Passes & Canyons Blog

Beautiful day on Wednesday and I rode to work. Yahoo!

It had been 17 days since I’d been on a bike, most of that bitter cold and still snow and ice on our street even once the temperatures turned up. But Wednesday was great.

Starting out in the morning it was brisk, of course, so I wore the electric vest and electric gloves. Almost felt like I didn’t need the vest but it pushed me from on the verge of chilly to very comfy.

As for the gloves, I got to do a real test there because for whatever reason, I couldn’t get one of them to turn on. They’re warm gloves in their own right, so my left hand never got cold, except that by the time I got to work the very tips of my fingers were definitely feeling it.

Of course there were a slew of bikes in the parking lot today. There are a bunch of riders at the National Park Service who are serious bikers, riding just about any time they can. Most of them ride BMWs, so I assume they have electric seats, electric grips, and all that. They’re pretty much all 1200 GS’s and RS’s. There was one guy there today on a Honda, I noticed.

Coming home I didn’t use the vest at all but I did turn the gloves on. And yes, that’s plural. The one that wouldn’t come on in the morning did come on in the evening. Except I got about three blocks and it shut off again. I fiddled with it and got it on again and it stayed on the rest of the ride. So both hands had heat and I couldn’t tell if I really needed them or not.

Of course, I was on the Concours. That’s my warmest bike. It has a large fairing and the engine pumps out a ton of heat. That heat is not particularly welcome in the summer but in the winter it’s wonderful. I would have needed the heated gear a lot more on either the Honda or the Suzuki.

And I was trying out some new ear plugs, too. These things are some kind of high-tech product that are supposed to do a really good job of muffling loud noise while allowing you to hear clearly to talk or to be aware of traffic. I can’t really say for sure yet how good I think they are, but once I’ve used them a bit more I’ll make a report.

Now the weather is turning colder again. Hope I get to ride some more this month yet. As long as the road stays clear that should happen. But there’s possible snow in the near-term forecast. Keep your fingers crossed.

Biker Quote for Today

My solution for winter riding is to buy an old bike (winter hack) keeping your pride ‘n’ joy all warm and tucked away until the sun or warmer weather returns.

My introduction to RawHyde Adventures was excitement followed by disappointment. Back a few years ago when being the National Motorcycle Examiner was a viable gig I was contacted by someone asking if I’d be interested in participating in a media event at their then only facility out in California. This was to be–I don’t remember–a four or five day session where they would put us up and feed us and give us several days of off-road training. All I would have to do would be get myself there and get home. Of course I said yes instantly.

It didn’t pan out. This was a short-notice event and while I was totally flexible and able to leap in an instant, apparently the folks working for the more traditional magazines and such could not drop everything and go. It got canceled. I was bummed.

Well, just Sunday I discovered that as of June RawHyde has opened a Colorado facility. I can’t tell from their website just where exactly they are; all it says is “Located high in the Rocky Mountains on the Continental Divide Trail, in the heart of the best Adventure Riding in America.” So it’s somewhere up there in the hills.

If you’re looking to get some training for adventure riding–this is not just riding dirt, it’s more ambitious–RawHyde seems to have a pretty good program. The classes or whatever they call them are:

• Intro to Adventure Training Camp
• The Next Step Training Camp
• Rocky Mountain Adventure Ride
• High Rockies Adventure Ride
• The Continental Divide Ride

And they say coming soon, the Triple Nickel Test Ride Program. Not sure what that is.

It looks good. The intro unit is described as, “For experienced street riders wanting to get comfortable in the dirt.” Here’s what they say it will include:

• An introduction to dirt riding techniques and the top mistakes people make
• Body position for effective off-road riding
• Throttle, brake and clutch techniques
• Weight-shift techniques for steering
• Balance techniques
• Turning technique using counterbalancing
• Obstacle avoidance
• How to control front and rear wheel skids
• Hard Acceleration technique on dirt and gravel
• Hill Climbing
• Descending steep hills in a controlled manner
• How to ride in Sand and Gravel
• How to recover from a stall on a steep hill
• How to turn around, fully loaded on a steep hill

That sounds like that would about do it. Where do I sign up? And how much does it cost?

