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Messages - Cam

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1
General Banter / Re: Cold weather armored riding suit
« on: March 04, 2013, 05:01:32 PM »
'Lectrics

Trying to be a purist/tough-guy I tried for a long time to avoid getting electric gear, but no matter what I did my hands would get so cold it was not only uncomfortable to ride but at times bordered on unsafe.  I finally decided to try electric gloves and also splurged on a heated jacket liner (Gerbings).  Man, what a difference.  The jacket let me cut down on all the bulky layers I used to wear and use the same jacket I wear for fall/cool temps.  The gloves are more exposed to the wind so I wouldn't say they keep my hands "toasty" all the time, but they make a huge difference. 

So my coldest-weather gear for temps in the 30's (or even 10-20's for shorter trips) is:
Head: Balaclava under my helmet to cover my neck and face
Top:  Long-sleeve T-shirt, electric liner, 3/4 riding jacket on top, with electric gloves.
Bottom: Thermals, sweats, riding pants.  As a bonus, the ZZR kicks out a fair amount of engine heat onto my legs. 
Feet: Thick socks and waterproof riding boots.


2
General Banter / Re: When you ride .....
« on: January 23, 2013, 08:26:46 AM »
Fun topic. 

I'm exactly 50/50:
My right brain decides what to do,
My left brain decides how to make it happen.



And that's it for my semi-annual posting.  See you all in summer!  ;)

3
General Banter / Re: What are your favorite MN/WI Roads?
« on: June 04, 2012, 03:57:14 PM »
Quote from: beedawg on June 04, 2012, 02:15:23 PM
Quote from: tk on May 02, 2012, 04:24:35 PM
In MN my favorite is the twisty section of Hwy 76 between Houston and Caledonia.
I thought someone told me that road was ruined, meaning it was all straightened or something.

Haven't been down that way this year, but I'll check it out the next time I head to WI. 

As for faves, MN-76 is (was) definitely one.  Also really like 21 out of Lanesboro.  Something about being able to see the next 4 corners that appeals to me. 

For WI, there are the standards like Mindoro and Wildcat.  I also like the entire length of Cty P from Coon Valley to Rockton.  But really, there are too many to name.  In a day of riding I'll hit about 50 different roads for a few miles at a time with each section just as good as another, making it hard to pick a favorite.  So I'll just blanket the entire area south & west of I-90 and north of the Wisconsin River, as my "favorite". 

BTW, I have a detailed map of SW Wisconsin serving as artwork in my garage.  ;D


4
Introductions / Re: Hi, my name is Cam and I'm a motorcyclist.
« on: April 05, 2012, 02:47:49 PM »
Hi!  Not really a newbie, but I haven't been around for a while.  It's kind of easy to fall out of the loop down here in Rochester, and I haven't been following online stuff as much as I used to.  But I'm getting back into browsing and posting and hopefully riding more.  Last year was really limited with a new baby smack in the middle of riding season.  But hoping to get some more DS miles under my belt and make the most of this early spring on the twisties this year.

Anyway, glad to be back!  Hope to see some of you again this season!

Sorry for the dead thread revival, but I figured this was the best spot to jump back in.

5
General Banter / Re: TRIPS
« on: January 25, 2011, 09:08:58 AM »
Possibly a dual-sport trip to the Upper Peninsula.  With a second kid expected this summer, that will probably be my last trip anywhere for quite a while.

6
General Banter / Re: The How, Why, Where, and What I Ride Survey
« on: January 24, 2011, 05:11:53 PM »
Quote from: T.W. Day on January 14, 2011, 07:26:31 PM
I am completely clueless on how sport touring is different from touring. For me, adventure touring has to include at least a few thousand miles of dirt.

It's obviously a subjective topic without any clear-cut definition, but for me adding "touring" to any riding style implies covering a long distance.  You kind of suggest that with your qualification on adventure touring.  So generally speaking, my own personal classification would be:

Touring   =   Long Distance Cruising
Sport Touring   =   Long Distance Sport Riding
Adventure Touring   =   Long Distance Dirt/Off-Road Riding

Of course, this greatly depends on how you classify the base riding styles and even how you would define "long-distance".

7
General Banter / Re: Tail of the Dragon
« on: September 30, 2010, 08:46:19 AM »
Or he could be going slow because he's  behind a semi....or a cop.  The Dragon ain't exactly what it used to be.

I really doubt this guy is afraid of a lean angle, considering the CCS racing sticker and I'm assuming a covered race number, which makes the reason for the frog lights apparent since the bike has a race plastics and no other headlights.

8
General Banter / Re: Decent eatery in Arcadia, WI?
« on: September 10, 2010, 01:44:54 PM »
Quote from: PKPK on September 10, 2010, 12:02:34 PM
Quote from: beedawg on September 10, 2010, 09:40:27 AM
I guess you're right.  One time he was a jerk; the other time he was a dickhead.
Not my impression one bit.  He has always been courteous and friendly to me.  One year, I stopped there on a blustery day and while sitting on the deck, making a phone call, he brought out a cup of coffee, and I hadn't even been inside or waited on. 
Guy is very personable in a one-on-one/small group basis.  On busy weekends during the summer with a place full of bikes he is definitely more down to business.  But whatever one's impression of the owner might be, Hansen's is a nice place to stop, especially on a sunny fall day with the valley in full color.  Probably the most "unique" place you are going to find in the immediate vicinity of Arcadia.  Prices are in-line with what I'd expect for a bar & grill style place. 

