...I was finishing day two of the Basic Rider Course (BRC) taught by T3RG Motorcycle Schools, I didn't even own a motorcycle at the time and the first time I'd swung a leg over one as a rider was on day one of the BRC!
Note: This posting is also located on examiner.com. So what's the difference? I get paid per # of hits on that site, so if you feel like helping my fuel budget, read the article there instead: LINK, Thanks!
I sure didn't think I'd be where I am today, four years later. Started out riding a small cruiser type motorcycle, progressed to a sport touring beast, and now I ride a near vintage BMW Airhead and a Russian sidecar rig!
In the last four years, I've learned a lot about motorcycling, doing basic service/maintenance tasks, had one accident, have ridden through 17 states, traded my first motorcycle Gretl, a 2006 Honda Shadow Aero 750cc, for a bigger one: Maria, a 2004 R1150RT BMW, acquired a second motorcycle as a spare: Brigitta, a 1987 BMW R80 and later traded Maria for Natasha, after racking up a bit over 50,000 miles on Maria.
I've had three flat tires, all rear ones, two on Maria and one on Natasha. I've learned to check valve clearances on Airhead/Oilhead Beemers and Russian Urals. Spent many an hour replacing engine oils, final drive oils, transmission oils and brake fluids. I've learned to swap tires on all my motorcycles and learned to appreciate Natasha's ability to carry a spare one. The only time my Beemers stranded me on the side of the road due to mechanical issues was when I lost the input shaft on Brigitta. Natasha, on the other hand, has provided numerous opportunities to "troubleshoot by the roadside"; however, she's always gotten me home!
Thanks mostly to my Russian friend Andrey, I've survived the dreaded Russian Hand Grenade alternator, learned hot to replace timing gears, a sheared apart sidecar drive shaft, and all the other "features" of owning a Russian sidecar rig.
I've ridden in all kinds of weather, sometimes even intentionally! My coldest ride was a ride in to work last December when temperatures were pretty cold, I think my lowest temperature was -10°F. I've ridden under sunny skies, then rain, then hail, strong winds, snow and sunny again....sometimes all in the same day, that's Colorado for you! I've ridden in summer heat that nearly parboiled my brain and rain so hard it was difficult seeing where I was going, not to mention there's no such thing as a warm summer rain in Colorado!
I've attended not only the Basic Rider Course but also the Experienced Rider Course and the Basic Sidecar Riding Course as well. Training is a must, enhance your chances while riding, get some training!
I've ridden in winds that caused me to lean my motorcycle over so much that I would have probably fallen over had the wind suddenly quit! Winter's snow and me had quite the uneasy relationship for most of the last four years until Natasha entered my motorcycling life, now I just say: "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow".
I've seen breathtaking sights while riding, mostly here in the great state of Colorado with its majestic mountain ranges, seemingly endless prairies, sometimes raging rivers and winding canyon roads. I've discovered I've an almost unstoppable urge to explore lonely dirt trails and taking my two-wheeled motorcycles down "roads" where we really didn't belong. Things are easier now that I've a sidecar rig.
Over 800 personal blog postings and last year started writing for examiner.com, my thanks to all you readers who regular read this stuff and come back for more.
I've also realized that you truly become invisible when riding a motorcycle, and ride accordingly.
Four years, 91,022 miles ridden by me on my four motorcycles, and Brigitta my 1987 R80 Beemer is coming up on 85K miles of her own, about 24K of it while ridden by me, it'll be quite the milestone to achieve 100K miles with her.
None of the above would have been possible without the support and time given to me by my loving wife Martha. She's quite the enabler don't you think? In fact, she's already authorized the purchase of a BMW GS, I just have to find the right one.....
Showing posts with label Misc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Misc. Show all posts
Friday, June 4, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
A song about Uraling....
And now a brief musical interlude featuring Austin Vince's ditty about Uraling on America's roads:
URAL Austin Vince from Rob Warner on Vimeo.
Friday, April 30, 2010
A different way to attend one's own wake
So I saw this posting on geekologie.com, and the thought that came to mind was a statement I'd made way back when to my loving wife. "When I die, bury me with my motorcycle". That statement was of course taken by her in the spirit it was given. In other words, she rolled her eyes and moved away from me to another part of the house.
This guy, in Puerto Rico, took it to a different level of "making a statement" at his own funeral.
