Motorcycle Rides

2007-08-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

Tahoe to SagehenI had a three day meeting in the sierras north of Truckee last week and decided I could take the KLR as long as I traveled light. A fresh oil change & filter, servicing the battery with water and an overnight trickle charge, airing the tires and I was ready to go. With a cabin to stay in, I only needed my sleeping bag, several days of clothes and a few goodies to explore the

2007-05-20T19:03:00.000-07:00

A well traveled GS passed through town this week, destination unknown.Briefly Seen in front of the local REIBesides the stickers from Oaxaca Mexico, this well ridden GS had an Oregon plate and Alaska license trim as well as a thick layer of road bugs and other road grime. I'm glad someone is getting some serious riding in and regret that I didn't catch up with the rider to find out which

2007-04-10T22:09:00.000-07:00

On the road again.Just like Willy Nelson, I finally found some time and an excuse to get back on my bike and ride. Even if it was just a run to the dentist and back, I found out how to make an afternoon out of it and 100 miles later the smile I had was from more than the cleaning I just received. Among other things, the strong winds buffeted me and made for more excuses to take to the back roads.

2007-02-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

Accidents Happen!Drive as defensively as you can and know that might not be enough. Not much more to say but watch and remember. A public service reminder

2007-01-31T20:45:00.000-08:00

What Next?Well, I've finished disk two of the Long Way Round and while it was a highly supported trip, it still stuck with me as a fun & at times wild ride. I've got a little more of Horizons Unlimited's The Achievable Dream to finish and I'm deep into Ted Simon's The Return of Jupiter's Travels CD. What I need to do, if figure out where I should go for help getting a set of new tires, chain and

2007-01-02T22:43:00.000-08:00

Little New Year RideI took a short but fun ride to kick off the new year right. The sun was out and the sky was deep blue with views far in all directions. I retraced some new tracks along the causeway which is mostly still dry and parked for a long walk in the woods at one point. Later, I practiced fast stops and slow turns near home. Anything to stay outside just a little longer on such a nice

Could this happen to you....?

2006-12-29T18:09:00.000-08:00

A mysterious man wakes up on the side of the road, injured and confused, the morning after a motorcycle crash - but where will he end up when he can't find his way home? Morning Fall / Moving Pictures Short Film Contest Submission

2006-12-26T19:33:00.000-08:00

New Mittens from Santa (Ellie)I got a pair of very warm riding gloves for xmas that are supposed to keep their grip whether wet or dry. They even have a little thumb squeegee that will absolutely come in handy. I've already retired that beat up old pair that I've been using for too long. Now if I can just shake this cold and get out on the road again before the year is over...

2006-07-23T22:36:00.000-07:00

Good to KnowIt seems that this curve on the highway south of Markleville is one that takes quite a few motorcycle riders down. I'll try to remember that and have past by it a number of times now without knowing.Top spot for crashes?

2006-07-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

Mono Basin Adventure 2006I left home last Friday afternoon and headed to the east side via highways 50, 16, 49, 88, 89, and finally 395. To get to my camp site I crossed Carson & Monitor passes on a very warm afternoon not realizing just how much things were going to heat up for me. The reason for this trip was a 30 year reunion with the group of undergrads out of Stanford & Davis that I had been

2006-06-18T13:06:00.000-07:00

KLR Coast TripI finally found a good excuse and the time to get over to the coast again on my KLR. I headed out I-80 to 37 and Petaluma back roads Tuesday afternoon for a meeting at the Marconi Center along Tomales Bay. The weather was supposed to be great with temperatures in the low 70s all week so I finally convinced myself to take lighter clothing and gear since I was going to stay indoors.

