Podcast test 1

first recording with audacity with salmon

brakethecycles

Crash Report, 10 days without shower, roadside wild life, and so much more

10,269.7 Miles

It’s already August and I am almost finished with my 7th week on the road. Writing on the road have proof to be a challenge, mainly due to time rather than anything else. I’m trying to get to Central and South America before September, as I want to spend as much time down there as I can. I have many things I want to write about, but even when I have a few days at a friends place or couchsurfing, I find myself socializing and exploring the local festive rather than staying in to write. Perhaps when I stay in places much longer when I’m south of the border, this would not be such a hurdle.

I have since road the Alaskan Highway all the way to Alaska, wild camping along the entire length since I left Dawson Creek - my hosts at Dawson Creek was amazing, and my first buffalo I saw was dinner, hehehe. In fact I had it twice in the two days I spent there. I hope I can visit them in two years when I go back up with Lee to Tuk and other places.

In my multiple experiences of wild camping, I have stayed in multiple places that are yards away from wildlife such as bears and buffalo. I pulled out one morning when it was still very foggy out, and no more than 100 yards I see a brown bear right on the side of the road mauling on something. It was a bit of a delay “brown moment” lol.

I camped 3 days straight into Alaska first at fort nelson, then liard river, and then at the most amazing campsite at quill creek. I got into fairbanks rather early. I thought, it’s a great day for me to get a shower after so many days on the road. Incidentally, Phillip had no shower either. To top it off, my couchsurfer has only an outhouse for bathroom. And no running water. IT was the way of life out from the central hub of Fairbanks, which is maybe 15 square miles or less. I only stayed there for one night and decided, I would head up to the dalton highway. Next I camp at Yukon river camp, then Cold Foot on the way back, and then back to Philips friend  who helped me fixed my frame, who also had only outhouse and no running water. Back to Philips, then the Denali Highway. Where me and Lee helped this old couple with thier spare tire that wouldn’t come off their truck. They bought us dinner and two drinks! But alas, still camping with no shower. Then finally Valdez glacier campsite. Lee and I originally thought the Valdez campground had no shower either, until the next morning, we saw people walking towards a bathroom area with towels. So on the 11th day, I took the longest hot shower in my life. Okay exaggeration, but I did take a good long time. I washed my hair three times, by that time it was very crusty.

After that I travel with Grizz-lee for 5 more days for a total of 7, and we had access to showers in many of the campsite he chose and he graciously paid for them because he choose the site and wanted the amenities. Which is very nice of him, but also I think the courtesy is proper, as I was wanting wild campsite and he wanted more amenities. I found the best sites are the wild sites, versus the RV campgrounds, but we travel at length together, and he was very verse of the area, so I stayed with him for a couple days. In reality, we paid for 3 campsites out of the 7 days we rode, some were free and some there wasn't anyone there to collect.  

Over the years I have had lots of crashes on my motorcycle. Some I sustain injury (albeit minor), and others I roll over and get up and not a scratch on me. I road up to Prudhoe Bay in one day, and rode back down the same day. We actually pull into camp in 4 am and it was still sun out. The sun as you know never went down in the summer in Alaska, and it really messes with your circadian rhythm. I road over 600 miles that day. As with all things, it seems ridiculous at first to put that much mile on an uncomfortable dual sport, but over time, it just doesn't seem that big of a deal. 300 - 400 mile days are normal, 200-250 miles is super easy day. I think mainly I was adapting to the vast expanse that is of Canada, you just can't get anywhere at 250 miles a day. I am now comfortable at 120 miles in the saddle before break. Two breaks and a gas up and I’m off again.

I admit I was bombing through the Dalton Highway at 50 miles an hour the entire way, I was feeling the rhythm and the ride. My riding buddy at the time on a honda shadow never made the final 200 miles. Ironically, after I made it, I felt like it was very anti climatic, and as Lee tells me, I’ve been up there, I just turn around at the mountain pass, because there is nothing after it. He was right. But it is something to experience yourself, especially if it is your first time. Now I know, if I ever ride up there again, I would never go to the end, I would turn around at the pass too. Lol.

The morning after we camp at 4 am and got up at 9 am, me and Nate (I switched riding buddy when I came back), we rode the remainder 250 miles back into Fairbanks. Perhaps I was too tire, or going too fast, or just being careless. Either way, I came up on a right corner down hill turn with fresh gravel, and I started sliding. I kept on the rear brakes and it just kept sliding 1.) because I was going fast but also 2.) because my tires are pretty bald by now, the knobbies that hooked into the loose stuff is shallow and flat, so I kept sliding. As I inch closer to the edge, I chop the front brake and lay the bike down and I took dive. I don’t know if I was just really well train at martial arts falls or I just dump the bike so many times, but I didn’t have a scratch on me, not even on the jacket or pants. No injury or nothing, but the bike… that’s a whole other story.

The pannier case cracked open, (happy trails yours panniers sucks, single welded only on one side, split on the seams. Should never split on welded seams that easily, bent out of shape sure, but split on the seam like that is ridiculous), the rear subframe shifted as well as I realize the exhaust bracket is now rubbing it. It was pretty bad, and Nate had a bag we threw my yard sale item in (term for all your stuff all over the road), and we rode back into town.

I called up Phillip my couchsurfer extraordinaire who pointed me to his friend who can help me out, who is at a junkyard. Jon is his name, and he was amazing. We worked on it till 11:30 pm, and realize it was still sunny out. We hooked it up to a old dump truck and some ratcheting straps. I ended up crashing there for the night. Jon went to work the next morning, leaving me to my own accord. I ended up straightening everything. Then I went to another Jon, also recommended by my couch surfer. This Jon was an actual machinist with a full shop.