Oh yeah, cost. Get out your wallet, cause it ain’t cheap. If you ride your own bike (they do have rentals) the sign-up is $1,395. Ouch. Some people obviously have more money than I do. Maybe you.

What you get for that money is a two and one-half day program, food and beverages, three nights lodging, and a T-shirt. And not just any food. “All meals prepared by Cordon Bleu trained Chefs.”

So, wow. Wow, I’d really like to do this. Wow, I really don’t have that kind of money. Hey RawHyde, if you want to do a media event to help publicize the fact that you’ve got this new operation running, give me a call. I’ll say yes in a heartbeat once again. I’ll even bring my own bike.

Biker Quote for Today

That hill doesn’t look too hard…..you go first!

So with the snow and cold weather just about one of the weirdest things you might have seen on the road lately was a motorcycle. No, I haven’t seen any in at least a week, have you? But the weather is warming up, our road is starting to show through the ice, and it looks like there will be riding to do this weekend.

Meanwhile, it’s time for another edition of what’s the weirdest stuff you’ve encountered on the road, courtesy of a thread from the Adventure Riders forum. Let’s not waste time.

• Here’s a new one, from today’s ride. I was motoring along home on a two lane highway and see what appears to be a short tree branch in my lane up ahead. I change lane position enough to miss it, and look down as I pass it. WTF? It’s a disembodied deer foreleg, perfectly intact and not missing any hair, from the hoof up to the knee. No deer carcass anywhere in sight, no grease spot or blood patch anywhere.
• The rider in front of me by about 15 feet did not put his hard box on right. That BMW pannier fell off right in front of me and I swerved so fast, I almost high sided. We were going about 70 miles an hour. Make sure they are snapped in place, folks.
• Years ago, riding down a back alley, only going about 15 mph, a little robin flew into my right coat pocket. I stopped and tried to find him, but couldn’t see a thing. Next thing I knew, the little guy popped out and flew off. It was the strangest thing.
• Hit a yellow jacket that landed just below my helmet. It didn’t die and quickly climbed into my helmet and proceeded to sting me. NOT fun.
• A house. First time on a bike (1973) on a Honda 50. Throttle stuck and I slammed right into my folks’ house. Rear tire dug up Mom’s flowers. They weren’t home and I wasn’t allowed to ever ride motorcycles. They never found out.
• I did deliberately run over a Barbie Doll that was lying in the street in my neighborhood, the head actually popped off and rolled under a parked car, leaving the headless doll body alone in the street for lookers by to ponder…”WHY?” – it was almost performance art…..
• I hit a police car with an angry policman in it. He took my bike and me to jail. Long time ago.
• I hit a large pine cone that was rolling across a bend in the road on a windy day. As it was moving I kind of target fixated on it, resulting in front wheel going over it whilst I was slightly leant over in the bend – very interesting “rodeo” moment not exactly sure how I stayed on the bike – especially as I had not been riding long at the time.
• Rode the the rotting carcass of a hog this week on the way to work. Somehow, by no fault of my own, none of the guts got on me. Thank goodness, that thing stunk!
• I intercepted a pinecone’s fall to earth with my face @ about 45mph.

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OK, enough for now. More to follow, sooner or later.

Biker Quote for Today

In your helmet, no one can hear you scream.

What do you call it when you get something that you feel would be a good value at twice the price you actually pay for it? I’d call that a heck of a deal.

That’s what I would call this VikingCycle Warrior leather motorcycle jacket I’ve been wearing lately. Checking out the website, this thing is for sale–that’s for sale, not on sale–for just $74.99. I don’t know how they do it.

Knowing that this was a low-priced jacket I was prepared for it to be something less than wonderful. When I pulled it out of the packing box I was immediately surprised with how soft and supple the leather is. “Made of Premium Top Grade Leather” the website says. “Very nice,” I say.

