en-us Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:19:21 -0500 ATM@msgroup.org 60 *All Things Motorcycle* - Trip Reports http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/ *All Things Motorcycle* for Guest http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/ http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/rss_32.png *All Things Motorcycle* RSS Feed 144 47 Trip Reports - Pennsylvania Motorcycle TouringIndiana Randyhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11132&REPLY_ID=116482Trip Reports Sun, 15 Aug 2010 09:36:42 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11132 Thanks for the update, Brad. Keep the pics and blog coming!]]>Trip Reports - Back roads across Americabachman1961http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12035&REPLY_ID=115519Trip Reports Sat, 17 Jul 2010 01:32:27 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12035
I used to travel to Canada or through Canada when residing in Michigan using Sarnia as a route to the East coast via upstate NY or going up to the UP and cutting over toward Bruce Mines, Ontario along the northern coast .. fishing , boating all set in a remote area on a lake with hand built log cabins.

If you do go back via 'north of Superior', look for the Antlers restaurant in Sault Ste Marie. It worth a stop and look see if not a full meal. I think it has a nice view of the Soo locks.
Enjoy the adventure and roads !

~brian]]>Trip Reports - BRP tripSkootchNChttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11970&REPLY_ID=114944Trip Reports Tue, 29 Jun 2010 05:39:23 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11970 The Blue Ridge Parkway is really designed to SLOW you down......between the sights, the traffic (fall leaf gawking season is the worst), the "wood land critters" and the road design..... third gear, and 2300 RPM works out to be perfect 9on my bike)

Roughly 3-4 times a year, we'll run up to the parkway, rider between 75-150 miles, and turn for home. Somewhere between 385-550 mile days. Most of us, have been on the entire parkway... just that we've done it, in segments. This time it was a full bore "End to End" trip... with such touristy side trips as Luray Caverns, the Skyline Drive, as well as stopping at many of the scenic overlooks. We were in no hurry, and I planned the motels at 150-175 mile intervals

[IMG]http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj167/skootchnc/Blue%20Ridge%20Tour%202010/P6163446.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj167/skootchnc/Blue%20Ridge%20Tour%202010/P6163451.jpg[/IMG]]]>Trip Reports - Running with Beemersalblancherhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11892&REPLY_ID=114485Trip Reports Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:15:13 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11892 Beautiful trip. Thanks for sharing]]>Trip Reports - CA to FLBeanhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10867&REPLY_ID=114226Trip Reports Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:42:20 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10867 Thanks!

I slept at Super8's most of the way. tried a couple other hotels but Super8 was the best for the dollar. I would have loved to camp out each night but I wasn't sure about the laws/danger/security of doing it.

This was a relocation so I had pretty much all of my gear with me and many expensive gadgets.

Preparations were probably similar to what you'd hear among this group. Many checks on the bike, oil, tire pressure, electrical issues, etc, etc.
If you look at the "Bike loaded up in IL" picture in the first post you'll see how loaded the bike was. Extra fuel, tools, seafoam, tire plug kit, bike cover, leathers/gear for any type of weather, food, lots of liquids.

Basically I was prepared to break down at any time with enough stuff to either fix the bike or wait a full day for a tow truck. Which is a mentality I recommend for anyone on a long ride. Knowing you have everything you need in the event of a horrible failure will also allow you to enjoy the ride that much more instead of worrying about all the what ifs.


The only issue I had was that at first my MPG was somewhat disappointing. My bike's only a 750 and after some trial and error I concluded my speed was more of a factor then anticipated. My bike is most efficient at 75Mph. This much I already know but the slope which it drops off above that speed was far more significant then I would have guessed. At 75Mph I can kiss 50MPG but at 90Mph it drops all the way down to the lower 20s!

The trip was full of surprises, scenes and other bikers. The biggest surprise was probably the downhill mountain freeway in southern TN. It was late in the day so I didn't have the camera rolling (too dark) but traffic was light and it was one hell of a ride going into GA! I thought I was on a roller coaster for awhile there.

I'm still getting settled in here but soon I'd like to take a ride up to the Carolinas and see those mountains again.

That couple in KS as well as another solo biker kept spotting me all the way through MO. We were all heading towards the east coast so we rode together for a few hundred miles. Our community is good people :)]]>Trip Reports - NOTGMOTT-Greetings from SaigonNightwatchmanhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11389&REPLY_ID=113920Trip Reports Fri, 28 May 2010 23:55:02 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11389
quote:
Originally posted by Axiom2000

quote:
And just another reason to not have a clutch-now I can take pics while I'm riding here.