He waited for me as his last customer, and within 15 minutes, he has squared off all the dents in my pannier and in another 20 it was back in one piece welded and fitted back on the bike. It was quite the sight to see. I now understand why people say hard cases are easier to fix than soft bags. Its true, perhaps it may have fair better with soft bags, but rustling through the gravel I fear that it may have torn the bags and no one would be able to fix it easily. It’s impossible to tell. One thing is for sure, I’m uninjured and that’s all that matters and the bike is fixed and the show will go on.

If anything, that learning lesson on how Jon was able to repair my pannier was well worth it itself. To top it off he only charge me very little sum of money. Very generous guy and very nice guy. He even helped me with my wild shield repair. He showed me how to do it, and gave me some wire. So my 6 peice windshield was fixed the next day.

The rest is history, I rode over 5000 miles on the bike and it’s been performing flawlessly, like nothing ever happened. The pannier went through some rain and it has held up waterproof test as well. But what concerns me the most, is the physical reaction I have when I crashed. In the past, I have reacted as most people would have, adrenaline rush, heart pupitation, shock and shooken. Incidentally in the last 4 years or 5, any crash of any kind, regardless if I’m injured or not, I feel nothing. Absolutely nothing. No change in breathing, no change in heart rate. Even much later I don’t recount the incident in my head nor do I feel any sort of way about it. It is bizarre even for me. I don’t react to needing to fix the bike, I don’t get frustrated nor do I get motivated. Just flat affect all around. It’s something to be done, I do it. I crash, I get up and keep going. I dont even stress about the little things on the bike, like things broken or things not working. In fact the turn signal relay went bad in the crash and I rode without one for 5000 miles and I didnt even think twice about fixing it until I got to Lee’s place in seattle. I can say for certain it is not just crashing my bike. I simply don’t react to much of anything. Nate joked “you should tell them at your next physical”. Lol.

I’m not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing, but I do know it is kind of odd and not particularly normal response. Time will tell, and I will continue to explore this dynamic. Hopefully not crashing to my death or other dangerous activities that I’m usually fond of.

I did a few hikes along the way, one is the Valdez Glacier, and the other is the Columbia Glacier very nice. I even checked out the hatchery at Valdez that was very cool, and made me very very hungry to see all these Salmon… salmon is my favorite fish…. To eat. Lol.

I met a few contacts on the Dalton, and some I may meet up in South America. One is Felipe Daza from Argentina, he also got me in contact with the central and south american “couchsurfing” for motorcyclist specific group on a group chat, with hundreds of people. So I will definitely be using that as I cross both central and south america. There is a Brazilian couple I will also try to link up on my way down, from a motorcycle group. They look like they may be gang members, Even Better!

I only spent a 1 day fixing my pannier and I was already on my way riding around Alaska. I cross path with Lee again on the Denali Highway. He was so shocked to see my bike back, straighten and my pannier boxes welded and squared up. 24 hours ago, they saw me with all my stuff in a plastic bag. Philip (my couchsurfer) really was an amazing host and contact. I rode with Lee for over a week, coming down the cassiar and even stopping in at Tok, eagle claw motorcycle campground. The steam shower was the most wonderful experience. Gave me so much to think about and so many ideas.  

Next challenge came on the road, as my rear tire was getting very bald. When I got to whitehorse the chip seal they throw down on the ground has done its number on my tire. But then again I got a lot of good miles out of them fighting the wind. 8000 miles on the motoz gps and I was very happy with them. Mostly for their road prowess, they hug corners like you are on street tires, and do the gravel and rough stuff pretty darn well on the Dalton. Thanks to rtwpauls review on the motoz, I will run them again as I cross over to South America. But it is bald, so I went to the yamaha dealership in whitehorse to get a tire. Only to find, that the only Kenda k270… you can get for 60 bucks, a rear 5.10 by 17, in the states they wanted 130 CAD for it. Which comes to just over 100 dollars. Holy cow! And apparently everything in Canada is expensive. Gas is consistently 5 dollars and sometimes 6  dollars inch-ing to 7 dollars per gallon in remote places. Locals tell me they raise the gas prices in the summer for tourist by nearly 20% and the regular high prices are taxes for all the social programs… well that really sucks if you are a motorsport enthusiasts. Its okay if you aren’t using any gasoline power stuff, but then again the tire prices will still get you.

So many people tell me they come to the states to get the tires, because its too ridiculously pricey there, the same clamour the wonderful social program of Canada… oh the hypocrisy lol. My problem still is no tires, and too expensive for a crappy tire. So I push the tire another 1000 miles down to Prince George. There, I was welcomed by advrider and forum member Kelly. Kelly took me around to every single tire shop in the area and haggled for me to get the best price I can. He is apparently a Canadian equivalent of a MSF instructor. For those that are unaware MSF is the USA version of the motorcycle training course to get your license. So he is very well known around the stores and he knows people. By some black magic, I was able to get a Mitas e09 rear tire, super knobby enduro tire, for 102 USD… which is magically cheaper than the 126 dollar that is selling at revzilla in the USA. Count me in. It wasnt gonna last more than 3-4000 miles, but it looks hardcore lol. It was also one hell of a stiff sidewall to spoon on. Luckily, it was a super hot day. I just let it soak in the sun until its soft, it was still a PITA but it went on okay.