As for features, let’s start at the top and work down. There is no outer collar, as you can see from the photo. It zips all the up and then snaps at the neck. That’s a plus for me in that when I wear my favorite helmet these days it has a tendency to snag the strap on the collar of my old leather jacket as I’m turning my head to see what’s behind me. That doesn’t happen with this jacket.

Up in the chest area in front there are two zip-up vents that can be opened to permit air flow when it’s hot. Corresponding vents are positioned down low in back.

The shoulders have reinforcing, as do the elbows, though neither has armor in them. As you would expect, there are zip-up pockets on both sides in front. All the zippers have good-sized leather tabs that help you get an easy hold of them.

There’s no belt but there are leather thongs to snug down and tighten up the waist in back. And like any good motorcycle jacket, there is a bit of a tail in back that comes down lower than in front, and this one has padding built into it.

On the inside, you’ve got a quilted, zip-out liner. The liner is sleeveless–a vest–and besides the zipper has only one button on either side to hold it in place. Having sleeves would obviously make it warmer but not having sleeves makes it a lot less hassle to get it in or out. Under the liner there is mesh, which is also what you find on the inside of the four vents.

There are inside pockets with snaps on both sides. So four pockets altogether. You can never have too many pockets.

So those are the particulars; what can I tell you about it based on my experience?

First off, I would have to agree with a comment on the website where the guy said, “Don’t size up! It’ll fit true to size.” I’m kind of on the cusp between the small and medium and I figured that if I went with the small there might not be room inside to layer up for winter riding. The trade-off that came with going with the medium is that the sleeves are little longer than I would like, with the elbow pads almost not covering my elbows. I’m thinking it might make sense to think of this as a three-season jacket and just not wear it in the winter. That way I could easily go with a small and it would probably be a bit of a better fit. Not that the medium is a terrible fit, but that’s one weakness of ordering stuff online–you can’t try it on before buying. And then returning and exchanging is enough of a hassle that if it fits well enough you’re disinclined to try for the perfect fit, never knowing whether the next size smaller might be too small. Bottom line is, as the guy said, don’t size up.

Riding with the jacket I found it comfortable and warm. I went out on days when I figured I would need my electric vest but with the liner in the jacket I ended up never needing the electrics. Not that I wouldn’t need the electrics on even colder days, but the jacket did a better job on its own than I expected. It was snug around my neck and waist (which is to say, it did not permit any breeze) and my gloves kept any breeze from coming up the sleeves. And because I did get the medium, there was ample room inside for numerous winter layers.

Don’t know what else there is to say. I really like this jacket; I can’t believe the price. Obviously I can’t say anything at this point about durability. If I ever go down while I’m wearing I’ll definitely tell you how it holds up and how it does protecting me. But that’s a story I hope never to tell. Right now I give it a big thumbs-up.

Here’s a video that will give you a look at the jacket.

Biker Quote for Today

Lead me not into temptation ………… just follow me, I know a short-cut.

Some guy on a forum I belong to asked the question, “What’s the most useful motorcycle gadget you have (or would like)?” I thought you might be interested in some of the replies.

Doug: TOP BOX I can’t figure out why all bikers don’t have them. OK I am talking about North Americans I learner how great they are in Europe.

Jim: Luggage net, or two. Despite the undeniable utility of a top box, I would never fit one to my bike simply because I think they look horrible. Sad but but true for me. I also appreciate that’s maybe rich coming from a Beemer R series (roadster) owner ;-) But beauty is in the eye of the beholder…

Dane: I carry around two jumper leads, (1 long and 1 short) with alligator clips on them. Roll of electrical tape, two spark plugs and a leather man. I can fix most anything on the side of the road.

Campeau: skullyhelmets.com/heads-up-display-helmet. I saw this on you tube, has GPS and rear view display built into the helmet.

Dejvis: Steering damper.

Philip: I would have liked to have seen a motorcycle aftermarket products company produce an all-in-one handlebar mounted “info-tainment” system that included GPS, Satellite Radio capability, AM-FM Weather Band, music file storage, and cell phone using inside the helmet headphones that could be directly connected or via Bluetooth. This idea, however, is now being replaced by iPhones and similar all-in-one cell phones.

