we survived the whole escapade unharmed

Riding to Roswelll, NM


Dan Fogelberg - Same Old Lang Syne

How To Know You Are At A Bad Bikers New Year’s Eve Party.

Published by Cyril Huze December 30th, 2007 in Editorial.

You know that you are at a bad bikers new year’s eve party if.

1 - To give it a Times Square feel, everyone is groped, fondled and pick-pocketed.
2 - The ‘Party Hats look suspiciously like stolen traffic cones.
3 - There’ is a "Happy 2000" sticker on the bag of shrimps you’ve been eating all night.
4 - Prison regulations require lights out at 10:00 pm.
5 - The guests have decided to start the countdown at 10,000.
6 - The ‘Champagne tastes suspiciously like apple juice mixed with Alka Seltzer.
7 - It’s January 6th.

Happy New Year To All.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

keep the rubberside down

4 Factors in Motorcycle Fatalities

1. Too Much Bike For Ones Skill Level.

All of us know someone who recently obtained their M.C. endorsement, only to go out and purchase a bike that is too large, and too powerful for them.

2. Lack of Training.

After all, who wants to spend a weekend stuck in training classes, when we could have the wind in our hair, and be on the open road!

3. Over Confidence.

With a large number of ex-riders re-entering the biking world, over confidence sometimes gets in the way.

4. Alcohol.

In our area I could attend a biker party almost every night of the week. Complete with food, music, and lot’s of beer!

What can be done to minimize our risks while engaging in this great hobby we all enjoy? Let me suggest four things.

1. Ride within your skill level.

We don’t need anymore show offs!

2. Get some training!

There are many opportunities for training in your area. (Ask your local dealer, or look on-line). Take advantage of it.

3. Stay alert and don’t get over confident.

Just because you rode several years ago, doesn’t mean you don’t need some practice now.

4. Enjoy the Alcohol when the ride is over.

On a recent trip to Minnesota, I enjoyed having a couple beers after a long day on the road, then I hit the sack.

“What suggestions would you add? Let me know what you think”!

Scooter touring

Horizons Unlimited

Travellers' Tales

DVD Review of "Get Lost: Oregon"

The ride starts out as a plan for one rider and one cameraman and quickly grows to eight riders, plus two cameramen who have to learn how to ride in the dirt, and one driver for the support van.

The movie is made without sponsors with riders who have brought their own bikes. Three members are shooting digital video, and one of those is also a still photographer. The group sometimes ride together and sometimes split into groups for different routes–usually to accommodate riding skills and bike differences. There are big dual sports like the BMW GS and KTM 950s. There are also smaller KTMs, Kawasakis and a Husqvarna.

A couple of riders experience mechanical troubles–one hole in a GS valve cover thanks to a hard rock, and a blown engine thanks to an overly aggressive rider flat out on a highway on a thumper.

The film is not just a bunch of guys riding around in the woods or on a twisty highway–the kind you see online in the forums. This is a film with a story and a twist. Nothing can be more nerve wrecking than when one of the riders in the party goes missing. The lesson learned in this scenario: never ride alone in the back country. As a documentary, you can’t plan or direct that scene. It just unfolds as the cameras are rolling. There is plenty of food for thought for planning your own adventure in the back country.

Long Way Round

This past weekend I had the opportunity to watch the 2-disc dvd of “Long Way Round” that featured actor Ewen McGregor and his friend, Charley Boorman (also an actor). It was shown on the Discovery Channel back in 2004 but I never got a chance to watch it. Boy, did I miss out. www.rippin-kitten.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk_Qkz_5ti8

Monterey Run

We awoke Sunday morning to a sunny but cold day. After a short breakfast at the hotel we headed out. But first we had to make a stop at Cannery Row for the obligatory picture there.


talesofaducrider: The continuing story of a man with a motorcycle obsession!

My welcome into Chile

Sean's Motorcycle Journey

DIG Group Christmas Social

Frozen Fingers and Motorcycle Frostbite

The sun was just starting to break as a white waffle of steam rose through the small slit in the top of the plastic coffee cup which was sitting on the table. Even though there was little to no breeze at the moment, I found myself fixated on the steam as it snaked its way left and right and continued to climb higher and higher. Almost as if it was searching for the correct path in life. Eventually the white translucent vapor reached a point of no return where it gradually dissipated into the still damp morning air. Watching the cloud vanish I found myself awkwardly acknowledging that it was far colder this morning then I wanted to admit. As I continued to watch the boiling hot coffee escape its cylindrical container, I realized that I was unconsciously rubbing my frozen hands together. Of course given that the air temp was still hovering in the low fifties, this little bit of action didn’t exactly spark a sense of warmth.

