Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Huzo on April 22, 2018, 11:13:01 PM
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'Sort of occurred to me the other day while on a medium/long distance ride as a warm up for a lap of Oz, that there's a certain attraction that a 3,000 k ride has, that a 500 k ride done 6 times does not.
Personally I like the feeling of pulling up at a destination that you entered into the Tom Tom on the fly and trying to stretch out the kinks from a full day.
It's kinda' crazy, but I like the feeling of being stuffed..(cue the jokes)
I'm convinced that leaning against a tree with a can (or stubby) as the sun disappears over the horizon and hearing the final clicks of contracting Italian metal, while digesting the events of a big day, is a pivotal part of forming a bond between yourself, and the bike you see as special above the others.
Sort of what I meant with the post "when did you know it was yours".
My bike isn't worth squat due to the kilometres on the clock, but it's intrinsic value (to me) cannot be quantified.
The bigger the trips get, the less routine the experiences become.
It's a romantic notion I'll admit, but on the 25,000 k trip in Europe 2015 the interface between rider and bike became blurred and the bike just morphed into an extension of my own will...
The glider pilots among us will understand the "look there and that's where it went feeling"..
Magic.
ps... Does that sound like crap..?
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There has been quite a few rides that my riding partner Mikee have been on that we had a destination in mind before shutting down but made the decision to continue on.
Those have been some of the best rides and memories ever.
At the end of those days the beer and/or wine tasted just that much better.
Can't really explain the feeling but if you have been there you know! Thinking about this never had this happen on my Hondas......only on Guzzi's.
As a side comment having a riding partner that is on the same wavelength is special...
Ride safe and often,
Jeff
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There has been quite a few rides that my riding partner Mikee have been on that we had a destination in mind before shutting down but made the decision to continue on.
Those have been some of the best rides and memories ever.
At the end of those days the beer and/or wine tasted just that much better.
Can't really explain the feeling but if you have been there you know! Thinking about this never had this happen on my Hondas......only on Guzzi's.
As a side comment having a riding partner that is on the same wavelength is special...
Ride safe and often,
Jeff
Damn right...!
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Gotta love those long rides Huzo
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As long as you don't lose your keys..!
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Its all relative and I know that the lump of rock I ride around on is just a "tad" smaller than the lump of rock you ride on but I too much prefer the long non stop sort of rides too.
My riding buddy would far rather stop every 20 or 30 miles for coffee/breakfast/look at view/go to charity shop (delete as applicable) which is why I still bimble off without him early on a Sunday morning
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As long as you don't lose your keys..!
I thought a wizard like you could convert the norge to key less ignition. No butts then!
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" My bike isn't worth squat due to the kilometres on the clock, but it's intrinsic value (to me) cannot be quantified. "
I've not been that distance yet, but that's my story and you tell a good tale. It's bedtime and I'm resisting getting my armor on and keying up the bike.
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I thought a wizard like you could convert the norge to key less ignition. No butts then!
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One day I'll tell you the difference between a Wizard's hat and a Policeman's truncheon..
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Gotta love those long rides Huzo
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Meeting Wyno on Wed morning @ 9.30 in Creswick for a quiet one somewhere with old mate Baz.
Be there or be square big guy.
Will be 3 Red Guzzi's and a red R 1100 S
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Meeting Wyno on Wed morning @ 9.30 in Creswick for a quiet one somewhere with old mate Baz.
Be there or be square big guy.
Will be 3 Red Guzzi's and a red R 1100 S
See how I go. I'm actually in Euroa tonight. Left Kandos in the blue mountains this morning and rode down through Bathurst and along the Olympic way ran out of puff 2 hours short of home
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As long as you don't lose your keys..!
Always carry a spare.
So true on the long distance rides. There is something that multiple short rides can never duplicate. Stories to tell and remember.
John Henry
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...as the sun disappears over the horizon and hearing the final clicks of contracting Italian metal, while digesting the events of a big day, is a pivotal part of forming a bond between yourself, and the bike you see as special above the others.
Does that sound like crap..?
Sounds right on target...nothing like a road trip...over the horizon lie adventures, places to see, people to meet, rain to smell, fresh cut hay to breathe and mountains and sunsets to enjoy!
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Sounds right on target...nothing like a road trip...over the horizon lie adventures, places to see, people to meet, rain to smell, fresh cut hay to breathe and mountains and sunsets to enjoy!
Even better if you leave out the "Tom-Tom" bit, and travel the way man was meant to travel - with mystery around ever corner and over every horizon!