Oh did I mention I got stung by yellow jacket on the bike? So I did, and it flew into my collar at speed, stung me on the neck and I slap it and fell into my back and stung me again. Ofcourse if you recall my rant before, I had one 3 years ago on my forearm also while riding, and it swell to a size of a baseball and then went down a bit and then 2 weeks later swell again and my whole body broke out in hives. I had to get steroids for 2 weeks to suppress the problem. So I was a bit proaction this time, I read that baking soda had canceling properties, so I made a concoction and rubbed it into the bite. I definitely overdid it, and burned my skin pretty badly on the site of the bite, but… the swelling completely went away after a day. So it looks like that is my solution. I may not be able to bring the baking soda with me over the border, as it looks like cocaine, but I’ll just buy some there when I cross the border. Baking Soda… not cocaine… okay we will see. lol.

Also discover the rear hub bearing is bad and Kelly called to a local shop and order it for me. I picked it up on the way out, since the tire is straight and tight and rode it as it to Lees, the bearing is definitely going out and it was definitely not "that bad"

Then went through banff, it really lives up to the hype. Fantastic scenery and tons of road side wild life. 

Next I get to Seattle after a pit stop at Idaho to see some old friends from italy trip. As well as my 5 year ago cross country trip broke down location.

When I got to Seattle I stayed with Ben one of our e30 car groupie that is working in Seattle. First we met up with my middle school tennis buddy Sid and went to a British Car show.

Ben was a great host and we went to leavenworth (literally german town), and I got to drive his e30 convertible, just like mine I owned for 10 plus years. It was good times. Sid also came out and we all met up again!

Then I went to Lee’s to do all the service for my bike. All the stuff has arrived from last week. This preplan and shipping is quite exciting. Now I know how simon felt when all the stuff show up at my house weeks before he arrived. It’s like a refueling hub for everything else but the fuel. Riveted my first chain, replace all the worn pieces and got the bike up to snuff. Replace the rear wheel hub bearing that was going bad. Now the bike runs even better. The chain only had 10k or so on it, but with the calcium and crap on the dalton it got so gummed up. I tried to clean it so many times, and it really didn’t unkinked it. Then I went on a ride with Lee for a shake down ride.

Met up with my dads old colleague and had real food for the first time! Boy was I tire of burgers and fries

In the time I spent on the road, one thing I discovered. I should say “rediscovered”. As I couchsurf and found all the people that helped me along the way, whether is providing me a place to stay, cooking me a good meal, to driving me around the entire city looking for a tire. They all have one thing in common. They are very generous. As I looked back at all my friends, the closeness of friendship was never predicated on time I knew them but rather the generosity of the people I share my time with. I have met people I barely know and felt close to them, and there are those I known for nearly a decade that I will never be close with. Whether its with my time I spend helping them out without “needing to go” or buying gifts to show appreciation to buying them dinner or cooking them dinner to show appreciation. The courtesy is always reciprocated the right kind of kindred spirits.

I hosted surfers for a whole year before I headed on my trip. Mainly because I want to be part of the community and not just mooch off of people for accommodations. That and I love hosting random people that need a place to stay and cooking for them. They too are always generous. I have learned many things for my trip, especially from my friend Simon from Australia. I plan to host more people when I returned. I will talk about my couchsurfing experience another time.  

Almost all the couchsurfer I have stayed with for over a day I have done something for them. Take them out to dinner, or cook for them. I like to say stinginess is a childish behavior, but the truth is even my former students that went to Italy with me was gracious and generous to me. The truth is, that the only meaningful friendship are build on generosity, the rest are just people you know.

Over the years I have lax on this philosophy that I always practiced, and in many way I began to get influenced to behaving selfishly. Over the last couple years, I have vacillated back and forth between my upbringing to my poor habit I picked up from peers. I have, without noises of others, return to my nature of my upbringing.  

“Traveling solo is the only way to travel” as Dr. Whitlow told me in our many conversations. “The only person” he said “you can take travel advice from, is someone you are sleeping with”. Funny guy, but it is true in many ways. As I was leaving, my father told me, make sure when you go socialize with people, no matter who it is, always pull out your wallet and offer to pay no matter if you do or not. It is the proper courtesy and etiquette of our culture. It looks like he has quite a few lessons to reteach me after all.

Canada

4277 miles

I’ve been on the road for several weeks now, I was staying in Saskatoon, Saskechuwan for a couple days with Dr. Whitlow. It is the first time I sat down and took some time to slow my pace and reflect on my trip thus far.

While I stayed at many couchsurfers over the last two weeks, some were definitely more memorable than others. I may write more about each of them later, or maybe not. At least for now, I can say with some certainty, as Trish (my Barrie host) and I discussed that, the world isn’t a scary place as what people want you to believe. There are many interesting situations, like being chased out the trailer park by the neighbor of our couchsurfing host, to waking up with another surfer on the couch next to me.

It did made me realize that there are alot more people out there like myself who hosts and enjoys the stories and experiences of people from different walks of life. I find these people of the same heart and mind regardless of their age

I also learned alot about camping. Like how to spot a heavily mosquito populated location. Ask me how I know. My first campsite, I was eaten alive by mosquitos and I almost felt like crying and the comfort of home questioned my resolved. Yet, that feeling passed, quoting my favorite line from Dr. Whitlows beautiful novel “the winds heals our passage over find sand” (forgiverance).