“Really nice bike,” a voice hollered from the corner, “I didn’t know they made these with saddle bags”.

Turning my head towards the parking lot, I found a man standing next to the ST3. The bright red bike seemingly calling out for attention in a row of nondescript black and white four-wheeled vehicles. With a grin, the man ran his hand over his beard before smiling to himself.

“Yeah, it’s a great bike” I offered. The man smiled at me and then at the bike.

“I actually just sold my Beemer,” he announced, “…been getting to work on an ‘ol dual purpose lately, but thinking about getting an FZR”…

I nodded and took a small sip of the boiling hot coffee. The man continuing to bounce his attention back and forth between me and the bike.

“Feels a lot safer riding when traffic is backed up on the freeway… and traffic is always backed up,” his voice trailing off as he peered at the bike once more, before adding, “but I’d be afraid to ride something like this. Wouldn’t wait to lay it down…”

Quietly I took another sip while my mind tried to imagine what it would look like if I laid the bike down in traffic. In an instant a sense of dread and horror came over me. Sucking whatever warmth had radiated out of the coffee. “Not a fun imagine,” I offered as I desperately tried to warm myself up again with another sip.

“Nope,” the man said, this time with an odd bit of mischievousness before took a verbal left turn, “I bet you’re pretty cold out there today.”"You could say that,” I offered with a nod, while internally pondering whether or not it had actually been a good idea to get up this morning determined to get a ride in… It certainly seems like its been awhile since I last got a ‘good ride’ in. Of course for that matter it also seems like its been awhile since I just got ‘a ride’ in too. Over the past three months a variety of real world events had superseded what I’d like to think of as the ‘usual’ weekend riding routine. But then right now I’m not even sure what ‘usual’ is either… If I’m honest about it, the truth is that its been many years since I’ve done so little riding in the back half of the year. For the first time in ages I actually didn’t get a Thanksgiving ride in, which in many ways seems both unfathomable and case in point. When I think about the lack of saddle time, I find myself getting more and more aggravated. At myself. At life. At the way I feel. Mentally its like I’m going nuts and every time I look at the bikes I find myself feeling like I’m letting them - the inanimate objects - down… Which is probably even more crazy… Between work, getting sick, various events with family and friends, and all sorts of other miscellaneous odds and ends that have popped up this year, lately I’ve found myself feeling like the desire to ride and the opportunity to actually ride seem awfully opposed to one another at the moment. Then of course you add the weather, which lately has wildly fluctuated from semi-warm to surprisingly cold, and even when the opportunity exists I find myself standing in a place I’ve never stood before, wondering for the first time if self-induced motorcycle frostbite (cyclebite???) is worth it or not.

(2003 BMW F650GS, ABS, 7000 miles)

Rocketbunny or Gravel-Bunny?(2003 BMW F650GS, ABS, 7000 miles)
States visited in red.

Rugged GPS

The Jeep GPS, called RT 300 has a 3.5 inch display (the same size as Garmin and TomTom motorcycle GPSs), and touchscreen functionality. Apart from the turn-by-turn navigation, you also get MP3 music, video playback capability and even an eBook reader (the last 2 are a bit useless when riding, but probably great when camping).

The unit comes equipped with all USA states preloaded, and with 1 million Points Of Interest (POI).

Not much else is known yet, like will it take a 12V lead, mounting possibilities, updating facilities, etc.

Expected Retail Price: US$300.

Exclusive Rand McNally Motorcycle Maps

Harley Davidson Ride Atlas makes a great gift!

Rand McNally Introduced the 1st edition Harley-Davidson(R) Ride Atlas Custom-Built for Motorcycle Riders last year and the 2nd edition this year....making for a great gift whether you purchase one or both!

The 1st edition and the 2nd edition Ride Atlas of North America Features Select Harley-Davidson Rides, Exclusive Rand McNally Motorcycle Maps, Can't-Miss Stops and Rider Tips

-- There are road trips and then there are rides. Rand McNally and Harley-Davidson know the difference: Cars take to the interstate for a road trip and bikers hit the back roads for a ride.

For the millions of motorcycle enthusiasts looking for adventure, Rand McNally introduces the first-edition Harley-Davidson® Ride Atlas of North America. Packed with definitive maps of secondary roads, road construction information, local motorcycle laws and an expansive mileage directory, the compact 8.5-inch by 11-inch ride atlas fits snugly into a saddlebag. Wrapped in a black, rubber-like, touche cover are 284 pages of four-color maps, mileage charts, city indexes and descriptions of motorcyclist-tested rides in the United States.

