Swap Meet is TOMORROW!

April 11, 2014

Our Swap Meet is TOMORROW.  All the details of when, where, and what are posted here.  You can also see what will be for sale from the Sellers who have responded.  If you want to sell tomorrow but haven’t RSVP’d that’s ok, just show up, we are glad to have you.

Forecast is for a balmy 68 degrees.  There may be some sprinkles early but the pavilion is plenty big enough to keep us nice and dry.

If you plan on coming  please RSVP here so we know how many to expect.  You can also see who else is coming.

Thanks to those who have already RSVP’d and posted items!!!

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Annual Swap Meet is only 1 week away!

April 6, 2014

Our Swap Meet is only one week away.  All the details of when, where, what are posted here.

So with the warm weather this week it is an opportune time to clean out your garage or shed for items to sell or trade. Don’t procrastinate! I’ll list your for sale items on the website.  So contact us if you plan to sell. There are already a number of items listed.

If you plan on coming just to buy or socialize then please RSVP here so we know how many to expect.

Thanks to those who have already RSVP’d and posted items!!!

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2nd Annual MinneADV Swap Meet scheduled

March 10, 2014

Our spring swap meet has been scheduled for April 12th.  Same location.  Hop on over to MinneADV.org to RSVP for this event.  Details on the where’s and how’s are posted here. Make sure and let us know if you plan to sell.  I will post all lists of items I receive to the web page.

We had a great turnout last year, so I hope you all have collected more stuff to sell for the event this year!

swap

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Product Review: Viaterra Claw tail bag

February 8, 2014

Claw in blackSometime last year I noticed a company in India introduced a new tail bag called “The Claw”.  It had high quality materials (heavy 1680D fabric and 3m reflectors), a great design, competitive price (around $50 USD) and a size that was perfect for a 2-3 day trip. The problem was they didn’t ship to America.  A short time later I happened to have a friend traveling through India that was kind enough to pick one up for me.  Once it was home I was excited to give the product a test run.

The opportunity came on my 3 day trip to Canada last Fall.  It turned out to be a great choice. That ride was rocky and bumpy, but the Claw held up to its name staying mounted just where I put it.  My tent, sleeping mat, food, and cooking supplies all fit neatly inside. Only my cold weather sleeping bag was attached outside the Claw to the rear.  Although the Claw came with a waterproof cover I decided to spray it down with 3M waterproofing instead to save the space the cover took up.  The Claw comes with strapping, but I choose to use Rok Straps attached to the Claw’s d-rings instead.  The front straps went to my rear foot peg mounts and the rear went round my tail rack.  It worked well.  Everything stayed dry even though we experienced a heavy rainfall and frost. I imagine with the myriad of strapping options the bag provides it could be mounted to many different bike models.

The good news is that Viaterra now ships this bag to the US.  I believe, with shipping it can still be had for under $100.  More colors have been added and a “Mini” version as well.  Compared to similar bags from Giant Loop and others this is a steal.  My only nitpicks are that the included plastic strap buckles don’t hold tight enough (swap to rok straps like I did) and the sides of the bag could be a bit deeper (to keep weight lower to the ground).

This product is not well advertised in the states but I recommend you give it a look when considering soft luggage for your next excursion.

Click here to purchase and see more photos and video.

The Claw on a DR650

The Claw and sleeping bag on a DR650

The Claw on an XR650

The Claw on an XR650

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Wrap up of the week’s moto events

January 22, 2014

Minnesota weather got you down?  Hopefully you have been able to beat the winter blues by participating in some of the local events.

This last weekend the International Motorcycle Show wrapped up in Minneapolis.  I didn’t have a chance to go, so please sound off in the comments if you went.  What did you like?  What did you hate?

The REI store in Roseville hosted Jay and Conor Rasmusen Monday night as they presented their once in a lifetime trip from Minnesota to South America on their KLRs.  It was a packed house, but Jay and Conor did a wonderful job of cramming in a ton of great information and stories into an hour and a half.  Thank you for sharing!!!