No, that's not a picture of the guy before he died. That's his corpse, posed on his motorcycle, at the funeral home, for the wake.
I guess, ATGATT is really not an issue at this point. He died through other means, by the way. Go to the geekologie.com link above for all the details, more pics and a video.
Update:
Totally unrelated, just a picture of the weather system moving into the Denver Metro area as I was riding home today.
This guy, in Puerto Rico, took it to a different level of "making a statement" at his own funeral.
photo source: geekologie.com
I guess, ATGATT is really not an issue at this point. He died through other means, by the way. Go to the geekologie.com link above for all the details, more pics and a video.
Update:
Totally unrelated, just a picture of the weather system moving into the Denver Metro area as I was riding home today.
Saw some snow flakes as I neared my house, maybe I'll wake to snow in the morning.
EOM Mileages: Natasha 18,321 Km (2294 Km in April), Brigitta: 84,331 Miles (460 miles in April, sad), total for April: 1836.4 Miles.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Oh, so tempting.....
Saw this on the techie blog dvice.com, I must admit it would be quite tempting to attach it to the back of my motorcycles for the more than occasional tailgating cager!
From the posting:
Ever wish you could do something to get the idiot behind you from riding on your tail down the highway? Over in England, Colin Fruze developed a way to keep drivers away. He built a flamethrower into the tail of his motor scooter. Trust me, you don't want to follow this guy too closely.
However, the article ends with the author stating he'd been told that using it on public streets would be equivalent to using a firearm. Still, it would be quite amusing in the short term until the cops caught up with me.
source: dvice.com
Ever wish you could do something to get the idiot behind you from riding on your tail down the highway? Over in England, Colin Fruze developed a way to keep drivers away. He built a flamethrower into the tail of his motor scooter. Trust me, you don't want to follow this guy too closely.
However, the article ends with the author stating he'd been told that using it on public streets would be equivalent to using a firearm. Still, it would be quite amusing in the short term until the cops caught up with me.
Friday, March 12, 2010
In the space of a few nanoseconds....
A lot can happen in a seemingly short amount of time.
Today I finished my first full week of work at Sungard and I think it's going to be a good place to work. The work is challenging but within my abilities, the people are friendly and easy going, lots of room to grow in the organization and the commute is easy.
I got home before 5:00 PM and as soon as I walked in my sons yelled out: "Mom got a job!", they seemed quite excited. I looked at my wife and she confirmed the news with a big smile. She's going to be the school nurse at the high school my sons will someday end up at.
The first thing out of my mouth? "So, can I quit my job and ride around the world on my motorcycle?" I said this half jokingly but my Martha, my loving wife replied: "You want to?"
As I hesitated for those few nanoseconds, my mind's eye saw me astride Natasha. She and I were cruising along the steppes of Mongolia, in the tire prints of my hero Hubert Kriegel who's currently there on his Ural Sidecar Rig. He's currently on his sixth year of his ten year ride all over the world. LINK.
In the space of those nanoseconds, I was riding the Nürburgring on my '87 R80 BMW, slinging her around the tight turns with ease and verve, passing Ducatis and Porsches as if they were standing still. Well, maybe not Ducatis and Porsches but definitely K75 Beemers!
In the space of those nanoseconds, I'd just turned off my engine on my motorcycle after having ridden from Deadhorse, Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina along the Pan-American Highway of legend. Surviving bad roads, bandits, kidnappers, corrupt customs, police and border agents, terrifying weather and of course without a single flat tire or mechanical breakdown.
In the space of those nanoseconds, I revisited by motorcycle all the places I served at when on active duty with the Army in Europe. Circumnavigating Italy and Germany, surviving the traffic of Rome and Florence, twisting the throttle till it turned no more on the autobahns of Germany and maybe passing a Ducati or two while doing so.
In the space of those nanoseconds, I'd returned home after all the above traveling and hung out a shingle running a tour service for motorcycle riders who wanted to explore the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and points beyond.
In the space of those nanoseconds, I'd ridden through all fifty of these United States, meeting folks I've only met online and come home richer in friends and with incipient cirrhosis of the liver caused by too many drinks while spending time with those friends after having ridden our motorcycles on their favorite roads.
Yep, a lot happened during those few nanoseconds. Then I came back to reality and said: "No, but thanks for offering" or some such words. I married a good one didn't I?
