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Saturday 21 December 2013

Work Begins on Part 4, and Plans For Next Year

It's been a busy week at work, I've been away flying a lot, however I did manage to get started on episode 4. So hopefully I should have something out by New Years or shortly afterwards. It should be good, lots of big waterfalls, we meet Jimmy and a really nice couple from BC,  my bike develops a small mechanical, and we say goodbye to Labrador.

Pete and I have been discussing our plans for next year, trying to figure out what we can do, and we decided to combine our love for all things two-wheeled and our love of surfing and stand up. Yes folks, that's right we are planning a motorcycle SUP trip.

I know what your all thinking…….."how the hell are they going to carry two 9ft plus SUPs on bikes?" Well there's inflatable SUP's, that can roll up into the size of a big sleeping bag, or we somehow convince Ural, or Royal Enfield to loan us to bikes with sidecars for a couple of weeks. Good luck wit dat….. Inflatable SUP's it is.

Oh and to add to the fun, we decided that maybe we'll do the trip on bikes we purchase for less than $1000.  Something like an old Nighthawk 450 or XS400.

 or maybe I'll see if I can find my old scoot from 1984 and go on that, a Honda Elite 125
or if we really want to get crazy, maybe Honda will give us two 125cc Groms for a couple of weeks, now that would be funny.


"Where too" you ask. Canada's Ocean Playground, Nova Scotia. Known for some of the best surf on the east coast and just a short ferry boat ride across the Bay of Fundy. What can be better on film than camping, SUP surfing, bikes, and the hijinks that go along with it. 



This time, we have learned from our mistakes, and will capture more interesting things on film, and come back with a really kick-ass web-series.

Ok how long until summer? Oh right it just became winter. Shit. Where's my happy light and my anti-depressants. Remember I suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) Ask anyone who works with me. Like Pudge, he just flew with me, "Terry constantly complains about winter, hates the cold, hates the snow, hates the job, why do I live here, it sucks, etc, etc" I am rambling again. sorry.




Wednesday 18 December 2013

I Think I Could Ride All Year On a Ural

Ok, if any of you know me well enough, winter is NOT my favourite time of year. I hate it, I hate the cold and especially the snow. Mostly because it hampers my ability to enjoy the things I love the most, riding a bike, and watersports.

I'm not entirely sure why I live where I do, but I am stuck here and have to deal with it, which means a blue/green happy light that simulates sunshine, and many bottles of red wine. Once the Liberal party gets elected and my buddy, ol' pal Justin becomes Prime Minister and makes the Mary Jane/Ganja legal, I'll be even happier and more creative.

Yesterday I started thinking that I would be happier if I could ride all year round. On two wheels in this environment would be hard, however on three with 2-wheel drive is quite possible on one of these…..



a Ural. Basically it's an old 1930's BMW R71 design that the Russians copied for use in the military. They haven't changed a whole lot since, except now they have disc brakes and EFI in 2014.

So, I'll be putting in a claim at Blue Cross for $15,999 plus tax, it's a sure fire way to treat my SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), and make Terry a happy boy again.

MODEL SPECIFICATIONS
Engine and transmission 
Displacement, cc: 749
Engine type: OHV air cooled 2 cylinder 4 stroke “boxer” (flat twin)
Valve per cylinder: 2
Bore and stroke (mm x mm): 78 x 78
Max output (hp): 41 @ 5500 rpm
Max torque (ft-lbs): 42 @ 4300 rpm
Compression: 8.6:1
Fuel system: Throttle body EFI
Starting: Electric & Kickstart
Clutch Double-disc dry
Transmission type: Manual
Speeds: 4 forward 1 reverse
Primary drive (rear wheel): Driveshaft
Final drive ratio: 4.62
Engagable sidecar wheel drive: Yes, driveshaft
Physical measures
Overall length, inch.: 98.8
Overall heights, inch.: 54.3
Overall width, inch.: 63.6
Seat height, (unladen), inch.: 32.0
Ground clearance (unladen),inch.: 6.8
Dry weight, lbs: 730
Chassis
Front suspension: IMZ leading link fork
Rear suspension: Double sided swing-arm with two Sachs hydraulic spring shock absorbers, 5x adjustable
Sidecar suspension: Single sided swing-arm with Sachs hydraulic spring shock absorber, 5x adjustable
Wheels: 2.5X19 Aluminum rims with steel spokes
Tires: Duro HF-308, 4.0×19″
Front brake: 4-piston fixed Brembo caliper with 295mm floating NG rotor
Rear brake: HB big bore single piston integrated floating caliper with 256mm fixed NG rotor
Sidecar brake: 2-piston fixed Brembo caliper with 245mm floating NG rotor
Other
Fuel grade: 91 Octane, unleaded
Fuel tank capacity, gallons: 5.0
Reserve, gallons: app. 1
Estimated fuel economy, mpg: 31-37
Estimated range, miles: 155-185
Recommended max cruising speed, mph: 70
Max permissible weight, lbs:1325
Trunk volume, cubic ft.: 2.9
Electrical
Alternator: Denso, 55 Amp, 770 Wt
Battery: FAYTX20HL (12V, 20A)
Headlight: H6024 (65/35)
Spark plugs: NGK BPR7HS
Warranty
2-years parts and labor unlimited millage.