Last week the Dakar wrapped up as well.  If you didn’t get a chance to watch it, then check out this video of Motorcycle highlights from this year’s race:

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Minneapolis International Motorcycle Show this weekend

January 14, 2014

Just a reminder that the IMS is this weekend in downtown Minneapolis.  You can jump on over to the MinneADV Meetup site to let others know you are going.  The show looks to be similar to previous years, however show organizers tell me KTM will have a full booth this time.  If memory serves me correctly, they haven’t been to the Minneapolis show in the last several years. Here is the full exhibitor list.

More information and tickets.

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Local Father/Son team give presentation on Minnesota to Argentina Motorcycle Trip

January 4, 2014

You may remember us posting a while back about a local father and son duo who rode to Argentina. That same team is presenting their adventure at REI in Roseville this January 20th.  Click here to sign up. Hurry, there are less than 40 spots open.

Details:

  • Time: 7:00 – 8:00 PM CST
  • Presenter: Jay and Conor Rasmusen

Description: Join us as REI Members Jay and Conor Rasmusen tell stories and share images from their recent 70-day motorcycle adventure through Central and South America on two Kawasaki KLR650 motorcycles. From mountains to oceans to deserts these adventure motorcyclists encountered new experiences, foods and cultures. They are excited to share their stories with you!

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New Cass County OHM trail proposed. Show your support!

December 26, 2013

The Minnesota DNR has published the following notice.  Please take a minute to send in your feedback as an OHM rider and let them know you appreciate the additional trails!

DNR NEWS-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DNR seeks public comments on Woodtick Wheelers
ATV/OHM trail in Cass County

Comments are due by Friday, Jan. 24, at 4:30 p.m.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites public comment on an application for off-highway vehicle (OHV) grant-in-aid funding for a 12-mile all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and off-highway motorcycle (OHM) trail in Cass County.  The trail would connect the community of Whipholt (on the south shore of Leech Lake) to the city of Longville.
 
Cass County would sponsor the trail and would provide trail monitoring, development and maintenance in cooperation with the Woodtick Wheelers ATV/OHM Club. Trail development and maintenance would be partially funded through the state OHV grant-in-aid program. The trail would be open to motorized recreation from May 1 through Nov. 1 each year, subject to closures for safety considerations or to prevent erosion or damage to the trail.
 
The DNR welcomes public input on the trail proposal. Copies of the proposal and a project map are available for review at www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/mgmtplans/ohv/plans/woodtick_wheeler.html.

To request a printed copy of the trail description, or to submit comments, please contact Dave Schotzko, area supervisor, DNR Parks and Trails Division, via:

The deadline for comments is 4:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24.

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Video of the TMAT Canuck Loop

December 25, 2013

In case you were unaware, the Trans-Minnesota Adventure Trail has a branch that goes into Ontario loops around just west of Thunder Bay and returns.  The total length of the “Canuck” loop is about 450 miles.  This last September myself and MrFixIt decided pack 2 tents, 2 GoPros, a Honda and a Suzuki and ride this trail.  The results are in the video below.  All I can say is that Canada has some amazing scenery, great terrain, and very welcoming people.  I hope to ride more of the country soon, and I hope you get a chance to experience it too.  This kind of riding so close to us is a shame to pass up.

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Photo Montage of Recent Trip on the TMAT

November 26, 2013

Jim Klas recently posted this collection of photos to our Facebook page after a trip along the TMAT this fall.

“Late August 2013 trip, starting at Duluth Minnesota traveling north to Ely, then north on the Echo trail to Internal Fall and Voyager National Park. Leaving the Canadian border traveled south to Iowa, traveling on dirt with pavement connectors. Great solo motorcycle ride.” -Jim Klas

I must say, this set very much captures what the Trans-Minnesota Adventure Trail is all about. From the deep woods in the north, to the bogs along the Gandy Dancer, to the bluffs in the south, it’s all there.  Very well done. Take a few minutes to click through and enjoy.  Thanks for posting Jim!

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