I am generally not a fan of most Vlog sites, even motorcycle Vlog sites. This is because it is difficult to have something interesting to say everytime you ride, especially if you ride everyday like I do. That being said, I am a big fan of travel blogs and vlogs. Therefore, in an effort to share with others and give credit where credit is due, I came accross two gentlemen out of Canada who take a trip every summer, and create some of the best motorcycle videos out there. They refer to their summer trip as the "Big Trip" and have created videos for 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. The editing is extremely well done, and the video and photography is excellent. I must also confess that thanks to these videos I discovered the Canadian band "The Trews" which is fast becoming one of my favorites.
This is the video for the Big Trip 2011 Day 1, I hope you enjoy.
P.S. Do not begin watching in the morning at work, if you do you might as well go home as your work day will be an utter waste.
The other videos can be found on YouTube, simply search Big Trip 2011, and if you would like to watch the previous years, search "Big Trip and include 2008, 2009, or 2010"
I hope you enjoy.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
A Brief History
Another blog that I follow closely, once took the position that any motorcycle blogger should be required to list the motorcycles they have owned and ridden, so people get an understanding of their history. I thought this was a good idea so here goes.
The first motorcycle I ever road belong to my grandfather. He was the foreman of a large ranch. The actual owner lived in California and would fly in from time to time, but in my childhood brain, the entire ranch was my Grandpa's and therefore mine by association. My brothers, sister and I would often spend time their as children. Anyway, the motorcycle I first learned to ride on was a Honda Trail 50.
The first motorcycle I ever road belong to my grandfather. He was the foreman of a large ranch. The actual owner lived in California and would fly in from time to time, but in my childhood brain, the entire ranch was my Grandpa's and therefore mine by association. My brothers, sister and I would often spend time their as children. Anyway, the motorcycle I first learned to ride on was a Honda Trail 50.
I conquered many a dirt road and trails as a wee lad on this trustee machine. Perhaps this was the origins of my love for the two wheels. It was at about this time that four wheelers become popular and as I got bigger I began riding more four wheelers than bikes.
Next when I was 15, I had a crush on a girl from the next town over, about 15 miles away by legal roads, and about 20 miles by the back roads. It was at this time, that my entire world turned upside down, I discovered that girls did not in fact have cooties, but could be quite enjoyable. Alas, with no drivers license how could I indulge my desires? At this time a friend of mine, most well known for breaking both of his arms, at the same time, while playing basketball, introduced me to the benefits of an enduro. He owned a Yamaha Trailway,
which we would often ride to the neighboring town, to visit my girlfriend and her friends. The benefit was that we could entirely avoid the highways and freeway with the dirt road alternatives, and as long as we obeyed traffic laws, we did not get stopped by the local small town police force, even though the bike was not registered.
Finally, a driver's license. While in high school I generally drove a car, do in large part to the fact that Supe seldom had the use of a car, and had to compete with his older brother, and our other friend, LP had no car, I usually had more than one person to drive around, I did however, ride at times, my brother's Suzuki GS425
this is not an actual picture, as the one my brother owned had a WindJammer Vetter fairing, which probably explains my hatred of fairings and love of all naked bikes.
This was really the beginning of street motorcycles for me. I used to ride it all over town, in fact it is the bike I first took my riding test on, and failed, due in most part to the fact that the clutch would have been just as effective if you had replaced the lever with a toggle switch, there was no ability to feather the clutch.
It is important to note at this time that my brother was instrumental in my motorcycle life, this bike as well as the next actually belonged to him, but he was kind hearted enough to feed my addiction.
After a few years, I once again took advantage of my brother's kindness and borrowed for an extended time his Suzuki SV650.
While I have always enjoyed motorcycles, it was not until riding this bike that I truly understood, and fell in love with riding. While not the most powerful bike in the world, which becomes clear once you get to freeway speeds, for sheer riding enjoyment this bike was top notch. The short wheel base combined with good geometry and the V-twin motor, always made me smile. Not you average, I am slightly amused smile, but the face bending, shit eating, time of my life smile. That is why I classify this bike as the most "fun" bike I have had the opportunity to throw a leg over.
