Posts Tagged ‘motorcycle touring’

Motorcycle News: Cardio Packtalk, subscribe to use?

Posted: March 22, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle radio
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ijustwant2ride.com

Down Shift – Cardio Packtalk is now subscription based.

Cardio, one of the leaders in motorcycle helmet to helmet and helmet to device communications has made a MAJOR change to how their product works.

The Bluetooth communications and intercom maker now has “Packtalk Custom” to allow you to “customize” the way you connect. The device itself sells for about $250US.

So, what do you get out of the box?  The ability to connect to nothing.  You must subscribe to the Silver Package to connect to your phone OR navigation system, NOT BOTH.

Subscribing to the silver package for $3 dollars per month gets you:

  • Music sharing
  • Three audio profiles
  • Speed dial

Subscribing to the gold package for $5 dollars a month allows you to “expand your capabilities with Bluetooth intercom and a 2nd device”.  The full gold package gives you:

  • Universal Bluetooth Intercom (to allow you to connect to other brands of intercom)
  • Bluetooth bridge
  • Second channel connection (allows you to connect an additional device – without it, you can only have your mobile phone OR sat-nav OR bike’s dash).
  • Music sharing
  • Three audio profiles
  • Speed dial

Subscribing to the Platinum package for $7 dollars a month enables:

  • Voice commands
  • Eco mode (up to 20% longer operation)
  • Universal Bluetooth Intercom
  • Bluetooth bridge
  • Second channel connection
  • Music sharing
  • Three audio profiles
  • Speed dial

My Take – WOW, why would I pay $250 dollars for something that I cannot use out of the box?  I will not be purchasing this device that is for sure.  IN FACT, I THINK THIS IS STUPID!

While I am sure that there are people who will do this, I would hope the vast majority of people will go to other brands.  We should not have to pay additional fees to be able to use the product we just bought. As is, you will need to pay $5 a month just to use what I consider basic features.

Ride two up…. an extra $7 per month to be able to talk with your passenger and do the normal stuff like phone and nav.

This subscription thing is a trend I have been seeing in other areas including cars and trucks and I hope that people are smart enough to not buy into this or otherwise it might spread. 

I can easily imagine a day where if you wanted 5th gear you would have to pay a fee.

*****

Up Shift – International Female Ride Day 2023

The 17th International Female Ride Day falls on May the 6th this year.

For 16 years the IFRD has “shined a spotlight on women riders and females in the motorsports arena!”

Nearly 20% of riders are women and that number has been growing over the years and I do not expect that growth to end anytime soon. Coming out of the pandemic more people and especially women are feeling empowered to do the things that they really want.

The goals of the event are:

  • Highlight the number of women who ride.
  • Encourage other women to take up the activity.
  • Raise awareness about women’s equality in motorsports.
  • Celebrate women’s advancement in motorsports and powersports.
  • Ride for accelerated gender parity.

My Take: Anything that gets folks out and riding is a great thing!  That this team has been encouraging women to mount up and ride is just awesome.  I hope that we can grow the number of women riding from 20% to 30% in the next few years.

Ride on, Ride Safe

Motorcycle Book Review: The Moment Collectors

Posted: March 13, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Product Reviews
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The Moment Collector is an anthology of short stories from motorcyclists traveling the world. The collector of these stories is Sam Manicom, himself a world traveler on two wheels.

Sam collected twenty tales from intrepid motorcycling travelers. As with all anthologies some stories are more engrossing than others, some writers are better than others. Yet overall, I enjoyed the book greatly.

I was familiar with a few of the authors, Tim Notier for example, but most were new to me. Mr. Manicom provided each writer’s social media information with their stories. A subtle but impactful touch that allowed me to see more about each of them.

As noted above, it is difficult for any collection of stories, or moments, to have every tale a hit. I am giving this book a 4-Star review because it is an anthology and not all the stories were great.

However…. It should be part of your motorcycle book library!

Ride On, Ride Safe

Other books of Sam Manicom I have reviewed: Tortillas and Totems

Full disclosure Sam authored a guest post on this blog, and I paid for this book and was not paid for the review.

Motorcycle News: National Motorcycle Museum and Moto Guzzi Rallies

Posted: March 2, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news
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ijustwant2ride.com

Down Shift – National Motorcycle Museum is closing.

Sadly, the National Motorcycle Museum will close its doors in September. The museum in Anamosa, Iowa, was opened 22 years ago by the owners of J&P Cycle John and Jill Parham. John passed away in 2017.

