Sunday, January 29, 2017

New shoes for the Steed-Warp9

The long awaited Warp9 wheel set arrived Friday.  WOW!  The fit, finish and quality of the wheel is far superior to the OEM wheels.  Kevin at Warp9 has been great to work with and I can't wait to test the wheels this week in the Nevada desert.  Later today I will install the wheels on the Steed and post pictures.

The below pictures don't do the wheels justice... Lighter, stronger, more durable wheels are one of the best upgrades you can make to a adventure motorcycle.  Most manufacturers go cheap on OEM wheels, which robs your suspension and ride quality.

After an exhaustive tire search, I decided to lace the new wheels with the Pirelli MT21 tires.  They are a 10/90 tire- 10% road, 90% off-road.



Thursday, January 26, 2017

Pack it tight

The Crossing America on Dirt trek will be a practice in minimalism...okay minimalist for me. I need luggage for the KTM 690 to pack a tent, tools, camping gear, clothes, etc.    Many of you that have ridden with me know I strap on a Giant Loop Great Basin to my 1190 for most adventures.  Giant Loop manufacturers great products, made in America, and the products are adventure tough.   Another reason I chose the KTM 690 is due to it's light weight, and the Giant Loop saddlebag doesn't need a rack, which keeps the weight down.

It is great that Giant Loop is sponsoring the Crossing America on Dirt trek for Wounded Warrior Project.  Harold and his team have set me up with a Coyote Saddlebag, Diablo Pro Tank Bag, a Quick Loop Lift Strap and a Quickloop cable to keep the thieves from taking my gear.
Coyote Saddlebag


Diablo Pro Tank Bag

Quick Loop Lift Strap

Quick Loop Security Cable

Thank you Giant Loop for giving me the ability to carry what I need on this adventure.  
                Below is a great video detailing what it takes to pack for an adventure....

                                                      Packing for an adventure video.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Wounded Warrior Project - Combat Stress Recovery Program

Asking for Help is Strength Not Weakness! 

The Combat Stress Recovery Program (CSRP) addresses the mental health and cognitive needs of warriors returning from war. CSRP provides military rehabilitation services at key stages during a warrior's readjustment process.
While post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and combat/operational stress are common after war-time experiences, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) approaches these issues from the warrior's perspective. They understand the stigma attached to mental health, post combat stress, access to care, and interpersonal relationship challenges.

WWP challenges warriors to think about goal-setting and understanding their "new normal." Many warriors begin their journey with Project Odyssey an outdoor, rehabilitative retreat that promotes peer connection, challenging outdoor experiences, and healing with other combat veterans.

Help support the WWP recovery programs for our brave warriors by DONATING NOW.

Monday, January 23, 2017

If you can't beat it you might as well join in...

Saturday over 17" of snow fell at my house, which made for a long day of snow removal.  Sunday we were still digging out.  Late Sunday morning I found a little time to snowshoe with Hunter, the family dog.



  

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Putting the Steed to the test!



The first test ride is fast approaching.  The cold weather has permeated the West, even Nevada.  This morning 7" of fresh snow is on the ground in Salt Lake City and it's still falling. Thankfully the Southern Nevada forecast for January 30th-February 5th is improving.


January 30-2/2 I will be stretching my legs on a Harley Davidson with good friends from Michigan. Our exact route is TBD until next weekend and I have an accurate weather forecast.  Options are Death Valley, Route 66 through Arizona or to/from Palm Springs area.  It will be fun to lay-down some miles in warm weather.



On my way to Las Vegas, I'm stopping at Faast Company, located in Washington, UT.  We're discussing their sponsorship level for the Crossing America On Dirt trek.  I'm excited to meet my contact and find out more about the Flexx Handlebar.  The KTM 690 is a single cyclinder motorcycle, which means vibration is constant.  The Flexx Handlebar helps remove the vibration and hard shocks that usually travel through your body and cause fatigue.  The Flexx Handlebar will make my 5,000 mile trek a lot more enjoyable.

February 3rd I plan to ride the KTM 690 on the Old Mojave Trail.  The Mojave Trail was created by the Native Indians to travel between water holes.  The trail predates the early 1700's when the Spaniards used the trail for access into North America.  The Mojave Trail has a lot of historic stops and a great place to put the Steed through a rugged 3 day test through the desert.  I will use ADV-VAN as home-base for the 3 days of riding.


Hopefully this week I can install the Warp9 wheels on the Steed as well.  The Warp9 wheels are a HUGE upgrade from the OEM wheels.  They will take a beating and keep on rolling.  The OEM wheels dent easily and broken spokes on the trek are a pain to deal with...  The Warp9 wheel set is built with adventure and abuse in mind.

It's time to put the rubber side down!

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Wounded Warrior Project Spotlight - Lifelong Assistance

Due to advancements in battlefield medicine and body armor, unprecedented numbers of those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan have sustained wounds of such severity that they will require lifelong assistance with activities of daily living. 

The Wounded Warrior Project programs are constantly evolving to meet the overwhelming needs of the injured heroes they serve. 

Help support the care of those that gave their all for the freedom of America. Please Donate Now.

Monday, January 16, 2017

Martin Luther King JR, one person can make a difference....

The Meaning of The King Holiday

BY CORETTA SCOTT KING

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday celebrates the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America. We commemorate as well the timeless values he taught us through his example — the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service that so radiantly defined Dr. King’s character and empowered his leadership. On this holiday, we commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit.