tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84771464187832265552024-03-12T20:33:00.502-07:00WhereDoesThatRoadGoLife is good on two wheels... The story is to be shared.
Jeff Kurtz. KurtzInPA on Facebook and Youtube.US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.comBlogger397125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-57375202138407103232023-12-25T12:09:00.000-08:002023-12-25T12:09:52.620-08:00Back to the dirt?<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5yogVHC2Baa_yjfjlAq6m68Jhma_cA7Cb7NTLc5kM30d6Wm0Qh346iACRtscB1aYMFF1wb1Nxb3Mh_21rnSIdVt5l-1_rjjCFQRgOMbnF-Vv5y0VKVMCFoYulM4fW70zLqFnGcrXch2CYkibqJmeK-KMGzHaGUp6vi0cnb6sgKjQxaDg2VQXMhSwuh0/s2992/20231116_121051.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2992" data-original-width="2992" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5yogVHC2Baa_yjfjlAq6m68Jhma_cA7Cb7NTLc5kM30d6Wm0Qh346iACRtscB1aYMFF1wb1Nxb3Mh_21rnSIdVt5l-1_rjjCFQRgOMbnF-Vv5y0VKVMCFoYulM4fW70zLqFnGcrXch2CYkibqJmeK-KMGzHaGUp6vi0cnb6sgKjQxaDg2VQXMhSwuh0/s320/20231116_121051.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyEsmz1ZA7HU9QwGn1cRRkc9B7J6Uu4ytY00zLOOwF2UrRi0hYrriR-Ss7azPQXx6ZCkcrFeMpWt1bhWTO7RwxZwvbTtz25oN1UZYcM6_GEdS_-OzOg8Bl90BpqcOfvogDUlt8Al5q8O4XBWR1Frf-khnY4Y0UCL-VHSc6Lj6z05VMor3HV3Q9tCbwYk/s2992/20231116_121059.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2992" data-original-width="2992" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyEsmz1ZA7HU9QwGn1cRRkc9B7J6Uu4ytY00zLOOwF2UrRi0hYrriR-Ss7azPQXx6ZCkcrFeMpWt1bhWTO7RwxZwvbTtz25oN1UZYcM6_GEdS_-OzOg8Bl90BpqcOfvogDUlt8Al5q8O4XBWR1Frf-khnY4Y0UCL-VHSc6Lj6z05VMor3HV3Q9tCbwYk/s320/20231116_121059.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSFm5Keq1OQP-lFcmOG1XFIUxAY-8A0ZvZzBcj20OrwDURLqf76jVS5OGRQ4v-C4cTIchdzclZDTNm56m7dqwUTeXSbW6DfA2-XBjESakcSs70X9OZmveAH2gFZnlIJfrb8Wlbf6XXNuqIUgjcD9YlUvidUvDQIwUSRh6xMKgKySaKVgpkZDt-PQtk7A/s2992/20231116_121117.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2992" data-original-width="2992" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSFm5Keq1OQP-lFcmOG1XFIUxAY-8A0ZvZzBcj20OrwDURLqf76jVS5OGRQ4v-C4cTIchdzclZDTNm56m7dqwUTeXSbW6DfA2-XBjESakcSs70X9OZmveAH2gFZnlIJfrb8Wlbf6XXNuqIUgjcD9YlUvidUvDQIwUSRh6xMKgKySaKVgpkZDt-PQtk7A/s320/20231116_121117.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Finally ordered a new bike.<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://shorturl.at/hjHK2" target="_blank">Santa in the snow</a> Video<<<<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">$250 discount of any model at <a href="http://www.ebikemidwest.com" target="_blank">THIS LINK<<<</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Looking at an all electric off-road bike to play in the woods. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Will keep you posted.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Jeff </p><p style="text-align: center;">Independent representative.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://5140061.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/5140061/Campaign%20downloads/UBCO_Sustainability-Overview_Farm.pdf?__hstc=251652889.675bad4107133d1130451eb8796528ab.1703197809953.1703197809953.1703197809953.1&__hssc=251652889.1.1703197809954&__hsfp=2070981297" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Specs and comparisons<<<</span></b></a></p></div>US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-36306823426034584162023-09-17T07:05:00.001-07:002023-09-17T07:09:23.825-07:00for sale Honda CTX700 DCT11500 miles. Great condition! 1st owner was a retired Navy vet. Everything works.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-81134275838838724072019-11-24T05:57:00.000-08:002019-11-24T06:48:10.168-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Back on the road! Not full time, but getting my feet wet again. For some reason I started feeling like riding again and went to look at some BMW 1600's. Turned out to be HUGE bikes and way over my strength level. Then I thought about Fred's Honda with automatic tranny. Found one 20 miles away!<br />
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2015 Honda CTX700. I really need to check the VI # to see exactly what it is. The dealer has been around for 50 years but is pretty casual in providing details. Didn't even have an owners manual...<br />
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In the first 24 ours I've found probably $1,000 in aftermarket parts I could add. Exhaust, shock, oiler, radiator guard, driving lights, extra brake lights, power strip...<br />
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Test drive was almost scary. The fot pegs are WAYYY forward in a cruiser position. I rolled on the throttle and lifted my feet to get on the pegs. Couldn't find them! That will take some miles to get comfy with. Came to a stop and felt like my feet would never get back to the ground from where the pegs are.<br />
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Automatic tranny is slick. Rolled from 1st into 2nd and 3rd with no jerk and no hesitation. I didn't use much throttle on that first ride but will apply more when I take it out today. Will add pics and keep you posted.<br />
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Happy Trails!<br />
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(Wow... look at that... first post in 12 months!US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-90044560933085624602017-12-21T08:27:00.002-08:002017-12-21T08:27:39.105-08:00Cameras - upgrade to 5D Mark IVHappy day! The refurbished camera arrived yesterday afternoon. (yes, I searched... there aren't any new 5DMIV threads so I don't feel hesitant to start one...) There's a ton to figure out so I'll keep expanding this paragraph as I go. Will copy it to my blog so there's something for searchers to find.<br />
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I had already downloaded the 600 page operators manual and started reading... <br />
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First impression: Looks remarkably like my 7D. Little bit lighter weight. The primary control buttons are in the same places but a few are re-labeled. "AF-Drive" became "Drive-AF" and a couple similar ones. Some white labels became muted or blue (reasons to squint?). the CA stop on the rotary dial is gone and there's a "lock" button in the center of the dial that prevents accidental rotation (nice addition!). <br />
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1ST HUGE notable improvement. The data transfer ports are upgraded to USB-III! That, in itself, just paid for this camera... The older style port on my 7D (Mini-B) is what failed, leading to my making this purchase. Remind me to purchase a spare cord... I'm famous for leaving cables in motel rooms.<br />
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Uses same battery as 7D! That's a first. I could operate a powerplant with all the obsolete camera batteries laying around here.<br />
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Two card slots. One for a compact flash and one is a SD. I haven't figured out how to configure them yet so I don't know if it's an automatic backup or other options.<br />
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Starting with the Menu screen, the 5D looked simpler. Fewer options on the front page. BUT,,, the drill-downs are huge. Will take quite a bit of exploring. Thus far I found most of the settings that I usually tinker with. <br />
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The Owners Manual is daunting. Almost like the first day in PhotoShop. I'm on page 149 and still in the AF topics. All sorts of tracking and metering options. Would have been handy shooting the air races last summer.<br />
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One side note: I investigated the 5Ds briefly, because of the 50M resolution. The factory people asked about my typical shoots and explained that the 50m data capture slowed the frame burst rate and might disappoint me shooting action sports and such. Small price to pay when the 5D 30m is almost twice what I am used to.<br />
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OK... now back to the operators manual to see what else I don't know. More as time permits. Feel free to ask questions or add suggestions.US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-45176858946508688592017-12-15T06:19:00.001-08:002017-12-15T06:19:38.684-08:00Recap of the original story<div class="smalltext" style="clear: both;">
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Yesterday someone asked anout my travels. Here's a quick recap of the 22 month journey. The rest of this blog is the detailed account of those months and what has happened since.<br /><br />In 2012 I retired
from an active career in sales and marketing. At the time I was living
alone and had a nice place out in the country near Pottsville
(Yuengling) PA. Nice, that is, because it was an easy commute to a
couple metros where I did most of my sales. Once I quit selling it
turned out to be pretty remote from any social life.<br /><br />There were a
few bucks in the bank and I debated what to do with the next few years
of my life... I bought a BMW motorcycle with the thought of traveling
and I upgraded my photo equipment (which I had been involved with since
age 7) to an EOS 7D, a 24-70mm and a 100-400MM lens. I spent the year
becoming familiar with the new gear and then, January 2nd, 4:00AM my
(then 19 y.o.) daughter picked me up with her horse and my bike in the
trailer and we headed to FL.<br /><br />She had a 90 day assignment at an
eventing barn and I bought the fuel and groceries. I rented a camper
near Wildwood and when the 90 days ended she headed home and I headed
out on the bike, full time.<br /><br />BMW 650 dual-sport bike, tent, photo
gear, computer(2) and a hotspot. I would land a camp hosting assignment
(any state/fed park has them) for a month or so and then travel for a
few weeks. I did photography along the way with some horse shows, an ad
on Craigslist as a photo/video freelancer and posting to facebook pages
at the parks where I was working. That year I was always somewhere in
the east, until mid September. <br /><br />I got a call from a Bureau of
Land Management (BLM) about a 60-day assignment to take pictures of
people having fun. She wanted to build her marketing library to match
her marketing plan for the following year. I was in SC when I took the
call. "Where you calling from?," I asked. "Barstow, CA," she replied,
"What would it take to get you out here?" My response was, "What do
you have to offer?" That turned into 60 days housing + $35/day in a
28,000 acre section of the Mojave desert called El Mirage Dry Lake.