Their notification stated, “We have struggled for several years to cover wages and utilities partly due to low visitations.”

The museum states that it will auction its collections to pay outstanding bills. This auction will include both motorcycles and memorabilia that the Parham’s collected over their many years in the motorcycle industry.

My Take Just another sad note reflecting both the results of the pandemic and the state of the motorcycle industry in America.  Also, I am not sure that Anamosa, Iowa is a destination for a lot of folks. I would not be surprised if more “niche” museums closed their doors in the near future.

*****

Up Shift – Moto Guzzi Experience

Moto Guzzi motorcycles are sponsoring 3 events around the USA.  The first up is in Bozeman, MT (June 28th-July3rd 2023).  The second is in the Smoky Mountains starting in Knoxville, TN (August 30th-September 4th). The third Moto Guzzi Experience runs October 18th – 23rd in the Ozark Mountains around Bentonville AK.

All these events include tour leaders and support vehicles, and you can rent a Moto Guzzi if you do not want to ride yours to the event. Base costs? $2,500 if you rent a motorcycle, $1,500 if you bring your own and passengers cost $1,000. That cost includes hotels, full board (minus alcohol), the tour leader and support vehicle.

Folks who attend the event will get a discount on a new V100 Mandello or a V85TT afterwards.  Discounts of up to $1,250 on a new bike is never a bad thing.

My Take: I am assuming these events are going to be similar to what the Harley Owners Group does with their annual rallies If that is the case it should be a lot of fun. In fact, we were at one of the HOG rallies last year in the Smokey Mountains. If you attend of these Moto Guzzi events let me know I would like to hear how it turned out.

*****

Ride on, Ride Safe

Best of 2022: Motorcycle Memes

Posted: January 4, 2023 in Motorcycle
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2022 was an OK year for motorcycle memes. The internet though up a lot of recycled, older memes and a bunch of really dumb motorcycle themed memes. Yet, I found 12 decent and/or funny memes and narrowed that down to best 9 motorcycle memes for 2022.

Why nine? Because everyone does 10 and 11 is too much work!

Bilt Iron Works Kevlar Motorcycle Riding Pants

Posted: December 12, 2022 in Motorcycle, Product Reviews
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I reviewed an earlier version of the Bilt Iron Workers Kevlar motorcycle pants way back in 2013. The older version received a 4-star rating, but these pants have been improved over the years.

The new Iron Workers Kevlar pants are available in several colors, I purchased the khaki version.  They were more brown than khaki but acceptable.  I read that the sizing was running a little small, so I bought one size up from my normal and it worked out well, a good fit.

They look more like casual office pants than any of the other motorcycling pants I currently own.  With the knee pads removed it would be even more difficult to discern they are motorcycle-based clothing.

Speaking of knee pads, the Bilt Iron Workers Kevlar pants have an external zipper that allows for “easier” access.  I placed “easier” in quotes as it can still be a bit of a struggle to get them in and out, but it is much better than turning the pants inside out to access the armor pockets. This is a plus over many other pants I own.

While the Bilt pants come with armor for the knee they do not come with hip armor, luckily, I have several extra pairs.  Unlike the knee armor the hip armor is not as easy to insert or remove.  The pocket openings face the outside pant leg, and it can be a bit of a struggle to put the armor in place.  Once the hip armor is installed, they are comfortable and snug. This is about the same as other pants I own.

After riding in these pants for a few thousand miles, I have to say I like them quite a bit. While heavy they are not too hot in the heat, and they have some decent wind breaker qualities that help in the cool weather.

The cargo pockets are secured with heavy-duty Velcro and, wow, it is some really heavy-duty Velcro. It can be a bit of an effort to pull the pocket open.  You will not need to worry about the cargo pockets coming open during your ride!  The regular pockets are just regular pockets. This is a plus over other pants I own.

The only downside and it does not impact my rating is the hip armor pockets, they could be better with a pocket opening facing the inside of the pant with a Velcro closure. Some people might complain of the limited use of the Kevlar lining but there is a price point consideration. 

For their price these are very good motorcycling pants.

2022 Holiday Gift Guide for your Motorcycle Rider

Posted: December 6, 2022 in custom motorcycle, Motorcycle, Motorcycle TV
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xmas

How about some ideas for that crazy motorcycle rider you love. Sometimes it can be difficult to figure out what to get for your motorcyclist during the holiday season so I made a list of those things that would appeal to most bikers.

9) Heated gear – We all “Just Want 2 Ride” right. The gift of heated gear will extend the riding season for weeks or months depending on where you live.