2006-05-11T21:31:00.000-07:00

Wild Bill Memorial RideI hope to be there for at least part of the weekend. There will be a weekend get-together at James' house in Cobb,California on Saturday and Sunday, the 20th and 21st. His address is:James Pool15615 Mesa Ln.Cobb, Ca 95426The basic schedule is:Be there at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday the 20th.A service will be held for Bill at 3:00 p.m.Bring your camping gear and stay at James

2006-03-11T18:43:00.000-08:00

MrMoose still has my "new to me" radiator guard! I totally forgot that I bought it a while back as part of the major parting out of his most trick barbie KLR. Between rainy weather and other stuff going on it's still sitting there. I think I'll wait til I shake this sore throat and see if I can't swing by and get it as part of a ride to the coast. I've been wanting to get back to Point Arena for

2005-10-12T18:33:00.000-07:00

Just back from a non-KLR vacation trip that gave me lots of ideas for future rides in NE California, the Oregon Outback, and the Black Rock Desert area of northern Nevada. I met a KLR 250 rider who was trucking his bike along the east side of the Sierras where he camped and used his bike to get to trailheads. I also saw a trails bike sitting in the parking lot of the Mono Basin Visitors Center. I

2005-10-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

Fall Ride to Clear LakeI left about 7 am for Lake Berryessa and the Knoxville-Berryessa road to Clear Lake. The excuse was to connect with MrMoose and pick up my tankbag and 14 tooth counter sprocket. Lurch drove down from Redding to pick up the KLR fork he had purchased. This road is amazing! It's hard to find such a long stretch of back country without ranchettes and tourists. I nearly had over

2005-09-19T21:09:00.000-07:00

Tank Bag!Well, I'm still bummed about missing ESR III this year but it seems there's a big of good news that will help me get out and do some longer riding this fall. I seem to have made the first offer and am going to pick up the following soon:Hey listas! Long time no talk to. Hey, what can I say. I've beenvery very busy doing way too much stuff to even think about typingit all out here.One of

2005-09-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

Carson Pass Ride!I got a late start and just headed east thinking I'd try so different backroads and work my way up above Placerville somewhere. Instead, I caught highway 16 to Plymoth and then how could I not head for Fiddletown? From there I caught highway 88 and decided I had time to make the pass even though it was cooling fast at 60 mph wearing just a light shirt under my summer jacket. The

2005-07-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

Globeriders, for laterhttp://www.globeriders.com/index.shtml

2005-07-22T20:53:00.000-07:00

Clutch cableI've just replaced my broken cable and added a lower vibration mirror for good measure. I haven't had a chance to test things yet but hope that this and the remounted IMS shifter will solve the problems I've been having. Now all I need is some time to go riding...

2005-07-18T20:59:00.000-07:00

Subject: ESR-3 (Sounds like a blast!)Who: From the desk of the kawboyWhat: ESR-3 AnnouncementWhen: September 17 and 18Where: BridgeportWhy: Why not?This year will be a little different than years past. This year itwould be honest to call ESR a tringing course, Pathfinder 101A.Instead of trying to provide maps of all the trails, you'll get a barebones topo with GPS locations. Each location

2005-07-16T20:21:00.000-07:00

Point Reyes and some cool air, finally!I left Sacramento about 10 am and headed west for Lake Berryessa and followed highway 121 through Napa and over to Peteluma. From there, I took the backroad to Point Reyes Station and spent the afternoon exploring the National Seashore. It was fairly warm and sunny even there until you got nearly to the shore out at Limontour or the Lighthouse. Then the cold

2005-07-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

Cabo in October?I'm usually down there in October and it is generally still pretty warm, that is the tail end of the tropical storm season. I like it then because the water is still warm and usually the nights are cool enough to be comfortable. My absolute favorite time of the year for Baja is April to early June. The springtime weather is really nice usually daytime temps in the 80's and 60's

2005-07-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

Ride the train tunnels? I was invited but didn't make this ride. Now maybe I can later.Date: Wed, 13 Jul 2005 23:49:19 -0000 From: "John" Subject: sacramento/Nor. Cal area ride to the train tunnels 7-17-05heres a link to this weekends adventure,in case anyone is lookin for a good ride sunday.http://www.klr650.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1397thanks, john

2005-07-10T17:47:00.000-07:00

Sutter Buttes & Timbuctoo too...I haven't been able to do much riding of late for several reasons. I have enjoyed a couple of trips up the Garden Highway heading north. My first trip got me up into the Sutter Buttes for a day of exploring. I had hoped to get farther north but my old electrical problem shut me down and sent me packing back home.I finally got back out today and retraced my steps

2005-05-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

On the road again thanks to helicoil...Well, I now know what a helicoil is and that it can be hard to find as can a timesert. Thanks to some serious help from KLR riding buddy Matt and his retired machinist neighbor, I now have new threads for both bolts that hold my rear brake caliper holder together. Riding to/from the Placerville area without a rear brake was a new experience but doable it