We camp one night off a boat launch by the water. We saw the storm and we rushed to get set up, alas it wasn't quick enough and we were completely soaked by the time we were able to take shelter in the tents. Jeff’s hatchet was very useful as a hammer for the stakes, as the ground was hard. I may have to go with that option and send my knife back.

When we cross the border and into Canada by Niagara Falls, it took us 3 hours of traffic to get out of Toronto. That was a terrible idea to enter via Toronto, I should of enter via Quebec and cross over north. However, who knows I may have ran into the dangerous weather by Sudbury with fist size hail or nothing at all. I guess I’ll never known.

After meeting up with Jeff in Rochester, the theme of the last three years started to repeat. Jeff needed to be in control of every decision from which road to take to where to stop. When I’m on the road, I always ask the question “hey I’m a little tire, do you want to stop for a break?” sometimes he would said “no”, as if he does not understand the simple social cues that I’m being polite, other times he would deliberate how many miles we need to go before we can stop. Yet, when he wants to stop, he said “I’m stopping” in an authoritative tone as if he is giving orders. The same happens when we switch position to who leads in the front. If I’m up front, I would always say “Hey, can you lead I’m a bit tire”. If Jeff is up front he would say “you can lead now”, as if he is giving me an order of approval that he is allowing me to lead. 

If I said, rain is coming and show him the radar, he will pull out his phone and look at his weather app and then after looking he would say “oh yea, it looks right”, or “no you are wrong, my app is more accurate”. If I said lets go to this campsite he would take out all his electronics and confirmed it and then make comments about going elsewhere and then decide to “allow” me to make the decision or “allow” me to lead (setting me up for failure, if the outcome isn't perfect, this gives him the logic that he can be the one to make all the decisions again.)

When we are riding one of us would pose a question like “why is the road is so bad”, a share experience comment that everyone can agree. Jeff would give a history lesson to everyone on why the road is the way it is. Josh, Chris, Rob and anyone we ever ridden with together, experience the same, and we always look at each other in confusion as he tries to explain everyone’s questions as if they are asking him for his professional advice. There is no commardarie of shared experiences when we are riding, it's always a history lesson, and majority of the time he doesn't even know what he is talking about, or just flat out wrong. But no one corrects him, neither do I, cause it’s not even that serious, it's just small talk.   

But he is trying, albeit when we are doing stuff that is not his choice he doesn't seem to know how to enjoy himself. He would be expressing frustration and anxiousness when he isn't the one making all the decisions. Whether we rode down a trail he doesn't want to go down or setup camp where he didn’t decide. He would be extremely stressed out and show his frustration openly and would dictate as early as possible the next 5-10 decisions to make sure it's his way.

I’ve always just went along with everything, and maybe he mistaken my politely for weakness and fuel his believe that traveling is easy as long as it's always his way. When I told him what route I wanted to take Alaska, his response was “no” and then he proceed to tell me where we are going. Again don’t know why he think he is in charge.

I know he is frustrated at me for doing what I want to do. We have been riding separately for almost a week now, he is about a day behind me. He is frustrated that I’m not catering to him, but his frustration stems from the fact that I have always gone along with whatever he wanted to do. There is no middle ground with him, even when he tries, its his way or he is acting unhappy until he gets his way.

If one is inflexible, then one can not expect someone else to be flexible. If one is rude and condescending, then they cannot expect someone else to allow that to continue. If one rolls their eyes and act haughty, they can not expect the other person to allow that interaction to keep going.

So there is a very simple solution, if he can not be polite and respectful and he needs to have it his way, then he will do it his way, but I will not. If he can not enjoy himself unless it's his way, then I’m not hanging out in that environment. No argument, no negativity.

As I stayed two days with Larry, we talked philosophy, life, and many games of chess. I think of all the luxuries I missed away from home. Interestingly enough, the one thing that's always on my mind is cooking.

Moto Gear

Moto Gears

 

 

HELMET - Shoei Hornet X2

I have tried and worn many helmets since I began riding. The details on a quality helmet that cost over 500 dollars versus one that is 100 dollars is very apparent. While it is debatable and subjective whether the many creature comforts are necessary to one's need, I find that for me it is important enough. I got a grey helmet, it wasn't the color I would have liked, but it was on liquidation, and I was able to pick up for nearly half the retail. I have been wearing this helmet for one whole year/season, and since I have many other Shoei helmets, I have to say, the shell shape of Shoei is the most comfortable for me. The helmet is a bit on the heavy side, and the air flow cant compete with shield less helmet, but on long duration trips/rides the quietness of the helmet beats noisy/ windy helmets. 

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM-  Sena SMH10

I've been using the SMH10 since its introduction. With its bluetooth connection to my phone, rider to rider communication, and able to sync to my Zumo 550, it does make the riding experience much more enjoyable than not having it. I was one of the very first adopters, back when they were selling the units for 100 dollars. I turn all my riding buddies to SENA, and my riding buddies all made fun of me saying "SENA should be paying you", cause I must have help them sell 2 dozen units. I always have 2 sets of SMH10, one will always be charging and the other I will be wearing. I've been using this system for a long time now, and it has proven to be very reliable. However, this is my second and third unit, the first one died after 50,000 miles and 4 years of abuse. It was partially my fault, as it shorted out, after I plugged it in to charge after a rainy ride, not noticing that there as water in the charge port. My second unit currently is kind of buggy, as I have dropped it a few times. I suppose when it dies, I will upgrade to the current generation replacement. 

