out there. Ride out in the morning and get ready to see some critters.
Courtesy Phil Freeman
This destination is a MUST. It is the old miner’s entertainment town that services the Copper mine at Kennicott, just up the hill. The road out there is a 60-mile dirt blast, the base of which is the old railroad that used to service the mine until the late 30’s. Make sure to stop at the Kuskulana Bridge and check out the cat walks underneath. This is a step back in time, and the best thing about it is that only motorcycles can get across to the town and mine! You may cross at the pedestrian bridge; just make sure there is no one on it. The town is locked in time and the mine is amazing. Take some time there and consider the tour of the mine building at Kennicott. Also, enjoy the old wagon road that links the mine with the town, and passes by the old cemetery. Truly ADV stuff here.
Courtesy Phil Freeman
This old gold mining town has seen more prosperous days, but if you like stepping back in time, watching bald eagles, salmon climbing up the river and riding dirt roads through the mountains, this is your spot. Make sure to stop by the Seaview Cafe for seafood chowder or pie at Tito’s Cafe. The ride up Palmer Creek Road is fun and ends in old gold mining ruins. This is a great day ride out of Anchorage, but it’s not bad for an overnight stay either.
This is an access road out of Trapper Creek which offers south facing views of Mt. McKinley. It climbs to above tree line and veers west down Cache Creek. It offers on-the-pegs riding, creek crossings and general ADV fun. You can easily spend a couple of days back there exploring trails.
Courtesy Phil Freeman
Ride from Tok to Dawson and experience great dirt and paved roads that offer broad views and history. Make sure to leave a couple of hours to ride to Eagle on the Yukon River. Dawson itself is a treat and worth a couple of days. Take the Solomon Mine 60-mile circuit out of town and visit the original gold strikes on a dirt road just made for the ADV rider. Make sure to drop by the Downtown Hotel and get yourself a “Sourdough Cocktail” (a drink with a human toe in it!) – You are now an honorary Sourdough!
This is not a long ride but huge in the scale of epic. Ride through Moose Pass on the Kenai Peninsula south, and once out of town you cross the Trail River Bridge and take left. Follow for a couple miles and take the first left. It is just an ATV trail, so come riding light, and get ready to climb thousands of feet to an old gold mine which overlooks Kenai Lake and the Harding Ice Field. Simply amazing.
Courtesy Phil Freeman
This is a 40-mile jaunt into Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. The park itself is impressive, harboring 9 of the 16 tallest peaks on the continent, and is the largest preserve in the United States. The road starts out civil, then throws at you dirt surface and stream crossings, and turns to “rustic”. At the end of the road, past the airstrip, take off your riding boots and put on some hiking shoes and explore the old gold mines up there. There are places in which the miners just left everything behind, and now nature is taking over. This ride is notable as the finish is much more scenic than the start.
About the Author: MotoQuest founder Phil Freeman is an adventurer through and through. Born and raised in Alaska, Phil boasts more than 20 years experience traveling Alaska by motorcycle, and co-authored the award-winning book “The Adventurous Motorcyclist’s Guide to Alaska.” MotoQuest offers guided motorcycle tours around the world and motorcycle rentals in the West Coast of the U.S. For more information, visit motoquest.com
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.
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.
Continue reading “BMW R1200GSW – my progression with the GS family”
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?
Continue reading “My First 2 Weeks Home”
It’s that time to get to Long Island….😊 I am in Pennsylvania right now and will be heading out soon to finish this incredible X Country trip in my very fun Fiat 500L.
Love this car, it did well on this trip and it really reminds me of my F800GS on 4 wheels.
Continue reading “2015 Long Island or Bust Tour – Days 23 & 24”
May 15 2015 (all picks can be clicked and enlarged)
Staying away from interstates is sure paying off with scenery and roads made for a NASCAR racer. Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia all have great roads, made for bikes and sporty cars, intense Spring smells, scenery and since it’s before Memorial Day peaceful driving. Continue reading “2015 Long Island or Bust Tour Days 21-22”
May 12 2015-all pics clickable
I wasn’t sure what I was going to do all day here near Robbinsville, NC so I decided to drive up to Knoxsville, TN to check out some RV’s. Just for the hell of it. Unbeknownst to me I ran into the real “Tail of the Dragon”…hence the above video. I feel a little embarrassed to have thought I drove it the day before but hey…no map no clue. Now I have an idea why many and I mean many come to drive or ride this road.
Continue reading “2015 Long Island or Bust Tour – Day 20 – THE DRAGON”
May 11 2015-UPDATE-I’m an idiot lol
Tail of the dragon Rocks! Just actual drove the real thing on my way to Knoxville
Warm and muggy it was when I left Chattanooga, TN. I only had a short drive to a place called River’s Edge Treehouse Resort in Robbinsville, NC
More about the resort in a bit. The Cherokee National Park scenic by way was a treat to drive through. You can tell you are heading into the Blue Ridge/Smoky Mountain range when you see the difference in the trees and rolling hills. Continue reading “2015 Long Island or Bust Tour – Day 19 – Parks, Glamping and the East”
Advgrrl Motorcycle Adventures & More 