No one is suggesting that you actually take pictures while your operating the motorcycle. Stop first then take the pictures.


Helmet cams serve this purpose quite well. Plus you get video which is normally better than photos [88]]]>Trip Reports - Evergreen... All in blackgreywolfhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11830&REPLY_ID=113879Trip Reports Thu, 27 May 2010 22:10:08 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11830 What a great place to live this time of year. I like a little twisty action but I don't like to push things. Knee dragging is something I'll leave to racers but I do find looking over my inside mirror provides extra ground clearance, a good line of sight, and a comfortable position.]]>Trip Reports - 183 miles to lunch timebachman1961http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11792Trip Reports Mon, 17 May 2010 03:38:32 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11792
The skies were clear and the winds mostly calm. I met up with two others for a trip through Penrose, Canyon City then out to Texas Creek. Hwy 50 runs along the Arkansas river valley where we are met with a nice twisting ribbon of 2 lane shelved 50 feet above the river to our right and canyons of rock walls on either side. The river rafters are getting an early taste of the season as we pass a few designated drop in points along the way.

From Texas Creek, through Westcliffe and Wetmore, the road is peaceful, absent the light traffic we had on hwy 50. It rolls high and low weaving around the hill sides and offering views of mountain peaks too numerous to count, all with plenty of white snow cap adding a ridge of bright white coastline to the brilliant blue sky at it's uppermost boundary. It is truly irresponsible behavior to not pull off and snap some pictures. I'll have to come by here another day. The bike sings a smooth tune and the gauge shows mid 50's to mid 60's as mph. The air temperature is about the same.

http://www.sangres.com/mountains/sangres.htm

More elevation changes and I'm soon rolling into some downhill grade with snug turns. The road surface is typical black asphalt that's been laying around for many years but has the added appearance of loose sandy gravel. I slow to a grandpa speed and roll through the tighter turns as an old man walking at a brisk pace with his cane. My brain tells me these are mountain roads where rain means fast moving water rushing to erode, snow comes early, stays late and is secretly lying in wait just about any night when the temperature drops 30 or 40 degrees. These roads could have been snow covered very recently and the sandy-gravel appearance makes perfect sense. This is how traffic is able to get in and out of these Norman Rockwell communities when the flurries flur.

Moments later, we pull off to a wide shoulder, get off the wheels, stretch, yawn and here, I shake loose my tension and pucker. I realize the sandy-gravel appearance is a layer of the actual road surface designed into the asphalt. The tan and red tell-tale colors are so closely matched with that of the loose shoulder, it seems a nasty trick by the county road crew to have 'punked' me. I'm taking some friendly ribbing as the other two (know this road pretty well) now realize the situation I found myself in. Still, I'm proud of myself to have assumed the worst in the case of traction and rode that thing like I was on a frozen lake.

We get into Pueblo right at lunch time and stop off to the local feed and grain dealer to hydrate and fuel. The local part of this ride ends with 45 minutes of PLP at the local college which happens to be as good for my physical as for my cognitive .... even after 180 miles.

Home is about about 50 miles up the road for me ... and so we leave the local guy to take our rides north. The Harley guy goes on another 50 miles or so beyond my turn off so he'll be reading 340 miles or so by days end.

~brian

]]>Trip Reports - Road Trip Time - Skyline Dr / BRP / Natchez TraceNight Trainhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11785&REPLY_ID=113497Trip Reports Sat, 15 May 2010 13:46:30 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11785 Sounds like a great trip. Ride safe and enjoy! Looking forward to reading your updates.]]>Trip Reports - Up and Down Route 33 WV - VideoWSMedershttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11661&REPLY_ID=112586Trip Reports Sat, 17 Apr 2010 21:52:45 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11661 Thanks again for the references Scott.
I read through them on my bus ride up to NYC for the weekend, and studied the videos I have of the ride as well.
I will be much more conscious of a number of important aspects of motorcycle control the next time I hop on the bike, thanks to you.]]>Trip Reports - Train DepotsNight Trainhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11332&REPLY_ID=109928Trip Reports Sun, 17 Jan 2010 22:54:38 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11332 Looks like you two had an adventuresome day. Thanks for sharing. Train depots make for an interesting sojourn as they are ripe with history. Nice to see those that are preserved or turned into museums, but rather sad to see the ones that are left to ruin.]]>Trip Reports - Waymarkinggalileohttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11317&REPLY_ID=109794Trip Reports Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:55:23 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11317 I found geocaching to be too hard and never actually found one. The GPS for my bike isn't accurate enough when walking. Or the hiding places were too good. Or the cache was gone. I prefer things like buildings with addresses.