Monday 16 December 2013

Snow Day


How many more days til spring?? Oh ya it's not officially winter yet, but we still received 25cm of snow yesterday.  Anyone have any studs for Metzler Tourances?






What the TLH Was Like In the Good…..Old Days

I stumbled upon this today. It's a ride report, article on riding the TLH back when it was first opened. These guys had it tough, and on a Honda Magna no less.

I wish I had ridden the road back then, or at least when it was all gravel. Even though it's paved it's still an adventure for some. Hundreds of kilometres between communities and gas stops, traversing Labrador's wilderness.

Phase 3 is still unpaved and will be for at least a couple of years. If you are sitting on the fence about going, next year is the time to go.

Enjoy the read on the old days of the TLH

http://users.metro2000.net/~cdc/magna/travel%20trips/goose%20bay%207%2096/cross%20labrador%20highway.htm

Sunday 15 December 2013

Not so Easy - A Motorcycle Safety Film


Saw this posted on CMG today. Motorcycle safety film with……….Mr. Easy Rider himself, Peter Fonda, and you guessed it. Evil Knievel.

Why couldn't I have found this when Pete was learning to ride.

Saturday 7 December 2013

Two Wheels Through the Big Land Part 2

I finally have Episode two finished. I hope you all enjoy it. I'll start work on Episode three on Monday. The Youtube version is low-def due to the upload size. I am currently uploading an HD version to Vimeo, which you'll notice a link to in the sidebar.



Friday 6 December 2013

Wet December Ride


 It's been a longtime since Pete and I have been out for a ride together…. it's been a while since I've been on a bike period, so despite the rain we took this rare opportunity to get in a short ride today.

 In December the days that the mercury rises above zero are few and far between, and to have it hit 11C was a huge bonus and an opportunity not to be missed. The rain also had the added benefit of washing any salt off the road. 

Of course Pete forgot to put in his rain liners on his jacket so his big ride consisted of going up to Java Moose coffee shop, where we topped off our caffeine levels and had a short meeting to discuss what we were going to do next year in the way of film/bike projects. We then went over to see our friend Sean Creary, the owner of River and Trail where we bought most of our camping gear for the Labrador trip. Ya the camping gear that got used once and sat on the back of the bike for 4200km. Sean is selling GoPro's now so if you need one drop in and see him, plus he has just about everything for your next outdoor adventure.



After Pete bailed for home, I stopped for gas and headed out again for another hour. I love my Olympia gear, I stay warm and dry and now enjoy riding in the rain. It's amazing how getting in a late season ride, or any ride for that matter can be uplifting to the spirit. I am in such a good mood right now.

Blah, blah, blah………ya but what about the next episode of "Two Wheels Through the Big Land" you ask. It's almost ready, it would have been ready if my slow week at work had gone as planned. We of course had an irop (irregular operation) and I ended up being gone for three days. So there.

Hopefully Monday.

New Honda Cub, or now as it is known The Cross Cub




Ok, so how cool would it be to take one of these, or two, and go on an extended bike trip to parts unknown. Maybe a 10 day to two week trip across the T'railway Train in Newfoundland, or all summer on Trans Canada Adventure Trail (TCAT)

This is Honda's new Cross Cub, a fuel injected modernized version of the world's best selling motorcycle, the Honda Cub, which has been sold more than 60 million times. You would think with 60 million units out there, there would be more around North America. But no, they are as rare as hen teeth on Kijiji. 




No one really knows if it is going to be released in North America, I have my fingers crossed, and have started a Cross Cub procurement fund. I think this would complement the big Strom quite nicely, and my wife would enjoy riding it. Hell maybe we need two.

Sunday 1 December 2013