You could not get two different bike than the SV650 and my next bike a Yamaha Raider.
This bike was very different than any I had ridden before, long wheel base, high degree rake angle, but it was truly enjoyable to ride. Good suspension, amazing motor, which as my brother once stated. "There is no tach, so I was wondering what gear I should be in, but then I realized with this torque it does not really matter."
Finally, what I currently own, the fabulous Kawasaki Z1000.
This bike is getting close to perfection for me, the essences of motorcycles. I can ride all day, with a decent seating position, and do not hesitate to take the fun roads at speeds sufficient to take care of those pesky chicken strips. Motorcycles are and should be as unique as their riders, this bike will not be perfect for everyone, not comfortable enough for some, too small, too big, too green, but all of the bikes we have ridden in our life, help to clarify our wants and needs, and we eventually come to an understanding of what bike is best for each of us.
Until such time as I have the means to have multiple motorcycles the Cafe Racer, Super Standard, Naked Sportbike, will be the kind of bike taking up space in my garage. You know other than size, there is not a whole lot different from the early Honda Trail 50, and the Z1000.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Fairwell to Yellowstone
As many of you know, I had planned a week long motorcycle trip to Yellowstone,with my riding buddy Supe, as well as his two brothers. We had it all planned, we would leave on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 and I would get home on Monday, July, 18, 2011. While we would take advantage of the many "fun" roads, our families would travel in the mini vans and SUVs by interstate and meet us in Yellowstone. The highlight of the trip, other than a week off work with good friends, food, family, roads, and scenery, was that I would be riding Beartooth Pass for the first time.
Then I got the call.
Supe explained that he had purchased an engagement ring and was getting married,
and because he had accepted a new job which required him to move he would be getting married before the move, which was in August. Due to the expense, and that all plans and preparations, and Supe had to meet the In-Laws in less than a month, the trip was a no go, although I believe we have agreed that it was simply postponed rather than cancelled.
My first thought was, "I am getting screwed and I am not the one getting married." While Supe shall never live down his failure to respect the sacred nature of the motorcycle camping trip, we wish him and his new wife (she does not have a nick name yet) joy and happiness in their new life together. Congratulations.
P.S. A weekend tirp to Arches National Park in the Fall may ease some of my pain. If I cannot have Beartooth Pass, Highway 12 will have to suffice.
Then I got the call.
Supe explained that he had purchased an engagement ring and was getting married,
and because he had accepted a new job which required him to move he would be getting married before the move, which was in August. Due to the expense, and that all plans and preparations, and Supe had to meet the In-Laws in less than a month, the trip was a no go, although I believe we have agreed that it was simply postponed rather than cancelled.
My first thought was, "I am getting screwed and I am not the one getting married." While Supe shall never live down his failure to respect the sacred nature of the motorcycle camping trip, we wish him and his new wife (she does not have a nick name yet) joy and happiness in their new life together. Congratulations.
P.S. A weekend tirp to Arches National Park in the Fall may ease some of my pain. If I cannot have Beartooth Pass, Highway 12 will have to suffice.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
A Sunday Morning Ride
This past weekend my friend, you all know him as Supe, was visiting family who live in the same area as I do. Not wanting to miss an opportunity we decided to go for an early morning ride on Sunday.
Supe arrives at the arranged gas station, with the love of his life Suzi, and his girlfriend. Suzi is Supe's Bandit 1200. As all motorcycle rides start with a trip to the local gas station, we met at the Sinclair station, as it is the only gas station within 5 miles of my home. Another is being built accross the street but is not yet completed.
After filling up we headed up the road to Zion National Park. This is the most popular ride when we have limited time. Which can be translated into when my wife did not know I was going for a ride.
