TIRE TIPPING

TRACTOR TIRE

There's that saying 'Getting old sucks'. I didn't think of it much in my 30's, or even in my 40's. Now that I'm in my 50's however, it's become very apparent to me; I'm developing a fear of my ever increasing limitations. More specifically the physical anomalies of aging that could directly affect my passion for motorcycling. So what's a more than middle aged boy to do??

 

 I've gone and bought one of the biggest adventure bikes on the market

 Now I have added to my fear of aging. Can I pick up my motorbike if it falls and I'm alone?? If a bike falls in the forest does it make a sound? The 'tree falling in the forest makes a sound' analogy is much deeper than this of course, postulating the very existence of the tree in the first place or 'is reality an illusion?'. Riding on forestry type roads is far from an illusion and fortunately I rarely ride alone on backroads where there isn't an extra body to help me if needed.

Of course I've dropped bikes. My earliest memories of dirtbikes was when I Was in my mothers womb riding...wait, it's not a competition, is it, so don't bullshit a bull shitter. I was 6 years old on my cousin's trail 50, a stubby little Honda even a 6 year old could get a leg over. I tried to turn around on a narrow lane with a berm on my right and a glass pane green house on my left. What's the most common mistake when learning to use a throttle on a handlebar? Forgetting which way to twist. I leaned the bike over to turn, twisting down on the throttle instead of up, smashing that little fat tire through the glass of the greenhouse. I don't recall being injured in any way, likely because I was afraid of the consequences of my actions, accident or not. These weren't 'woke' days. Parents could yell at their kids, or worse. But there's no scarring memory of the angry parents, this time at least.

 

When I was 12 I took my brothers Honda XL 100 for a spin. I could barely touch the ground. It was tall and narrow like a 4x8 sheet of plywood. Down the hill past the gully and into the next tree lined field I rode, a field void of crops and neatly plowed with disc rows. Like train tracks, you needed to keep your speed up. Maybe I tried dabbing my foot down in motion, but found no purchase in between the rows. This time when the bike went down I was alone, the bike coming down on top of me. I may have yelled a few times for help but in the end I had to dig down to get out from under it.

I'm better than you because...

Again in my 12th year, my Dad got me a used Honda XR 80. I lived on that bike. I could fall off and pick it up again. I could drift around corners in the beach-like Ontario sand on the farm. I could open it up on the gravel roads and visit my school friends. I may have ridden the train tracks all the way to my school in the nearby town and ripped up the school yard.

Have I dropped a big bike and picked it up again? You bet! My fun filled Buell Ulysses went over a few times. Once on wet grass at a friends and family gathering and I was able to pick it up without being seen or moderately embarrassed. And again on a paved slope at a gas station looking for an air pump to fill my tire, again, trying to save face my adrenalin saved the day.

The tractor tire reference is not to do with a kid on the farm. I've had the notion recently, as winter rules the day over motorcycling and my thoughts wander endlessly in anticipation of the upcoming riding season, that I need an exercise to build my confidence. To feel like "yes, if I drop it I have a fighting chance to pick it up". I've taken this Yamaha Super Tenere XT1200Z on a handful of perilous rides since it's purchase in 2023. Steep ascents and descents on baby head and brick-like rocks. A few gnarly washouts and a couple water crossings. I have not dropped this bike yet (enable jinx mode).

 

That's where the tractor tire comes in. The larger ones can way upwards of 400 pounds. But finding one of those may prove difficult. Maybe I can take a smaller or thinner tire and add weight to one end.

 

Hopefully it doesn't end up being another obstacle in my summer lawn maintenance ritual. Hopefully the kids can get some use out of it too. The great part of a tractor tire is...you can't hurt it.

And hopefully it won't hurt me...

 

THE MOTORCYCLE SHOW IS BACK

There will be a bike show in Calgary

This February, 2024, I'm going with some friends to what has been missing from our long winters since before that pesky pandemic - The Calgary Bike Show. Something about this date on the calendar has become (or at least was before we locked ourselves away) synonymous with the New Year. And for me its a reminder that we are halfway through winter and closer to the motorcycling season...unless of course you have loads of cash and time and can skip happily south to warmer climates to satiate your hunger for riding, while the rest of us wait for spring.