Myself and one volunteer surveyor were the only permanent residents.<br /><br />This is all detailed on my blog. google WhereDoesThatRoadGo. <br /><br />10,000
frames, one dust storm and a desert snowfall later (the nice thing
about photographing people having fun is that they only have fun on
Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I would turn in my files on Monday and hit
the road for three days). Ending on Thanksgiving weekend, I headed to
the Sacramento area for the winter. Lots of pics but no paying gigs.
Actually, I did a camp host job for December (free camping), lived on a
boat in San Fran in Jan as a renovator and I did a few Mystery shopping
assignments. (another story) and then to TX and FL in the spring. <br /><br />In
May I had a camp host job here in southern IL right near where I grew
up. Plenty of pics, but no pay, just free camping. Good news is that I
met someone and we hit it off. Then FL for June and back to IL to
nurture the relationship in July. August was wrapping up travels to MN,
WI, MI and back to home base in PA. Had a 10 day yardsale and sold
everything that didn't fit on the bike. <br /><br />Along the way word
spread about my travels and I published a magazine article with BMW
Owners Assn and landed a few speaking gigs with motorcycle groups at
national events. Pics came in handy for that.<br /><br />I moved back here
to IL in Sept of whatever year that was... 2015? Been here ever since
with my new love for a life of travel (4 wheels, often referred to as a
cage) and photography. 58,000 miles and lots of side stories. No, she
doesn't ride.<br /><br />OK, so that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Jus
ordered big upgrade to my photo gear and looking forward to another
great year. TX and southwest for the winter. See you out there!<br />Jeff</div>
US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-75618583485801654082017-10-31T10:51:00.003-07:002017-11-03T07:28:34.839-07:00Tribulations of Trials<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.5em;">
<b>Motorcycle trials</b>, also known as <b>observed trials</b>, is a non-speed event on specialized <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Motorcycle">motorcycles</a>. The sport is most popular in the United Kingdom and Spain, though there are participants around the globe.</div>
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Modern trials motorcycles are distinctive in that they have evolved to become extremely lightweight, lack seating (they are designed to be ridden standing up) and have suspension travel that is short, relative to a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motocross" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Motocross">motocross</a> or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enduro" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Enduro">enduro</a>motorcycle.</div>
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Back in the late 70's and early '80's I rode this sport called Observed Trials. Great fun. Great exercise and great for the mind. About midway into my second year I started winning and enjoyed competitions even more. My local friends Mike and Spike (brothers) and I rode all over the midwest. As the movie of the same name depicts, "On any Sunday."</div>
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My ride for the past 5 years has been a BMW G650GS Sertao. At 421 pounds, it's nimble offroad and at speed. I enjoy the backroads and firetrails emensely. Problem being, I don't have any local buddies to ride with and I'm not thrilled about being out in the trails withour a partner... It's a lot to carry, if the need should arrise.</div>
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This summer I happened across a Gas Gas (where do these names come from?) TXT70 trials bike for less $'s than I had in the bank. It's a light weight, but the frame is full size and It will give me enough bike to experiment for a few months to see if I really want to get back in the game.</div>
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For the first few weeks I did parking lot exercises at a park about a mile from here. Lots of space, some drainage ditches and grass. Didn't take long to figure out two things. A) I'm in terrible physical condition and B) 15 minutes in a parking lot is pretty boring. It's interesting though. I can do 12' diameter circles all day. Throttle control is a bit jerky. Brakes help stability. </div>
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I did some proctice on balancing with the front wheel in the botton of a swale. Every little bit of side-to-side support helps. I wasn't getting vary far, and by the end of a few weeks I was also bored at taking 30 minutes to get there, setup and then ride for only 15 minutes... </div>
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Now I have an improvement on the practice plan.</div>
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Two weeks ago I went to a trials training school hosted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NorthwestCycle/" target="_blank">Northwest Cycle</a> featuring the 6-time national champion Flying <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=691689477" target="_blank">Ryan Young.</a> With 22 riders and a beautiful Saturday we really got worked over and started gaining ground on critical techniques. Ryan took plenty of time adjusting and setting-up each bike before we started training. Handlebars moved forward. Brake pedals leveled, levers turned upward. He explained the logic in each adjustment. OH,,, and 6 PSI front tires with 4PSI rears.</div>
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Once we started riding Ryan would take 5+ minutes to explain a maneuver and then demo it for us. Once we thought we had it in mind we'd all start riding and executing. Thanks to our host, Jeff, we had plenty of grassy space for initial practice. Balance, front wheel hops, rear wheel hops, tight turns. Best tip on turns was to force youself to move your head over to the outside hand grip and focus on your gloved hand. That really leans the bike down hard to the inside.</div>
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Then we headed to an up-hill powerline for off-camber turns, clutch friction-point training and downhill braking. After lunch we headed into the woods where Ryan had taped off one "section" for us to practice on. I really sucked on that one. </div>
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Sunday was more of the same plus floater-turns and flip-turns (in a constant drizzling rain). These turns were way beyond mey skill level at this point.</div>
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The variety of skill levels was wide and interesting. TWo guys were obviously "pros" and a few more were very good. The rest of us all had challenges but everyone was very supportive and helpful. Then we headed into a wooded area loaded with fallen logs and lots of slick clay. Amazing how easy it was to move around on the bikes, compared to trying to walk... </div>
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Ryan went over several methods of climbing over logs in different situations. Great fun but my thighs and upper arms were jello by the time we broke for lunch. I headed out early to make the 6 hr drive home, but would (will) do another class next time it's offered.</div>
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Now then... With that training out of the way, and having heard many of Ryan's stories about his background in trials, I'm back home and working on the basics. I'm in the middle of week two, on my own and not even leaving the garage... All balance and hops for now.</div>
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Last week I started doing 5 minute exercises every hour or so. I ended up with 5 training periods each day for 8 days now. The first few days I would stagger back into the kitchen puffing like crazy. That's already improving. My balance (standing in one place with feet on the pegs and bars turned 45deg, has me staying upright for more than 60 - 120 seconds on most attempts. I work better with the bars turned to the right so this week I'm concentrating on the bars turned to the left.</div>
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Once I get my position it's a feeling like I have a 4" wide column of safe space that I need to keep my frame within. Ryan explained to use the bars to keep centered and turn the bars in the direction you feel you are falling to find suppport. Easier said than done but it's improving.</div>
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For starters I tried wedging the front wheel against a stair to the kitchen. That gave me just a bit of side-to-side support to make balancing easy. Once I was up on the pegs I worked on getting steady and gradually moved away from the stair and out on open floor. AS I am gaining balance I'm working the bars for support as I lean to one side or the other and then bounce on the pegs to get ready for wheel hops.<br />
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Amazing how much energy this takes, even when just standing still.<br />
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Watching BMW Trophy Challenger winner Tom Thomas float over the course in Bixby MO this summer, I can see how his trials background gave him a leg up on the competition.<br />
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More to follow this afternoon.</div>
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US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-51746061737237444012017-10-01T13:46:00.001-07:002017-10-02T07:35:08.211-07:00G650GS Sale or Trade After considerable debate, mostly with myself, I decided to sell my 2012 BMW G650GS Sertao!<br />
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Will take $5,000 or will consider trading for a camper (best option) or a BMW road bike and forgo the Dusl Sport functionality which served me so well.<br />