I have a confession to make. I am attempting to determine the best way to format this blog. I have decided that I like a format consisting of photographs with captions explaining the photos, however, I would also like to take some videos and post them. I do not want to say that I will become a Vlogger, as the videos will likely be limited to action shots which have been edited and overlayed with music, like a sound track. However, I may decide to post videos of the longer rides in a more travel log style, with riding footage with a sound track followed by a monologue of one of the participants talking about the ride or the day. We shall see. Anyway this is my first real attempt to capture pictures while riding, so forgive the poor quality of my pictures, I am no artist.
Riding through a sleepy town which feels a little like a step back in time.
Riding into Zion.
If you look closely at the above pictures you will get a sense of the winding road through Zion, there are numerous turns and twists, as well as the odd decreasing radius turn. I only wish they had the signs like on the Blueridge Parkway. "Do you know what a decreasing radius turn is? Don't find out the hard way."
So if the road is the reason we love Zion, this is the reason we hate the summer time, RV's. There is nothing worse than riding such a wonderful road, which they have recently repaved so it is track smooth, at 10 miles an hour behind a rent me RV. As Canyon Chasers say "Save our canyons from RVs."
While I have apologized for my lack of photography skills, I attempted to capture some video with my point and shoot. I must explain that this camera is really old, as my wife would not appreciate me holding her new camera off the side of my motorcycle while riding through Zion.
Here is my attempt at video, hopefully I can get a GoPro or other mounted camera system soon.
Once we got to the otherside of Zion (locally known as "The Park") we bought a motorcycle trip meal
and then turned back around to head home.
On the way back down, while we were waiting for motorhomes to go through the tunnel
we ran into a group of riders from France. As you can see the motorhomes are too tall and have to drive down the middle of the tunnel, making everyone else wait at one end or the other. While I believe that anyone can exercise their right to buy and drive a motorhome around, I also believe they should exercise their right to pull the hell over whenever a motorcycle is behind them. The riders from France had apperantly rented motorcycles, 13 of them, in LA and were riding around the Southwest, Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and the like. It was great to talk to them, however, they were riding Harleys, which are not ideal for highspeed passes through decreasing radius turns, and were taking pictures. It goes without saying that they were holding us up.
and off to the left between the trees. While I do not fault motorcycle riders for riding their own pace, there are many a people faster than me, it was slightly disheartening that they did not pull over to let us pass. I would have thought that other riders would have experienced the frustration of following slower vehicles, and either pulled over or simply moved to the far right of the lane and waived us through. Regardless, we only got about four turns where we were not hindered by much slower traffic. Lesson learned stay out of Zion on a sunny late spring morning.
After filling up we headed up the road to Zion National Park. This is the most popular ride when we have limited time. Which can be translated into when my wife did not know I was going for a ride.
I have a confession to make. I am attempting to determine the best way to format this blog. I have decided that I like a format consisting of photographs with captions explaining the photos, however, I would also like to take some videos and post them. I do not want to say that I will become a Vlogger, as the videos will likely be limited to action shots which have been edited and overlayed with music, like a sound track. However, I may decide to post videos of the longer rides in a more travel log style, with riding footage with a sound track followed by a monologue of one of the participants talking about the ride or the day. We shall see. Anyway this is my first real attempt to capture pictures while riding, so forgive the poor quality of my pictures, I am no artist.
Supe and friends riding toward Zion.
Riding through a sleepy town which feels a little like a step back in time.
Riding into Zion.
If you look closely at the above pictures you will get a sense of the winding road through Zion, there are numerous turns and twists, as well as the odd decreasing radius turn. I only wish they had the signs like on the Blueridge Parkway. "Do you know what a decreasing radius turn is? Don't find out the hard way."
So if the road is the reason we love Zion, this is the reason we hate the summer time, RV's. There is nothing worse than riding such a wonderful road, which they have recently repaved so it is track smooth, at 10 miles an hour behind a rent me RV. As Canyon Chasers say "Save our canyons from RVs."
While I have apologized for my lack of photography skills, I attempted to capture some video with my point and shoot. I must explain that this camera is really old, as my wife would not appreciate me holding her new camera off the side of my motorcycle while riding through Zion.