JACKET and PANTS - Olympia Troy Jacket and Olympia Moto X2 Pants

I settle on Olympia Moto X2 a while back. It had everything I needed, mega vents that I can open when its hot, and liner and rain coat that can be worn outside. When I first started riding, I thought the rain liner and thermal liner I had Rev'it Gear 2 was ingenious, until I actually started using it. When you hop off your bike and want to throw on a layer on the side of the road, no one is going to stand there and strip down to put the liner in, okay maybe someone will, but not me. The idea that the rain liner can go outside of the jacket is a much more real world solution. The one thing that bugged me about the Moto X2 jacket was that it had the hydration pack on the back. The hydration pack attached to the jacket is always not very good. The quality is usually sub-par compare to stand alone hydration bags, and when fully filled it is uncomfortable cause its pulling on the jacket. So when they came out with the Troy jacket, which is essentially the same with slightly thinner abrasion material, and without the hydration pack, I was sold. The lighter material turns out to be a positive surprise, as it doesn't feel so bulky. 

BOOTS - Forma Adventure Tall and Superfeet Orange Insole

I have been wearing the Forma Adventure boots for 3 years now. It has a much wider toe box in the front, and my wide feet doesn't feel cramped and uncomfortable as it would in a Sidi. While it does provide less protection compare to a true motocross or a heavier duty adventure boots, the comfort level and my level of riding, I find the protection more than sufficient. My first pair started leaking after a year and 2 month. I called Forma and they said that the warranty is only for one year, and ask me to send my boots in. They replaced my boots at no cost after 2 weeks. I am pretty sold on their customer service. Inside the boot I'm using Superfeet orange insole, this have been tried and true for me over 3 years of use, even before I started off-road I had them in my street boots.  

GLOVES - Rev'it Sand Pro and BMW Atlantis Gore-Tex

After years of wearing leather, I still got my love for leather, when you are traveling in hot and sweltering heat, taking a leather glove on and off is a total drag. So I started shopping for textile gloves. One day when I was in Cycle Gear, I saw that the Rev'it Sand Pro was on sale, but they did not have my size. After some shipping mishaps, they finally got me the glove. It has surprisingly a lot of padding and for the price point I don't think it can be beat. It is also super comfortable, most comfortable glove I have ever worn, since the stitching are on the outside. For my Winter/ Waterproof glove, I have my 6 year old BMW Atlantis Gore-Tex glove. Again one of the most comfortable glove I have ever worn, but unfortunately, the liner inside has separated from the outside. I'm also wondering if it still is waterproof. I am not 100% sure I'm staying with this glove. 

HEATED GEAR - - Aerostitch Kanetsu Heated Vest

The Aerostitch Kanetsu vest is pretty simple, one button, no temperature adjustment, but also no controller to break. I got this as one of my first piece of gear, and it was one of the most satisfactory purchase I have made. Although I have to admit, I hate riding in the cold, and this vest have seen less than 20 hours of use, but it has worked perfectly every time. 

BACKPACK - Kriega R20 

I needed more storage compare to my Ogio 3L hydration pack. So instead of just buying a backpack, I got a motorcycle specific one. I was pretty sold from my Kreiga tool roll quality that I pull the bullet and got this bag. There seem to be alot of attention to detail and high quality material. But only time will tell. I like to use this for my hiking back pack on the trip as well as my everyday bag. 

WARM BASELAYER - Rev It Glacier Shirt & Rev it Glacier Pants

I fight bought these two years ago to try to extend my riding season. I think it works well, I just dont like to ride in the cold, so I rarely ever use it. I actually used this a few times snowboarding as well, and it worked out really well as well. 

COOLING BASELAYER -  Dainese Dynamic Cool Shirt & Fox Racing Cut Off T

I had quite a few compression cooling shirts and non of them fit as well as the Dainese cool shirt I had. Only the Dainese shirt, have a loose fitting bottom, all the other ones that are full wrap tend to hike up when you bend over and move. It is the same design as Under Armor shirts, which I find to be the most annoying issue I have with compression shirts. Other compression shirts I had, had really tight collars, which feels like I'm being choked. The fox racing cut off T, is really just a glorify cut off t shirt with synthetic material, it is not nearly as technical as the Dainese shirt. 

RAINSUIT - BMW Pro Rain

I first started with a two piece suit from Nelson Rigg, and whenever I ridden in the rain, my crouch is completely soaked. Eventually the water would run down your pants the longer you are in the downpour. I switched to an one piece suit and at first it was a bit of a hassle to put on, eventually it did not take much time at all. It has always kept me dry. Even though the Olympia jacket and pants comes with all the rain piece and are high quality, I still have doubt it'll keep me dry riding in the rain. 

NECK WARMER - Rukka Gore Windstopper

Bought for the trip, for nasty bugs in Canada and winter riding. Tried it twice, and it have worked out well so far. 

Clothing

Clothing

FLEECE SWEATER - Kuhl Interceptor 1/4 zip

This was my first Kuhl clothing. I have to say, this is the most amazing fleece I have ever worn. I first bought the red one, cause I like the red color and it goes well with my skin complexion. But it really makes me stand out too much. I don't think I want that while I'm traveling. I got a green one when it went on sale again, and I think I may take that one instead. 

UNDERWEAR - Exofficio (5x)

These are the most comfortable underwear I have bought that is quick drying. I debated how many sets I will be bringing but they honestly don't take up that much room or weight for me to fuss over bringing an extra one or two. 