Lannis
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I enjoy setting off with only a vague destination in mind - but more often when I'm going for a long ride it's with a destination and at least a rough route planned. That approach has put some 300,000+ miles on my bikes since April 2002 (when I got back into regular riding).
Then again, I don't think of a ride as 'long' till it's going to be more than 1000 miles before I come home. Trip plans often involve a tire change, maybe an oil change, a few visits with friends, or maybe a documented IronButt submission. Oh, and arrangements for someone to feed the felines. :wink:
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I live for the end of a long day. Pulling into the nights camping spot... getting a fire going, setting up the tent, cooking something to eat, and sitting around the fire. Maybe a swim in the nearest puddle. Knowing there's a week more of it ahead of you. It's everything I love about riding.
Setting out before sunrise. Eating at the best greasy spoons. Hauling ass to make it to today's destination before it gets too dark. Smoking a pipe until the wee hours of the morning while staring into the campfire.
It all adds up to the purpose for living.
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Setting out before sunrise....
I don't mind getting up early, but "breaking camp" seems to take forever, and if you're packing up in the dawn hours, then (around here) your tent is as soaking wet with dew as if it had been raining all night, and you've got to pack that up, getting water all over everything around it, and inside the tent.
I don't seem to be able to get on the road before 10:00 when I'm camping. I'm probably doing it wrong, but I never seem to improve ....
You make it sound pretty good though!
Lannis
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We've got "breaking camp" down to a science. Takes longer to strap it all back on the bike than it does to tear it down and pack it.
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Certainly agree about long trips. But also agree with your comment about the sound of "the final clicks of contracting Italian metal."
I love that sound. It's probably why I don't bond as well with a water-cooled motorcycle. You turn off a radiator bike, and it's off. Silent.
Whereas if you turn off a hot air-cooled motorcycle, it makes those great tinking noises for a while. Like an animal trying to get comfortable as it settles down to go to sleep.
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I'm with Huzo & Toecutter. 500 - 600km km is a decent day ride, but it's only marking time for the real thing. 3,000km is a better rehearsal. Add in freshly brewed coffee before dawn in the bush, after being pulled from sleep by the dawn chorus, & watching the sun come up. Got to get this paperwork out of the way & get back out there. The prospect if more road ahead. After all, it is the reason I have bikes and camping gear.
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After the long ride, the big wash lol. Bug art on the screen and headlight. Abstract more than impressionistic I would say(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180423/334d5010aeba3cd5455984a11c28a6f0.jpg)
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Even better if you leave out the "Tom-Tom" bit, and travel the way man was meant to travel - with mystery around ever corner and over every horizon!
Lannis
That does add an element of surprise indeed...and allows the brain and eyes to act as a compass rather than the GPS!! Good call!
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That does add an element of surprise indeed...and allows the brain and eyes to act as a compass rather than the GPS!! Good call!
I agree in principle, but riding into central Paris 2 hrs after nightfall to pre booked accomodation @ 120 Rue de La Sussiere', I could put up with a little less surprise and a little more certainty.
But your point is well made and received.
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But your point is well made and received.
I always get a bit conflicted on my first night when headed into Paris...do I go to Place des Vosges or to my favorite Patisserie Paul or just to la 8eme arrondissement...we should ask Kirby!!
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Pigalle is a nice district
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Its all relative and I know that the lump of rock I ride around on is just a "tad" smaller than the lump of rock you ride on but I too much prefer the long non stop sort of rides too.
My riding buddy would far rather stop every 20 or 30 miles for coffee/breakfast/look at view/go to charity shop (delete as applicable) which is why I still bimble off without him early on a Sunday morning
Size isn't important Tris, it's what you do with it...
Apparently.
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Always carry a spare.
So true on the long distance rides. There is something that multiple short rides can never duplicate. Stories to tell and remember.
John Henry
What hapoened mate, was when I finally caught up with Mick in Stoke on Trent, we went to the local bug house for dinner.
We were half way back to our respective digs, when I nigh shat myself at realising I'd lost my keys.
Cool as a cucumber, Mick says, " don't worry, they've gott'a be back at the restaurant" and sure enough, we walked back and lo and behold !
There they were under the seat..
Phew..!
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Some years ago, we had a buddy on a trip who misplaced his key. He is a really good guy but very gullible, and we picked on him for a variety of things that trip. Thankfully he did have a spare. Several months after the trip, he found the lost key in some little storage pouch on a Camelback water pack he was carrying at the time. His name is Mark and he is the source for many of the
fond memories laughs associated with that trip.