It is really giving me some motivation to go out and learn some history. Today it's off to another railroad depot. My rule in the afternoon is it has to be at least 40 miles away.]]>Trip Reports - Live to ride....Ride to eatgalileohttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11278&REPLY_ID=109680Trip Reports Sun, 10 Jan 2010 03:09:53 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11278
quote:
Originally posted by rayg50

How many hours in the saddle? How many hours total for the trip?

Nice pictures but they make me hungry and the narrative makes me feel like a wimp for not taking a ride when it is a balmy 28F.




The total time was 10 hours for the trip. Probably about 8 1/2 hours in the saddle. I didn't bring my GPS, so I don't really know.

Electric gear makes all the difference for cold.]]>Trip Reports - The ride off Beaver Mesajhony bravohttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11059&REPLY_ID=109543Trip Reports Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:02:18 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11059
quote:
Originally posted by scottrnelson

quote:
Originally posted by Deseret Rider

Thanks Night Train---This technology doesn't come naturally to an old dog like me-----rather than muck up this thread I'll just allow those interested to go to the photobucket site shown to review the pictures-----but I'll try to do better next time.
The picture you brought up for me----if magnified on the photobucket site--- will show the face of a silent sentinel clearly.
Don't give up so easily. You were close to being able to put your photo in. But you used the reference to the page instead of an individual photo, and you had a carriage return (new line) between the end of your link and the closing IMG tag.

Here are your five photos (minus the one already displayed). Click on the icon that would quote this message to see what you should have done:








wowwwwwww
the pic are amazing and beatiful

thanks]]>Trip Reports - International Motorcycle Show - San Mateoscottrnelsonhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11113&REPLY_ID=108519Trip Reports Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:03:48 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11113
quote:
Originally posted by brooks10

Scott, thanks for the pictures. Have you tried out a new Monster 696? If so what's your opinion?
I've only ridden the Monster 1100 of the recent bikes. That one is a fun bike and has more power than I really need.

I quit taking test rides on bikes that I know I would never buy (with a few exceptions), since there are so many out there that are interesting. The Monster 696 is in that category. But that's just me. I had a Monster for six years and intended to buy another one, but eventually determined that I like Sport Touring bikes more, so I'll probably never own another one. But they're still great bikes.

There are dozens of motorcycles that I think I would be happy to own, but I can't do that. As it is, I'm happy to have "only" three in my garage right now.]]>Trip Reports - My first trip of a lifetimeananga73http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10600&REPLY_ID=107668Trip Reports Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:15:07 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10600 Never head back from Leaky about the trip. Or perhaps did he document it elsewhere?]]>Trip Reports - The Burr Trail rideNight Trainhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11065&REPLY_ID=107667Trip Reports Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:33:28 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11065 What a magnificent ride! Although dirt road, it looks like for the most part one could easily handle that ride on a street bike. Nice pics and for an "old dog", you certainly learn quickly[;^)]]]>Trip Reports - The Ride off Beaver Mesaradan2http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11058&REPLY_ID=107572Trip Reports Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:48:52 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11058 First, upload your picture to a site like Photobucket or Webshots. Once it is on the site, it will be given a web address. In most such sites, you can copy this web address onto your clipboard.

Then, when you come to this forum, click on New Topic, or if you wish to post on an existing thread, click on Reply.

You will come to the composition page. At the top, next to Format, are a series of icons. The third one from the far end is a small scene with an arrow pointing to it. Click on that and two image tags will appear. Paste the web address from your clipboard between the two tags.

By repeating this, you can load several images on one post. The more images you load, the longer the post takes to download to the user.

Click on preview so you can see if your image downloads properly. If it does, click on Post New Reply.

This is also explained in the HELP section.

(edited for clarity)]]>Trip Reports - A Day for Fall Pictures - 2009alblancherhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10984&REPLY_ID=106961Trip Reports Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:41:57 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10984 Snow and leaf change, two things we don't get much of down here. Thanks for the pics.