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What will this bike do for you? Point it up a gulch and roll on the throttle... It will take you to the top. Hang on and steer with the pegs.<br />
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Sand? Ask the Florida Cads peeps... roll on the throttle and lean back. Last trip following the leader was 25 miles of 10" deep sand and we never missed a beat.<br />
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Bootlegger 1200? Climbed every challenge... no prob.<br />
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BMW Performance Center? Took on every obstacle.<br />
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GS Giant Events? In Ashville I placed third for the Gypsy Tour. 'nuf said.<br />
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Lots of stories to share about the history of this bike, but that can follow. Featured in magazines, won awards at ralleys, been across the country and back. Time to let someone else enjoy this remarkable dual-sport bike and take on a more laid-back riding style.<br />
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All the details to be posted here presently. Call for details and questions. Lots of videos available, but most include my custom PVC canisters and hundreds of decals and stickers on my luggage (not included in the sale.)<br />
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Here's the link to bunch of current pics taken today: <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/JZpQGpRzcuHcMKw73">https://photos.app.goo.gl/JZpQGpRzcuHcMKw73</a><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a45-jTR4MT8/WdFEJyYkNeI/AAAAAAABD_A/TdtcOLnZ1AQW4IEaKeBUYS_zWrKNBC15QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171001_132153492_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a45-jTR4MT8/WdFEJyYkNeI/AAAAAAABD_A/TdtcOLnZ1AQW4IEaKeBUYS_zWrKNBC15QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20171001_132153492_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-eF_bI2uho/WdFD62zYVuI/AAAAAAABD-8/iXDx2bFZq64-yYNtdN4NNH8x00jguvkOgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171001_132411002_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-eF_bI2uho/WdFD62zYVuI/AAAAAAABD-8/iXDx2bFZq64-yYNtdN4NNH8x00jguvkOgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20171001_132411002_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The bike was in for service at every required increment through the 35,000 warranty period. Since then I have done the oil changes (AMSOIL) and recently rebuilt the rear brake. Here's the rundown of aftermarket items and what is missing or not functioning:</div>
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<a href="http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/33500/buyers-guide-specs/2014-bmw-g650gs-sertao/" target="_blank">Review: <<<</a></div>
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Aftermarket add-on's:</div>
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Handlebar riser</div>
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Center Stand (included but not currently installed)</div>
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Kuba Link (lowered the rear about 1.5") <a href="http://www.koubalink.com/bmwdakar.html" target="_blank">DETAILS <<<</a></div>
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Booster Plug (increases low end HP about 5% <a href="https://www.motorworks.co.uk/vlive/Shop/Parts.php?T=5&NU=15&M=90&Ct=EN&SbCt=BA_15_90_EN_30" target="_blank">DETAILS <<<</a> "Best $150 I ever spent." I installed it when the bike was under 1,000 miles and hardly ever killed the engine since.</div>
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Leo Vinci exhaust installed by EuroSport Ashville. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNWI7hvxHAU" target="_blank">VIDEO <<<</a></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pNWI7hvxHAU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
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H4 LED headlight from <a href="http://stores.advmonster.com/h4-r3-led-headlight/" target="_blank">ADV Monster.</a> <<< HUGE improvement. Installed at NEFL rally 2015.</div>
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Turturo Chain Oiler. <a href="https://www.tutorochainoiler.com/" target="_blank">Details <<<</a> From the UK but has a dealer in the US. Only operates when bike is moving and hitting bumps. Completely independent of bike electronics. Read the details.</div>
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Oversized foot pegs. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">e·quiv·a·lent</span> to power steering when off road.</div>
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Flashing brake lights and a large multi-LED light below license plate. (Tractor Supply)</div>
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Turn indicator LED lights added in brush guards. (Tractor Supply)</div>
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Fuse block added for additional accessories.</div>
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DOT plugs wired at rear for additional turn indicators and brake lights which were mounted in my panniers and top box.</div>
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Items missing or failed:</div>
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Wind Screen (all my event stickers go with me)</div>
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Heated grips failed. Could be switch issue.</div>
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Emergency flasher function failed. Could be switch or flasher timer.</div>
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One rear turn indicator is missing the lens but flashes.</div>
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Tool compartment lock failed. Drilled the lock and has a strap to hole it in place.</div>
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Seat release latch handle. Came unhooked and vanished. Use your bare hand or pair of pliers.</div>
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This bike was not ridden insanely by a crazy person. I'm 69 years old and bought it 5 years ago when I returned to motorcycle riding. Loves sand! I did the ADV and CADS trans Florida rides 5 times. Worked for two months in the Mohave Desert (El Mirage Dry Lake, CA.) Competed in the BNW Trophy Challenge in SC in 2013. </div>
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Lots of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhM1pIzH7og&list=PLU6DIcvv2k4blEG61vM-af9-_qDYl9vBU" target="_blank">videos on youtube <<<</a></div>
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More history on my blog at <a href="http://www.wheredoesthatroadgo.com/">www.WhereDoesThatRoadGo.com</a></div>
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Why selling? My lifestyle had morphed into more casual and less opportunity to ride off-road. As a result I have packed on about 25 pounds and gotten really out of shape. I would like to find an older more classic style BMW to do road trips and camping. My g/f doesn't ride so it's just going to be something that I enjoy on my own. Open for ideas. Cash is always an option. </div>
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Also: 4 rear tires, one highway, others dual sport.</div>
US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-3270515465382758192017-09-05T14:23:00.001-07:002017-09-18T14:04:23.188-07:00gas gas txt 70 '03 notes<a href="http://www.gasgasusa.net/Pages/Technical/Home.html">http://www.gasgasusa.net/Pages/Technical/Home.html</a><br />
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You can skip over this page... I just need a place to store links to info on the Trials bike I just bought.<br />
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If you have related info don't hesitate to comment or email things to me.<br />
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Thanks,<br />
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Jeff<br />
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Manuals for Gas Gas bikes: <a href="http://www.gasgasmotos.es/us/manuals/6.html">http://www.gasgasmotos.es/us/manuals/6.html</a><br />
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Gas gas forum <a href="http://www.gasgasrider.org/forum/index.php">http://www.gasgasrider.org/forum/index.php</a><br />
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Tryals Shop: <a href="http://www.tryalsshop.com/tech-support.html">http://www.tryalsshop.com/tech-support.html</a><br />
His suggestions: <span style="font-family: "calibri" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hi Jeff</span><br />
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I would go with 1.5 oz of synthetic two stroke oil per gallon of gas. 80:1. </div>
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I should be able to order the rubber boot but do not have it in stock. </div>
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The transmission should take about 300-400 cc of oil. Most Gas Gas owners use ATF type F. <span style="font-size: 12pt;">For anti-freeze the type formulated for aluminum and magnesium engine parts is best like the factory Motul.</span></div>
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Mike</div>
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Per Kevin at RYPUSA: <span style="background-color: white; color: #1f497d; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 17.6px;">Contact Stu at Jack’s cycle 207-337-1274 for parts. Stu thinks he can get the boot between the carb and the engine and an airfilter. Both are working but look like they are ready to disintegrate.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1f497d; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 17.6px;">Update: Stu took info and had parts shipped pronto! Parts came from TRS Motorcycles, Earl Park, IN 47942 219-474-6656 www.TRSMotoUSA.com. They shipped the parts and then called me for credit card info later. Nice!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 17.6px;">Clutch: I drained the oil and measured 500ml. Refilled with fresh ATF type F.</span></span><br />