8) New tie-down straps – Another piece of equipment that gets old, but one that is especially important if you’re crazy biker tows or hauls their bike(s).  Steal a glance at their current straps, look worn or about to be worn out, get them a new set.

7) Custom Dynamic Motorcycle Lights – Custom Dynamic makes SUPER bright, eye catching lighting for motorcycles.  I have several sets on my bike and wish I had more! Look at the ProBeam LED Motorcycle Turn Signals I have added them to two motorcycle and I am sure I have sold several dozen for Custom Dynamics as well. 

6) A Gift Card – from their favorite local dealership.  That way they can pick out what they want!

5) Frame them – Frame a nice picture of them with their motorcycle.  Simple and cheap but you might have to snoop on their phone to find the best one! 

4) Battery Tender – Winter is here in the northern hemisphere. This gift will help your crazy biker be ready to roll the first chance they get. No recommendation, they are almost all good. Just make sure you get the right connection for their motorcycle.

3) Kevlar lined pants, shirts, or jackets. Kevlar can get pricy but, your motorcycle rider will love you for it.

2) Long sleeve T-Shirts – Motorcycle themed long sleeve T-Shirts provide a wardrobe option when the weather gets cool.

1) Membership in the AMA – That is the American Motorcycle Association.  Membership not only gets discounts on products, it also includes emergency towing. The AMA is the largest, but not the only, lobbyist group protecting your right to ride.

Day Two of the Great Smokey Mountains HOG Rally

Posted: October 4, 2022 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle touring, Rally
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Day two started out bright and sunny with a heavy dew.  We had our motorcycle seat cover on so our butts would be dry in the seats, and the dew made it easy to wipe away the many bugs splats from the previous day! Today’s ride was a guided ride to “The Tail of the Dragon”, “Cherohala Skyway” and “Maple Springs Overlook”.

We lined up early at Smokey Mountain Harley Davidson, the staging area for all the guided motorcycle rides.  Our group ended up with 13 Harley Davidsons and 1 Indian. The Indian was ridden by a man who had come from Frankfort, Germany to attend the rally which was the longest trip to get to the rally. The Indian was what was available for rent when arrived. His Indian was not the only out of place bike at the rally, there were several Gold Wings interspaced throughout the event as well as a BMW.

Soon enough we were on the road passing through the quaint town of Maryville on our way to the mountains.  Things were going well until we realized that the number 5 motorcycle, we were the sixth, in line was ridden by Mr. Slow.  The moment we started into the foothills we fell behind quickly.  I was worried that we would miss a turn and go astray. Luckily, we had experienced group riders in front of Mr. Slow and they would stop at the turns to make sure we followed the correct path.

When we hit The Dragon, it was clear we were going to set a record for the slowest run of all times.  Mr. Slow rarely passed 20 MPH at anywhere along The Dragon.  Now, do not get me wrong, I really believe in the adage “Ride your own ride.” however you do not need to force more then half the group to ride your ride.  Mr. Slow had multiple places to pull off to allow the rest of us to proceed, we all knew we were going to stop at Deals Gap, NC to regroup.

At Deals Gap not only did we regroup we had a chance for a group photo and time to pick up some Dragon souvenirs. But we were shortly remounted on our iron horses headed for some additional twistiness and river front rides. This time I was in front of Mr. Slow.

By now we had been riding for 3 hours and the ride captain pulled off at Tapoco Lodge for lunch.  The lodge restaurant is perched along a creek with a view of mountains and road upon which we arrived for our meal. For atmosphere alone I would recommend a meal stop at the lodge. The food was good, but company and conversation were much better.

The Parking area at the Maple Spring Overlook

Back on the road we headed to Maple Springs Overlook. A two-lane road takes you up hill to a parking area 3300 feet above sea level. A short walk from the parked motorcycles gave us a spectacular view of valley below and the Smokey Mountains in the distance.  Turns out that this road was to be the start of the Cherohala Skyway but, plans changed and now we have a road to a wonderful overlook with an awesome view.

Speaking of the Skyway that was the next leg of our all-day motorcycle tour. The Cherohala Skyway is a National Scenic Byway running 41 miles from Tellico Plains to Robbinsville climbing to over 5400 feet above sea level. 

I think the plan was to make a couple stops along the Skyway, but we were behind schedule. Dinner and a concert were on tap for the evening. But even without the stop to admire the views it was, none the less, awe inspiring from the seat of a moving motorcycle.

When we returned to dealership, we went to dinner with another couple we rode with and then returned back to Smokey Mountain Harley Davidson for the Def Leppard cover band.