The 2024 CALGARY MOTORCYCLE AND POWERSPORT SHOW 

happens February 2nd to 4th 2024

 It's Happening Almost Everywhere Too!

Whether you live in one of the Eastern or Western Provinces, there's a bike show happening. Check out Moto Canada's website at https://motocanada.com

It's a Social Event

Motorcyclists are part of a tight community. In that community there are many different camps, depending on what type of bike you ride. But one thing is for certain, you will make friends if you ride a motorcycle. Finding an event that brings that community together can be a great way to stay in touch with fellow riders while waiting for the season to begin once again.

 

Don't own a Motorcycle?

The Calgary Motorcycle Show and the many Motorcycle shows that happen around the world provide a great way to see a lot of the different bikes available. Checking out the website for the show will give you an idea of which manufacturers will be present. Here's the link for the manufacturers that will be at the Calgary Show https://motocanada.com/shows#manufacturers.

Not just for two wheels

  Hosting this years show is Moto Canada, a not-for-profit organization with a long history. It's interests and influence includes more than motorcycles, adding off highway vehicles like Side by sides and all terrain vehicles. And if you're a fan of mopeds and scooters they've got those covered as well.

A.T.G.A.T.T

All The Gear All The Time. I live by this mantra. I've tried riding in a t-shirt and jeans, and once - only once - on the highway without a helmet (Montana has very relaxed helmet laws...it's up to you!! Unless you're under 18). Let me say, not having safety gear and especially not wearing a helmet took me way out of my comfort zone. The Calgary Motorcycle Show also showcases riding accessories. Want some ass-less chaps? You'll likely find them there. Want Adventure gear? Sport bike gear? It's all there. And some vendors will have show-only specials. You just need to ask.

 

Swing a Leg Over

Whether it's  a quad, a dirt bike, a street bike, or just to try on some helmets you'll get the full attention of the vendors at these shows. They are there to reignite your recreational vehicle interests. And if you already have a bike and don't feel you need a new one yet, go anyways! And sit on as many bikes as you can!

It's not a bad dilemma to have

So long old buddy, I couldn't fault you if I tried. You were like a feather in the wind. A moth on cocaine. A schizophrenic best friend. You got a good reference and went to a proper motorcycle aficionado.

So what happens next? Personally I more often than not require something to obsess over, like thinking of the weekend to come, and of course the anticipation of a vacation. In this case, however, it is something more long term and very personal to me. And it's now in my garage.

Another motorcycle, of course. And in truth it is very personal and very subjective. In fact it's novel just how personal and subjective a motorcycle can be to a lover of motorcycles. It's a bike-mance.

Another Yamaha - 2023 XTZ1200 Super Tenere. Carved out of black marble - and it's got the weight to substantiate that, not so metaphorically speaking.

And what is the dilemma? Why, what bike to buy of course. I bought a new bike with the FJ-09 but this time it's different. Truthfully this time, it's serious; serious technology, serious ability, and serious dollars. So I chose reliability, more standard options, and although it's a behemoth I have found it quite manageable. And it's new - new smell, new look, and the feeling it was assembled the week before brings a giddy sensation.

Let's Ride!

The good the bad and the dirty

 Chasing the rabbit. That's what it feels like riding through ruts and whipping the tail of an almost motocross style motorcycle around sharp bends on a treelined, muddy and often wet fire road. Rabbits run fast and change direction quickly, as though there's only one speed: a frenetic, haphazard, and chaotic pace. It felt that way at times anyway.

 Look up the form of racing called Hare Scramble. Typically a race course where a rider will navigate through obstacles such as creek beds, logs, hills, mud, rocks and ruts. The only obstacle on that list not tallied by me are logs. I draw the line. No logs. Maybe one day. But that'll take some practice.

 The idea behind picking up a used dirtbike was to prolong the season after it's too cold or wet or both for riding on the street. A 2004 Suzuki DR 650. It's not a motocross bike by any means but with long travel suspension, a torquey motor and beefy wheels and other parts to withstand being laid down or dropped, it can handle a lot of rough terrain.