Yep, long trips. :thumb:
John Henry
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Many of my European friends can�t understand why I would wish to put in long days on my bike. They say the only thing fun on a bike are the twisties. I disagree. Scenery is tough to absorb when you�re trying to find a late apex. In addition, the very act of being on the bike makes me want to go on and on...even if my rear end is afire! The great thing about places like the US and Australia is the amazing amount of space that is available without worrying about passports, visas, or border crossings. We have the luxury of long, relatively uncrowded scenic rides that connect superb twisty road areas. Both make me happy...
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There is nothing more cleansing to one's soul, than a long distance, overnight ride ANYWHERE!
These photos from 2017 from the plains of San Augustin, New Mexico... :thumb: :cool:
(https://thumb.ibb.co/dxORMx/IMG_3913.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dxORMx)
(https://thumb.ibb.co/jzGP8c/IMG_3914.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jzGP8c)
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Inspiring thread. I'm wanting to ride to Far North Queensland round June on my Ducati. sorry NGC. Friends say I shouldn't, wife is totally freaked by the idea, other friends understand, kind of, but yeah, unless there's a far destination and some reason to go I sometimes find it hard to bother going for a small tootle round the long block.
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Inspiring thread. I'm wanting to ride to Far North Queensland round June on my Ducati. sorry NGC. Friends say I shouldn't, wife is totally freaked by the idea, other friends understand, kind of, but yeah, unless there's a far destination and some reason to go I sometimes find it hard to bother going for a small tootle round the long block.
I did Melbourne to Cooktown and back I 2015, 5 week tour. Absolutely fantastic ride. I can thoroughly recommend you do it.
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My partner and I rode our bikes (Griso and Honda 500x) from Geelong to Noosa (4000 km) and back in 2016 in 3 weeks. My bum was a bit sore after but it was so worth it.
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My partner and I rode our bikes (Griso and Honda 500x) from Geelong to Noosa (4000 km) and back in 2016 in 3 weeks. My bum was a bit sore after but it was so worth it.
There's a lot of blokes come back from Sydney with a sore bum Wyno.
Not all of them own motorbikes either.. :wink:
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There's a lot of blokes come back from Sydney with a sore bum Wyno.
Not all of them own motorbikes either.. :wink:
Yet another consequence of an island with delusions of grandeur that was first populated with convicts. :evil:
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Yet another consequence of an island with delusions of grandeur that was first populated with convicts. :evil:
I think it was pretty well populated before the convicts got here
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I think it was pretty well populated before the convicts got here
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True enough - I was just thinking of Sydney! :wink:
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Yet another consequence of an island with delusions of grandeur that was first populated with convicts. :evil:
As opposed to slave traders..? :evil: :evil:
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Well Huzo and I went for a ride today (ANZAC day) with his son and Pete's mate Baz. I got to Creswick to find the others waiting and after a swift drink we headed off to Castlemaine and from there to Mt Macedon and the memorial cross for a quick saunter. Then we headed off to have a meal and a glass of wine. After lunch we headed off to Bacchus Marsh where we parted ways with me heading home to Geelong. We had a blast, travelling at very illegal speeds, passing everything and scrubbing off the chicken strips. I'm going to try to post some pics with this, but if it doesn't work, Huzo will do the right thing and put the ones I took up here.
(https://thumb.ibb.co/fDmhwx/IMG_3324.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fDmhwx)
(https://thumb.ibb.co/bvprpH/IMG_3327.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bvprpH)
(https://thumb.ibb.co/gmFQGx/IMG_3325.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gmFQGx)
deactivate my account (https://deleteacc.com/i)
(https://thumb.ibb.co/bRYbpH/IMG_3328.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bRYbpH)
(https://thumb.ibb.co/io1U9H/IMG_3330.jpg) (https://ibb.co/io1U9H)
(https://thumb.ibb.co/gn7rOc/IMG_3332.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gn7rOc)
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As opposed to slave traders..? :evil: :evil:
Every continent has its own questionable past... :grin:
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Some folks paint with a wide brush...
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:sad:
Every continent has its own questionable past... :grin:
Very true mate, but I didn't bring it up.
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:bike-037:
Some folks paint with a wide brush...
Speaking of Aussies, questionable pasts and wide brushes.
I wonder how Rolf Harris is going...?