2005-05-23T23:23:00.000-07:00

Rear Brake Caliper Holder (Part # 43044-1075) [as posted on the KLR list re: my bike]I probably deserved this for referring to the KLR as a piece-of-crapin an earlier post ... cause now I have another problem ;<(I was helping a buddy get his KLR back to its stock configuration byreplacing previously installed lowering links with the original dogbones, and doing the 1st ever swingarm maintenance (

2005-05-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

KLR Fleet?I played hooky last week and rode with Matt and MrMoose as we explored some of the north end of the delta. We started in Woodland where we fueled up with Paco's good mexican food. I still like Jody's the best but they don't open for breakfast. We started out exploring the Yolo Wildlife Area and found that there are more gates than Matt or I remembered. We bailed and picked up the back

2005-05-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

End of the Trail?This old road apparently still exists in the Chico area and sounds like something to explore this summer. I don't know how far you can go on it now but it seems to be part of an old road that spans several states. For now, this goes on my growing list of places that need to be explored. Humboldt Wagon Road

2005-03-27T21:37:00.000-08:00

New Ride ideasI'm pulling together some ride ideas and have found a couple of great ones so far.Here's a ride across the Mendocino National Forest.Here's another up the White Mtns:Once a year this Station has an open house. Located in the Bristlecone Pine Forest, this is the only time of the year that you can ride all the way to the station and check it out. It is always the first Sunday in

2005-03-13T19:46:00.000-08:00

Back in the SaddleI finally got away from the family emergency, house buying/selling business and other things racing around here and got a ride in. I took the back roads down to Merced County and did some exploring along the old Santa Fe Grade and the gravel road driving tour within San Luis Wildlife Refuge. Today was nothing like the record breaking heat of the day before and had strong winds

2005-02-21T09:42:00.000-08:00

Mud Bath QuestionMessage: 16 Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2005 08:19:51 -0800 (PST) From: Dale Steele Subject: Mud BathYesterday I decided not to detour around a closedcounty dirt road on my way to Knights Ferry. All thelow spots were flooded and I managed to navigate myway around or through them. The water was very siltyand it was hard to gauge the depth since somefour-wheelers

2005-02-20T15:18:00.000-08:00

Muddy Ride I decided I had to get out today and packed my rain gear as it looked dark on the horizon even though the sun was shining when I headed towards Knights Ferry. I opted to take highway 4 and then cut off on the Old Sonora road because there was a couple of miles of sandy dirt road before Woodward's reservoir. The sign said closed to through traffic and I knew that had to be the dirt

2005-02-15T15:24:00.000-08:00

Rolling Again Well, it seems like I just kept working with the rear brake caliper and the more I did the more it came apart. I figured out a few things with help from the manual and a website and eventually things fell back into place. At least close to it. I gave it a test spin and got no loud sounds or parts fallening off and I did have some braking. I got some further tips from the KLR list

2005-02-13T14:06:00.000-08:00

Wheel BluesWell, I decided to take the easy way out and get help with the flat. Who knew, I might have some rim damage or something causing that big leak around the value stem. Tight for time as always, I yanked the wheel off and took it in Saturday morning. The fix was easy and the tube was salvagable as a spare. So far so good. Then I set out to put things back together and found that working

2005-02-07T20:37:00.000-08:00

Flat Out I had a great afternoon ride Saturday and got out to the Consumnes River Preserve after riding around some barracades and inspecting the new bridge. That was fun and got me on a favorite little stretch of dirt road following the river. Later, I parked and took the boardwalk out to a blind where I watched sandhill cranes, lots of ducks & shorebirds, and just enjoyed the breezy sunny

2005-01-24T15:20:00.000-08:00

The Goa Trail More on the theme of traveling on an enfield in this very far away land. Jewel in the Crown Holidays

2005-01-23T10:32:00.000-08:00

The Kashmir Diaries A very good read in the Jan/05 issue of National Geographic Adventure magazine. For "Lost Highway of the Himalaya," featured in the December 2004/January 2005 issue of Adventure, writer Matthew Power completed the ultimate free-wheeling ride through the Kashmir valley and on the world's highest motorable road on the back of a used Royal Enfield motorcycle. Spending entire

2004-12-28T17:37:00.000-08:00

Dual-sport Article This comes from the current issue of Popular Mechanics and puts a spotlight on the bike that I'm riding.