 And the other reason to buy a dirtbike? Because it's a blast!

So yeah, I dropped the bike. It threw me off. The DR wanted out of a rut I was in and I thought we would keep going straight. Down I went with a mud splattering thud.

No real harm done, a bruised hip, sore knee and shoulder. Nothing to write home about, anyway. Get back on. Shake it off.

 We offloaded the bikes, put the beer in the fridge, and crossed our fingers it wasn't going to be too cold or heaven forbid, snowy the next day when we planned to set off first, into the hills, then the far better trails right alongside the lakeshore itself.

There was some gnarly stuff on our second trip to the West side of Koocanusa Reservoir, just north of the Montana border. Ice covered ruts. Just able to crawl along and stay upright. A lesson learned. Stay out of higher elevations when it's cold because it will be even colder.

 

 The scenery on the bank of Koocanusa Reservoir is epic. And the trails were fantastic; dry, twisty, hilly, and mostly fire roads. There were small portions of single track but happily avoided if possible, considering the size of the bike and my return to dirtbikes and need for more practice.

 

 Bring on the spring riding season!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nhqk2r4LwfI&t=752s

 I've never ridden a motorcycle around the World

and there's a good chance I won't

 I just read an article about Sadhguru. I've never heard of Sadhguru before, although I suppose if I had finished that documentary about gurus in North America he may have been part of the documentary's focus, but I grew bored with it. I suppose I am fascinated by "gurus" in a way one is fascinated by serial killers; with extreme beliefs they effortlessly subdue the gullible and unknowing population. I might only be a curious and attentive sideline observer, marveling at the qualities it takes to bend the minds of this said population to their will, but Sadhguru rides motorcycles. Well then, count me in. Sadhguru, I am listening. For whatever reason, I equate the freedom of motorcycles with a collective idea of prescribed enlightenment and what better follower I would be if you put a guru on a motorbike: I'm intrigued, however harmlessly of course, as organized thought (religious, or that of a practicing guru in this context) is not going to have me drinking the Kool-Aid anytime soon. But there it is, quietly licking it's chops, as I pick away at it for meaning. Yes, the meaning of life. Bring it on, Sadhguru! It was an article in Forbes, no less. A guru leaned against a resting BMW K 1600 GT, no small motorcycle by any token. Again, To me, upon first impressions the image presented a dichotomy; the opulence of a new BMW contrasted by a white bearded man in robes or "dhoti" as I so intrepidly googled, first, and secondly the idea that this man is a guru practitioner. How blatantly extravagant for a guru! Is this just another Billy Graham? 'Listen to me, and I will show you the way to enlightenment. Read my book, pay the subscription fee, donate and you will be free of the constraints of (your) society'; those are my words, as I am not a follower and nor will I subscribe as one, so my understanding and subsequent describing of a guru's philosophy is a shot in the dark.

 

 Skip ahead a few months. I was about to add a bloggy blurb about my recent assault on a long awaited dream to ride a dirt bike again. But like I said, that's a blog entry for another day.

 

 I feel the need to end my ramblings about SADHGURU! Looking at his website and there it is; an article titled "Man and Machine". Looking at the Article photo - an unassuming youthful man atop what might be a very common machine in a country full of people riding motorcycles, that is to say, what's so strange about that - I become cognoscente of how commonplace it is and why dwell on this transcended dude? 

 

 Why? Because when you access the webpage for the article, you see a guru - white beard, dhoti and all, on all types of motorcycles, spanning what appears to be a lifetime.

 

 So now we have come full circle: the value and transcendence of motorcycling. This man claims to have slept on his bikes instead of getting a hotel room. Do I believe him? I'd like to. So cheers to Sadhguru for reinforcing how a bike - just about any bike - can be good for the soul.

 

  

   2020. THE year. The year of, well, shite. And coincidentally the year of my 15th Anniversary for my wife and I. And if life is a bowl of cherries at home then it's time for presents! Or, if it's a bowl of over ripe bananas you may still get a present, ill feelings be damned, because it's been 15 years and both of you think "whatever", give me my present, I deserve it after 15 years.