SOCKS - Smartwool (3x), REI (2x), Rev it summer socks

I really liked the Smartwool socks for hiking. I have use them for a few seasons. I am bringing 2 REI quick drying socks for back up, they are super thin, they will work in a pinch if other socks needs to dry. I'm debating if I should bring the rev'it sock, its one of the best sock I have bought, but the heft is just incredible. It is knee high and takes up alot of real estate. If I don't bring it, I'l likely pick up another Smartwool socks. 

PANTS - Kuhl Revolver Pants, REI Co-op Pants, REI Sahara pants

The Kuhl revolver is my second Kuhl brand clothing, I have to say I'm hooked. They use just enough synthetic and cotton to make it feel comfortable but still technical. The REI co-op pants are pretty fantastic. I wore it a few times oversea as my main pair when I travel and it has not failed me. Thirdly is the REI sahara pants, I took two pairs, one teal and one brownish, the are super quick drying, but they are also super thin. One of them ripped when I was hiking Zion and it teared when I got up from some rocks. I'm tempted to buy a pair of think travel pants as a alternative. 

T-SHIRT - REI Safari T shirt, Quick drying T

The safari shirt is 'okay', I got it on sale, and I still kind of feel like its a mediocre t shirt. I might just bring some random t-shirts, I'm sure I'll acquire more on the way. 

BELT - Bison Design 

Webbing belt, only belt I will bring. 

Camping Gear

Camping Gear

TENT - Lone Rider Moto Tent

My tent of choice is the Lone Rider Moto Tent. Before the minimalist loose their mind, yes I did my homework. 11 lbs and not free standing. You add the ground sheet for the other side its another pound. I thought pretty long and hard about this, as with all gear its tailor to the rider. If I wasn't going to camp extensively on my trip, I may have decided to get a bivy from Lone Rider as well. Weighs nothing and takes up no space. Maybe even if I was younger and less broken with injuries, I probably be okay crawling out of the tent regularly. But seeing that I have knee problems, back problems, and claustrophobic, the sacrifice was needed. One other thing that people always talks about, is that they bring a tent, and end up hating camping and never trying to camp when they don't have to. I will tell you, with the Lone Rider tent, I look forward to setting up at the days end. When that rainy weather become a miserable shifting around, it'll be much more livable and comfortable in my tent. 

PAD & PILLOW - Klymit Static V Luxe & Luxe Pillow

I originally started with the klymit static v and the x pillow. This was the same logic I used for the tent. Lighter is better, except if you are 6'1 and 44 inch chest. I used it only twice along with the X pillow, and came to a revelation. Anything on the market that is standard size is build for a 5'10 or smaller person, 5'10 being the maximum. So upgraded sleeping pad to the Static V Luxe (Insulated) with the Luxe Pillow. Both items are much more substantial in size and are much more comfortable when camping. I wouldn't just roll off of it. It is larger to pack and heavier, about double the size to the standard size. I also have a pump for the pad, so it is easier for me to air it up everyday instead of using my mouth. 

SLEEPING BAG - Enlighten Equipment Revelations

I have always hated sleeping in sleeping bags. Something about it always bothers me, its awkward and tossing and turning always have me in a weird contortion feeling. When I did my research everyone had recommended the enlighten equipment quilt. So I ended up getting the Revelation quilt. I learned my lesson this time, I ordered the quilt extra wide and extra long. It turns out to be just enough and not a inch too large or small. I have used it in 35 - 45 degree nights and it has held up really well, and kept me very warm. I like the blanket style system, it is much more natural than sleeping bags. 

STOVE & COOKWARE - MSR XGX EX & Snow Peak 900 Titanium & Vargo titanium utensils

I ended up buying the MSR XGK multi-fuel stove, because I want to be able to run the stove using just gasoline. I know that Coleman fuel is cleaner and better for the environment, but I don't want to be looking for different type of fuel in the middle of nowhere.  I am also aware some people use very simple system that packs a lot less, and some even use only something to heat the water. A lot of people I know also can eat the same thing everyday, or just sports bars for all meals. I am not one of them. I cook everyday at home and I like to cook. I am also very bothered by eating the same thing two meals in a row. If anything at the end of the day, one of the things that I look forward to the most is a good meal. So that doesn't mean sports bar, or cup of noodle. My pot is the Snow Peak 900 titanium cook set. Cooking and eating utensil is Vargo titanium fork, spoon and knife. I'm powering my stove with my 1.5 liter Primus fuel that goes on the back of my pannier that double as emergency fuel. I'm also carrying a small seasoning kit. 

CHAIR and MISC 

First up we have my saw and my knife, the saw is a silky saw, the knife is a kabar Jarosz Turok. Second we have the latern and head lamp the lantern is Goal Zero mini light house, and Actik Petzel headlamp. Finally I have my chair, from Alite, the Mayfly chair.

Tools and Security

Tools and Security

- Front Tire Tube

- Rear Tire Tube 

- Motion Pro Tire Spoon 2x

- Bead Breaker Motion Pro

TOOL ROLL - Kriega

Craftsman Wrench (8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17)

Craftsman Socket (10, 12, 14, 17)

Craftsman Hex Head Socket (4, 5, 6, 8)

Snap-On (8mm long socket, 2 inch extension, 6 inch extension, sliding T handle)

7 inch Knipex Adjustable Pliers

7 inch Craftman vice grip

Zip Ties (4 inch & 8 inch)

Wire Cutter & Needle Nose Plier (4.5 inch)

2.5 mm Allen Key

Loctite Thread Locker (Blue)