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<a class="storeProductDetailLink" href="http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/motor-oil/2-stroke/dominator-synthetic-2-stroke-racing-oil/?code=TDRQT-EA" id="ctl00_ctl00_ctl00_Body_bph1_bph1_uxProducts_ctl03_ctl00_uxDetailTextLink" itemprop="url">
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<a class="storeProductDetailLink" href="http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/motor-oil/2-stroke/dominator-synthetic-2-stroke-racing-oil/?code=TDRQT-EA" id="ctl00_ctl00_ctl00_Body_bph1_bph1_uxProducts_ctl03_ctl00_uxDetailTextLink" itemprop="url">DOMINATOR® Synthetic 2-Stroke Racing Oil</a></div>
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<span class="code" id="ctl00_ctl00_ctl00_Body_bph1_bph1_uxProducts_ctl03_ctl00_uxProductCodeLabel">Product Code: TDRQT-EA</span>
<br />
<div class="description" itemprop="description">
Racers can't
win what they don’t finish. That’s why AMSOIL formulators built
DOMINATOR® 2-Stroke Racing Oil. This complex blend of oils and additives
directly addresses the heat, pressure and friction of race-engineered
engines. These engines operate on the edge, yet engine reliability is
critical. DOMINATOR does an outstanding job protecting high-performance
engines. It adds durability that professional racing teams depend on and
delivers confidence so engines can be pushed to the limit.</div>
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<span class="pr-snippet-rating-decimal pr-rounded">5.0</span></div>
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(20 reviews)</div>
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US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-77364684918648177032017-09-04T08:09:00.000-07:002017-09-05T08:02:52.221-07:00A few hundred photos from the 2017 Kenda Tennessee Knockout Enduro<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had the opportunity to witness and photograph the remarkable 2017 Kenda Tennessee Knockout Enduro (TKO) at the <a href="http://trialstrainingcenter.com/" target="_blank">US Trials Training Center</a> in <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px;">Sequatchie, TN</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px;"> back in August.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;">Between Saturday and Sunday of the weekend I mnaged to shoot over 5,000 frames of the riders and facility. At 7 frames / second there are plenty of near duplicates, but i'm sorting through them to pull out the best of as many riders as I can manage. My eyes are blurring and my patience isn't what it used to be, but I'm ready to post links to some of them.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.12px;">Eventually they will be posted on my Photo Gallery at <a href="http://www.photokurtz.com/">www.PhotoKurtz.com</a>. The direct link to the album is <a href="https://jeff-kurtz.pixels.com/collections/2017+kenda+tennessee+knockout+enduro" target="_blank">HERE <<<.</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So far I have edited about 200 shots and am in the process of getting them loaded... it's a slow process.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If there is anything you see that you like you can purchase them right on line. If you need high res digitals for publication please contact me directly.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Keep in mind... if I have one shot of you it is probably selected from several in quick succession. It is very time consuming to process these to print quality, but if you want to see if I have others of you or your fav rider just give me a call and I[ll see what I can come up with.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy Day! Let's all get there again next year.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jeff</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://goo.gl/photos/pwNVBHCbx9XogKeS8">https://goo.gl/photos/pwNVBHCbx9XogKeS8</a> < Slide Show Clip</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Standings at finish of final TKO:</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<ol style="border: 0px; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 24px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cody Webb, KTM</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Graham Jarvis, Husqvarna</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mario Roman, Sherco</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Max Gerston, Beta</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jordan Ashburn, Beta</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cory Graffunder, Husqvarna</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ben Kelly, KTM</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mitch Carvolth, KTM</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Quinn Wentzel, Husqvarna</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Grayson Goncalves, Husqvarna</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Kealoha Estrella, KTM</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Josh Rooken-Smith, KTM</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Noah Kepple, GasGas</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">George Kowalski, KTM</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Chris Satterfield, Husqvarna</li>
</ol>
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<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Lato, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Other Links: <a href="http://tennesseeknockoutenduro.com/">http://tennesseeknockoutenduro.com/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Lato, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.enduronews.com/">http://www.enduronews.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-1253692325496563852017-08-17T09:36:00.000-07:002017-08-18T14:19:59.386-07:00Eclipse prep 2017With only 4 days to go I'm going to get into the details of preparation for photographing and enjoying (hopefully not mutually exclusive activities...)<br />
<br />
This will include calculating ( or looking up) precise observation times, definitions, experimenting with several cameras and lots of wine.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned... this is a developing story.<br />
<br />
Here's an app that came highly recommended. $1.99+tx. <br />
<a href="http://cs.astronomy.com/asy/b/astronomy/archive/2014/08/14/a-solar-eclipse-glossary.aspx" target="_blank">SolarEclipseTimer app <<<</a><br />
<br />
With just a couple minutes practice I had it find my location and calculate a few event times.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://cs.astronomy.com/asy/b/astronomy/archive/2014/08/14/a-solar-eclipse-glossary.aspx" target="_blank">Definitions HERE <<<</a> <br />
<br />
1st Contact: Don't look yet! <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><b>first contact</b></i></span></span> — during a solar eclipse, the moment that the Moon makes contact with the Sun; the beginning of the eclipse.
<br />
<br />
Here at 908 Valley Drive that will be 11:52:39 (AM) <br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>second contact</b></span></i> — during a total solar eclipse, the moment the Moon covers 100 percent of the Sun’s disk; the instant totality begins.<br />
<br />
Here at 908 Valley Drive that will be 13:20:21 = 1:20:21 PM Start looking<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>third contact</b></span> — during a total solar eclipse, the instant totality ends.<br />
<br />
Here at 908 Valley Drive that will be 13:22:52 = 1:22:52 PM<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>fourth contact</b></span> — during a solar eclipse, the moment that the disk of the Moon breaks contact with the Sun; the end of the eclipse.<br />
<br />
Here at 908 Valley Drive that will be 14:47:37 = 2:47:37 PM<br />
<br />
That means the event actually lasts 2 hours 54 minutes and 58 seconds? Will confirm.<br />
<br />
Continuing: It is now 11:54 on Thursday. I went out to check the sun position. <span data-offset-key="7nlkl-0-0"><span data-text="true">OK... Interesting observation. Good time to realize how tall our trees are and just where we can be standing at 11:52 when the "First Contact: happens. We are in good shape. Pics to follow.</span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="7nlkl-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OlbDocPthGc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OlbDocPthGc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span data-offset-key="7nlkl-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span data-offset-key="7nlkl-0-0"><span data-text="true"> This video was today about noon. This confirms one thought... the sun (at least with some cloud-cover) isn't going to destroy a go-pro.</span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="7nlkl-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span>
<span data-offset-key="7nlkl-0-0"><span data-text="true">Here's a panorama showing the open sky area from back by the garden.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="7nlkl-0-0"><span data-text="true">Continuing with my search for information on shooting the moon (as it were...) this turned up from Nikon: <a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/a/tips-and-techniques/how-to-photograph-a-solar-eclipse.html">http://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/a/tips-and-techniques/how-to-photograph-a-solar-eclipse.html</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="7nlkl-0-0"><span data-text="true">Here is an exposure guide which is referred to by the above article.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="7nlkl-0-0"><span data-text="true"><a href="http://www.mreclipse.com/SEphoto/image/SE-Exposure1w.GIF">http://www.mreclipse.com/SEphoto/image/SE-Exposure1w.GIF</a> </span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="7nlkl-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span>