The Harley-Davidson Ride Atlas is packed with in-depth descriptions, custom trip maps and essential rider tips for 25 key rides nationwide. The scenic rides take motorcyclists off the beaten path -- to the coves, hollows and water gaps of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway, through the towering oaks and cedars of Texas Hill Country, and past the emerald lakes and swift streams of the Cascade Range in northern California.

Other unforgettable rides climb from the southern tip of Lake Superior toward the Canadian border along state Route 61, or hug the shoulders along the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway in Wyoming. Others meander through history along "The Trace" in the Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky and Tennessee. Still others cruise down a desert highway well-stocked with gas stations -- but no roadwork -- or crisscross the Rio Grande along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Each ride features its own map highlighting the route, nearby points of interest and geographic features. The rides also include useful touring information, suggested side trips, best seasons to ride, gasoline availability, road conditions, Web sites and phone numbers for state tourism resources, and other insider tips.

"We've enjoyed a long association with Harley-Davidson and were thrilled to partner with them on this exciting venture," said Laurie Borman, Rand McNally's editorial director. "For this book, we talked with Harley-Davidson riders about what they wanted and needed in a ride atlas and trip guide. The result -- the Harley-Davidson Ride Atlas of North America -- is the ultimate motorcycle enthusiast's book, incorporating the best of all the suggestions. Now motorcyclists have their own guide to know where to go, what to do, and how to get there and have fun doing it all."

Packed with features that enhance the rider's experience

"Our customers live for the time they spend out on the open road," said Tom Parsons, Harley-Davidson Acting General Manager of General Merchandise. "The all-in-one Ride Atlas features some of the most incredible rides in North America, hand-picked by Harley-Davidson and detailed by Rand McNally."
In addition to ride maps, the Ride Atlas contains reliable, detailed Rand McNally maps of each U.S. state, major U.S. cities, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. The maps are tailored to riders' needs, with the minor highways and secondary roads highlighted in bold color. The 25 featured rides and other scenic routes also are highlighted brightly.

Each state map features listings, locations and phone numbers of Harley-Davidson dealerships, which also are indicated by symbols on the maps. Beside the maps are crucial state motorcycle laws and contacts for emergency roadside assistance, state motor vehicle information and tourism resources.

The Ride Atlas also features detailed border crossing information for Mexico and Canada, contacts for U.S. state parks and profiles of America's 10 most popular national parks. A mileage and minutes guide provides driving distances and times between major U.S. cities. It also includes information on Harley-Davidson factory tours, Rider's Edge® -- The Harley-Davidson Academy of Motorcycling, Harley-Davidson Authorized Rentals, the Harley Owners Group® and motorcycle shipping.

News Source: Rand McNally & Company

Buy them now at Map Books 4 U for $34.95 each.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's web site at http://www.harley-davidson.com .

Posted by Map Books 4 U at 6:50 PM

Are Our Motorcycles Causing Us Cancer?

I have read reports all over the internet about a book written by Dale Chipkar whose picture you can see on the left. As a matter of fact there are so many reports circulating around the Internet that I could not ignore it anymore and thought I would do a write up on the subject.

Mr. Chipkar claims in his book titled “Motorcycle Cancer, Are Motorcycles Killing Us With Cancers of the Prostate, Colon, Kidney, Bone, etc.,” that he has measured a surprisingly high amount of extremely low frequency radiation shooting up from our motorcycle seats. The radiation would in turn go directly into our bodies.

You can find Mr. Chipkar’s original press release and a link to purchase his book by clicking here. http://motorcyclecancer.com/

Redleg's Rides - Centennial, Colorado, United States

A short ride after Friday's Snow Fall

Temps ranging from 26-28 degrees. Sunny.

We got perhaps and inch and a half of snow throughout the day yesterday, Friday 14DEC07. Not much I must admit but it built on top of the 4-6 inches we'd gotten in the previous snow fall so the street into which my cul-de-sac exits remained snow-packed and some more digging and snow-throwing had to be done on my part to uncover what I will now call the King Canute Escape Path for me and my motorcycle.

As mentioned in previous postings, the escape route depends mainly on keeping the specific sidewalks leading out to the neighborhood entrance clear of snow and ice. Once the main road out of the neighborhood is clear enough, I can then escape via motorcycle.

Here's how the initial part of the escape path looked like before Friday's snow started falling on Thursday night:



o/a 1630hrs on Thursday 13DEC


Here's how it all looked this morning after the sun was out and starting to melt things a bit; I'd helped by shoveling and spreading of ice melting chemicals/sand.