2004-12-24T13:47:00.000-08:00

Why I love motorcycle adventure and travel I decided to take a shot at the Rider magazine contest to win an Edelweiss bike travel tour. I had to answer this question in 200 words or less and submit it by 12/31/04. The winner will be selected next month. Why not me? >>>>>>>> It’s all about the journey. The open road calls to me in ways that few things can. A nomadic urge stirs me to make tracks

2004-12-05T20:19:00.000-08:00

Brake Squeal? Date: Mon, 06 Dec 2004 01:49:05 -0000 From: "Conall" Subject: Re: Front Brake Noise? Brake squeal is a common ailment on many disc brake-equipped cars and motorcycles, it is caused by vibration between the brake pad and rotor. It can be minimized by applying anti-squeal compound or a moly-based brake grease never ordinary chassis grease) to the backs of the pads, and/or

2004-12-05T19:26:00.000-08:00

New Gear Installed! I took a fairly long ride today, including quite a few freeway miles, on a cold but clear Sunday. I've got all my new parts installed now and things seem to be working well. I'm also running my tall windshield to try and help with cold temperatures. Other parts installed include: IMS footpegs Moose skid plate Maier handguards UFO brush guards Gel handgrips I had to make a

2004-11-28T10:55:00.000-08:00

Here's one for you (care of Wild Bill Monahan) Take 80 east for about four hours and stop in Elko for (breakfast, lunch, whatever) food and a pee break. Gamble a half hour, then gas up and head about 30 miles further east to the Deeth exit. Go under the highway and get on Deeth-Charleston Road, go about twenty five miles north on this road through open range, stop at the intersection with

2004-11-27T22:51:00.000-08:00

Upgrades I'm installing a few goodies that I finally broke down and ordered.So far, I have a new set of IMS superstock footpegs, some gel grips, Moose skid plate, and a set of Maier handguards all installed. I need to get some hardware to attach a set of brush guards and I'll have everything in place. I've had to do a little trimming and improvising to get things set up. That included adjusting

2004-11-09T21:38:00.000-08:00

Death Valley Daze? I'm filing this one here for a possible start the new year off right ride. I was just in DV on a car camping trip via Great Basin National Park, and Zion. Message: 25 Date: Tue, 9 Nov 2004 21:28:10 -0800 From: "mike torst" Subject: RE: Death Valley Daze - info links and such Jan 28 2005 - KLRs and other brands Here is some more info that may be of help for

2004-11-05T23:08:00.000-08:00

Mexico Trip? I had a last minute opportunity to join this ride but couldn't make it happen with all the things going on already in October. Jerry lives in Davis. Next year I hope... Date: Wed, 27 Oct 2004 11:59:29 -0700 From: "Jerry Kaplan" Subject: Doohicky pix & my Mexico trip Really enjoyed the Doohicky party pix. I would have been there myself just to meet & party with all of you

2004-10-26T18:45:00.000-07:00

Doohickie Fest Report Here's the famous MrMoose's full report just for fun... Message: 10 Date: Tue, 26 Oct 2004 17:42:07 -0000 From: "Keith Saltzer" Subject: *****No. Ca Doohicky Party/ Summery and PICS***** Hey everybody. Well, as you may have already read in some of the others posts, this Doohicky Party went off with a bang and we got ALOT done. I had a great time here

2004-10-23T21:35:00.000-07:00

Doohickie Done! Well, over a year after I bought the parts I have finally replaced my doohickie with one made by Eagle Manufactoring and Engineers and by none other than Eagle Mike himself. I braved the rainy weather and made the trip to Forestville where MrMoose hosted a doohickie party and about a dozen KLRs showed up for the event. I didn't stay for the BBQ which is likely still going on but

2004-10-18T23:05:00.000-07:00

The Motorcycle Diaries! This movie made my day and while it is much much more than a motorcycle movie, that old 1939 Norton 500 plays quite a special part in the excellent film. See what you think. The Motorcycle Diaries