Today I finished my first full week of work at Sungard and I think it's going to be a good place to work. The work is challenging but within my abilities, the people are friendly and easy going, lots of room to grow in the organization and the commute is easy.
I got home before 5:00 PM and as soon as I walked in my sons yelled out: "Mom got a job!", they seemed quite excited. I looked at my wife and she confirmed the news with a big smile. She's going to be the school nurse at the high school my sons will someday end up at.
The first thing out of my mouth? "So, can I quit my job and ride around the world on my motorcycle?" I said this half jokingly but my Martha, my loving wife replied: "You want to?"
As I hesitated for those few nanoseconds, my mind's eye saw me astride Natasha. She and I were cruising along the steppes of Mongolia, in the tire prints of my hero Hubert Kriegel who's currently there on his Ural Sidecar Rig. He's currently on his sixth year of his ten year ride all over the world. LINK.
In the space of those nanoseconds, I was riding the Nürburgring on my '87 R80 BMW, slinging her around the tight turns with ease and verve, passing Ducatis and Porsches as if they were standing still. Well, maybe not Ducatis and Porsches but definitely K75 Beemers!
In the space of those nanoseconds, I'd just turned off my engine on my motorcycle after having ridden from Deadhorse, Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina along the Pan-American Highway of legend. Surviving bad roads, bandits, kidnappers, corrupt customs, police and border agents, terrifying weather and of course without a single flat tire or mechanical breakdown.
In the space of those nanoseconds, I revisited by motorcycle all the places I served at when on active duty with the Army in Europe. Circumnavigating Italy and Germany, surviving the traffic of Rome and Florence, twisting the throttle till it turned no more on the autobahns of Germany and maybe passing a Ducati or two while doing so.
In the space of those nanoseconds, I'd returned home after all the above traveling and hung out a shingle running a tour service for motorcycle riders who wanted to explore the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and points beyond.
In the space of those nanoseconds, I'd ridden through all fifty of these United States, meeting folks I've only met online and come home richer in friends and with incipient cirrhosis of the liver caused by too many drinks while spending time with those friends after having ridden our motorcycles on their favorite roads.
Yep, a lot happened during those few nanoseconds. Then I came back to reality and said: "No, but thanks for offering" or some such words. I married a good one didn't I?
Friday, February 26, 2010
Back in the Rat Race...
Well, after being a contractor to different companies from 2005 through 2009, I am pleased to report I will be rejoining the rat race as a fulltime employee with Sungard Availability Services.
I will be working as a Network Engineer in their Aurora, Colorado offices/Data Center. My start date is March 8, 2010. It was a long almost three months of searching and applying for jobs, thanks to all who expressed well wishes in my job hunt.
As to motorcycling content......well, I did ride my Ural Sidecar rig just now to the drug testing facility to produce and turn in my pee. That counts, right? : )
As to motorcycling content......well, I did ride my Ural Sidecar rig just now to the drug testing facility to produce and turn in my pee. That counts, right? : )
The place I went to was stricter than the above location,
I had to leave Natasha outside while I provided the sample!
source: google
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Two pictures voted into the 2010 Rounder's Calendar
I belong to an online group of motorcyclists who share a common aim, to ride all year round on our motorcycles if at all possible.
We call ourselves the Rounders and the website is www.yearrounders.com
We recently had a photo contest where one could submit one's photos showing riding in each of the four seasons. I am honored that two of my submittals were voted on by enough rounders to make it into the forthcoming calendar.
The rest of the winning entries can be found here: LINK
Here's the winning entry from my friend Ken Phenix who I rode with this past summer, he made the calendar cover! Congrats Ken!
We call ourselves the Rounders and the website is www.yearrounders.com
We recently had a photo contest where one could submit one's photos showing riding in each of the four seasons. I am honored that two of my submittals were voted on by enough rounders to make it into the forthcoming calendar.
The rest of the winning entries can be found here: LINK
Here's the winning entry from my friend Ken Phenix who I rode with this past summer, he made the calendar cover! Congrats Ken!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
A freaky doppelganger sighting and one more pic of Natasha
Yesterday, while riding home on Brigitta, my 1987 R80 Airhead Beemer I caught sight of a rider in a black riding outfit similar to mine. He also had a silver flip-up helmet and was waiting at the same stoplight as I was except he was in the cross street, and to my left.
So what you ask yourself? Plenty of riders out there in black outfits, plenty more with silver colored helmets!
