It is a goal to add some fun “loop” trails off from the TMAT in various places. Several folks have sent some in. I finally posted one of them. Find the “LeSuer Loop” on the Trails page. Thank you ADVronksi on advrider.com for submitting this! Hopefully, this is the start of many more.
New “LeSuer Loop” gps file added
May 27, 2011
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Posted by Norske
New Minnesota Adventure Rider Membership and Forum!
May 27, 2011One of the decisions out of last night’s club meeting was to start allowing “Membership” in the Minnesota Adventure Riders and to use a registration process on this website to do that. Membership is FREE. But you do have to be an AMA member in good standing to be approved.
The first benefit of membership is that you will have access to our new online Forum. Now, I know what you are thinking, “Ugh! Another motorcycle forum?”. I was of the same opinion until recently. The forum gives us a better idea of how many riders are out there, how many are serious about this club, and of course gives riders a place to connect with each other. I think places like ADVrider.com have just gotten too big as well and it would be nice to have a local site to find local info.
Other benefits will follow. The club is still working that out.
So with that, click on Contact Us in the site menu to register, then once approved click on the Forums link above to go to the discussion area.
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Posted by Norske
Reminder: Meeting tonight and # has changed
May 27, 2011Phone number is now 1-605-475-6333
Passcode: 2102337
Thanks all!
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Posted by Norske
Monthly Meeting Agenda update…
May 25, 2011Last minute addition to the agenda…
A MN DNR representative will be talking about some of their initiatives around trails and scenic byways to increase tourism in the state.
Hope everyone can make it. Should be very informative.
Thanks,
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Posted by Norske
MARs meeting this Thursday night
May 25, 2011Every 4th Thursday of each month at 9 PM CST there is a virtual meeting via a teleconference for any interested in discussing events, rides, and more. This gives riders all across the state a chance to get together to discsuss topics important to them without having to travel great distances.
Phone: 1-218-936-4141
access code: 2102337
This month the agenda will be:
1. Current events
2. Discuss District 23 membership
3. Discuss Forum on website
4. Review Trip Report form on website (check it out now under the “Feedback” link)
5. Discuss adding more trail “loops”
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Posted by Norske
Is Dual Sport really a sport?
May 18, 2011Tough Question of the day: Is Dual Sport Riding or Adventure Riding really a sport?
I hear it referred to in that way. But I wonder if it is really accurate. There are no points, no teams, no regulations, and no cheerleaders. So is it really just a recreational activity?
What about the Baja or Dakar races? Aren’t those sports? They have points, and trophies, etc.
Yes, but those are off-road only races (for the most part) and are not what most guys do on the weekend with their BMWs and Suzukis. So I don’t think it really counts.
What about Harescrambles and Enduros?
Yes, but those are really for off-road bikes. So it is more related to motocross then dual sport.
Wouldn’t it be cool if there was truly an organized Adventure Riding series of races?
Well, there is, but they aren’t races. They are rides. The AMA has set this up.
What about EnduroCross? Isn’t this close?
Close, but no cigar. Arenas don’t equal roads and trails. It is a cool sport though. I hear that ESPN is allowing it into the Summer X-games this year.
In the end, Dual Sport is just a lot of fun no matter what category you place it in. I don’t think it needs to be called a sport. Its a recreation, a hobby, a passion, and those are enough. Sound off in the comments with your own opinion.
TMAT Split
May 17, 2011The TMAT GPX file has been split into two pieces, East (the original) and Central (new proposed routes). See the Trails page for more info. This should help folks who have limited memory on their GPS devices and only want to download one part of the Trail.
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Posted by Norske
Reminder on local upcoming events
May 17, 2011Update of local upcoming events:
| July 23-31 | 6 Days of Michigan Six days of riding, upper and lower peninsulas, cross the mackinac bridge, AMA sanctioned, kids trail, family oriented. www.cycleconservationclub.org 517-481-4805 |
|---|---|
| June 30, 2011 – July 3, 2011 | 2011 BMW Firecracker RA International Rally Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin http://www.bmwra.org/d/node/19 |
| June 17-19th | Jwalters North Shore Ride Jwalters on advrider.com is scheduling a ride along the north shore area in June. He has land and a camping area for riders. See the discussion thread for more info. |
| June 3-5th | BMWMOCM Hiawatha Rally Yearly rally and camp. http://www.bmwmocm.com/Rally.htm bmwmocm@gmail.com |
| May 26th 9PM | Monthly M.A.R.s Virtual Meeting Every 4th Thursday of each month at 9 PM CST there is a virtual meeting via a teleconference for any interested in discussing events, rides, and more. This gives riders all across the state a chance to get together to discsuss topics important to them without having to travel great distances. Phone: 1-218-936-4141 access code: 2102337 |
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Posted by Norske
Ham Radio and Minnesota trail riding
May 16, 2011I have never liked the idea of getting stuck somewhere out in the middle of nowhere without cell phone coverage on my bike. So the idea of using a small handheld Ham radio to reach out to get some help has always been appealing to me. I am pretty new to Ham Radio (received my license last year) but have found the extensive repeater network (if you are not a Ham, then think cell towers for portable radios) in Minnesota impressive. I uploaded a GPS map of every repeater in Minnesota here. I think it would be very handy to have along with to see what frequencies would be available in the area you are in. If there are other Hams out there reading this blog please sound off in the comments about your success (or lack there of) using Ham radio while on the trail.
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Posted by Norske
Moto-Camping gadget of the day: Backcountry Boiler
May 12, 2011
There are a million micro sized camp stoves out there but the problem with many of them is that they run on propane, or some variant that is just as flammable. I never have liked the idea of carrying explosive material in my pack or panniers. So when people come up with compact camp stoves that run on dry fuel I pay attention. Right now I am liking the Backcountry Boiler. Its small, lightweight, heats a good amount of water and runs on anything that burns and will fit in the chimney. Check them out at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1763800459/backcountry-boiler-hot-water-from-found-fuel to order ($80) and see more info.
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Posted by Norske
Minnesota Adventure Riders 