2004-10-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

KLR in Chile! This is truely one of those cases where a picture is worth a few thousand words! KLR in Chile

2004-10-15T18:25:00.000-07:00

Delta Ride Well, I turned over 16,000 miles today as I made a run across the delta up highway 12 through Rio Vista and then north on 113 until I caught Midway road and circled back up Mace to the Yolo Causeway Wildlife Area for a meeting. I got a few cool nods for riding my bike under those smokey skys too. On the way back, I headed for Sacramento and down Jefferson Blvd until I found River Road

2004-10-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

Some Big Sur Rides I Want to do I haven't ridden my bike on any of these but have been on most of them long ago. big sur roads

2004-10-10T18:08:00.000-07:00

What's a Whizzer? Well, at least I had never seen or heard of one until earlier this week in southern Oregon. Now that I know a little more about them, Whizzer Motorbikes, I wonder why you don't see them more often on the back of those RVs careening down the road... Happy I don't need either at this point. http://Whizzer in Oregon For fun, check out one of the links on the whizzer website and

2004-10-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

Doohickie Party! I plan on being part of the big bash developing at MrMoose's this 10/23-24. It should be quite a time and I hope to learn a few things, maybe pick up some other much needed accessories, and meet more KLR riders. Hope to see you there too!

2004-10-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

Copper Canyon! I just discovered that someone nearby will be trucking his KLR down to San Diego and jumping off into Mexico to head for the big adventure riders gathering at Creel. This trip will include exploring Copper Cyn, perhaps start in Baja and ferry across to the mainland and lots of other highlights. I can't make the dates that the fact that he had room for one more bike is just

2004-09-30T22:53:00.000-07:00

Eastern Sierra Ride, Take Two Well, I made it back after all for at least a little of this years ride. The ride was staged out of Twin Lakes, near Bridgeport and at least 20 KLR riders showed up this far. Some rode from as far away as Washington state, Las Vegas, southern California and elsewhere. Perfect weather once the sun came out, and plenty of wood and beer for evening activities. I came

2004-09-06T18:10:00.000-07:00

Mono Basin Camping Trip I've just returned from my solo three day camping trip into the Mono Basin. I strapped on a small duffle bag, sleeping bag, and a think ensolite pad on the rack. I also carried my most valuable gear and tools in a backpack. This didn't work as well as I would have liked because the pack rested up against my gear on the rack. With a few adjustments, this worked out OK. I

2004-08-08T22:22:00.000-07:00

Short Fixed? I hope so. I've been thinking that the clutch safety switch was acting up again but yesterday when I shut down to get gas, I couldn't start again and had to pull the seat and fuss with the battery terminal again. It seems that the lead to my trickle charger/jumper cable is not staying tight. I worked on it some and seemed to come up with a better solution by changing washers, and

2004-08-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

High Country Ride I decided that I needed to get out of town and head for the sierras. I got a late start after going over the bike the evening before. I rode traight up highway 4 and was making great time with the light traffic until i got in behind a convoy of fire trucks heading up the hill after putting out a grass fire. The smoke from that fire and the one I saw higher up near Avery could

2004-08-04T05:12:00.000-07:00

Lost Coast Trip (not mine yet) I'll have to talk to Pat about some of the biology and making fun of my kids later... Message: 11 Date: Wed, 04 Aug 2004 04:42:40 -0000 From: "Pat Schmid" Subject: Finding the Lost Coast My adventure to find the Lost Coast was everything I wanted it to be. The trip out to coast was relaxing. I went up around Lake Tahoe, crossed over to Truckee by

2004-07-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

Very tempting... This 2002 KLR has lots of goodies and seems to be set up just about like how I'd like to have mine. I wonder what it would be like to have two of them.....? for sale?

2004-07-25T18:14:00.000-07:00

Riding close to home I got a late start today but decided to stay in the valley as the heat was tolerable. I stuck to back roads and found more than a little dirt sections too. I left Highway 4 near Farmington and picked up the Old Sonora Rd. A dam blocks the road a few miles in but I took that as an excuse to ride the long way around Woodward reservoir. Lots of people beating the heat there.