Here is my attempt at video, hopefully I can get a GoPro or other mounted camera system soon.
Once we got to the otherside of Zion (locally known as "The Park") we bought a motorcycle trip meal
On the way back down, while we were waiting for motorhomes to go through the tunnel
If you look closely you can see them in front of the black Mustang (one of their chase vehicles)
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Welcome Class of 2011
As explained in the previous post, I am not a fan of the 2011 Speed Triple redesign, and that got we wondering what new Cafe Racers, Streetfighters, and Standards are avialable in this new year.
Aprillia Shiver 750, not to shabby.
The new Ducati Diavel Carbon. I do not know what it is but it looks a little off. Maybe it is that the rake angle looks to high for the bike, or the sitting position, it looks like a chopper street fighter, I still prefer the Monster.
Although this is not an entirely new bike it has had some upgrades, the Harley XR1200X, which is about the only Harley I find appealing. The new version has the benefit of Showa shocks and I believe upgraded brakes. I had the opportunity to ride last year's model, and while I really like the idea, it felt as if the engine was a let down, and that handling could have been better. Although they tout the wide handle bars, riding the XR after the trusty Z1000, I felt the bars where actually quite skinny. (Confession, my stock bars have been replaced with ProTaper bars, which are wider).
Thank you Yamaha, for realizing on the FZ8 that the half fairing previously available on the FZ1, was extremely ugly. History is full of bike manufacturers taking a perfectly good fully naked bike and ruining it with a half fairing, yes Suzuki I am talking to you, Bandit 600S,1200S, (Suzi is a Bandit 1200 no fairing), SV650S, SV1000S. Now Yamaha have done the opposite taken a ugly half faired bike and made something wonderful. I would go to the local shop to have a go, but all they have in stock are sport bikes and cruisers. Road trip to a larger city anyone.
All in all 2011 looks like a good year.
Although this is not an entirely new bike it has had some upgrades, the Harley XR1200X, which is about the only Harley I find appealing. The new version has the benefit of Showa shocks and I believe upgraded brakes. I had the opportunity to ride last year's model, and while I really like the idea, it felt as if the engine was a let down, and that handling could have been better. Although they tout the wide handle bars, riding the XR after the trusty Z1000, I felt the bars where actually quite skinny. (Confession, my stock bars have been replaced with ProTaper bars, which are wider).
All in all 2011 looks like a good year.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Continental Conti-Motion Tires
Continental Tires, is one of the largest tire companies in the world, and although quite well known in the US for car tires, they are less known for their bike tires. However, I have heard that they are one of the top motorcycle tire sellers in Europe (what ever that means).
Continental makes a variety of tires, if you would like a good review of the Road Attack tires read the review on the Canyon Chasers website. http://www.canyonchasers.net/reviews/tires/road-attack.php
Last year, my friend (Supe) and I were going to travel to the World Superbike Race at Miller Motorsports Park over Memorial Day weekend, taking all of the back roads of course. The the day before we were to leave, I had taken my bike into the local Kawasaki dealer because it was making a funny noise. It turned out to be a noise caused by a faulty valve on the emissions system required in California, the system was unnecessary, as I do not live in California, and therefore dealt with appropriately. However, I was also in need of a new rear tire and with funds running low I opted for the lowest price tire the shop had available, the Conti-Motion.
So I purchased the tire, which was promptly mounted and away I went. Over the next few days I put over 1,500 miles on the bike, traveling on everything from mind numbing freeways to tight and twisty mountain passes. At a cost of only $90 dollars I was extremely impressed with the tire. Grip was good both while up right and through the turns, it also preformed well in wet weather. The morning of the last day was met with rain, it cleared up by the afternoon. The tire was confidence inspiring and felt planted, even when the turns and the speeds were sufficient to eliminate my chicken strips.