A]]>Trip Reports - A Day at Budds CreekD Rhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10940&REPLY_ID=106466Trip Reports Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:04:11 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10940
quote:
Originally posted by D R

Stephanie has been having a blast this summer going to Tammy's races (about twice a month) and earning a little pocket change at the same time. I've tried to show support for Stephanie (and Tammy too) by attending races when they are nearby and time off from work allows.
I think it's great that you and Tammy's father are showing two young women that there are no limits.

...and (Scott), I have to admit that this looks like a lot of fun!
]]>Trip Reports - Thoughts on motorcycles in Alaska, Seattleolydavehttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10859&REPLY_ID=106218Trip Reports Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:46:49 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10859 Sounds familiar. We took a cruise in July on Holland America. It rained all day when we were in Ketchikan and, even though I wanted to add Alaska to the (very limited) number of states I have ridden in, I couldn't work up enough enthusiasm to pay $250 for the experience. There were some Harley t-shirts on board and I did meet a few folks who were willing to talk bikes with a metric owner. As great as the scenery & food was, I really missed my bike that week.]]>Trip Reports - Riding the Peak to Peak Highway on the last weekend of summerIndiana Randyhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10883&REPLY_ID=105925Trip Reports Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:02:22 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10883 Nice trip report, Tom.

The Aspens were gorgeous! You got some frame-able pics.]]>Trip Reports - Our Yellowstone tripcapozzirhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10811&REPLY_ID=105658Trip Reports Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:56:58 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10811
quote:
Originally posted by gymnast

What a fabulous report! It brings back a lot of memories of a run from Illinois to Vancouver Island BC my wife and I made about 40 years ago on a Sportster. I thing your bike was a bit more comfortable.

The pictures are great,your camera skills are obvious, and the picture of the view from Jenny Lake Lodge is one that all other vistas are measured by. It looked the same way when, again on a Sportster last year, my wife and I enjoyed the same view. The vistas of the Tetons Yellowstone and the Beartooth are every motorcyclists "Trip of a Lifetime". Thanks for the memories.


Thanks for the compliments! We had a great time and am glad I was able to share it with others. The Tetons were a bit more spectacular than I thought they would be. I didn't expect there to be such a sudden upward rush of the mountains sans foot hills. I really makes you feel small. There are soooo many great places left for us to travel to. I can't wait for the next adventure! [8D]]]>Trip Reports - Southern Tour - August '09capozzirhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10831&REPLY_ID=105513Trip Reports Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:21:01 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10831 Nashville is a cool city, isn't it?]]>Trip Reports - Vacation away from the bikebachman1961http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10813&REPLY_ID=105369Trip Reports Sat, 05 Sep 2009 01:21:26 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10813
Bermuda is a nice place to dock the ship if you are not into lots of island / port hopping.
If a tropical storm is nearby, they'll tug you in from the safer side of the corral reef to protect the ship.
The island has their own style of shorts, soft sandy beaches hidden from the busy areas and these little 'moped' things with pedals. Not quite the horse power you'll get from a brisk walk but walking vacations are far over-rated.

Of coarse all this could be different by some extent 26 years later and I guess I now understand why couples get divorced and then re-marry ...
to go on another trip like that! [8D]

~brian]]>Trip Reports - My deam trip has begunJames R. Davishttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10627&REPLY_ID=104207Trip Reports Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:23:07 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10627
quote:
Perhaps that rich guy JIM will have some cards printed up for me to distribute........

I'm assuming that was meant as humor.

This JIM, your host and administrator, has been retired and living on a fixed income for eight years. Were it not for an occasional income hit from expert witness fees, I would properly be categorized as living at a poverty level of income. [%]
]]>Trip Reports - Planning a Southern tourDaddiohttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10626&REPLY_ID=103783Trip Reports Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:06:49 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10626 So you have seen Ruby Falls and Rock City. Let us raise the adventure bar a bit.

35 miles south of Chattanooga is Fort Payne, Alabama. This is the gateway to Little River Canyon. Little River Canyon is a National Preserve maintained by the National Park Service. It is one if not the largest/deepest systems east of the Mississippi. Mommio and I just spent a weekend in NE Alabama celebrating our 27th anniversary - excuse for a road trip.