2004-07-15T05:13:00.000-07:00

2nd Annual Eastern Sierra Rendezvous The Eastern Sierra Rendezvous will be held Sept. 24-26 in hopes that MrMoose's wrist has recovered from the doctor's infernal redecorating by that time. As we did last year, we will camp in the Bridgeport area just off of US395 - I'm looking into a couple of USFS campgrounds out in Twin Lakes. Saturday's ride will be an excursion of the historic Bodie

2004-07-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

Big Sur Ride Here's a link to a great report on a couple of KLR riders and a ride that I need to do and soon. I spent some time down in the area in June and had a great time at a cabin in Deetjens. This would be even more fun, especially if condors were to fly over me while I cruised down highway 1. Big Sur Ride Report

2004-07-05T17:40:00.000-07:00

Short Ride Today I didn't get out until it was well over 90 for the short ride I planned today. Spending the better part of an hour trying to locate a gas station that still had a working air hose wasn't a good way to set out either. I finally had to resort to my trusty tire pump at home to get the job done after striking out after three tries. I never left the county but managed to visit a few

2004-07-04T11:44:00.000-07:00

Four Corners Calif. Ride? Reading an article about someone riding around the border of Kansas in the latest issue of Rider got me to thinking. What would that be like in California? I'm sure it's being done on a regular basis but it still interests me. Timing, direction, logistics all seem like an interesting challenge. My first thought was to include Cresent City, Cederville, Baker or Blythe,

2004-07-02T12:16:00.000-07:00

The rebel and contender I think I'll get a copy of "The Wild Bunch" this weekend... Screen Rebel Marlon Brando Dies at 80

2004-06-19T21:08:00.000-07:00

Mono Basin Trip Today I left Stockton about 7:30 and headed for 108 and my first trip over Sonora Pass from the west side. I wasn't able to join the Father's Day ride already in progress near Dardenelle's Resort so I stopped at the camp site and left a KLR kind of note for the riders. Traffic was light and I made good time over the 9600'+ pass and down to Mono Lake. It took me about 4 hours to

2004-06-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

Asbestos, Rare Plants, and Off-road I've been in the area but not ridden the trails. This is something I want to followup on for a combination of reasons. I want to know more about the wild pigs and rare plants management issues as well as the ORV uses and restrictions needed. Maybe I can combine all of them for a late fall visit... Don't let the good times roll?

2004-06-12T20:59:00.000-07:00

Did it! Today I decided to try for something that has been on my mind for a while. I took highway 26 up above Moke Hill and cut across Ridge Rd to Railroad Flat. From there, I followed Summit Level Rd which shows up on many regional maps as connecting across the Calaveras watershed over around Dorrington. My maps are not very up to date and the road is not marked with many tempting logging roads

2004-06-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

Backroads Diary I just came across a link to someone who apparently maintains a blog on his experiences with his KLR. I'm going to check it out and see what I think later. For now anyway, here's the link Backroad Diary Dale /inside reading when I should be out

2004-05-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Ride 2004 This is a place holder for the trip planned. The idea is to hook up with a few of the klristas from last summer's east sierra ride over near Placerville as well as another rider or two. From there we'll fuel up and head back towards 88 checking out various Forest Service roads. After a day of exploring, everyone heads home hopefully not much worse for wear. We'll see about

2004-05-22T19:32:00.000-07:00

Chillin on Ebbetts Pass Today I got a late start on a windy day and took off up highway 4 to see if I could find out if Ebbetts pass was open yet. I only made one stop on the way up to put my jersey on under my summer jacket. I had 4 layers on but the cold crept right through them all before I made it to the top about 3:15 today. I saw a sign telling me the pass was open and was too stubborn to

2004-05-13T21:38:00.000-07:00

How to avoid and what to do if stranded? --- I carry front and rear tubes, patch kit, hand pump, CO2, a 12V mini compressor (Campbell Hausfield - Harbor Freight <$15), tire irons, and the all important crescent wrench for the front axle. Pull off your rear tire and tube using only the tools you carry on board while at home to learn how and instill confidence for the unexpected trail side fix.