Tread life was decent. The Z1000 is neither light nor heavy at 496 lbs/dry, and I would consider my riding style middle of the road, not too aggressive, however, I do enjoy a spirited ride through the turns. That being said, I had to replace the tire after about 6,500 miles. All in all it was a great tire, and I will consider purchasing it again. It is confidence inspiring, lasts as long as more expensive tires, and is generally one of the lowest cost sport-touring tires (definitely more to the sport side of the spectrum) available.
I currently ride Pirelli Angel STs, and will review them once I have put sufficient miles on to provide a proper opinion.
Continental makes a variety of tires, if you would like a good review of the Road Attack tires read the review on the Canyon Chasers website. http://www.canyonchasers.net/reviews/tires/road-attack.php
Last year, my friend (Supe) and I were going to travel to the World Superbike Race at Miller Motorsports Park over Memorial Day weekend, taking all of the back roads of course. The the day before we were to leave, I had taken my bike into the local Kawasaki dealer because it was making a funny noise. It turned out to be a noise caused by a faulty valve on the emissions system required in California, the system was unnecessary, as I do not live in California, and therefore dealt with appropriately. However, I was also in need of a new rear tire and with funds running low I opted for the lowest price tire the shop had available, the Conti-Motion.
So I purchased the tire, which was promptly mounted and away I went. Over the next few days I put over 1,500 miles on the bike, traveling on everything from mind numbing freeways to tight and twisty mountain passes. At a cost of only $90 dollars I was extremely impressed with the tire. Grip was good both while up right and through the turns, it also preformed well in wet weather. The morning of the last day was met with rain, it cleared up by the afternoon. The tire was confidence inspiring and felt planted, even when the turns and the speeds were sufficient to eliminate my chicken strips.
Tread life was decent. The Z1000 is neither light nor heavy at 496 lbs/dry, and I would consider my riding style middle of the road, not too aggressive, however, I do enjoy a spirited ride through the turns. That being said, I had to replace the tire after about 6,500 miles. All in all it was a great tire, and I will consider purchasing it again. It is confidence inspiring, lasts as long as more expensive tires, and is generally one of the lowest cost sport-touring tires (definitely more to the sport side of the spectrum) available.
I currently ride Pirelli Angel STs, and will review them once I have put sufficient miles on to provide a proper opinion.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Spring Ride
I am blessed to live in a location that allows for year round riding, and while I commute to work on "Dad's Green Motorcycle." Thanks Babes for clarifying the color.
During the winter months I seldom get the opportunity to partake in the best of all motorcycle rides, a joy ride with a good friend. I should also explain that one of my best friends "Supe" lives in a more nothern (read snow covered) climate, and only has a carport rather than a garage, so for the winter months I keep his Suzuki Bandit 1200 ("Suzi" not sure on the spelling) warm and safe within my garage.
However, this Saturday, Supe was visiting me and we decided to take a couple of hours for a pleasure ride to Zion National Park. As you can see above we started with the obligatory gas stop. Unitl I started this blog, the only pictures I ever took on motorcycle rides were of my bike with different gas stations as a back drop. This blog is in part an attempt to force me to better document these wonderful times. So after a fill up of gas and a check of air pressure, we started our ride.
We started up SR-9 which consists of mostly long sweepers as it is the main road to Zion National Park and must accomodate that most dreaded of road going vehicles the RV, or as Jeremy, Richard, and James would call them Caravans. This being the first ride of the forthcoming spring, it was my intention to take it easy, however, as I drove up the road, I felt good, the road surface was excellent, and there was surpisingly little traffic. So as I entered one long sweeper after another my forward velocity began to increase, feeling comfortable I did not glance at the Speedo, as I was concentrating on correct body and head position, however, after one especially good turn I saw my exit speed and quickly realized the extent of my youthful exuberance.
Soon we arrived at the entrance to Zion. Now recently the park rangers in Zion have been especially diligent in their duties regarding American the Beautiful Annual Passes (read not allowing other to borrow them, by asking for ID). In the past the purchase of an annual pass allowed two motorcycles per pass, so at the entrance I argued vigoruously my prior review of the rules and the ranger despite his belief the rule was different obliged our entrance with one pass despite that only one of us had signed the pass. Because I had dealt with this issue in the past I felt confident in my reading of the rules, however, upon return home the National Park website had been updated to reflect that for two motorcycles to enter the two people had to sign the pass. So to the Ranger at the entrance on Saturday, if you read this, I apologize for my anger regarding entrance.
