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Memes and More

8/29/2020

The X-bikes have been a bit cat-like to prep this time round. By cat-like I mean that they are all the traits you loathe in a feline. Persnickety and precocious. My bike decided to eat the custom rear Ohlins shock...for the third time. So, I will be riding on the stocker shock. Armyguy has had his bike in and out the local northern $tealer$hip for various reasons over the last few months. It has become obvious to me that Armyguy also moonlights his bike to make funny memes...

That may have been a little dramatic. However, his front pinion was well on its' way to that photo and the pinon even lost a tooth like a puppy sheds its' baby fangs. The only thing I can figure out is that Blaster just doesn't like to wrench on bikes trailside. But, how boring to discover things like this in the comfort of shaded garage on a lift!

Nonetheless clearing out the bike maintenance early, has left plenty o time to pack out. That an the remnants of a Hurricane that rolled through all day with buckets of rain trapping me in the house. This gave me plenty of time to stage a nice pile of stuff only to lament that I need to put 40% of it back since there is no way I could possibly pack all that crap in 2 soft bags and tail pack. It's a motorcycle ride, not a pack camel train. GPS tracks are loaded and for once in my bloody life, I have only a few minor tasks to complete before launch day. What an great feeling and to be so well rested entering a trip!

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Pre-Launch

8/24/2020

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In just over a weeks time, it will time to get the band together. We’ve decided to play our hand and see what the North East has to offer. To be fair, we’ve spent a few summers in the region. A run to Maine for lobster, ended up on a return voyage via Vermont’s puppy dog trail.

For the want to see Bay of Fundy, we rode the scenic Rt1 of Maine’s coastline. Who knew Maine had more coast line than California--3,478-mile “tidal shoreline” miles!

Then we summitted Mt Washington and traversed the White Mountains, as we came home from Trans Tiaga. On that day, visibility was a remarkable 100 Miles (for 10 minutes!)

So, we don’t expect the route to have too many surprises, but all the same, hold out for a few more incredible spoils.

Blaster11 and I have a deep love for a bike that BMW could hardly sell off the factory floor, know at the "X-series". They were the street version, X-moto, the light dual sport, X-Country, and the beloved Enduro, X-Challenge. But now a decade later, it is all but a fine wine. It should be a well-suited to an adventure such as this much like a cat (G650x) plays with a mouse (Trails). Of course, an inevitable consequence of the cat’s game is mouse’s demise. Adventures with dying are bad, so let’s not do that!

Blaster11 conned both his wingmates into buying an G650Xs also. Fortunately, the only one with any sense in this group, J4S, has decided to ride his R1250GSA. Probably good because with 9+ gallons of fuel, that will be a nice Aux tank for Armyguy’s otherwise petite 2.2 gallon tank. Although to be fair, the Northeast is just too congested that it is doubtful fuel will really be of any concern.

Anyhow, we have about 9 days planned door-to-door. The ride will be shorter than most we've done, but an easy fit and easily adjusted given the current travel climate. For some of the riders, this will one big Lobster-Roll Ride-to-Eat adventure. For others, perhaps a time to channel their inner photograph shutterbug. And others, a trip into the unknown with the only thought of Wanderlust and how do we start planning for the next season of riding!

To good friendships!
Blaster Riding a G650X-Challenge

ArmyGuy Also Riding a G650X-Challenge

Me on the G650X-Country

J4S on the Grey GSA Goose!

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The Trip

8/22/2020

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There is a company, Touratech, which provides aftermarket components to the Adventure Bike community. The have since started a non-profit which also explores and publishes routes through the US. The North East Back Backcountry Discovery Route (NEBDR) is the 11th in the series. The BDR organization was established 10 years ago, and currently well supported with annual raffles which often next in excess of $250K.

Our route is 1317 miles traveling on dirt roads through 5 states in the Northeast. It should have an added element of surprise as we enter this trip in 24 weeks after COVID-19 "Safer at Home" quarantine begins.

More about the trip here:
https://ridebdr.com/nebdr/#toggle-id-63

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