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Inspiring thread. I'm wanting to ride to Far North Queensland round June on my Ducati. sorry NGC. Friends say I shouldn't, wife is totally freaked by the idea, other friends understand, kind of, but yeah, unless there's a far destination and some reason to go I sometimes find it hard to bother going for a small tootle round the long block.
FNQ? Do it. It's absolutely bloody fantastic, as long as you've got plenty of time. I've been up there more than a few times, and thus have friends all over. Note there's a bunch of friendly Guzzisti in Cairns. Try to reassure your wife that there's really nothing to worry about (as long as you don't do a lot of swimming in the wrong places). As she worries, you had better give her a ring regularly. Lots of good roads, interesting scenery, a lot less traffic generally, even less than you are used to. The Athertons, the Daintree, the Mackay area back roads, Innot Hot Springs, Undarra Lava Tubes, Normanton & Karumba, don't miss all the museums in Longreach, even the Bruce can be interesting - and there's lots of side trips to interesting oases. I would say only take the Duke if it's more comfortable than the Guzzi - on such a trip, a bike that's easier to ride slower, and easier to stop to take a look around is an advantage. Get yourself out there, you won't regret it. Good luck.
Oh, just remembered - David Dunn from Lismore told me he's planning a trip up there around July.
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One day I'll tell you the difference between a Wizard's hat and a Policeman's truncheon..
We've been patient ... Is it time yet? :popcorn:
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Rolf Harris seems to have painted himself into a corner.
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replying to the OP
yes, I get it completely.
nothing quite so satisfying as looking back on the map after a day or two or three of long long distance work and seeing a continent crossed and your bike covered in dead bugs
just magic
and guzzis are just great for that
/\sheepdog we don't have too many tight borders in europe any more, most countries you just drive straight through :thumb:
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I especially like the cool summer mornings and being on the road early. I might be a bit chilly on the bike for the first hour or so but knowing that the day will warm and cozy makes tolerating a bit of morning chill perfectly acceptable. Last summer I left Dunsmuir, California on just such a July morning. I would head into central Oregon for a really fun final three days of the trip. That was on a V-Strom which I believe I have sold and will then buy a new V7III. I won't have the luggage capacity but a couple side bags on the V7III will get me enough space for a three day trip. That gives me a day to get out into the wilds, a day to ride and enjoy them, and a day to return. So glad our summer riding is about to begin.
NC
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Yep.
You can't write that stuff unless you "get it".. :bow: :thumb:
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:bike-037:Speaking of Aussies, questionable pasts and wide brushes.
I wonder how Rolf Harris is going...?
Thanks Huzo - one for the Brits
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I don't reckon you know how good your bike is until you're totally rooted and probably should have been off the road two hours ago, it'll make up for your shortfall.
The bike will take over and make it possible to get to where you're going after you've sorta' had enough.
I do like it when I've decided to get a room and the bike's out the front of the unit as you cross the road to the restaurant for dinner and a quiet couple..
I always think..
"I really need to sleep for 10 hours, but I know you'll be ready to do it again for me tomorrow", my Norge never gives me the impression that she's tired, even when I am.
Love it.... :kiss: :bow:
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/\sheepdog we don't have too many tight borders in europe any more, most countries you just drive straight through :thumb:
So I’ve heard, Lazlo. It has gotten more difficult to travel to Canada and Mexico for us since 9/11. There was a time when a driver’s license was all that was needed to travel to neighboring countries...not any more. I understand that complicated travel is the norm outside of the Eurozone, also. Traveling through Africa has always been a “Bucket List” thing for me. I still plan to go, but will probably limit the trip to a single country (I’m thinking Malawi).
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So I�ve heard, Lazlo. It has gotten more difficult to travel to Canada and Mexico for us since 9/11. There was a time when a driver�s license was all that was needed to travel to neighboring countries...not any more. I understand that complicated travel is the norm outside of the Eurozone, also. Traveling through Africa has always been a �Bucket List� thing for me. I still plan to go, but will probably limit the trip to a single country (I�m thinking Malawi).
There's always a bit of tension in the air when doing border crossings in Eastern Europe, but it's exciting and refreshingly "different".
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I've spent some time packing for the Oz trip that I've been invited on, with Bat 11, Paul Brooking and Terry.
I'm always left wondering these days how offhand and casual this routine becomes. There doesn't seem to be "enough stuff" to reflect the onset of a 15,000 k trip but maybe you just get better at it..?
Anyway, it'll be ready when I get home Friday morning packed and ready to go, so it's (maybe) a quick shower then off like a rat up a drainpipe to Adelaide and then , NORTH..! to Darwin.
