Adventure Rider Radio

Chris Smith had long made a tradition of planning annual motorcycle adventures with friends and family. The year before, their trip was cut short when several people dropped out due to various challenges. This time, with a smaller group, they pushed farther—riding through active wildfires on their way to the end of Quebec’s remote Trans-Taiga Road. After a night camping at the Caniapiscau Reservoir, they began the ride back toward Radisson as the smoke thickened and the sky darkened. Pressing on, they discovered the road south had been closed due to the fires. Stranded for a couple of days, they made the most of it—sharing meals, swapping stories, and strengthening the bonds that make these adventures unforgettable. This wasn’t just another ride. It was a reminder of why they go: for the adventure, the challenge, and the connection.

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Beth and Kevin Young, 2uptogether, are so passionate about sharing adventures with each other that they ride 2 up, even in the dirt. The've been riding for 19 years, and are advocates for short adventures, close to home. Saying that motorcycle riding has made them closer, Beth & Kevin share their experiences with photographs on social media, hoping to inspire other couples to ride together.

Twitter: 2uptogether Facebook: www.facebook.com/2uptogether Website: http://www.2uptogether.com Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw1iOZraIRbM0VYpUg7PCeg

Skills Development Activity: Threshold braking

The average experienced rider with or without training stops around at about 70% of the capability of his/her motorcycle and roughly 30% further than the average car. Since most training standards are nearly 40% below the motorcycles capability attending traditional rider training does not help you reach the maximum braking capability your motorcycle offers. The numbers I have put on the chart below are rounded off to make things simple and are not exact. During guided training your speed should be measured with radar and then adjustments made for brake application. However in the absence of a school like this in your area this will give you a much better estimate of your ability than the scoring you may have received during any conventional motorcycle training using stopwatch/distance standards.

Bret Tkacs~ Motorcycle Skills Expert

Setup:

1. Mark off a braking area up to 50’ (15 meters) with chalk on good asphalt or pavement. 2. Make your “begin braking here” point with an easy to see marker such as a bottle or large cone. 3. Check your speedometer accuracy against a GPS or phone app (speedometers or commonly 10% optimistic on speed giving you the impression you stop better than you do) 4. Practice steady approach speeds (each speed on the chart. 5. Have a fellow rider observe you as you practice braking at your “begin braking here” point to ensure you do not begin slowing or braking early.

The Drill:

1. Approach the “begin braking here” point at the speed on the chart, do not slow or brake before the point. 2. When the markers disappear from your peripheral view then begin braking stopping in the shortest distance you safety can. 3. Put down your side stand and take the distance to the leading edge of your tire and compare it against the chart. 4. Do not move up to the next speed until you are relaxed and consistent at the lower speeds. 5. To get a truly accurate measure or to safely learn to brake from speeds higher the listed below it is recommended to work with professional instructors training in this type of skill development such as Puget Sound Safety’s; Advanced Street Skills program (pssnw.com)

Max BMW BestRest Products Green Chile Adventure Gear Motobriiz PSSOR IMS Products

Good Adventure Company

Music by Jason Shaw at www.audionautix.com

This is the story of a rescue made possible by a satellite communicator, an inReach device. We've used the inReach for some time now, but only have experience with it as a convenient method of staying in contact with family and for checking weather in remote locations. When we were putting together this episode, part of the plan was to talk to someone who had to use their inReach for the purpose of rescue. And while searching for someone with a story, we experienced a rescue mission of our own.

Jim Martin, show host, and his friend Brent Henry, went for an afternoon adventure ride, on the logging roads and trails on our island. That ride turned out to involve a serious injury and the subsequent rescue mission.

About inReach: We talked at length about both the inReach and Spot on a previous episode, Calling From Help from Above.

inReach Canada: www.inreachcanada.comDelorme inReach: http://www.inreachdelorme.com/

Spencer was the first solo rider to circumnavigate Africa, totally unsupported. He documented his trip using a video camera and at the time had no idea that it would be made in to a six part series called African Motorcycle Diaries where it first aired on the UK Travel Channel.

And now, Spencer is riding around South America, documenting his trip on video, which will once again be made in to a series on the Travel Channel. Jim caught up with him on his trip to see how things were playing out.

African Motorcycle Diaries DVD: https://www.dukevideo.com/prd1950/African-Motorcycle-Diaries-DVD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spencer.j.conway Website: http://www.spencer-conway.com/ Music: www.audionautix.com

Support the show sponsors that help bring ADVENTURE RIDER RADIO to you. More information about contacting our sponsors can be found here. Max BMW Motorcycles Bestrest Products Aerostich TourUSA Motorcycle Rentals Green Chile Adventure Gear IMS Products

If you venture off the pavement, there’s always the possibility that one wrong move and your bike is off the side of a trail or stuck in a mudhole. The question is, do you have what you need to extract your bike? People, winch, or block and tackle?

We did some testing of three different systems, two of which you can take with you on any ride, and one of which is a good back up if not venturing too far, and it’s also ideal for loading your bike on to a trailer.