Super 33+ Electric Tape

OEM Spark Plug socket, Phillip and Flat Head Screw Driver

Kobalt Mini Flathead

19mm and 22mm Axle Wrench Combo

- Bungee net

- Gaskets and Orings 

- Tire pressure Gauge

- Ear Plugs 

- LockStrap - 2.5 ft 

- Kyptonite Caliper Lock

- Saddlemen Distination Pack

Camera and Video Equipment

Camera and Video Equipment

CAMERA & VIDEO- IPhone X, Moments Lens, Shure MV88

I only upgraded from the iphone 6s to the X for the camera. I'm using this as my main Camera and Video blog tool. I'm not particularly married to Apple, but I do find for what I use the phone for, its pretty efficient. Between iMsg, and the Apps I use most often, it fits my daily use. I then bought two lenses from Moments photography. One Wide Angle lens and the 2x zoom lens. Combined with the Moments phone case 2.0 it actually works really well. I then got an IOS mike the MV88, most typically used for musicians recording stuff on their iphone. The quality is pretty top notch. None of these are studio quality, regardless if its photograph or video. But it is light weight and I can carry it anywhere I hike and walked. 

LAPTOP - Microsoft Surface 3

I find as I get older the necessity for what I use a piece of technology became more "means to an end" rather than buy the technology first to find what it can do. I bought this cheap laptop two years ago, and it have served me well. If it breaks I'll just get something else, I only use it for website updates, writing, and building GPS tracks. 

DRONE - DJI Spark

Bought the cheapest drone I can find that the best quality. I don't really know how much I will use this, and Simon mention to me that his Mavic Gimbal broke due to the sustained vibration of the bike. So I think I will carry it in my backpack, to see if it will last longer. I might not even be able to recognize my fear that the drone will get confiscated at border crossings if it breaks before I get there. 

STORAGE - Sandisk ixpand 64gb - 2x, Micro sd 128gb - 2x, WD passport 4tb drive 

The ixpand is very handy to transfer photo to the laptop or otherwise remove from your iphone. It is quite the hassle for it to update to just move the photo. I always found that system on the IOS to be the most cumbersome and not user friendly. I then just got some Micro SD card storage just in case. One 4tb drive for storage.

TRIPOD - Mefoto Backpacker Air 

The Mefoto backpacker air is highly criticized for the locking system online. So many review says the legs self retract. But most people are also using it with a mirrorless camera, which compare to my iphone is very heavy. I have used the tripod many times and even sat overnight with a load on it and it has not yet retracted unexpectedly so I guess only time will tell. 

TAT Gear Test (Day 1,2,3 and 4) - 909 miles

The first section of the ride we started after work. We rode to Wolf Gap camp ground in VA, just over Interstate 81. Then we proceed to follow the GPS Kevin route of the Trans American Trail section 6 ~ 10. We never actually road section 10, as the time we spent on the other road was taking too long. So we only did 1-9. I was fully loaded down, with everything I needed for the road for the rtw trip. The windshield was a drag on the freeway, consistently peeling back every 5 minutes. The dromedary bag worked like magic though. I tried to fit the Lone Rider tent in the 22 liter dryspec double end bag. It is "JUST" big enough. Which means its a very tight squeeze. I ended up with the poles and the others misc stuff in the top box. Not sure if I like the set up. 

Went through this heard, this cow stood there for a good while. I waited for it to go away before I rode across, I didn't want to be tipped over by a cow. The roads on the TAT route is ever changing. Gravel to dirt, to forest road. The changing visual is quite spectacular. 

There are a lot of stuff on the road, hurdles to run around. We also followed to a dead end that was on the track. It seem the prior road is now private and gated. It really isn't very far, we could see the road we are suppose to be on just over the tree lines, but we didn't want to be shot at, so we turned around and went for a different route. 

The landscape changed again, then we went back in a forest and found this huge rattle snack in the middle of the road. I can definitely feel the weight of the bike fully loaded on the trail. I found that I'm loosing space in my giant loop diablo tank bag. Its the perfect size bag, its just too small to fit everything I want to fit, so I think I will end up getting the pannier pockets from them as well. I have my spare sena charging up front, sun glasses, and misc paperwork as well as ear plugs and tire gauge. With the phone charging on it as well, the space is pretty tight. I need space for locks and other security items I want to carry. 

The elevation climbed pretty high, and I began to wonder if I worn enough. It was getting rather chilly. I definitely need a new jacket and outfit for the trip. The windshield is really bothering me now. It was rather rainy the second day the lone rider tent was a total pain to put in the 22 liter bag. Like it hurt my fingers trying to stuff it in. I'm really reconsidering using that bag. 

The windshield finally bothered me enough. I should have never tried to make it myself. Not that I couldn't have done it, it just a waste of time and too much trouble shooting. A lot of modification are better off just purchased, because unless you intend to sell a bundle after your r&d, the time consumed and the failure of prototype easily surpasses the amount of just purchasing something already done and made. I ended up spending nearly 30 bucks on the shield and a good 2 - 3 hours playing around with it. I would have saved a total of 50 bucks if it worked perfect, but it turned out I just threw 30 bucks in the trash. Or I try again and spend another 30 dollars... I decided to cut my loses. I decided to get the parabellum shield. 

We saw the rain coming and stayed at the top of a mountains for a bit to wait out the heavy part of the storm. Finally, we rode on the track, there was a great photo moment. While I hate inclement weather as much as the next motorcyclist, I have to say it makes the best of the photos. Just like when I was going up mount evans road, it was so much more impressive when the storm was rolling in. We had to clean some debris off the road to keep going. There was a tree in the middle that just fell. 