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I've spent some time packing for the Oz trip that I've been invited on, with Bat 11, Paul Brooking and Terry.
I'm always left wondering these days how offhand and casual this routine becomes. There doesn't seem to be "enough stuff" to reflect the onset of a 15,000 k trip but maybe you just get better at it..?
Anyway, it'll be ready when I get home Friday morning packed and ready to go, so it's (maybe) a quick shower then off like a rat up a drainpipe to Adelaide and then , NORTH..! to Darwin.
You sound excited mate and with the weather getting colder here north is sounding better everyday!
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You sound excited mate and with the weather getting colder here north is sounding better everyday!
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Damn right Mick
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Inspiring thread. I'm wanting to ride to Far North Queensland round June on my Ducati. sorry NGC. Friends say I shouldn't, wife is totally freaked by the idea, other friends understand, kind of, but yeah, unless there's a far destination and some reason to go I sometimes find it hard to bother going for a small tootle round the long block.
How's the Effencue ride going...?
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I have a mate from Cairns down here on holiday at the moment (getting rugged up for riding is a novel experience for him). He advises avoiding the top end after the end of September - usually not good riding weather once October starts.
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I have a mate from Cairns down here on holiday at the moment (getting rugged up for riding is a novel experience for him). He advises avoiding the top end after the end of September - usually not good riding weather once October starts.
Very true..
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Are you going to keep us updated with a few pics of the trip.
I for one would love to follow via the forum or blog.
Cheers Tim
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I have a mate from Cairns down here on holiday at the moment (getting rugged up for riding is a novel experience for him). He advises avoiding the top end after the end of September - usually not good riding weather once October starts.
I didn't realize that, was planning end of September to early October so looks like it has to be earlier.
Once I have the roof on my new workshop I'll be itching, so hope that'll be end of July or so.
(http://www.kellawayguitars.com/images/shopjune.jpg)
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Are you going to keep us updated with a few pics of the trip.
I for one would love to follow via the forum or blog.
Cheers Tim
I did shoot some Go Pro on the Oz lap Tim, but reviewing the raw footage revealed it to be a bit one dimensional compared with my Europe You Tube ones.
There are some stills on WG, but again nothing to wet ones self over. Europe seems to be a deeper reservoir of memorable occurrences for me.
Admittedly, I did just "smash it out" a bit, but at least got some good data on tyre life for Michelin 5's.
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Thoroughly enjoyed my 23 day lap of the US last summer on a HD Switchback with just a flip phone & pages out of a 4 yr old atlas. 6800 miles. One page tucked into my jacket pocket for a quick reference a couple times a day for each state I was in to compare it with the wind direction to determine what direction to follow. Camping @ unknown sites that evening & a motel twice. To me that's adv touring also.
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Thoroughly enjoyed my 23 day lap of the US last summer on a HD Switchback with just a flip phone & pages out of a 4 yr old atlas. 6800 miles. One page tucked into my jacket pocket for a quick reference a couple times a day for each state I was in to compare it with the wind direction to determine what direction to follow. Camping @ unknown sites that evening & a motel twice. To me that's adv touring also.
Yes, without a doubt D.
That simplistic approach has benefits that a structured tour does not. As long as you are out there digesting the feeling, then you simply cannot lose... :thumb: :bike-037:
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I just read some of the comments on this old thread and they seem even more relevant now... :popcorn:
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I just read some of the comments on this old thread and they seem even more relevant now... :popcorn:
That’s so true given the lengthy - lockdowns and travel restrictions we have all been going through. I have so missed the long trips but with the USA land border crossings closed to Canadians and Europe being difficult to get to my rides have been much shorter. Last week I came back from a weeks ride out to the Pacific coast and Vancouver island returning across the Rockies and my last day riding abandoned gravel roads around old coal mining towns, almost forgot how much I love to ride, 4500km and still smiling.
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That’s so true given the lengthy - lockdowns and travel restrictions we have all been going through. I have so missed the long trips but with the USA land border crossings closed to Canadians and Europe being difficult to get to my rides have been much shorter. Last week I came back from a weeks ride out to the Pacific coast and Vancouver island returning across the Rockies and my last day riding abandoned gravel roads around old coal mining towns, almost forgot how much I love to ride, 4500km and still smiling.
Touche’
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Due to the extreme heat, fires, smoke and - this summer has had a huge damper on things.
kk
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Bumped for Milosh.
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Thank you.