Christiaan: The best thing I ever got was a heated vest.

Ian: I like the odometer. It tells you when you need fuel and it gives you something to do as you tour down the highway.

Carl: Sometimes simple is spectacular. I have this hand crank / wind-up flashlight included in my tool pouch that has relentlessly brought light into very dark situations . . . no batteries needed . . .

AMC: Have to admit after 43 years of riding, the most important item after a long day on the road is a good backseater to massage the kinks outs.

Randall: Contigo coffee cup full of hot, black java in the holder on the handlebars. Keeps coffee hot for an hour or more in cool weather. Wife purchased for me at Costco. Smiling and riding.

Charlie: Sena intercom system. Being able to talk to my passenger makes the ride so much more enjoyable.

Gary: I haven’t tried it….but I understand that those leather fringe tassel doo-dads flapping off the clutch & brake levers are very useful.

Patricia: Without a doubt my trans pass, now I can fly through the tolls, :)

Maja: ROTOBOX carbon fiber wheels for sure!! ;)

Preston: Heated grips!! Especially this season.

Mark: Magnetic tank bag, handy thing to have.
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So there’s what a few people like. It wasn’t my plan but as I was putting this together it occurred to me that this could help with your Christmas list, or whatever other gift-giving you do. Or you could point someone looking for a gift for you to this post.

Recent from National Motorcycle Examiner
Only a biker knows . . .: Motorcycle wit and wisdom, #29

Biker Quote for Today

Riding the Tail of the Gator — 11 Curves in 318 miles (Florida)

I certainly hope these are not the only December rides I get in, but I did ride all three bikes Sunday. I make it a point to ride each bike at least once every calendar month and December 2013 is taken care of.

Of course, sticking strictly to that mandate, I could now go 60 full days without riding and as long as I get out on January 31 I’m good. Please, please don’t let that happen. But they’re predicting snow for later this week, with the Saturday high climbing (from Thursday and Friday) to 20 degrees. And perhaps more pertinently, it’s supposed to snow. So no, I won’t be getting out on any bike next weekend.

And then you never know what’s going to happen after that.

For years there has been at least one ride that I would try my best to make late in December, and that’s the ABATE Last Brass Monkey Run. This year, though, I guess that’s out of the question. Initially this event was held every year on December 31. Then, at some point, they decided to switch it to the last weekend in December, presumably because a lot of people can’t get away to do a ride on a weekday.

But now they’ve gone back to the old way, i.e., it’s once again on December 31, regardless of the day of the week. Well, I’m sorry, but I have a job and I’m going to work that day. It’s a Tuesday. I’m curious about the discussion that led up to this decision. Yeah, the purist in me likes the idea of doing a ride the last day of the year, but the realist in me says there are a ton of people who would like to go but won’t be able to.

Then next year the 31st is on Wednesday, and in 2015 it is on Thursday. Finally in 2016 the 31st comes on a Saturday.

So no, I won’t be planning on another December ride on December 31. But there are three other weekends after this one upcoming. All I ask is clear streets; I can take the cold. Come on Mother Nature.

Recent from National Motorcycle Examiner
Only a biker knows . . .: Motorcycle wit and wisdom, #29

Biker Quote for Today

It’s important to own a great adventure bike, and leave it in the garage because there’s no time to adventure.

If you’re looking for people to ride with in Colorado, then one of the most open and friendly groups you can try is the Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Riders Club. It’s an organization designed to welcome any model and age of bike. Really, it’s a club that’s concerned with combining a love of motorcycling with beautiful and adventurous treks around all of Colorado.

Founded in 2004, the Rocky Mountain Riders Club has been continuously active ever since its inception, now boasting more than 90 members. And, its open door policy means that anyone can join for a trek around Colorado, with guests also welcome. It also boasts a large number of female riders, proving that its welcoming atmosphere doesn’t split along gender lines.