 It went like this - Her: order something for yourself. Me: Tell me what you want and I'll get it. Done deal. Now I'm the proud owner of 

Joe Rocket Reactor Dry-Tech Saddlebags. My heart quickened a little at that sweet smell of water proof rubber when I opened the bag after opening the box. Quick turn around too, from Fortnine. Although, what didn't come with the order were instructions. Now, I'm a handy kind of guy but there's some strange additions to the bags, sort of 3 sided hard pieces, 2 of them, with net pouches on one of the sides. I'll figure it out. I've had soft side cases before. Can't say it was a positive experience, what with the fire that ensued pulling into the outer limits of Vancouver - but that's another story. Straps wrap over the seat, tie the bags down to a passenger foot peg, and Bob's yer uncle. Can't be that difficult.

 However, the hard pieces included are not mentioned in any document (instructions pdf), or on the web anywhere (that I could find), including the Fortnine website. Still a mystery; they may very well create a conversation among my fellow riders to see if someone can solve the puzzle, when we do a trip this spring of 2021, and mark my words, there will be a trip no matter what. Maybe a camping trip to get around using motels during Covid...

 I have already started to accumulate camping gear. The summer of 2020 was lousy with people buying up camping things - tents especially - whether they went camping or not is questionable. But it proved impossible to find a decent and particularly inexpensive tent anywhere. Later, in the fall, I found a used tent and it looks brand new, claiming it was only used once, for almost half what a new one would cost.

 I did borrow a neighbors tent to get out for a night of camping this past summer of 2020 and all went well. Myself and two others rode up to Sylvan Lake Alberta for a night. Weather was great and I found half decent secondary roads that proved to be somewhat scenic.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JDUK-JnXP8

 

 Now that I'm on this camping bent, there are so many other things I need and have compiled a list. Let's all hope the summer of 2021 proves far more entertaining and free.

 

Killing time

   Up until not too long ago, like I'm talking the last approximately ten years, I used to watch more television, you know, the Simpsons, and Sienfeld. And of course the news on occasion, that is, until kids came along, both figuratively and literally, wanting to watch the frenetic and mind numbing pre-teen animations that tend to rattle my brain far too quickly, relegating me to a laptop, PC, or tablet looking for anything not dripping with transformer-esque graphics and childish innocence.

 

 In comes youtube. Finally something worth watching (lets not kid one another, real life beats the trappings of Facebook any day). The real stories with and without motorcycles. Travel, "how-to" videos -  an awesome resource - and endless reviews. Mostly though I stick to the motorcycle related channels, car or "gearhead" focused stuff and those related to travel.  

 So there's a lot of "look at me", and the onslaught of requests to subscribe to all the channels. And yes, it's narcissistic in nature but aren't we all?? I've even thought about doing my own channel but couldn't see myself constantly seeing myself in the camera, admittedly out of fear and a lack of confidence. Do you have to constantly be talking into the damn action camera? Actually, no. I was surprised to stumble on a lowkey vlogger located, at the time, in Bali, a place I can't get enough of. This vlogger had an ambient style music as a garnish to his amazing scenery, and footage of himself going about his day. I could actually see myself in his daily activity on Bali; capturing each moment whether traveling on a motorbike - a crazy experience any day on Bali - or simply eating, walking to the beach, etc. I was fascinated and not distracted by a constant describing or narrating. Each video was somewhat short, not more than 10 minutes typically. I'm actually ok with 20, 30 or even an hour video but the latter is rare. 

 I'm also surprised with how talented people are with editing and using different formats like overdubbing dialogue as a narration, as apposed to talking while filming. Maybe adding voice after, sitting alone in a room and choosing the words more carefully, is easier to accomplish instead of having to talk into the camera. Personally I feel I look awkward when filming myself but it may just be me. Strangely I think it would be cathartic to practice talking into a camera. Next bike trip I'll make a more concerted effort to sharing my thoughts and perspective on what I'm filming, and get out of my comfort zone. And maybe it'll suck. But maybe not.