Still watching you Hurricane Ian but, it is not looking good! Sigh!

Ride On, Ride Safe

All the way from Germany
Pardon me do you have Grey Poupon?
The western view from the Maple Springs Overlook

Motorcycle Rally in the Smokey Mountains v. Hurricane Ian

Posted: October 1, 2022 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle show, Rally
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We rode for about 7 hours on Monday from our home to the rally. This ride was all interstate and really reminded me why one should avoid Interstate 81, south or north, it is a terrible experience in the best of times.  Thousands of tractor trailers and stupid car drivers weaving to get “the fastest” spot while hold a phone to their face.  SIGH.

As we approached the hosting hotel, the “Airport” Hilton, the GPS lady was telling us to ride the motorcycle to the arrivals and departures section of the airport. Of course, we thought that the crazy GPS lady was once again full of “stuff”, so I stopped and reselected the location.  Turns out the hotel is literally a few steps from the arrivals and departures doors of the airport.  Imagine that!

Day One of the Great Smokey Mountains HOG Rally

Rally registration was at the hotel and sign in for the pre-registered, like Debbie and me, was quick and easy.  We each received a SWAG bag that contain pertinent rally materials a t-shirt, patches, pins, and a HOG water bottle.

We were also showed how to download the routes from by scanning a Q-code from their routes posters and how to load those routes into the motorcycle. Snip/snap and we had multi-routes installed on our Harley Davidson. 

Ok not quite snip/snap.  The problem is the that the Harley Davidson Boom GTS radio/navigation system does not come with a paper owner’s manual but with a little coaching I was able to get the routes set up.  I mentioned to the National HOG representative that they should hold a few classes on using the Boom GTS at each rally, I think it would be one of the more popular aspects of future events.

After registration we rode to Smokey Mountain Harley Davidson. SMHD is the host dealership of the rally, and their facilities are among the best that I have ever experienced. A large dealership with an inviting exterior and expansive interior they have very large inventory of motorcycles (and sold 2 while I was there), accessories, and clothing.  But that is just the start, Smokey Mountain HD also has a BBQ restaurant and a concert venue. I have never seen a dealership like this before.  A little more on the concert venue below.

As we were looking around the dealership and the vendor, Debbie spotted a Custom Dynamics Rear Finder Tip Light which would be SO much brighter than the existing OEM light.  She bought the light and wanted it installed while we were there, I did not argue. With the large number of drivers, she saw holding phones on the ride down another run/brake light will never hurt.  I will do a separate post on this light and my thoughts on Custom Dynamics soon.

After the part was installed, we decided to ride through Wears Valley, TN.  The twisty ride up and over a mountain was a lot of fun and the ride through the valley was quite beautiful. The route we took dropped us in Pigeon Forge, TN near the Rocky Top Harley Davidson Dealership.  If you have followed IJustWant2Ride on Facebook or Twitter you will know I collect dealer pins which means I had to get a Rock Top pin!

We had a snack at the Iron Boar bar and Mexican Grill right across the street from the dealership … along with 30 new friends, all from the HOG rally! After we had fueled ourselves, we headed back to SMHD for the opening ceremony and the first concert of the rally.

Still watching you Hurricane Ian!

Skyline Drive, Shenandoah Valley and 220 Motorcycle Miles with Family

Posted: September 18, 2022 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle touring
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Ijustwant2ride.com

For a pleasant change we had family come to visit and ride with us! Debbie’s sister (Vicki) and her husband (Jeff) trailered their Harley Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle from Ohio to our home in Front Royal, VA.  Neither of them had ridden Skyline Drive or anywhere in this part of Virginia.

They came out for the Labor Day weekend arriving late Friday afternoon. Saturday morning, we unload their Fat Boy and made ready for Skyline Drive. The morning was cool but comfortable and the view of Skyline Drive from my driveway was clear and bright.  Little did we know that the bright sun would disappear and reappear and disappear and reappear as rode along the ridges of the parkway.

Stopping at a few of the early western view overlooks Vicki and Jeff though the sites of blue skies and the Shenandoah Valley were just spectacular! They were both enjoying the smooth tarmac and twisty nature of the parkway and as it was early in the day the bonus of a low traffic.

Looking east, however, I realized that the bright and sunny would not be the way the entire trip.  Lots of clouds clung at the treetops, with breezes moving them around in movie like motions as they sweep up and down the eastern ridge. I knew, from the number of times I have ridden the parkway, that in short order we would be riding in a cloud and the temps would drop.