<span data-offset-key="7nlkl-0-0"><span data-text="true">Exposute intervals? Here are some calcs:</span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="7nlkl-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span>
<span data-offset-key="7nlkl-0-0"><span data-text="true"></span></span><br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" dir="ltr" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; font-family: arial,sans,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; table-layout: fixed; width: 0px;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><colgroup><col width="100"></col><col width="100"></col><col width="100"></col><col width="100"></col><col width="100"></col><col width="100"></col><col width="100"></col><col width="100"></col><col width="100"></col></colgroup><tbody>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"hr"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">hr</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"min"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">min</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"sec"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">sec</td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":2}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">2</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":54}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">54</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":58}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">58</td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td data-sheets-formula="=R[-1]C[0]*60*60" data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":7200}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">7200</td><td data-sheets-formula="=R[-1]C[0]*60" data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":3240}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">3240</td><td data-sheets-formula="=R[-1]C[0]" data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":58}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">58</td><td data-sheets-formula="=SUM(R[0]C[-3]:R[0]C[-1])" data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":10498}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">10498</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"\"/3="}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">"/3=</td><td data-sheets-formula="=R[0]C[-2]/3" data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":3499.3333333333335}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">3499.333333</td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td data-sheets-formula="=R[-2]C[0]" data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":10498}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">10498</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"seconds"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">seconds</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":15}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">15</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"second interval ="}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">second interval =</td><td data-sheets-formula="=R[0]C[-4]/R[0]C[-2]" data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":699.8666666666667}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">699.8666667</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"frames"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">frames</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td data-sheets-formula="=R[-2]C[0]" data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":10498}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">10498</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"seconds"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">seconds</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":10}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">10</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"second interval ="}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">second interval =</td><td data-sheets-formula="=R[0]C[-4]/R[0]C[-2]" data-sheets-value="{"1":3,"3":1049.8}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">1049.8</td><td data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"frames"}" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">frames</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 21px;"><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td><td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
My camera, when tethered to the computer, can be set to take time lapse pics. When bracketing each frame is the next setting in the bracketing process. ie: Frame 1 is under exposed, frame 2 is correct exposure, frame 3 is over exposed. If I use the 10 second interval I will essentially have 349 sets of photos at each exposure setting. <br />
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Then I will have second camera (with much shorter focal length lense) to take pics along the way.<br />
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US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-50823101540833623962017-08-09T10:29:00.003-07:002017-08-09T14:02:15.084-07:00Mountain House Chicken Fried Rice<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5X6i4vgp2U/WYtDd_pGf9I/AAAAAAABCnc/gyqWcdSnBdkXQfn9HmnNE9UsBR1RlplwQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170808_175159272_HDR%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5X6i4vgp2U/WYtDd_pGf9I/AAAAAAABCnc/gyqWcdSnBdkXQfn9HmnNE9UsBR1RlplwQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170808_175159272_HDR%25281%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
As an ambassador for the Solo Stove products, we have been asked to review a food product created for camping/back-packing and situations where good food is desired without the challenge of refrigeration.<br />
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Last night we did dinner in the fire pit here at our house. The main course was chicken roasted in foil with onions, tomatoes, garlic and basil. One of my 45 minute favorites. While the chicken was baking on the charcoal I took a few minutes to fire up my Solo Titan Stove and boil water for the dehydrated side dish.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDmX-W42_KU/WYtDd_i7QEI/AAAAAAABCng/KoQvGcbLwyAWdmBKSG4vy6VG0_6VqFOvACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170808_183925283_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDmX-W42_KU/WYtDd_i7QEI/AAAAAAABCng/KoQvGcbLwyAWdmBKSG4vy6VG0_6VqFOvACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170808_183925283_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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The ingredient list reads like a gormet meal of its own! Chicken, long grain rice, scrambled eggs, onions, red peppers and carrots.<br />
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It comes in a waterproof pouch (serves 2) which is used as the cooking dish, sort of. <br />
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Boil 1 1/2 cups water. Pour the boiling water into the resealable bag. Sip the bag closed. After 4 minutes open and stir. Reseal for 8-9 more minutes.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mE13UuyzHDg/WYtGKhxr4xI/AAAAAAABCn4/HeEJS2WmjaEZSG0PQZKNxe3C9fTpxdMagCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20170808_180002405_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mE13UuyzHDg/WYtGKhxr4xI/AAAAAAABCn4/HeEJS2WmjaEZSG0PQZKNxe3C9fTpxdMagCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20170808_180002405_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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When we opened the chicken from the foil we served the Mountain House Chicken Fried Rice along side and enjoyed a si<br />
mple and d<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">elicious</span> dinner!<br />
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Created for camping convenience, this meal is too good not to enjoy any time right here at home!<br />
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Happy Trails,<br />
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<br />
Jeff Kurtz<br />
Solo Stove AmbassadorUS Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-38026325145268857152017-08-07T15:16:00.002-07:002017-08-08T06:37:31.952-07:00Checking out the Solo Bonfire<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PbvML30gv8Q/WYjh0Te9LgI/AAAAAAABCjw/_YKAI58simkns8FQxsGE6TUvELvQIoUxgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170729_183935590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PbvML30gv8Q/WYjh0Te9LgI/AAAAAAABCjw/_YKAI58simkns8FQxsGE6TUvELvQIoUxgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170729_183935590.jpg" width="180" /></a>We recently bought a new toy for our camping and backyard adventures. Checkout the Titan stove from <a href="https://www.solostove.com/solo-stove-titan" target="_blank">Solo Stoves</a>!<br />
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I saw this online while shopping for camping equipment this summer.<br />
New gear always interests me and this little stove was an instant favorite.<br />