Despite my new understanding of the current rule. I believe the rule should allow two motorcycles regardless of the need for both to have signed the pass. I can take my friend in the park in a car without the need for him to sign the pass, I am always careful to park both bikes in one parking stall so as not to take up more space than a care, and lets be honest at the speed I travel the familiar roads of Zion National Park, we are not holding up any traffic. Back to the story, we rode up to a turn around spot and stopped for a few pictures. To all the other tourists who kindly let us pass, I thank you. To the one motorhome going 10 under the speed limit, who passed multiple pull offs without letting us pass, I hope you have a wonderful trip, but also hope you will allow those faster than you to pass, it is truly appreciated.
(Sorry, for some reason when I rotated the pictures the quality was reduced. I will have to address this issue. I also made some video but need to edit it before posting.)
As you can see, it was great to get out on a pleasure ride, the weather was good, 60 degrees and sunny, requiring nothing more than my jacket. I hope to have many more rides with friends this year. Supe thanks for coming and making my weekend, it was the best part of my weekend. Yes event better than watching the Super Bowl which is saying a lot for this football fan.
During the winter months I seldom get the opportunity to partake in the best of all motorcycle rides, a joy ride with a good friend. I should also explain that one of my best friends "Supe" lives in a more nothern (read snow covered) climate, and only has a carport rather than a garage, so for the winter months I keep his Suzuki Bandit 1200 ("Suzi" not sure on the spelling) warm and safe within my garage.
We started up SR-9 which consists of mostly long sweepers as it is the main road to Zion National Park and must accomodate that most dreaded of road going vehicles the RV, or as Jeremy, Richard, and James would call them Caravans. This being the first ride of the forthcoming spring, it was my intention to take it easy, however, as I drove up the road, I felt good, the road surface was excellent, and there was surpisingly little traffic. So as I entered one long sweeper after another my forward velocity began to increase, feeling comfortable I did not glance at the Speedo, as I was concentrating on correct body and head position, however, after one especially good turn I saw my exit speed and quickly realized the extent of my youthful exuberance.
Soon we arrived at the entrance to Zion. Now recently the park rangers in Zion have been especially diligent in their duties regarding American the Beautiful Annual Passes (read not allowing other to borrow them, by asking for ID). In the past the purchase of an annual pass allowed two motorcycles per pass, so at the entrance I argued vigoruously my prior review of the rules and the ranger despite his belief the rule was different obliged our entrance with one pass despite that only one of us had signed the pass. Because I had dealt with this issue in the past I felt confident in my reading of the rules, however, upon return home the National Park website had been updated to reflect that for two motorcycles to enter the two people had to sign the pass. So to the Ranger at the entrance on Saturday, if you read this, I apologize for my anger regarding entrance.
Despite my new understanding of the current rule. I believe the rule should allow two motorcycles regardless of the need for both to have signed the pass. I can take my friend in the park in a car without the need for him to sign the pass, I am always careful to park both bikes in one parking stall so as not to take up more space than a care, and lets be honest at the speed I travel the familiar roads of Zion National Park, we are not holding up any traffic. Back to the story, we rode up to a turn around spot and stopped for a few pictures. To all the other tourists who kindly let us pass, I thank you. To the one motorhome going 10 under the speed limit, who passed multiple pull offs without letting us pass, I hope you have a wonderful trip, but also hope you will allow those faster than you to pass, it is truly appreciated.
As you can see, it was great to get out on a pleasure ride, the weather was good, 60 degrees and sunny, requiring nothing more than my jacket. I hope to have many more rides with friends this year. Supe thanks for coming and making my weekend, it was the best part of my weekend. Yes event better than watching the Super Bowl which is saying a lot for this football fan.
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