The canyon runs about 24 miles. The top half road is well paved and clean with a speed limit of 35 MPH. A couple of the hairpins are advisory limits of 25 MPH. Stick to the limits and you might be pleasantly challenged. There are several well marked spots for photo ops. Amazing views of the canyon.

The bottom half of the road is not so well behaved. Yes, it is paved. It's entrance is also marked with a sign the warns against trucks and RV type campers. The road has very steep grades and some very tight hairpin curves. The change in grade and curves really do make this road impassable to large vehicles. The road is not quite as clean - several dirt side roads have a light dirt wash into the road. I found I was comfortable in the 25-30 MPH range for most of the road. There were spots that I was down in the 10-15 MPH range and would not dare any faster. I was two up, I would add maybe 5 MPH solo. There is Canyon Mouth park at this end. $3.00 fee for parking if you want to stay.

Plan on at least half a day for this out of Chattanooga. A full day if you bring a swim suit. At the top end of the park is Little River Falls. Free parking and outhouses to get changed out of your riding gear. We did not go into Mouth Park, but there were folks that planned on swimming once they got there. Other spots do provide opportunity for bathing but it may depend on your modesty level if you want to get changed. The river is very dry this time of year, but there are good swimming holes to be found.

On Saturday we stopped at most of the photo spots and spent about 2-1/2 or 3 hours in the park. We did not swim. We saw upwards of 50 bikes in the park in well behaved groups. Mostly cruisers and tourers. On Sunday, our way home, we did a straight ride through. Took about one and a quarter hours. We took one break between the halves. We saw about 20 bikes. mostly sport bikes, but well behaved. There seemed to be just enough traffic and challenging road to keep Ricky Racer behaved.

Warning - Take this road seriously. Only go if your bike is 95% or better. The road is a challenge in the middle of some of the most spectacular scenery available east of the Mississippi. I rate this as a do not miss. You WILL remember this ride. This is a very natural area. There are no stores inside the preserve so bring your own sustinance with you. No place to buy once in the preserve.

Edit - Sorry. Little river Canyon is 50 miles out of Chattanooga. Still too close to pass up.

Edit - Adding a link to NPS.gov, map page of Little River Canyon. There is a wealth of info and pictures on this site http://www.nps.gov/liri/planyourvisit/maps.htm]]>Trip Reports - Riding "The Dragon"The Meromorphhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10047&REPLY_ID=103526Trip Reports Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:46:56 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10047 There's also a road from Mt. Baldy to Azusa that is a delight. It runs along the ridgetop.]]>Trip Reports - Altoona, PAHouse_of_Dexterhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10607&REPLY_ID=103493Trip Reports Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:10:06 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10607 Actually there are some nice roads within 3 hours of Dallas...It's just to hot right now to get to them, though this week has been awesome...the high yesterday was 93F, I didn't even need to use my evaporation vest. Though in perspective...the high in Altoona, PA was like 82 when we where there.]]>Trip Reports - Mt. Diablo (video)louturkshttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10515&REPLY_ID=102708Trip Reports Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:05:14 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10515 That's neat in the beginning where you had the google view]]>Trip Reports - Elko Nevada Motorcycle Rallyjnelsonhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10484Trip Reports Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:46:50 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10484
Heading out on Sunday we connected with some other friends from the HOG Chapter we belong to and road home with them. The bummer was that it stormed all the way home. I only have about 7000 miles under my belt, have never had to wear my rain gear or have rode in those conditions before. The other lady riders trailered their bikes home so that left me and my friend who was riding pillion behind her husband and five other bikes all ridden by men. It took us 7 1/2 hours to get home (stopping for lunch). I had my heated gear on and that helped a lot, at least I didn't have to worry about getting cold.

I am glad I spent the winter reading this site. I am really not sure I could have made it home had I not read all the tips on riding under different conditions - wet roads, etc here. The worst part was the low visibility due to the rain, and the wind - the wind was awful, especially when passing those semmi's.

Any way, thanks!!!]]>Trip Reports - Kids MotocrossD Rhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10449Trip Reports Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:02:34 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10449
A few shots of the various RVs and Campers...







(...which motorcycle doesn't quite fit in?)



Lining up....



...and they are off!!!











...a pile up...



...a couple of my daughter's friend...







...some of the wee tykes, on their bikes! Here they come....



...rounding the first corner...





...all of five years old and she shows true grit and determination.