I was not wrong, as we approached the first exit from Skyline Drive, Thornton Gap, the clouds were right down on the parkway.  Ridding through a cloud, if you have not done so, is foggy and damp.  Riding our motorcycles out of Thornton Gap we quickly made it to Mary’s Rock Tunnel.  Of course, we had to hit the throttle to hear the music of the V-Twins reverberate from the halls of the tunnel.

We pulled off at the Mary’s Rock overlook, today’s view was more, inside of cloud, then amazing vista but, we talked to Jeff and Vicki and generally admired Skyline Drive and the other motorcycles parked at the overlook.

Back on the bikes we were in and out the clouds going from warm to cool with the occasional mist and rain drops. We dropped off Skyline Drive at the second exit and then rode the motorcycles north on SR 340 back to Ft. Royal.

After the ride we went to “Shenandoah Valley Ax Throwing Company” for dinner and some fun.  Throwing the ax was a lot of fun and a bit therapeutic depending on what you were imagining the target to be 😊.  This is the first time we had been there be it will not be the last! 

The next day was just as much fun.  We rode the motorcycle south on Fort Valley Road to Luray.  Swung by Cooters, Duke’s of Hazzard Museum and then over Thornton Gap.

Thornton’s Gap has signs on both sides that state that this is a high crash area for motorcycles! The signs are right, people overestimate their skills.

Like the day before, as we reached the top of the ridge and passed under Skyline Drive, we activated our “storm chasers” superpowers. Three quarters of the way up a nearly all the way down the other side it was motorcycling in a light rain and fog.  But it was warm and sunny when we were back in the valley below.

This day we stopped for lunch in Front Royal at “PaveMint Smokn’ Tap House” which is a great place for wood smoked meals.  Everyone loved their food, Vicky and Jeff said they would like to come back someday. 

2 days of motorcycling, with 2 members of our family for 220 miles of the best of riding in Virginia … just cannot beat that!

Ride On, Ride Safe

Motorcycle News: Tesla is killing motorcyclists.

Posted: August 22, 2022 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle safety
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ijustwant2ride.com

Up Shift – URAL motorcycle departs Russia.  

URAL has been a Russian motorcycle company for, well, forever.  But with the economic sanctions leveled against Russia for the Ukraine invasion, URAL had a hard decision, to stay or go.  They went.

URAL has moved out of their home factory in Irbit, Russia, to Petropavlovsk, Kazakhstan, with the move forcing the brand to hire new workers in Kazakhstan.

“People understand that what’s happening doesn’t represent the brand,” says Madina Merzhoeva, VP of marketing and international sales, in an article from CycleWorld.

“Ural has always been about integration into the world. It’s always been about community, doing things together and connecting. Probably unlike any other motorcycle brand, in a sense, because by nature there are two or more people riding in a Ural.”

My Take – What else could they do if they wanted to survive? I would expect there to be quality control issues for the next couple years as a new workforce is taught how to build URAL motorcycles.

*****

Down Shift – Tesla is killing motorcyclists.

Is the Tesla autopilot software not able to “see” motorcycles? In two recent event involving Tesla the apparent answer to that question is no.

In July 2022 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sent investigation teams to two crashes where Tesla’s crashed into motorcycles on freeways in the darkness. Both were fatal.

The first occurred 4:47 a.m. July 7 on State Route 91, a California freeway. A white Tesla Model Y was traveling east in the high occupancy vehicle lane. Ahead of the Tesla was a rider on a Yamaha V-Star motorcycle.

The vehicles collided, and the unidentified motorcyclist was ejected from the Yamaha. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Fire Department.

The second crash happened about 1AM July 24 on Interstate 15 near Draper, Utah. A Tesla Model 3 was behind a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, also in an HOV lane. “The driver of the Tesla did not see the motorcyclist and collided with the back of the motorcycle, which threw the rider from the bike,” the Utah Department of Public Safety said in a prepared statement.

The motorcyclist was pronounced died at the scene.

From 2016 to now the NHTSA has investigated 39 crashes involving autopilot features 30 of which were Tesla.  The Tesla’s involved 19 deaths.  

My Take – Not sure why it is taking so long to issue a recall for this autopilot feature?  Tesla is taking the brunt of the investigations but is that because they are worse than the other manufactures or because there are more Tesla’s on the road.

My recommendation…. If you see a Tesla coming up behind you, get out of the way.  There is no way to know if the dummy driving the car is on autopilot or not.

*****

Ride on, Ride Safe

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