2004-05-12T19:29:00.000-07:00

Traffic School Nice to be done and just in case someone else has to do the same: Dale! Great job on your traffic school course. We hope you enjoyed your online traffic school program. Most of our business comes from referrals from recent students... like you! If you enjoyed our program, we encourage you to pass our information on to your friends, family, and co-workers. If you know

2004-05-10T21:29:00.000-07:00

Lois is my heroine! I just found and read Lois's story about a year traveling from Alaska to the tip of South America on a rather small dual-purpose motorcycle. As she said very well, she was truly on the loose! I wish I had met her on the road as she apparently came through my area last year about the time I picked up my KLR from the bay area. Next time...

2004-05-08T17:17:00.000-07:00

Foothill Ride I headed up highway 4 in the early afternoon after noticing a small road to a lookout that I had never noticed before. I never did find it but had a couple of nice side trips in an area I've passed many times. Got some good gravel, rutted road practice in for summer sierra rides to come. I managed to put about 120 miles and avoid most of the heavy traffic by sticking to my backroad

2004-05-03T05:14:00.000-07:00

First Big Ride in May Well, I gave myself a mission today and left early after going over the bike lightly yesterday. I need to get it in for a tune-up beyond my limited abilities but decided that would have to wait since I haven't been able to ride for two weeks now. I was out the door before 7 and down I-5 to old highway 33. I wanted to make tracks down near Fresno to check out some areas that

2004-04-02T22:00:00.000-08:00

Missing (the point) Well, it seems that I managed to lose my main KLR key sometime after I returned from my long roundabout ride to the coast and back last Sunday. I've checked out all the usual places I put it, the clothing that I used and most other things and places that seem to be promising. I have a backup key and have found the "key" to getting a replacement. Nothing special, just get to a

2004-03-28T21:07:00.000-08:00

Coast Trip, the hard way I finally took the second half of the trip to Mount Hamilton via Del Puerto Cyn rd. The result got me all the way home to the Monterey Bay via some pretty small backroads in the heavily populated bay area. The closer I got to home, the more I remembered the old trips I used to take coming the other direction when it was a big deal to get over the Santa Cruz mtns barely

2004-03-21T20:06:00.000-08:00

Spring but no ride or name, yet Well, I did pull the KLR (I am working on a name) out and do some basic maintenance this afternoon. In spite of the balmy weather I opted to take my old mtn bike for a short spin to see what it needs to make it healthy again. That bike has been around with me as long as they've been making KLRs as far as I can tell. Come to think of it, I never did name that bike

2004-03-14T17:45:00.000-08:00

Milestones Today I took a short trip near home late this afternoon. My excuse was that I had noticed the gate along the Calaveras was unlocked and decided to take advantage of that for a little exploring. I managed to ride through tall green grass for several miles where there was a slight footpath. I continued along the gravel topped level until I hit a gate where the bike path crosses to this

2004-03-13T19:12:00.000-08:00

Todays Ride Today I combined some errands and made a big loop across the delta for a round trip of just over 180 miles on a beautiful pre-spring day. It went like this. I needed to be in Vacaville to pick up the rest of the payment for my daughter's 87 honda rebel. I met the very nice couple who picked the bike up in Arcata and brought it down and we finished the deal over a nice chat while

2004-03-12T23:37:00.000-08:00

I'm filing this one away for further investigation. Carrizo Motorcycle Rides!

2004-03-10T20:28:00.000-08:00

Subject: Pictures from New Idria Well fellow KLRista Jim from Fresno got there the same weekend I was in the neighborhood. Not the same thing and I'll be up that way soon I suspect. "Here are a few snaps from our New Idria ride last Saturday." The guy on the mini 50 is Dan the sole inhabitant of New Idria. I always make a point of talking with him when I ride through. When he pulled out

2004-03-07T22:11:00.000-08:00

A Great Ride Today! I took off about 10:30 today retracing my steps down the valley via highway 33 and other backroads. When I reached Gustine, I headed east on 140 and then south again on the old Santa Fe Grade. This is an amazing gravel one lane road that bisects the wetlands and grasslands with some amazing views of birdlife. The gnats were thick too and I was covered in them through most of

2004-03-06T10:40:00.000-08:00

Extreme Rides! This is going just a little, no really a lot, too far for me. I am going to have to think hard about this one but it just seems the risk it too great. On the other hand, it seems more than a little like something out of a Mad Max/Road Warrior movie. You decide. Chernobyl Rides