]]>Trip Reports - Another Lap Around San Francisco Bay (video)Beanhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10430&REPLY_ID=101939Trip Reports Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:27:54 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10430 Thanks, I used a ContourHD for the helmet/forward shots. And a VholdR for the rear. Both made by Twenty20.
http://www.vholdr.com/contourhd/overview


-Bean]]>Trip Reports - One Lap Around San Francisco Baybkikkerthttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10231&REPLY_ID=101937Trip Reports Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:06:45 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10231 Very nice photos Scott...what is that yellow thing that keeps popping up in some of the pictures? [}:)][:x)]]]>Trip Reports - York PA - Harley Davidson Factory TourNieborhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10402&REPLY_ID=101711Trip Reports Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:11:52 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10402 Great trip report Matt, thanks for sharing!]]>Trip Reports - The World's most travelled MotorcycleTexasphotographerhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=9079&REPLY_ID=100531Trip Reports Fri, 22 May 2009 15:25:52 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9079 Nightrrain, Thanks for posting this. When I first got on the site, I said I will just glance around. Looked up for the first time and I spent over two hours just glancing. Great site.

]]>Trip Reports - Cincinnati Touraidanspahttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10240&REPLY_ID=100318Trip Reports Mon, 18 May 2009 22:57:46 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10240
quote:
Originally posted by rioguy

I left my camera at home, but no great loss considering the areas I was in.

I will try to not take that comment personally [;)].

Congratulations on your ride!]]>Trip Reports - 9 hours around the ChesapeakeDavid13http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10115&REPLY_ID=99576Trip Reports Mon, 04 May 2009 20:37:44 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10115 That looks like a nice ride.
I would like that bridge/tunnel. That looks like fun but does it have that open metal grating, or roadway?
dc]]>Trip Reports - Morro Baygymnasthttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10148&REPLY_ID=99572Trip Reports Mon, 04 May 2009 19:27:44 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10148 David, that is a beautiful ride this time of year and by doing it during the week you miss the worst of the traffic. My son owns a house in Los Osos (though he now lives in Portland Or) and you can see Morro Rock from it.

Welcome to the website and post often.

]]>Trip Reports - Mountain View Arkansasalblancherhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10111Trip Reports Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:37:34 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10111
I visited the ares 2 years ago and have to say it is a beautiful part of the country with great music and things to do.

Check in if you have any information please

Al]]>Trip Reports - Spring Break Trip - 2009shadowriderhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10096&REPLY_ID=99181Trip Reports Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:40:51 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10096 Excellent report. Glad you both made it back safe! [:D]

]]>Trip Reports - Florida to California and backshadowriderhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=9962&REPLY_ID=98982Trip Reports Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:08:18 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9962 Very nice!]]>Trip Reports - Lake Camanche (video)Beanhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=9906&REPLY_ID=98198Trip Reports Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:10:39 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9906 Thanks for the comments :)

I used a VholdR camera made by Twenty20. This is a fully self contained unit. No battery packs, no camcorder, no wires at all. You mount it to your helmet, turn it on and press record.
It uses MicroSD cards for storage.

This camera can be mounted to just about anything. Helmets, goggles, bikes, planes, race cars, animals...

More info can be found on this page. There's a video button that will give you all the details: http://www.vholdr.com/shoot/camera/overview
They just dropped the price below $300 at well.

As for software. Editing was done using Premiere. The intro gimmick was done using Google Maps, Google Earth, Fraps, Hypersnap and Photoshop. VirtualDub may have been used as well, I forget. I use that often though.

The camera includes some basic software for editing and uploading your videos so there's really no need to use all the stuff I'm using.
They host your videos and have a couple contest each month for Top5 videos in whatever category it happens to be. I've entered this video for "Best Editing" (hence all the fancy software). Other topics include best, crash, best jump, location, skiing etc..
Lots of interesting videos have appeared on that site as a result.
Winners get an additional camera mount and sometimes sponsors will throw in sporting equipment.


Sorry that ended up longer then I thought! I've been really thrilled with this camera and the job the guys at Twenty20 have done. So I felt a little promotion was in order.