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The design behind this stove is really ingenious. A small package that simplifies the campfire experience so much that we have been using it almost every night here at the house instead of firing up the firepit.<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KefRJgPy5JY/WYjig0Bz7kI/AAAAAAABCj8/cEPjJWck__YM9K8g9QkGkTOwtHR9ZuMcwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170724_165404745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KefRJgPy5JY/WYjig0Bz7kI/AAAAAAABCj8/cEPjJWck__YM9K8g9QkGkTOwtHR9ZuMcwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170724_165404745.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KN9U-UiKQl8/WYjiVJSIWVI/AAAAAAABCj4/rNj9xi2uUPYLQY1fhuBh3gHkb9CINfFrACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170724_165122680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KN9U-UiKQl8/WYjiVJSIWVI/AAAAAAABCj4/rNj9xi2uUPYLQY1fhuBh3gHkb9CINfFrACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20170724_165122680.jpg" width="112" /></a>The model that I have is the Titan. The catalog describes this as a 2-person stove, but everything is relative. Instead of a log fire in our fire-pit we've just been burning twigs and enjoying our evenings on the patio. It's small enough that we can put it up on a stand or just on the ground. There's a ring that fits on top to support a pot or pan. We did burgers in a frying pan and then picked up a grilling basket with a handle for brats, burgers or about anything you would want to grill.<br />
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As you can see, the embers burn down to ash and clean-up is simple. <br />
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Next week I'm heading to eastern TN for a motorcycle weekend and I'm looking forward to showing this off to friends there.<br />
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Amazingly, we have mostly been burning twigs from around the yard. For cooking I also have dropped in hickory chunks and charcoal. Those pieces furn slower and longer, which makes cooking simple. The heat is very concentrated and things cook quickly.<br />
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Down the road I'll look into their pots and pans.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r_19PItOG3k/WYjit6BSTOI/AAAAAAABCkA/PTmRjUb6-cAyWlVrVQyMOjBxkfYhbRflACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170730_172324094_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r_19PItOG3k/WYjit6BSTOI/AAAAAAABCkA/PTmRjUb6-cAyWlVrVQyMOjBxkfYhbRflACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170730_172324094_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
They also have two larger models. Those would likely be best for larger groups of people.'<br />
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Will post more info as I experiment with the Titan.<br />
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Happy Trails!<br />
<br />
Jeff<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cWtZT8-3_2k/WYji4tf2X6I/AAAAAAABCkE/SupQfDG9K-MLAeLSWlnL5qcR4gyfmQ9BQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170730_172439744_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cWtZT8-3_2k/WYji4tf2X6I/AAAAAAABCkE/SupQfDG9K-MLAeLSWlnL5qcR4gyfmQ9BQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170730_172439744_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<br />US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-3029656700846790462017-06-29T09:25:00.000-07:002017-06-29T09:25:14.670-07:00July 2017 to the UP!This is a trip that Donna has wanted to relive. She know's it's a beautiful region and I have only driven through (without smelling the roses...).<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cwzQ1jP_V70/WVUpf_BSlKI/AAAAAAABBUw/LQmNMF8bFMw4E2GVEV_FiUajU4E7YsyZgCLcBGAs/s1600/July%2B2017%2Bagenda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="525" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cwzQ1jP_V70/WVUpf_BSlKI/AAAAAAABBUw/LQmNMF8bFMw4E2GVEV_FiUajU4E7YsyZgCLcBGAs/s640/July%2B2017%2Bagenda.jpg" width="618" /></a></div>
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The letters (A,B,C... ) mark the planned route. the pins are points of interest, to be visited, or not, as we progress. Lots of waterfalls and lakes on the list.</div>
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Photos as we begin on July 3rd.</div>
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<br />US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-47855030470717980582017-06-29T09:17:00.001-07:002017-06-29T09:17:07.345-07:00Earn while camping?We found Rent Wizard last month and it's pretty slick. We handout and place brochures on RV's and let the owners follow up. Rent your RV via a website that helps with contracts and payments all ove the country. <br />
<br />
Ambassadors needed. Profit by renting your RV/Camper or by introducing others.<br />
<br />
email for details. Use the referral code 59308E for extra 6 months on posting or referrals.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O6bWCeRSAJY/WVUn8iqGh7I/AAAAAAABBUc/Xg7Q7RJdnf0gI02lzsIbAnJx_5r1q6mUgCLcBGAs/s1600/3x5%2Bmy%2Bcode%2Btax%2Boff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="416" height="242" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O6bWCeRSAJY/WVUn8iqGh7I/AAAAAAABBUc/Xg7Q7RJdnf0gI02lzsIbAnJx_5r1q6mUgCLcBGAs/s320/3x5%2Bmy%2Bcode%2Btax%2Boff.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-80400164846854092412017-02-16T16:10:00.003-08:002017-02-16T16:10:38.373-08:00No left turns?How do your route your trip and plan your exits/turns? Interesting article here about why UPS trucks make left turns only 10% of their travels. We all have our thoughts about making our travels safe. I avoid cities, drive 1 MPH faster tan the traffic and take back roads (or even side streets) as often as possible. Check the stats in this article:
<a href="http://www.iflscience.com/editors-blog/why-ups-drivers-dont-turn-left-and-you-probably-shouldnt-either/">http://www.iflscience.com/editors-blog/why-ups-drivers-dont-turn-left-and-you-probably-shouldnt-either/
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Sfo4IooBsRc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</a>US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-13086963446751670002016-12-29T09:43:00.001-08:002016-12-29T09:43:13.351-08:00Winter trip, 2017 - TX GulfThis trip is the result of last winter travels, and wanting to spend a month where it's warm. don't travel every day, and diacover an area in depth, or at least the pubs.<br />
<br />
Donna hashad Padre Island on her mind since mid summer. We looked around Vacation Rent by Owner.com (<a href="http://www.vrbo.com/">www.VRBO.com</a>) and decided to stay around North Padre Island for three+ weeks. We split the weeks up into three different apartments and are now working on places to see and things to do.<br />
<br />
Here's a link to our <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1KgNqU6f6VTV9jrkz2LfKVluymVA&usp=sharing" target="_blank">(growing) road map</a>. Will be spotting in potential destinations oer the next few weeks. Jan 27th is our launch date, with three road days planned to get there. At this point we're planning on takig the car and leaving the bike home. Potential solo bike trip in the works for spring.<br />
<br />
Food<br />
Bird sanctuary photography (new 2X lens!)<br />
Fishing<br />
History<br />
Local road trips.<br />
<br />
Signed up for TX newsletters and are hitting up the vacation bureaus for ideas. I like having lots of targets and then we have options based on weather conditions, energy levels and generally poking around.<br />
<br />
Will keep you posted.<br />
<br />
Nearby top fav restaurnats:<br />
<div class="">
1. Ceviche Ceviche (South Padre Island)</div>
<div class="">
2. Snoopy's Pier (Corpus Christi)</div>
<div class="">
3. The Spot (Galveston)</div>
<div class="">
4. Boiling Pot (Rockport)</div>
<div class="">
5. Moby Dick's (Port Aransas)</div>
<div class="">
6. Joe's Oyster Bar (Port Isabel)</div>
<div class="">
7. Tookie's (Seabrook)</div>
<div class="">
8. Louie's Backyard (South Padre)</div>
<div class="">
9. Doc's Seafood and Steaks (Corpus Christi)</div>
<div class="">
10. Gaido's (Galveston)</div>
<div class="">
11. Irie's Island Food (Port Aransas)</div>
<div class="">
</div>
<br />
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
Road trips</div>
<div class="">
<a class="" href="http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/texas/best-road-trip-tx/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=texas&utm_campaign=newsletter" target="_blank">Hill Country road trip </a></div>
US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-17808502039158641392016-12-29T09:30:00.000-08:002016-12-29T09:30:37.710-08:00Year end messageHere I go again... at a loss to explain why I haven't posted in weeeks... months. Just too much travel and not taking time to blog. Although it has been fun.<br />
<br />
5 weeks on the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) in Sept and Oct was great fun. learned much about those towns, growing weed and western USA mother nature. We now have a (soong to be) Giant Sequoia growing in a planter in the living room... Details in 200 years.<br />
<br />
I'll come back and work on this topic as time permits. I've been through the photo files one time and need to go back to find the second tier of good shots. <br />
<br />
If you ever get the chance, this is a great way to spend a month (or two).<br />
<br />
Jeff<br />
<br />US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-46464465229924677752016-12-28T12:57:00.000-08:002016-12-28T12:57:09.078-08:0030 minute job in two hours.<div class="">
Good Grief!!</div>
<div class="">
</div>
<div class="">
Almost a month ago I had taken the rear end of my
bike apart, cleaned up the caliper, replaced the disk and put that much
back together.</div>
<div class="">
</div>
<div class="">
Finally this afternoon I figured I'd finish the
job and bleed the brakes... but first... let's take the caliper off
again and make sure I got grease inside the slides. What could go
wrong???</div>
<div class="">
</div>
<div class="">
Reassembled the caliper and started putting
things back in place... but the wheel/rotor/sprocket-side(which is
floating on the axel... won't go up between the disk nor up into the
swing arm.</div>
<div class="">
</div>
<div class="">
After some cursing I found that the pad on the
left was stuck not quite in place. take it apaat and reassemble. same
problem... then I see the other pad had slipped down out of its holder.
It actually looks like there is a wide spot in the center of the
caliper where you could install new pads without removing the caliper...
