Saturday’s MotoAmerica action at VIRginia International Raceway could be re-named “bump day.” While the racing in all three MotoAmerica classes features close battles, all three races were defined by multiple incidents of riders banging bars to the point where one or more of them left the racing surface. Banging bars can be a sign of…… Continue reading Day Summary: MotoAmerica VIR 2017 — Saturday
Day Summary: MotoAmerica VIR 2017 — Friday
After an eventful drive that started at 4am this morning, the Two Wheel Power Hour has now made its presence known in the MotoAmerica paddock for the first time this season. Because I wanted to get my credentials on Friday I left Youngstown plenty early at 4am….or so I thought. The trip was uneventful until I…… Continue reading Day Summary: MotoAmerica VIR 2017 — Friday
Ride Report: Final FJR1300 Ride, 4/22/17
Unfortunately, this is the last ride report I will be writing for a while. Usually writing ride reports is one of my favorite things to do. For me, it is basically a running journal of the places, roads, and people I get to learn about when I go out riding. Each journey, recorded on paper…… Continue reading Ride Report: Final FJR1300 Ride, 4/22/17
Going the (First) Distance: Touring on the Cheap
The mere idea of riding a motorcycle long distance can be daunting. As discussed in Point #3 and in the points that follow, there is a LOT to consider and put in order before hitting the open road. For some rookie touring riders, there is a tendency to spend inordinate amounts of money on touring…… Continue reading Going the (First) Distance: Touring on the Cheap
Ride Report: I-76, I-71, and U.S. 30, Youngstown, OH to Beaverdam, OH
Ride Date: March 28, 2017 For the past two years when I lived in Delaware, Ohio, I would take my touring bike out on a test ride from Delaware to a Speedway gas station near the indirect interchanges between I-75 and U.S. Route 30. The ride was exactly 200 miles round trip, which was just under…… Continue reading Ride Report: I-76, I-71, and U.S. 30, Youngstown, OH to Beaverdam, OH
Going the (First) Distance: Navigating the Open Road
While getting lost and exploring are often cited as some of the more fun things motorcycle touring riders do, you do not want to get too lost. There are several options available, some more technically complex than others. However, no matter which navigation solution you choose, I highly recommend purchasing a good atlas every five…… Continue reading Going the (First) Distance: Navigating the Open Road
2017 MotoGP Season Preview
Introduction Usually when I am writing a MotoGP season preview, I am talking about two or three riders who are expected to dominate the championship, and everyone else is about a mile behind the leaders. Usually I am writing about how MotoGP’s reliance of laboratory bikes makes for less exciting racing than World Superbike. Usually,…… Continue reading 2017 MotoGP Season Preview
Going the (First) Distance: Comfort, Part 2
Wind protection: If a rider is used to only riding around town on sunny days or on urban interstates where tall buildings knock the wind down a bit, ten hours on the open road can feel like ten rounds with Evander Holyfield. However, how much additional wind protection is needed depends on each rider. Some touring…… Continue reading Going the (First) Distance: Comfort, Part 2
Going the (First) Distance: Comfort, Part 1
As mentioned above, things that are annoying on a casual two hour ride easily become absolutely unbearable after 8-10 hours or more. After doing the test ride procedure described in Point #2, a rider should have a good idea of what areas of the motorcycle may not be to his or her liking. Here are…… Continue reading Going the (First) Distance: Comfort, Part 1
Going the (First) Distance: Choosing a Touring Bike
Fear not ye Ninja 500 or Harley Street 500 owner: You too can enjoy long distance riding. A lot of touring riders will tell you that you need a “big” bike to really enjoy touring. Bigger motorcycles, cruiser or street, do have certain advantages. Their added weight can make going over bumps or bridge joists…… Continue reading Going the (First) Distance: Choosing a Touring Bike
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