We spoke to Andy Lilienthal at Warn, Dave Peterson at BestRest, Jon Mason at Superwinch and PSSOR riding instructor, Bret Tkacs, who shares some great pointers on motorcycle recovery.

Tips and techniques on using motorcycle recovery systems. Website: pssor.com

Motorcycle Recovery System

• z-drag rope and pulley system which has been modified for motorcycle recovery, originally made for mountaineering and rescue teams.
• 5/16” (8 mm) primary rope, with a load rating of 3000 lb (1360 kg)
• 1” x 10’ (2.5 cm x 3 m) flat webbing, with a load rating of 4000 lb (1814 kg)
• pre-tied prusik loops, with a load rating of 1700 lb (771 kg)
• pulleys (single or double depending on kit), with a load rating of 5000 lb (2268 kg)
• non locking chrome carabiners, with a load rating of 4500 lb (2041 kg)

Website: https://bestrestproducts.com/shop/recovery-gear-mrs-system/motorcycle-recovery-system-mrs/

XT17 Portable Winch

• pulls up to 1700 lb (771 kg)
• 9 lb (4.08 kg) aluminum construction (winch & rope)
• 40 feet (12 m) of 5/32” (4mm) synthetic rope
• winch size 10.3" L. x 4.0" D. x 4.2" H. (26cm L. x 10cm D. x 10.7cm H.)
• sealed motor and contactor
• runs off motorcycle battery

Website: https://www.warn.com/adventuretouring/XT17_winch.jsp

W2G 4000 Portable Winch

• pulls 4000 lb (1814 kg), up to 8000 lb (3629 kg) with double line technique
• 43 lb (19.5 kg)
• 3/16” x 50’ (4.8 mm x 15.24 m) cable (synthetic rope available W2G 4000 SR)
• tackle box kit includes 3 shackles, 2 straps, pulley block (for up to 8000 lb capability), handheld remote, 10’ battery leads and gloves
• can be permanently mounted, or winch can be securely strapped to something stationary such a tree with included straps
• we used a portable battery to power the W2G 4000 when we tested it

Website: https://www.superwinch.com/collections/superwinch-portable-winches/products/superwinch-winch2go

Fun Fact: We came across another way that a winch can be really beneficial and useful to a motorcyclist, especially if parking is limited or safety is a concern. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2705856/I-like-park-I-Russian-man-solves-crime-issue-winching-motorbike-outside-3rd-floor-window.html

Some music on this episode by Jason Shaw at www.audionautix.com

Ride More Often, Take An Off-Road Course...What's Your New Year's Resolution?

People everywhere are bringing in the New Year, some with firecrackers, foods or drinks. Some exchange gifts or make resolutions to improve themselves.

At Adventure Rider Radio, we have started a custom of looking back at the inspiring stories and expert tech & riding advice we have heard in the past year. In this episode, we revisit just a few of the many great shows and guests we have featured, such as Sam Manicom, Ted Simon, Alex Chacon, Graham Hoskins, Doris Wiedemann, Scotty Kerekes, Ed March & Rachel Lasham, just to name a few.

As we wrap up 2015, we thank all of you, our listeners, our guests and our sponsors. Wherever in the world you are, whatever your customs and traditions... dare to dream and always take the high road.

It's been a pleasure and we look forward to another fantastic year to come.

Brought to You By:

Max BMW Motorcycles

Shop our Online Store featuring parts diagrams for every BMW model. Ordering parts and accessories has never been easier. Choose your bike, look at the diagrams and place your order. We have over 45,000 parts in-stock and our Parts Express team processes and ships orders six days a week via UPS, FedEx and USPS.

www.maxbmw.com

BestRest Products

Home of the CyclePump Tire Inflator, TireIron BeadBrakR, EZAir Tire Gauge, and other adventure motorcycle gear.

When you’re on the road you’ll want a compact and reliable method of tire inflation. The CyclePump runs off your bike’s electrical system and it’ll fill a flat tire in less than 3 minutes. It’s made in the USA and it comes with a 5-year warranty.

BestRest also makes tire changing and tire repair kits that are small enough to fit in your saddlebag.

The crew at BestRest are adventure riders themselves, so they know what you’ll need when you’re exploring the world.

www.CyclePump.com

Aerostich

The best way to ride more is to make riding your easiest, fastest way to get from A to B...simple everyday commuting and errands, long-distance adventure riding, or whatever. For 33 years Aerostich has been designing, making and selling equipment that makes riding anywhere, in all-weather – easier, safer, more comfortable and more fun. No other riders’ gear offers the proven protection, precise fit or lifelong value of an Aerostich. Prove it to yourself with the Ride-More Guarantee. If you try any Aerostich one piece R-3 or Roadcrafter Classic suit for one month, and are not riding more than you did before receiving it, send it back and you will receive a full refund, no questions asked. For complete details and to view all of the available equipment for riders, visit www.aerostich.com/arr.

More at www.adventureriderradio.com