fat chance...</div>
<div class="">
</div>
<div class="">
Reset everything and kept my pinky stuck between
the pads to hole them in place and insure first blood. Then it all
went back quickly.</div>
<div class="">
</div>
<div class="">
I have the bike hanging from the rafters and was
able to adjust the ratchet strap hangers so everything was at the same
level and the axel slid right in.</div>
<div class="">
</div>
<div class="">
Now I'm back to where I have been for a month and will try the bleed (oil, not human) tomorrow.</div>
<div class="">
</div>
<div class="">
Happy day!</div>
<div class="">
</div>
<br />
<div class="">
Jeff</div>
US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-87132614392120571092016-09-18T17:56:00.004-07:002016-09-18T17:56:35.774-07:00My outline for speaking engagements.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="569" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1thhiZGBSFyE3wGL5LH_dI7dXPolpariXhb-sgBufYRo/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="960"></iframe>US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-53954241639172888872016-09-06T08:59:00.001-07:002016-09-07T10:31:37.409-07:00Travel Planning, Fall 2016And now for something completely different... again.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q8kenfdQrR0/V87nDTaizeI/AAAAAAAA6Ns/uEtznR5FULEpGA-p490g21hqkRy7kFdngCLcB/s1600/West%2BCoast%2BSept%2B2016%2Bmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q8kenfdQrR0/V87nDTaizeI/AAAAAAAA6Ns/uEtznR5FULEpGA-p490g21hqkRy7kFdngCLcB/s320/West%2BCoast%2BSept%2B2016%2Bmap.jpg" width="320" /></a>Having been invited to the BMW Riders of Central California rally to speak in September, we decided, on the spot, to make a month of it. This time no bike. Train and auto experience.<br />
<br />
If we drive out we'd be three or four days on the road each way. That takes more than a week out of our vacation, along with being behind the wheel for about 30 hours both ways. Donna had a great trip to Chicago this summer in Business Class on Amtrak. Our spring train to New Orleans went well, given the sleeper for overnight. This trip will be 48 hours on the train, each way, with meals included. Then we pick up a rental car from Enterprise in LA and spend 4 weeks exploring as much of the Left Coast as we can manage.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6lgemDy4ON8/V870hrLVbHI/AAAAAAAA6N8/91tnxeBbcRkOrG2HEFx5SYjK50gMBwe5wCLcB/s1600/West%2Bbound%2Bschedule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6lgemDy4ON8/V870hrLVbHI/AAAAAAAA6N8/91tnxeBbcRkOrG2HEFx5SYjK50gMBwe5wCLcB/s320/West%2Bbound%2Bschedule.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Westbound Schedule</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'll add info along the way. Will be just shy of 6,000 miles total from Sept 11 thru Oct 15th. We are meeting up with friends all along the way, including great college friend Tony B between here and and Chicago on our way to Amtrak Launch. <br />
<br />
The pre-launch evenings in the Chicago suburbs will give us a chance to see my sisters, Donna's niece, and make my 50th St Viator H.S. Reunion in Arlington Heights. Great first few days!<br />
<br />
Side note on technology: My Google Maps is a complete map builder for creating turn-by-turn routes in multiple layers. Both of the above maps were created on Google maps. All you need is a FREE google acount. You can have up to 10 layers. The basic layers are typical driving segments with up to ten destinatons on each layer. The time labels you see on the above map were added using a separate program called Snagit. The RED pins you see on the top map, above, mark specfic points of interest that may or may not be in the driving directions. Once you create a map you can open it from your cell phone and it will show your position on the live map. Pretty slick! At any time you can zoom into a specific area and do a live search for anything, ie: National Pars, Citgo, motel...<br />
<br />
More to follow as events unroll.US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-77972351816796214802016-07-27T09:20:00.000-07:002016-07-27T09:34:50.883-07:00Illinois GWRRAWe had the opportunity to join the Gold Wing Road Riders Association Illinois Chapter state rally in Pontiac, IL, last weekend. Interesting crowd. Very friendly but distinctly different from out usual outting with BMW riders.<br />
<br />
First thing we noticed was that almost everyone there were couples, either two-up or convoying to the show. Take a look at the video of their parade and you'll see what I mean.<br />
<br />
Second observation was that their indoor activities pretty much replicate a senior center, with picture puzzles, WINGO (Wing-bingo), frizbee competition and others. And... not much alcohol... no beer tent (no tents nor camping at all) to be found.<br />
<br />
Pontiac was a nice visit. The two restaurants on the square offered wonderful entrees with VIP discounts offerec by the Chamber of Commerce. We checked out the Rt 66 of IL museum and picked up some destianations for day trips. One of the "Hall of fame" gentlrmen was the father of s kid Donna had dated in high school... small world.<br />
<br />
The Friday evening event was a parade and balloon release, honoring anyone's family and friends who had passed on. Video attached.<br />
<br />
The local theatre guild hosted the Saturday night pizza and show, "Life Is a Hoghway" with songs and dances with highway themes and 50's hits. Gret fun!<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/s3lmzuuJ_4Q/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s3lmzuuJ_4Q?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
Here's the video:US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-36248944306714992992016-07-20T09:15:00.002-07:002016-07-20T09:21:19.325-07:00<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J3a6JmgUYts/V4-kMARfiSI/AAAAAAAA5Js/9yCqrBV83SYqP6g17spEx657Qh8s9sJJgCLcB/s1600/poster%2Bheader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J3a6JmgUYts/V4-kMARfiSI/AAAAAAAA5Js/9yCqrBV83SYqP6g17spEx657Qh8s9sJJgCLcB/s640/poster%2Bheader.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 32px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2Hot4Golf?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 32px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">August 12 & 13th camp.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 32px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">August 14th Picnic.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 32px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Carterville, IL.</span></div>
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-66af110d-0918-b2c8-f7ff-cfeb24792432" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make it a lakeside weekend with Friday/Saturday camp and ride and Sunday picnic or ride at Crab Orchard Campground and The Haven on Rt 13 in Carterville, IL!</span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Look up the event on Facebook or </span><a href="http://www.wheredoesthatroadgo.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.WhereDoesThatRoadGo.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> for details. Some organized road rides and ADV dual-sport rides… or just head out and enjoy the Suwanee National Forest and Southern Illinois’ Wine Trail! </span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We’ll have grills and coolers and firewood at the campground and at The Haven. Campground doesn’t take reservations, but if you are interested, call and we can anchor a site for you. Camping is $10 with senior card. The Haven is $2/person cover charge on Sunday. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Family friendly, RV’s welcome, any marque welcome.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/16CMmWD-TI8AZcuZrdvvYHjU_JWyJhfhCVDJyh7IjaDo/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Link to Details page <<<</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeff Kurtz organizer. 717-620-9676</span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ride leaders wanted! Lead a group for us, please!</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> ADV Loose Nut 2014 loops are a definite possibility!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/18OG-XiXT_7KMQpb3VJftvHLTY4uemMj50DOf91bVhYY/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Printable Poster <<<</a></span></div>
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US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-13461740837921411182016-07-10T01:51:00.003-07:002016-07-10T02:22:25.855-07:00A community tradition3:09 AM. Sunday morning prior to the MOA. Can't sleep and realizing it's the 5th (4th for me) year of a new (to the world) community tradition... Did the pilgrims feel this way at their fifth thanksgiving? Have we created a celebration without a vote of congress?<br />
<br />
Earlier this week, one person at a time, people started packing and charting and then two guys got on their bikes... Randy in California headed north and east, and then Dimitrios from Denver... and the momentum started to build.<br />
<br />
With no reports on national TV about a movement...<br />
<br />
Let me digress: <br />
<br />
from Arlo Guthrie's Alice's Restaurant, "<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"> And the only reason I'm</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">singing you this song now is cause you may know somebody in a similar</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">situation, or you may be in a similar situation, and if your in a</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">situation like that there's only one thing you can do and that's walk into</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">the shrink wherever you are ,just walk in say "Shrink, You can get</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">anything you want, at Alice's restaurant.". And walk out. You know, if</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">one person, just one person does it they may think he's really sick and</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">they won't take him. And if two people, two people do it, in harmony,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">they may think they're both faggots and they won't take either of them.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">And three people do it, three, can you imagine, three people walking in</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">singin a bar of Alice's Restaurant and walking out. They may think it' an</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">fifty people a day walking in singin a bar of Alice's Restaurant and</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">walking out. And friends they may thinks it's a movement."</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back to the story:</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">So Dave Corel starts posting about doing 175 miles with a bunch of dirt roads and his bike taking a "nap" (MC speak for 'he</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-64DIczGUYh8/V4ITWYwj99I/AAAAAAAA49s/VnjgmuCGmO8WHf1S3G0u08qvB-tRSdp0wCLcB/s1600/hedman%2Bwaits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-64DIczGUYh8/V4ITWYwj99I/AAAAAAAA49s/VnjgmuCGmO8WHf1S3G0u08qvB-tRSdp0wCLcB/s200/hedman%2Bwaits.