Not only this, but the club also accepts any experience level, meaning that you can find some interesting routes and build up your experience with this diverse posse. And, with a lack of snobbery about the kind of bike you own, you can pick up any motorbike for sale and ride with the pack.

The great thing about joining a motorcycle club, generally speaking, is that, while you can still plan your own routes, it’ll be much easier to find new places to journey, and the added company can really enhance the riding experience.

The opportunity to meet other riders who know the lay of the land can be invaluable and it’s almost inevitable that you’ll make some friends as you journey through the mountains and forests of the surrounding area.

There’s an inherent beauty to trekking all around Colorado, with the wondrous mountain ranges at either side of you as you career through vast forest lands, eventually ending up in one of the bustling cities or by the wide open space of its many lakes. It’s always worth a ride through this diverse state.

And, with a pack of 90 members to help you on your way, there’s a much better chance that you’ll be able to appreciate all that you can from this varied and beautiful area. Everyone will have their favorite spot, motel, or diner that they can share with the rest of the group and broaden the knowledge pool of the club.

Where to find a meeting
Meetings generally take place on the first Thursday of every month at the Piccolo Restaurant, 3563 South Monaco Parkway, Denver, which is a great place to eat before a leisurely ride.

Offering Italian and Mexican food stuffs, there’s plenty on offer at Piccolo, with the Italian roasted chicken coming highly recommended. It’s certainly one of the most appetizing meals available, and is rich in the taste of olive oil and herbs. It makes the mouth water just to think about it.

The rides themselves are dotted regularly around the calendar and are perfect for the biker with a day to spare and a predilection toward good company on their ride.

But, for the rider with a little more spare time in their back pocket, some journeys can span multiple days, so if you’re looking to take in all of Colorado’s agricultural and urban beauty, you can set aside a few days for a trip with the club.

Essentially, the Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Rider’s Club is an ideal way to learn the finest biking routes of Colorado and, with a single annual membership setting you back a mere $25, it’s not going to set your wallet alight.

Recent from National Motorcycle Examiner
Only a biker knows . . .: Motorcycle wit and wisdom, #29

Biker Quote for Today

It’s not who dies with the most toys. It’s who wears out the most toys.

I got the update on Sunday as to the revisions in the MOST legislation that are in the works.

MOST, as you may recall, is Colorado’s Motorcycle Operator Safety Training program and it has been under attack from various sides for a variety of reasons. Most recently the issue has been that the state administrators of the program have wanted to direct most of the money to motorcycle awareness programs and the like, away from the rider training programs for which MOST was created.

After attempts to bring about changes administratively, it was decided that the only way to deal with the situation was through legislation. According to Terry Howard, state coordinator for ABATE of Colorado, all of the training organizations who work with the MOST program, “including one of our enemies,” as well as the Colorado Confederation of Clubs, have agreed on some proposed wording for revision of the law. Now the folks who work to ensure that language is right before it gets enacted into law will take a crack at it and it is hoped that two legislators, a Democrat and a Republican, will introduce the bill in the two houses of the legislature.

Here are the changes, as proposed. I have put the new language in italics:

In the paragraph where it spells out the purpose of MOST, language would be added to say “that promotes motorcycle safety awareness including but not limited to, share the road and impaired riding programs and supports courses . . .”

Next it tweaks the mandates for how the money will be spent. The strike-out represents a change to the current language:

(e) The office shall not expend more than fifteen twenty percent of the total cost of the program for administrative costs, and not more than ten percent for promotion of motorcycle safety.

A new paragraph would be added that reads:

(f) Seventy percent of the total program funds shall be used for tuition subsidy for all MOST-approved courses, with the intent of keeping training accessible and affordable, thereby enabling more persons to enroll in and complete such safety training and to encourage persons to seek continuing training.

So now we’ll see where this effort goes. Terry says that, being bipartisan, there should be no reason it fails to pass, but who knows about anything these days.

Biker Quote for Today

We can’t crash an infinite amount of times, so you better learn from every one!