Here's the freaky part: He was sitting astride a black URAL motorcycle with black sidecar! An incredibly close replica to the rig I am eagerly awaiting receipt of this Friday. This is the first and only URAL I've seen on the road here in all my years in Denver!
He had patches on both shoulders as I do on my riding jacket. Heck, had he had his faceshield down, you'd have thought that was me in about three days! Freaky.
From Wikipedia:
The word "doppelgänger" has come to refer (as in German) to any double or look-alike of a person. The word is also used to describe the sensation of having glimpsed oneself in peripheral vision, in a position where there is no chance that it could have been a reflection. They are generally regarded as harbingers of bad luck. In some traditions, a doppelgänger seen by a person's friends or relatives portends illness or danger, while seeing one's own doppelgänger is an omen of death, or results in immediate death upon the two coming face to face. In Norse mythology, a vardøger is a ghostly double who precedes a living person and is seen performing their actions in advance.
So to dispel the negative karma of the sighting, I give you this great picture of Phil with his lovely wife Sharon. It's a Christmas picture they used one year, and presents Natasha, the 1996 Ural Sportsman he's swapping for Maria, my 2004 R1150RT Beemer.
So what you ask yourself? Plenty of riders out there in black outfits, plenty more with silver colored helmets!
Here's the freaky part: He was sitting astride a black URAL motorcycle with black sidecar! An incredibly close replica to the rig I am eagerly awaiting receipt of this Friday. This is the first and only URAL I've seen on the road here in all my years in Denver!
He had patches on both shoulders as I do on my riding jacket. Heck, had he had his faceshield down, you'd have thought that was me in about three days! Freaky.
From Wikipedia:
The word "doppelgänger" has come to refer (as in German) to any double or look-alike of a person. The word is also used to describe the sensation of having glimpsed oneself in peripheral vision, in a position where there is no chance that it could have been a reflection. They are generally regarded as harbingers of bad luck. In some traditions, a doppelgänger seen by a person's friends or relatives portends illness or danger, while seeing one's own doppelgänger is an omen of death, or results in immediate death upon the two coming face to face. In Norse mythology, a vardøger is a ghostly double who precedes a living person and is seen performing their actions in advance.
So to dispel the negative karma of the sighting, I give you this great picture of Phil with his lovely wife Sharon. It's a Christmas picture they used one year, and presents Natasha, the 1996 Ural Sportsman he's swapping for Maria, my 2004 R1150RT Beemer.
Friday, September 11, 2009
9/11
Never Forgive, Never Forget
Eight years ago, cowardly terrorists killed over 3000 Americans. I fear Americans are forgetting already. I myself have become used to the sight of young American men and women in our country's uniforms, transiting the airport enroute to dangerous places to man the ramparts. I will not again, let the sight of these representatives of America's best, fail to remind me as to why they are moving through the airport.
I hope our country continues the fight in spite of the enemies within our own borders, or we shall see such sights as the one above more often.
I hope our country continues the fight in spite of the enemies within our own borders, or we shall see such sights as the one above more often.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Beemer Commercial
I was perusing my usual list of blog sites, and this entry in Mike Werner's "Bikes in the Fast Lane" blog struck a chord with me, check it out: Old Vespa Commercial
Now, the content of the commercial per se is not what struck a chord. It instead popped a thought into by head that caused me to go to youtube and searched for BMW Motorcycle Commercials. Here's what I found.
Click the picture above to view the commercial on youtube
The above commercial struck me as well made, with good segues using the iconic images of Beemer jugs, and while the bike being sold is a R1200C I still liked the movie as a whole. That last song, where the guy is "free wheeling" is the exact enjoyment I get from most of my motorcycle riding.
I hope you like it.
Now, the content of the commercial per se is not what struck a chord. It instead popped a thought into by head that caused me to go to youtube and searched for BMW Motorcycle Commercials. Here's what I found.
Click the picture above to view the commercial on youtubeThe above commercial struck me as well made, with good segues using the iconic images of Beemer jugs, and while the bike being sold is a R1200C I still liked the movie as a whole. That last song, where the guy is "free wheeling" is the exact enjoyment I get from most of my motorcycle riding.