10am 15DEC07


I exited the neighborhood via the King Canute Escape Path after 1230hrs with no incidents again and rode East via Arapahoe Road towards Parker via Inspiration Drive. The roads were wet for the most part with the occasional snow/ice/slush piles that were easily spotted and avoided.
Redleg's Rides - Centennial, Colorado, United States

A listing of my current passion, riding my motorcycle. My bike used to be a 2006 Honda Shadow Aero 750 V-Twin named Gretl; however as of 07OCT06 its now a 2004 BMW R1150RT Sport Touring bike, named Maria.


Facing South on Piney Lake Road


As you can see, the skies were sunny and clear, it was not too cold and I rode all the way to the Town of Parker and looped back home using CO83. Perhaps 25 miles total of riding but had to get home so I could take the kids shopping for their Mother's Christmas Present. A longer ride is planned for tomorrow since the roads will be drier hopefully and we're expecting temps to hit 40 degrees! It's going to feel like a heat wave after the cold temps we've been experiencing lately.

Posted by Charlie6 at 7:38 PM

2nd Annual NAZ Toy Run

Season's Greetings

This is really neat and fun!!!!! Just
Click here: on Season's Greeting 4 Santa's Jigsaw or below 4
Snow Dog
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=0212320003
Santa singing:
http://badaboo.free.fr/merryxmas.swf
Winter Wonderland:
http://www.holdman.com/christmas/youtube-videos2.asp_

Posted by Lizzie on December 24th, 2007
"Twas the night before Christmas- Biker style", by Rippin Kitten
http://www.rippin-kitten.com/2007/12/24/twas-the-night-before-christmas-biker-style/

Motorcycle touring in the United States

Motorcycle Touring in the United States is unbelievably fun and many people who have toured Europe and the United States on a Motorcycle often say that they had more fun in the United States. We simply have more scenic highways, roads, forests, canyons and space to do it in than in Europe�s largest countries. Motorcycle touring in the United States is truly the epitome of freedom.

Often as one travels the United States you see folks on motorcycles with saddle packs and gear stopped for a break and when you talk to them you find they are touring our nation on motorcycles. Well at the price of fuel that is a good way to do things. Some of these people are from the United States and some are from other countries enjoying the Euro Strength against the Dollar and they are having a literal blast cruising the highways and back roads of America.

Why is Motorcycle Tourism so popular in the US? Because we have wide-open areas, it is safe and there is so much to see and do in this country that you can never run out of great roads to ride, places to see or things to do. So consider your next motorcycle touring adventure today.
There are certain things that everyone should know about their tires and the type of tires their motorcycle uses.
http://motorcyclesnews.blogspot.com/2007/12/what-you-need-to-know-about-your.html
By : Lance Winslow

Wandering in other towns, Texas

2006 Honda ST1300 Sport Touring Black

Brand NEW 2006 Honda ST1300 for $10,199. This bike is brand new and has never been ridden.

Harley Davison Christmas

How is a Harley & a vacum cleaner alike? They both have Dirt bags!

16th Annual Nevada County Toy Run

Summer motorcycle jacket

Summer motorcycle jacket:



If the sun is scorching down and you have to go on a long journey, you may be sorely tempted to give up the motorcycle jacket in favour of simple street clothing. There are a number of reasons for not doing this, including safety considerations. In such cases, a jacket that helps keep the rider cool and offers him flexibility of movement while riding a bike is the need of the hour. That is where the summer motorcycle jacket comes into play. Usually made of a lighter, more breathable material, it allows for the protection you need and the comfort and flexibility that you want.

Oregon/CA coast Hwy 101/1

We are just the latest travellers to marvel at the diversity of highway 101 from the Oregon border down thru the redwoods. When we drove east onto highway 20, we had braked through 30mph tight cliffside turns, dodged looming redwoods along narrow lanes, chugged up and rocketed down 6% grades, and cruised down four land divided highway. Though Willits, home of Seabiscuit. 101 has it all!

Diary of Joy Dutta

Vipin, my fellow rider from the enfield riding days in India is here at Sunnyvale for this week. What better way to spend a Sunday than a ride, so we took off for a quick afternoon ride to Santa Cruz. In a sweet 40 miles we got some twisty roads (CA-17), a moderately cold mountain pass and finally the ocean. Falafal restaurant at downtown Santa Cruz satisfied two big hungry bellies. Back home, we enjoyed photos of our past rides, especially the Kanyakumari trip back in Feb 2003. A Sunday well spent.

Pictures: Vipin @ CA - Dec 07

Looking Down the Road at Risk and Regret

Yuba Sutter Toy Run

500 miles in 12 hours Ride

Dave's Motorcycle Trailer Project