9
General Banter / Re: Decent eatery in Arcadia, WI?
« on: September 10, 2010, 09:19:25 AM »
Quote from: beedawg on September 10, 2010, 08:12:38 AM
Hanson's Holdup is overpriced and the owner is a jerk.**

**Results may vary   ;D

10
General Banter / Re: Cornering Line / track vs. street
« on: September 07, 2010, 09:09:04 AM »
Quote from: stevens_ave929 on September 04, 2010, 11:08:04 AM
I would encourage newer riders (again, this is only my opinion) to not ride in corners like diagram 1 unless you preride the corner to check for debris.

My thought is that one of the benefits of the delayed apex (diagram 1) is that it allows you to see through the corner before beginning your turn in, thus allowing you to choose the safest line.  In that respect, I think Ray's comments are accurate that one isn't necessarily safer/better than the other, rather they are options you can choose at your turn in point based on what you see in the corner.  Though contrary to Ray's statement, when I'm riding the line in diagram 1 is my goal, but if I happen to find gravel or other road debris I take a line more similar to diagram 2. 

I was also under the impression that a delayed apex was NOT an ideal race line (except in specific situations) because it requires a lower entry speed, and that a central-apex was the best de facto racing line because it's the best balance for entry AND exit speed.  But I'm not a racer and have VERY limited track experience so I'd be happy to get a clarification on that point.

At any rate, it's an interesting topic so thanks for posting, Greg!

11
General Banter / Re: Eagle Harbor/Copper Harbor, MI
« on: August 23, 2010, 02:53:33 PM »
Used to go up there every 4th of July weekend with the wife.  It's a nice change of pace (both riding and lifestyle) and what the roads may lack in quantity the scenery more than makes up for in quality.  We always stayed in Houghton because that's where I went to college and I like to make the rounds to check out all my old bar stools.   :cheers:

One of my main motivations in picking up a KLR was to take it back up to da U.P. and check out more roads like this:


12
General Banter / Re: Alright Beeb, tell me what you think
« on: August 23, 2010, 02:09:28 AM »
Fight this one. As the law is written, if you CAN reach the pegs, you are not in violation. It doesn't say anything about having to keep feet on the pegs at all times. 

I'm pretty sure this is the law that is intended to keep children (or other passengers) who are to small to reach the pegs from riding on a bike.

13
Bike Help / Re: Trailering
« on: July 30, 2010, 02:28:48 PM »
Quote from: Chris on July 30, 2010, 01:31:19 PM
Hey all I am wondering what type of motorcycle wheel chocks you use.
I am looking at getting a Bike Pro [linky] type.  Any thoughts recommendations?
--> Fixed Linky to Wheely Chocky


My trailer has rails that bend up at the front, creating built-in wheel chocks.  In the past I have used the removable kind (like this one), as well as simple bolt/screw down types (like this one), even a hommade one I welded together and bolted in my pickup (hmmm..no Amazon link for that one).  They all seem to work equally well.  They do make things more secure and I prefer to use one if possible, but they probably aren't absolutely vital unless you have no other way to keep the front week from moving forward (i.e. front wall of a pick-up truck bed, front rail on a trailer).  They do make it easier to load a bike by yourself, though.

Word of caution: some of the styles with the "grabber" that comes up from the back of the wheel can hit the lower fairings on sportbikes and cause a fair bit of damage to plastics.  So don't just shove the front wheel into the chock until you're sure you have clearance.  Don't ask how I know... :-[

14
General Banter / Re: Trailer help
« on: July 27, 2010, 04:09:28 PM »
Looks like there should be something here to do what you need:
http://www.hitchdepotusa.com/index.cfm/event/prodetail/categoryid/47/id/280/


*also posted on TC Dualsport

15
General Banter / Re: Route Sheets
« on: July 23, 2010, 10:42:55 AM »
For what it's worth, I have a format that has served me well. It's pretty similar to Ray's, just a little different format.

I use an Excel spreadsheet and list the direction of the next turn, the name of the road, the distance to the next turn, a space for notes about that particular section, and a tally of the total miles which are added up automatically so it's easy to make changes.  For me, the grids and alternate shading make it really easy to keep track of where you are on the sheet. I fold it in half vertically so it fits better in the map pouch and is easier to follow.

Here's a sample (click for full size):


Being Excel, it's easy to change, resize, and update.  When I make a new one, I just copy an old one and clear the contents from the first four columns and it's ready to start filling in.

Here's a link to the actual sheet above if anyone wants to copy it and use that format:
http://www.wildcatrally.com/Routes/2009/Wildcat_Mindoro.xls

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