I hope you like it.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Traveling with BMW Motorrad - Time to Vote
I'd blogged before about the photo contest being run by BMW Motorrad for their upcoming calendar with the theme: "Traveling with BMW Motorrad". LINK
Well, now its time to vote, and I could sure use your vote if you like this picture I submitted which was selected as a finalist:
Of the 60 pictures in the finalist list, the above is near the end on the second page. If you like it, I'd appreciate your voting for me.
Here's where you go to vote: Traveling with BMW Motorrad
Update 03APR10: I'd forgotten about this contest, spent some time searching the BMW Motorrad website, finally found the 2010 calendar and the selected winners. Unsurprisingly, they went with shots that show their current lineup of motorcycles and not the older models like mine, oh well. Oh, and apparently, the votes put in by folks were not really counted.....
Here's a link to the 2010 Calendar if you're curious what got selected.
Well, now its time to vote, and I could sure use your vote if you like this picture I submitted which was selected as a finalist:
Of the 60 pictures in the finalist list, the above is near the end on the second page. If you like it, I'd appreciate your voting for me.
Here's where you go to vote: Traveling with BMW Motorrad
Update 03APR10: I'd forgotten about this contest, spent some time searching the BMW Motorrad website, finally found the 2010 calendar and the selected winners. Unsurprisingly, they went with shots that show their current lineup of motorcycles and not the older models like mine, oh well. Oh, and apparently, the votes put in by folks were not really counted.....
Here's a link to the 2010 Calendar if you're curious what got selected.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Meet the Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner
Ken Bingenheimer, who runs the great Passes and Canyons Blog recently invited me to join Examiner.com as a regular writer. He used to represent Colorado in terms of motorcycling stories but now has been promoted to the national level!
A few emails later, I was accepted by the Examiner folks and my first article went live this afternoon. Here's a link to the article itself: LINK
Some of you who've been with me a while will see me recast past blog postings into articles for publishing on the Examiner website. I am looking forward to the flexibility this gig will give me to talk about some topics which did not quite fit in to the blog as well.
I've still some things to learn but mostly as to how the editors want me to do some things. So far, they seem pleased. Please visit the examiner.com site to check out my stuff, enough hits and I might get enough pay for a tank of gas or two.....lots of other cool content by other examiners as well!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Increased exposure for the blog: Ruba.com
One of my postings, about the buildings of lower downtown Denver, then and now, was added to a listing of "traveler generated" travel destination reports.
The site is run by Ruba.com which is, according to them:
Established in 2008, Ruba is a user generated travel guide site. Ruba enables users to discover their next trip by browsing highly visual guides written by other travelers. Guides are collections of the best places including attractions, activities, lodging, restaurants, and more that are grouped along interesting themes such as "The Top 7 Most Picturesque Towns in Provence France". Members of Ruba can build and maintain their own Guides as well as explore Guides from similarly-minded travelers. Ruba also embraces the highly social nature of travel planning via tight integration with Facebook and Twitter, and Ruba integrates Google maps for geographic locations and addresses. Based in Palo Alto, CA, Ruba was founded by serial entrepreneurs Mike Cassidy and Arnaud Weber whose past ventures created over $650M in market value. Ruba is backed by two leading Silicon Valley venture capital firms—Benchmark Capital and Draper Fisher Jurvetson. For more information, visit www.ruba.com or search for Ruba's page on Twitter or Facebook.
Here's the link on Ruba.com which shows my posting: LINK
Far as I can tell, anyone can post their own travel guides. I'd not heard of them before they contacted me, they asked me if they could post about my blog posting. I figured, why not?
The site is run by Ruba.com which is, according to them:
Established in 2008, Ruba is a user generated travel guide site. Ruba enables users to discover their next trip by browsing highly visual guides written by other travelers. Guides are collections of the best places including attractions, activities, lodging, restaurants, and more that are grouped along interesting themes such as "The Top 7 Most Picturesque Towns in Provence France". Members of Ruba can build and maintain their own Guides as well as explore Guides from similarly-minded travelers. Ruba also embraces the highly social nature of travel planning via tight integration with Facebook and Twitter, and Ruba integrates Google maps for geographic locations and addresses. Based in Palo Alto, CA, Ruba was founded by serial entrepreneurs Mike Cassidy and Arnaud Weber whose past ventures created over $650M in market value. Ruba is backed by two leading Silicon Valley venture capital firms—Benchmark Capital and Draper Fisher Jurvetson. For more information, visit www.ruba.com or search for Ruba's page on Twitter or Facebook.