We turned around on section 9, instead of keep going on to section 10. We rode the hungry mother state park, in VA or otherwise know as back of the dragon. This was where I crashed the BMW years ago. It seems so much less exciting than the first time I was here. As they say, adventure is like a drug, eventually you get used to seeing everything, and you need to take it up a notch. Maybe that's why I am going RTW, or maybe there is some other reason. 

We finally got to camp at an old campsite we had once used. They have a music jamboree there, We also road our bikes in a maze that we weren't suppose to. They were really cool about it, and laughed at us, instead of scolding us. It was a good group. I'm convinced I cant carry my tent in the 22 liter bag. I'll just have to use the bag for something else. It was simply too tight of a fit and even if I did manage to do it properly, I'll eventually rip the tent putting it away. I'll just use my 40 liter bag and depress it when its done. It will collapse down to the same size, but it'll be much easier to pack. 

Final shots. Lots to think about ,in terms of gear and tools. Pretty content with the setup, but I think there are a few touch ups I need to finesse such as the warp 9 starter cap, the windshield, 8 mm long socket for a 3/8 drive, tent bag, and that's all I remember for now. 

Pine Barren 2017 (Day 1 and 2) - 493 miles

We took the free way and head out to the Pine Barrens. This trip was with me, Chris and Jeff. The ride there wasn't very exciting, its simply a free way slab. When we got to the Pine Barrens, Chris wanted to do some wild camping. Jeff was too worry about getting fined. We ended up doing a campsite and paying 20 a night for the site, and I wasn't too bothered by it, because it was also the first time I was going to setup my Lone Rider tent. I didn't want to contend with other variables. 

Next morning, Jeff's tire was flat. He had flat he patched before and it someone spun another leak and it was super flat. We finessed it on the spot. It took a lot of the time in the morning, but this was exactly the type of trip we need, to do stuff on the side of the road with the tools we have. It was gear test trip after all. Well mainly for me, since Jeff really have nothing for the trip yet. But he used my bead breaker and we were able to get the tire up and running. 

The pine barren was very interesting. You literally driving on the road, and trails are just on the side of you, you can turn in any where anytime. We took quite a few route. With the bike fully loaded minus only the tent , The bike was a bit of struggle to work with. Our homemade windshield worked okay on the way up, and I was contemplating on fashioning some kind of support as the sticky comes off semi frequently over 65 mph. I rode into a puddle and it literally just got stuck. I stood up and walked off the bike and took a picture. It took all three of us to pull it out. Lesson 1 - don't ride into a mud ditch, its not a jeep. A lesson I had to learn again. Second thing I noticed was that I needed a quick access side stand plate. I made one homemade, but honestly it just sucks. Two can be had on ebay for less than 6 dollars, so I bought one later on. On this occasion on the sad, I used one of my mirrors to make sure the bike doesn't sink, but it was a totally pain to stand the bike up and then get on while balancing it. 

Later on, I was being the hero and rode through a thin mud strip and I slid over 40 ft. No injury, but the box was tweaked. We were able to bend it back. I added a few more tools to my tool bag list, after finding out what tools I needed for the fix. All it all, it was definitely worth the experience. I'm also sold on the hard case, because of the case, my leg did not even hit the ground or have any injuries. 

Deals Gap 2015 (Day 4) - 413 miles

We took our way up to Interstate 81, slab back as fast as we could. Then I was over confident of my Ducati, and ran out of gas. When we got back too early, we decided to take 211 up the mountain pass, through Luray. The Ducati fired up no issue the second gas was in, it didnt skip a beat. 

Here are some pro-shots at the Dragon. 

Deals Gap 2015 (Day 3) - 363 miles

We rode interstate 40 to Deals Gap skipping the rest of the blue ridge parkway for the return. We made one pass to the gap and took our photo and slab back and headed back on the blue ridge up towards Boone, where we ended the night. 

Deals Gap 2015 (Day 2) - 486 miles

We did many miles today. I got over 190 miles on third tank on the Hyperstrada. We took the blue ridge parkway all the way down. If we were on 81, it might not have been a lot of miles, but on the blue ridge parkway 486 miles is a lot of miles for one day. At the end of the days ride, things were even more complicated by the rain. We put on our rain gear, and it cleared up, we took it off and it rained again. By the time we were closing down the day, it was constant rain, and the sky has darken. It was not a very exciting ride and the going was slow as visibility was poor. We finally ended in Asheville, in a Days Inn just off of interstate 40.  

Deals Gap 2015 (Day 1) - 115 miles

Two weeks before I was slated to take a student tour group to Europe for 21 days. I bought a new Ducati. I wouldn't say I was addicted to the motor, but I definitely yearn for the way the Ducati twin road after I sold my Monster 800 to Jeff. I have always wanted to buy another Ducati, and when Josh told me he could hook me up with the dealership at him house, I couldn't pass up the deal. It was a 2014 model, and we are mid way through the year. The bike was sold to me as the salesmen state "we didn't make a penny off this sale". 

I rode off, what must be the deal of the century for a new bike. It was still in the crate, and they had to assemble it. I waited a bit and went home on my brand new Ducati. 

Just a week before I left for my trip, I decided that I would take a super quick trick down to Deals Gap, because my summer student tour was going to take 21 days and therefore I wouldn't have any days left for me to take another trip when I return. I rode with to Jeff's house, then we went down to Lake Anna and stayed at Josh's lake house. Josh's place was very convenient, its the only place we can ride to after work and still shave over 100 + miles of the trip with a great lodging with all the creature comforts.