I 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.
Ham Radio and Minnesota trail riding
May 16, 2011
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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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Outdoor Adventure Expo this weekend in Minneapolis
April 13, 2011
Midwest Mountaineering has its annual Outdoor Adventure this weekend at the their store and nearby at the U of M campus. This is a great opportunity to learn new camping skills and see the latest gear. See http://www.outdooradventureexpo.com/201104/Index.shtml for more info, directions, and schedule.
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Electric Motorcycles gain more backing
April 12, 2011
Last month Zero Motorcycles annouced they had received $17 million in financial backing to expand operations. I am not sure how I feel overall about electric bikes but I do like seeing ANY U.S. manufacturing expand these days. Clean and quiet bikes may help promote our cause with those that complain about the pollution or noise factors of motorcycling. There is also some incredible technology in these bikes that should help the sport overall advance (when is the last time you road a belt-drive dual sport for example?). Check out their website for more info.
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Warn’s new Moto Winch
April 8, 2011Anyone seen one of these in action? I am not sure I could ever justify the extra weight and space packing one of this on a trip unless I knew for sure there was going to be gully’s or a mud hole that I could not ride out of. I also wonder what kind of Amps the things draw and how fast it will drain the battery. That said, Its supposed to be available in May from Warn.
Rumored Specs:
Model: RT15 or XT17
Weight: 12.25 lbs / 9.25 lbs (or an even lighter version at 8.5 lbs may be available too with handlebar mounted controls)
Power: 1500 lbs / 1700 lbs
Pull Length: 25 feet / 40 feet
Price: $479-$549
Camping Tips
March 22, 2011
Part of the attraction of Adventure Riding for a lot of people is that it combines off-road motorcycling with backwoods camping. Many of us are as meticulous about packing our pannier bags and top boxes as we are keeping our bike tuned.
However, for those of you who aren’t eagle scouts Backpacker magazine recently published the 52 Worst Hiking Mistakes. Most of these apply to Adventure Riding also so give it a read before your next trip. It might save you a lot of grief.
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New TMAT Microfiber Longsleeve shirt in Zazzle store
December 27, 2010Treat yourself to some new gear for the new year. We have uploaded a new shirt design to our store. The microfiber shirt is great as a base layer on your next adventure. Beware the sizing instructions though. I am a 42″ chest and a medium fits just fine.
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Cool Moto-Camping gear
December 15, 2010
Pack space is always at a premium on your bike. Up until now all sleeping pads have been pretty much the same except for thickness. Now Klymit brings an ultra light ultra compactable design. See www.Klymit.com for more info or click the image. Hooray! More room for snacks in the saddle bags now.
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Minnesota Adventure Riders 