Here's the link on Ruba.com which shows my posting: LINK
Far as I can tell, anyone can post their own travel guides. I'd not heard of them before they contacted me, they asked me if they could post about my blog posting. I figured, why not?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
A Colorado Sunrise
As a follow up to the previous posting, I woke early today and headed out to the same spot on Chenango Street to take some pictures of the same mountains, this time at sunrise.
This time, I had the tripod with me so more of the pictures came out in sharp focus.
I had to take many pictures as the sun peeked out from the horizon behind me and it steadily rose higher into the morning sky. There were some clouds blocking the full effect of the sun so a lot of the shots came out "washed out".
The other shots that didn't work out were due to cagers speeding their way into the picture as they made their way out to their work locations. Turns out this road is quite busy between 0630 and 0700 when I was shooting!
This is the picture which turned out best, in my opinion anyways. I had some nice blue shading graduations, the foreground was lit nicely by sunlight and you can make out the snow-covered features of the mountains. The only bummer was the bus rider at the bench, but I couldn't very well yell at him to get out of the shot! : )
I am not sure whether the haziness of the mountain peaks was because of the light levels or the distances involved or just haze! More practice is needed. Though I found out last night how to manually set things on my wife's Nikon D50, it didn't quite work out this morning. Oh well.
A couple of guys I know from work saw me as they drove by in a pickup truck, they stopped next to me and said: "Get a real motorcycle!" since they are Harley riders. I yelled back suitable commentary which in summary basically said: "Go get on your own motorcycles, ride out here, then tell me whatever you want". : )
This time, I had the tripod with me so more of the pictures came out in sharp focus.
I had to take many pictures as the sun peeked out from the horizon behind me and it steadily rose higher into the morning sky. There were some clouds blocking the full effect of the sun so a lot of the shots came out "washed out".
The other shots that didn't work out were due to cagers speeding their way into the picture as they made their way out to their work locations. Turns out this road is quite busy between 0630 and 0700 when I was shooting!
This is the picture which turned out best, in my opinion anyways. I had some nice blue shading graduations, the foreground was lit nicely by sunlight and you can make out the snow-covered features of the mountains. The only bummer was the bus rider at the bench, but I couldn't very well yell at him to get out of the shot! : )
I am not sure whether the haziness of the mountain peaks was because of the light levels or the distances involved or just haze! More practice is needed. Though I found out last night how to manually set things on my wife's Nikon D50, it didn't quite work out this morning. Oh well.
A couple of guys I know from work saw me as they drove by in a pickup truck, they stopped next to me and said: "Get a real motorcycle!" since they are Harley riders. I yelled back suitable commentary which in summary basically said: "Go get on your own motorcycles, ride out here, then tell me whatever you want". : )
Monday, April 13, 2009
Another try at Sunset Pictures
On the way home, I was struck by how a rise on a street near home made the mountains appear closer to one's perspective than they actually were.
I returned to the same spot closer to sunset since the clouds near the horizon promised some nice colors.
Most of the shots came out just a bit blurry since in my rush out of the house, I forgot to take along my tripod, dammit. I won't forget the next time I try this. Still, I managed to hold still enough for a couple of shots to come out decent:
A closeup of the seemingly nearby snow covered mountains,
A Colorado Sunset
I returned to the same spot closer to sunset since the clouds near the horizon promised some nice colors.
Most of the shots came out just a bit blurry since in my rush out of the house, I forgot to take along my tripod, dammit. I won't forget the next time I try this. Still, I managed to hold still enough for a couple of shots to come out decent:
A closeup of the seemingly nearby snow covered mountains,painted by the fading light of the sunset
A Colorado SunsetThis spot is now on the list of nearby spots for horizon shots. I just have to figure out how to get my wife's camera to do what I ask it! It's got more bells and whistles than my old Olympus C-4000, so it's just a matter of finding/reading the manual I guess.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
First Annual BBIR Mileage Contest period ends.
I'd mentioned before the unofficial creation and running by the BMWMOA of the BBIR: LINK
The alternative mileage contest runs the remainder of the year not covered by the traditional mileage contest sponsored by the BMWMOA: 13OCT08 through 10APR09.
I managed to ride 9417 miles between both my beemers, not bad I guess since I did not manage to get in any real long distance rides due to work schedules mostly.