2004-02-29T19:50:00.000-08:00

Mount Hamilton Ride I decided to put this "leap day" to good use and set out on a fav ride taking the back way south to Del Pierto Cyn road up to San Antonio Valley road and topping out at the Mount Hamilton Observatory. The day started off sunny but was cloudy by the time I set out around noon. My route parallels I-5 down to Mossdale where my "secret passage" under the freeway brings me up on

2004-02-23T18:14:00.000-08:00

A salty KLR tale... This is one of those unusual and "glad it's not me" situations. Read on

2004-02-16T19:08:00.000-08:00

Ted Simons, 71 yr old adventure tourer, has recently returned from his second trip around the world. This one was some 25 years later. This absolutely boggles my mind as well as many others. You can pick up some of his regular updates from the Rider magazine tours/travel section online. For more detailed information, you can do like I am and pick up one or more of his books from the link below.

2004-02-08T19:42:00.000-08:00

Triple Digits in February! Today was my first triple digit ride of the new year and it was great to be out. There was a bit of a wind and more than a little chill in the air but it was also crisp and clear. I made my way across the delta and first checked out the hiking facilities at Los Vaqueros reservoir for later. Next I headed straight at Mt. Diablo but turned at its base and cut across

2004-02-03T20:03:00.000-08:00

I'm putting this recent KLR650 List posting up here, at least for a while, so I can think about it more. >>>---------> Date: Tue, 03 Feb 2004 03:48:25 -0000 From: "bmrbill" Subject: Ride report AKA brother's last ride I went for a ride with my brother this weekend. We headed out of Ridgecrest on 178. As we made the left to parallel the base of the eastern Sierras, we caught a nasty

2004-02-01T14:27:00.000-08:00

Need a Motorcycle? I'm selling the 1987 Honda Rebel we bought last year for my daughter to learn to ride on. It's a great little bike that is fun to ride and has that cool retro look that never fades... 250 Honda Rebel

2004-01-27T23:10:00.000-08:00

Reading about that winter trip to Death Valley with a mixed group of BMWs, KLRs, and other rides, I can't help feeling a little left out on that one but hey the time wasn't right and I have been to DV less than a year ago. Next time I want to go on two wheels and see if I can't revisit an earlier wild trip through Saline Valley as well. Still, those shots of a green KLR in Titus Cyn called to me

2004-01-18T13:43:00.000-08:00

Declare Your Independence (snipped from the book Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts) "Of all the outrageous throwaway lines one hears in movies, there is one that stands out for me. It doesn't come from a madcap comedy, an esoteric science-fiction flick, or a special-effects-laden action thriller. It comes from Oliver Stone's Wall Street, when

2004-01-13T20:54:00.000-08:00

KLR Sighting Once again I spotted a mid 90's KLR (barbie model?) parked across the street from the federal building just west of the Capital in downtown Sacramento. I'll have to leave a note on the bike sometime and see if I can figure out who rides it. I have noticed at least on KLR Yahoo lister from Sac before. Three day weekend coming up. Maybe I can get in a little longer ride one of those

2004-01-11T09:14:00.000-08:00

Truth stranger than fiction? I don't know, what do you think? Song of the sausage creature

2004-01-06T22:12:00.000-08:00

Taking a Trip? Yeah. Man, I wish I was you. Really? Well, hang in there.... Then came Bronson

2003-12-27T21:29:00.000-08:00

Possible Winter Moto JacketsHeres at least some recommendations I've got so far.Belstaff spitfireJoe Rocket Ballistic 4.0Aerostich suitGerbings heated jacketCycloak ProRevolutionDarien riding jacketBelstaff DiscoveryKilimanjaro First GearCycloak EvolutionTrekkerCycloak Tourmaster

2003-12-10T20:20:00.000-08:00

Song of the Open Road Afoot and light-hearted, I take to the open road, Healthy, free, the world before me, The long brown path before me, leading wherever I choose. Henceforth I ask not good fortune- I myself am good fortune; Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing, Strong and content, I travel the open road. Walt Whitman (1856)

2003-12-06T10:43:00.000-08:00

In case you were wondering about whatever happened to Evel Kneivel.... Butte Evel Kneivel Daze Maybe it would have been better to go out in flames years ago? I suppose if I was riding through I'd be tempted to stop and stare like everyone else.... Dale /rainy day thoughts