To view more of my videos click the 2nd link in my sig :)

]]>Trip Reports - SC ridingThe Meromorphhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=9964&REPLY_ID=98194Trip Reports Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:43:17 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9964 Providing you're not dressed in 'power ranger' gear, a rider in a slightly used looking set of full gear always looks a great deal more 'pro' than a rider dressed to look 'cool'. I've even heard bystanders make amused comments, to the chagrin and embarrassment of the 'cool dude'. [88]

I've even (while at the doctors) seen a wife start a 'serious' conversation with her 'road-rashed' husband, after seeing me turn up for an appointment in full gear.]]>Trip Reports - "The Dragon" and Weatherbcheckethttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=9932&REPLY_ID=98147Trip Reports Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:08:09 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9932 This is one example of how our weather around here can be a little unpredictable even this far into spring...

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/59.../647129.html]]>Trip Reports - 1st 200 Mile tripsashillhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=9954&REPLY_ID=98090Trip Reports Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:32:44 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9954 Weekend Riding update:

I did another 120 mile round trip on Sunday up to Rome, GA and back to see my mother and Grandparents. Again, my wife went with me, of course you can't go see grandma without the kids[88]. They had fun and I got to experience riding in the rain. (Lesson Learned there below).

I did actually lead the trip back from Dahlonega ahead of my wife. That's how I found the open road wind to be much nicer.

I also lead in front of my wife yesterday up to Rome.

Regarding countersteering, isn't it great when it finally clicks? YES!! [8D]

So my lesson's learned for the day:

1) When it's forcast to rain, put the rain proof gear on to begin with. [88] I started with my mesh armored jacket and riding pants. About 10 miles into it I needed to stop and get gas. (60mpg) [:)]. I switched into my Tourmaster 3/4 jacket(which is waterproof) but without the liner. I thought my pants were waterproof, dumdididumdu, why would pants be waterproof if they provide a waterproof liner. I rode for about 10 miles when it started raining. Also found that I needed to put RainX on my Visor, what A difference. So I stopped and got some RainX and put on my waterproof liner and what do ya know. 5 minutes later it stopped Raining. LOL. Oh well I was warm and dry and have FUN!

Note: I also had on my riding boots and gauntlet gloves. ATGATT!!!

The rest of that ride was pretty smooth. Wife decided to stay in Rome since it was late and the kids had been in the car for much of the last two days. I rode home by myself. Left Rome about 9pm and with no one on the roads hardly the ride was very nice and pretty unevenful. Except for the 20mph winds at 65-70mph.

Recap:

I got over my worries about riding on Interstate (although I don't think I'll trek out into rush hour traffic in downtown Atlanta anytime soon.

I rode in the mountains for the first time (twisties are what it's allll about! [(#)]

I rode in the rain! Decided to ride even though it was going to rain so that I was mentally prepared for it with a cage behind me in case of problems. Now if I ever get caught in it unexpectedly I'll now what to expect and how to respond.

I LOVE MY NEW HOBBY! Not just for commuting anymore.

I also picked up 2 books this weekend.

Proficient Motorcycling
&
How to Repair Your Motorcycle (Motorbooks Workshop)
]]>Trip Reports - Laptops, Notebooks and Netbooks (....oh my!)2008flhtuchttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=9731&REPLY_ID=98068Trip Reports Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:16:51 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9731 On long multi day rides...a week or more we have started taking a laptop... cell phones are standard as is a paper journal. We use the laptop to share our travels with friends and family via email and blog... check out our 2008 ride cross country in the rides section of this forum.

In prior years we have tried to update email and blogs using hotel computers but found the laptop more reliable as well as less time consuming.

Jeff]]>Trip Reports - Ride to the wall Southern Style, Memorial Day Tributeaidanspahttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=9953&REPLY_ID=98022Trip Reports Sat, 04 Apr 2009 10:10:25 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9953 Welcome to the site 2008flhtuc! Thank you for the post and link to your blog. It must have been an unforgettable experience.

I would encourage you to post often, read the Safety Tips (in red above Logout), and share your views on motorcycle safety.]]>Trip Reports - Trip PlanningAxiom2000http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=9936&REPLY_ID=97870Trip Reports Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:55:24 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9936 Great stuff on all of those sites, thanks.]]>Trip Reports - Daytona Florida - The LoopBeanhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=9625&REPLY_ID=97685Trip Reports Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:40:48 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9625 I'll be moving back to Florida in about a year. I got my first bike in California so I've been looking forward to rediscovering my home state now that I ride. Good to see there's some nice routes there. That picture is fantastic.

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