It'll be interesting to see how I place in this one as it takes out of the running all the folks in the parts of the US where snow is actually a prohibitive factor in terms of riding.
The alternative mileage contest runs the remainder of the year not covered by the traditional mileage contest sponsored by the BMWMOA: 13OCT08 through 10APR09.
I managed to ride 9417 miles between both my beemers, not bad I guess since I did not manage to get in any real long distance rides due to work schedules mostly.
It'll be interesting to see how I place in this one as it takes out of the running all the folks in the parts of the US where snow is actually a prohibitive factor in terms of riding.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Snow day filler - Scariest Roads in the US?
While perusing the BMWMOA discussion forum's new postings, came across on that was titled: "Are You Scared". Naturally it got my attention and it turned out to be a link to Forbes' "America's Scariest Drives" online article.
I reviewed them all and my reaction is that all but one look like great rides for a motorcycle. I even have ridden one, the Leadville to Aspen road via Independence Pass, more than once and it's not scary but actually quite a lovely ride. Most recent ride: LINK and my first ride through the pass: LINK.
From my first ride to Independence Pass
Here's the link to the Forbes Article: America's Scariest Drives.
Just goes to show, what could be really neat rides for seasoned motorcyclists is turned into "deadly rides" to the average cager simply by using the right verbage and adjectives. Still, if it keeps the cagers off these cool riding roads, it's all good.
There was only one on the list that would "scare" me, that's the I-15 Expressway:
From the Forbes article
We've got our own version of the above interchange here in Denver, it's nicknamed the "mousetrap" and is a confusing confluence of several slabs. Like the interchange above, I believe the dangerous part is confused drivers going at high speed, making last second lane changes in order to catch some exit.
The above photos of the mousetrap I found on google. What a nice search tool it is, saves a bunch of time when documenting postings.
I don't think I'll get a ride in today, about a couple of inches of snow on the ground overnight, makes all my snow clearing efforts from yesterday afternoon seem for nought.
I reviewed them all and my reaction is that all but one look like great rides for a motorcycle. I even have ridden one, the Leadville to Aspen road via Independence Pass, more than once and it's not scary but actually quite a lovely ride. Most recent ride: LINK and my first ride through the pass: LINK.
From my first ride to Independence PassHere's the link to the Forbes Article: America's Scariest Drives.
Just goes to show, what could be really neat rides for seasoned motorcyclists is turned into "deadly rides" to the average cager simply by using the right verbage and adjectives. Still, if it keeps the cagers off these cool riding roads, it's all good.
There was only one on the list that would "scare" me, that's the I-15 Expressway:
From the Forbes article
The above photos of the mousetrap I found on google. What a nice search tool it is, saves a bunch of time when documenting postings.
I don't think I'll get a ride in today, about a couple of inches of snow on the ground overnight, makes all my snow clearing efforts from yesterday afternoon seem for nought.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
A Recently Discovered Regret
Lately the thought of a lost opportunity popped up and has been running through my mind.
I am talking about only discovering the joys of motorcycling when I was already in my mid-40s. Why couldn't I have had this epiphany when I was younger, still on active duty with the Army, stationed in Italy and later on, Germany!
Oh the touring I could have done when not "in the field". Sure, I traveled when I could, by train and car. But to have been able to motorcycle my way through Europe! That, I realize now would have been awesome! I spent three years there, half in Italy and half in Germany.
Then again, being younger and less "mature" shall we say, who knows what kind of trouble I probably would have gotten myself into. I'd like to think though that I would have discovered the magic of Beemers regardless, perhaps even found myself a vintage airhead to later ship home with me as I returned to the States.
Yes, a R100S Airhead, going full bore down the nearest Autobahn, crossing from one end of West Germany (yes, its that long ago that I was there) to the other in less than three hours! Crossing the passes in the Alps, riding through all the other countries....
Or maybe I would have found myself a used Ducati to hammer my way down the Autostradas of Italia. Stopping only to gas up and partake of an expresso while watching the young and mini-skirted Italian girls ride by on their Vespas.
Writing the above paragraph, the memory of a red leather clad female rider, on a red sports bike, no helmet, dark aviator sunglasses and long dark hair, comes to mind. She certainly was a traffic stopper, and that was while she waited for the light to change. Woof.
So in one of those alternate universes you read about in Science Fiction stories, some fortunate version of me did discover motorcycling while a young officer stationed in Europe. Lucky bastard.
Still, I wouldn't trade my present life for anything. I've a loving wife, two great sons, two good motorcycles and there's still time to ride Europe some day.....
I am talking about only discovering the joys of motorcycling when I was already in my mid-40s. Why couldn't I have had this epiphany when I was younger, still on active duty with the Army, stationed in Italy and later on, Germany!
Oh the touring I could have done when not "in the field". Sure, I traveled when I could, by train and car. But to have been able to motorcycle my way through Europe! That, I realize now would have been awesome! I spent three years there, half in Italy and half in Germany.
Then again, being younger and less "mature" shall we say, who knows what kind of trouble I probably would have gotten myself into. I'd like to think though that I would have discovered the magic of Beemers regardless, perhaps even found myself a vintage airhead to later ship home with me as I returned to the States.
Yes, a R100S Airhead, going full bore down the nearest Autobahn, crossing from one end of West Germany (yes, its that long ago that I was there) to the other in less than three hours! Crossing the passes in the Alps, riding through all the other countries....
Or maybe I would have found myself a used Ducati to hammer my way down the Autostradas of Italia. Stopping only to gas up and partake of an expresso while watching the young and mini-skirted Italian girls ride by on their Vespas.
Writing the above paragraph, the memory of a red leather clad female rider, on a red sports bike, no helmet, dark aviator sunglasses and long dark hair, comes to mind. She certainly was a traffic stopper, and that was while she waited for the light to change. Woof.
So in one of those alternate universes you read about in Science Fiction stories, some fortunate version of me did discover motorcycling while a young officer stationed in Europe. Lucky bastard.
Still, I wouldn't trade my present life for anything. I've a loving wife, two great sons, two good motorcycles and there's still time to ride Europe some day.....
Thursday, March 19, 2009
LINK: Traveling with BMW Motorrad
I saw this on Keep The Rubber Side Down's Blog today: LINK
It's a blurb and a link to BMW Motorrad's photo contest which ends at the end of this month. There's more details at the BMW, along with a link to upload your own pictures if you want to compete.
From the BMW Calendar 2010 Contest site:
The theme is “Travelling with BMW Motorrad“; all amateur and professional photographers are entitled to take part. The requirement is that one or more BMW Motorrad machines are shown in the photograph, no matter which model or year of construction. So you are welcome to send older photographs if you like, as we are equally interested in historical pictures.
It's a blurb and a link to BMW Motorrad's photo contest which ends at the end of this month. There's more details at the BMW, along with a link to upload your own pictures if you want to compete.
From the BMW Calendar 2010 Contest site:
The theme is “Travelling with BMW Motorrad“; all amateur and professional photographers are entitled to take part. The requirement is that one or more BMW Motorrad machines are shown in the photograph, no matter which model or year of construction. So you are welcome to send older photographs if you like, as we are equally interested in historical pictures.
The only thing that is important to us is that you provide an impressive perspective on the theme of travelling on a BMW. Along with the photo you should include a short report, a route description and a rider profile including picture. And if there is a GPS file to go with it, so much the better. You should also include a brief statement as to why you chose this BMW motorcycle – and then just send in your entry!
Of all photos submitted by the deadline of May 31st, 30 will be shortlisted. These will be shown online in advance and all visitors to the website can enter a rating for their favourite photos (though this will not have any direct influence on the final decision of the editorial team).
A panel of 13 judges will then select the best and most suitable pictures (one for each month of the year plus a cover photo) for the 2010 BMW Motorrad calendar. The 13 winners will be invited to the BMW Motorrad Days 2009 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Here they can look forward to a great weekend with a “BMW Motorrad Days 2009 Package” consisting of two nights at a hotel, a fan package (T-shirt and cap) and a VIP armband for free food and drink on the grounds, as well as access to the VIP area in the main tent in the evening.
The above picture near Teec Nos Pos in Arizona is one of a few that I sent in, the prize sounds pretty great. My only worry is, besides not making the cut, is that the size of the pictures is not large enough for their requirements. Oh well, you can't win if you don't enter right?
The above picture near Teec Nos Pos in Arizona is one of a few that I sent in, the prize sounds pretty great. My only worry is, besides not making the cut, is that the size of the pictures is not large enough for their requirements. Oh well, you can't win if you don't enter right?
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Maria's turn in BMWMOA's Website's Picture of the Week
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