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> dropped it") and Roy Hedman posts that there's one bike is his drive waiting for others and guys (kyle) are posting pics of two bikes at some checkpoint where there are supposed to be four bikes and stories keep poping up on the internet about tires and packing and route charts... and the BMW motorcycle community event of <b>the GS Giant Gypsy Tour is under way</b>! Year Five! (emphasis added because I'm a blogger and I can do that!)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">In a parallel universe, earlier this week, <span style="color: white;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jack.riepe?fref=ts" target="_blank">Jack Riepe</a> </b></span>started talking about a secret society of secret letters about secret bikes... and hundreds of peeps started chimeing in... now is <b>that</b> a movement or what?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">My first movement (not to be confused with ... N/m...) was from</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O8bmm0h1kPQ/V4ITrfKGTTI/AAAAAAAA49w/kSK01LVuO1IsyIfDpmjK7xFZbx8cIKKaACLcB/s1600/Biltmore%2BRAid%2Bfrom%2BGary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O8bmm0h1kPQ/V4ITrfKGTTI/AAAAAAAA49w/kSK01LVuO1IsyIfDpmjK7xFZbx8cIKKaACLcB/s200/Biltmore%2BRAid%2Bfrom%2BGary.jpg" width="186" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> Suches, GA, four years ago. I arrived at a baren campground on a Sunday afternoon, popped open a 6-pack only to awake the next morning to find three other motorcycle riders camping around me on a mission to get lost for four hours in the 17 miles of fire trails between there and Blairsville... Four days later we regrouped in Ashville to celebrate one bike over the side, some harry guy in a kilt and a crazy dudewith a stuck horn launching his bike out of a mud trench. BeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeePPPPPP!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">And we do this for What? </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Later this week you can hear part of my story about introducing my motorcycle 'side'/culture to my non-rider girlfriend... stories about her friend (and she didn't know it mut also MY m/c friend) Gary Zerang who was headed our way from Florida. We weren't going to be home but he said, "That's OK. I'm just going to Moonshine for a burger." (943 miles each way) , when I speak at the BMW MOA in Hamburg, NY.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stories like this one and one about why I am going to sit at the computer for 48 hours on Thanksgiving weekend watching a thing called the LA-B-V and a bunch of dots creeping across the screen while guys throw themselfes and $20,00 motorcycles against rocks and blogging the whole thing on facebook... </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, the GS Giant Gypsy tour is underway. I think the official number is over 200 people, men women and probably youngers (never to be considered children) traveling across our country to meet up in Nowhere'sville, PA (zipcode </span><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">15860) </span>only to engage in meriment, bike adventures, story telling </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">and more bike adventures...</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: xx-small;">and this is just the GSG intro adventure to join up at the BMW Motorcycle Owners Assn <a href="http://www.bmwmoa.org/?page=dasRally" target="_blank">Das Rally</a> weekend in Hamburg, NY! Beginning in PA where they started this tradition five years back. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: xx-small;">As of this writing, there's not much more to report, although there will be much reported. You can see the minute-to-minute updates on the GS Giant (GSG) facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=gs%20giant" target="_blank">HERE <<<</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">OK, so I'm turning in (again...) to wake later and begin my own entry to the celebration. Unfortunately, not to the Gypsy Tour but as a vendor at the BMW MOA this year.. and a speaker. Look me up to her the story about "Two-up in a Toy Hauler" later this week.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Please join myself, the GS Giants and brother blogger/writer <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jack.riepe?fref=ts" target="_blank">Jack Riepe</a> at the rally to hear more of the stories behind/within the stories!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy Trails</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jeff</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #292929; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-9554923521071350192016-06-30T12:17:00.003-07:002016-06-30T13:52:12.661-07:00My Google Maps - guide and reviewThe last couple years have involved traveling with a new relationship and planning ahead has become critical for everyone's piece of mind.<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HAm1hEPnIuw/V3VpFPHZawI/AAAAAAAA41U/Bj1TzzjPBT0BSZsmOhyXQRZzwbk22srJQCLcB/s1600/mygooglemaps%2Burl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HAm1hEPnIuw/V3VpFPHZawI/AAAAAAAA41U/Bj1TzzjPBT0BSZsmOhyXQRZzwbk22srJQCLcB/s1600/mygooglemaps%2Burl.jpg" /></a><br />
Long story short... a too that has helped emensely is a google product, separate from Google Maps, as such.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkoRCJAaX6M/V3Vqr4quMRI/AAAAAAAA41g/3hsEExPL8NYThMI4ezHt4k6Q_3PsS02ZACLcB/s1600/complete%2Bbmw%2Bmoa%2Bgoogle%2Bmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkoRCJAaX6M/V3Vqr4quMRI/AAAAAAAA41g/3hsEExPL8NYThMI4ezHt4k6Q_3PsS02ZACLcB/s320/complete%2Bbmw%2Bmoa%2Bgoogle%2Bmap.jpg" width="320" /></a>Just Google My Google Maps and the links will appear. You need a Google Account (silly not to have one when it can completely replace microsoft in your life..)<br />
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The first page will ask you about starting a new map or returning to a previous one. Nice that Google never looses anything you have done in the past. <br />
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Here's an example of a 5,000 mile trip we executed last year. <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1tN4yScN7Eg3oaYgnpNPCe9TYFpw&usp=sharing" target="_blank">BMW MOA Finished <<<</a> (above)<br />
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The finished product may look complex, but it's created in layers so you only have to look at the details which are important to you at the moment.<br />
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Each layer can have 10 highlights. Somehow some layers (like the pic on the right) allow more pins to be added. A layer of route planning directions can have 10 destinations. Multiple successive routs are usually necessary. All of this links to your android phone, so if you turn on Google Maps on your phone or tablet it will bring up your recent maps and show your current position (while connected to internet.)<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmiOebrAzi4/V3Vs1UUgqRI/AAAAAAAA41s/hoZhi3dppxY8KUidfVwjaNEZaWxUedk-wCLcB/s1600/tourism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmiOebrAzi4/V3Vs1UUgqRI/AAAAAAAA41s/hoZhi3dppxY8KUidfVwjaNEZaWxUedk-wCLcB/s320/tourism.jpg" width="320" /></a>We started planning our Winter 2016 Out West trip by loading a map with a bunch of "things to do." See above.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YnP9UgUYfok/V3VtsXg0YdI/AAAAAAAA41w/NfkyboycFC4VGTK-jY0rpdQTmcG4H2V9ACLcB/s1600/people%2Bwe%2Bknow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YnP9UgUYfok/V3VtsXg0YdI/AAAAAAAA41w/NfkyboycFC4VGTK-jY0rpdQTmcG4H2V9ACLcB/s320/people%2Bwe%2Bknow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Then we added "Locations of people we know." (blue pins) I am cerrtain there are others, but these were our prime candidates for sharing time. The various icons represent categories of location like photo op or stay over.<br />
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Each of these layers can be switched off without being deleted. A handy feature when things start lookig busy.<br />
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The we started plotting our route using the "directions" tool. <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLMrHFmOsYw/V3VvYWU2hlI/AAAAAAAA42A/aM38swolYYkobKXpC0zIkq2pNPoVKMuiwCLcB/s1600/route%2Bplanning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLMrHFmOsYw/V3VvYWU2hlI/AAAAAAAA42A/aM38swolYYkobKXpC0zIkq2pNPoVKMuiwCLcB/s320/route%2Bplanning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Once you have a course planned you willl know relative distances to each destination and turn by turn instructions. Having this display on a tablet on your dashboard is really handy!<br />
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We did this trip in our truck so there were a few things we didn't need to worry about... The BMW MOA trip to Montana was our second BIG trip with the 30' Toy Hauler in tow. Using My Google Maps we charted every majot truck stop in the entire trip so we knew where we could refuel without trying to squeeze into a Quick Mart. That was a live saver!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pw2LLqCtOEw/V3VwyENVtJI/AAAAAAAA42M/qllCo88xQJcjjTQ0HbuENVkYBTXw47XYACLcB/s1600/total%2Bmap%2BWinter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pw2LLqCtOEw/V3VwyENVtJI/AAAAAAAA42M/qllCo88xQJcjjTQ0HbuENVkYBTXw47XYACLcB/s320/total%2Bmap%2BWinter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Adding in Memphis sights, BMW and Harley Dealers, Major cities and OK Rt 66, this was the planner when we left the house. We free-handed much of the southwest to pick up Silver City, Gila Cliff Dwellings The Opera House (Pinos Altos, NM) and Bear Creek Lodge, not to mention ghost towns and honkey tonks around the south west. We did divert from the shown route to pickup the IMS show in Dallas, friends and a couple day trips in San Antonio and any detour that looked better than the road ahead.<br />
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Positive features of My Google Maps: <br />
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<li>Easy to edit and recalcualte</li>
<li>interfaces, updated constantly and stored online. Interfaces with all of your PC and android devices.</li>
<li>printable</li>
<li>Easy to share</li>
<li>provides turn-by-turn detail</li>
<li>Has distance measuring tool so you can estimate where to do stop-overs... like we can do 500 miles per day in the truck but prefer only about 250 when towing the toy-hauler/camper.</li>
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Weak points:</div>
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<li>would be nice to be able to "save a copy" and create alternative plans</li>
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I expect that in the future this service will interface and access even more Google services. but when you need services while using this tool you can just type in "motel 6" or "State Park" and it plots them right in... Handy at the end of the day.</div>
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Travel safe... and keep your trackers on!</div>
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Jeff</div>
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<br />US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477146418783226555.post-15174996198281991192016-06-27T08:06:00.001-07:002016-06-27T08:19:01.339-07:00Another tracker app.Go figure... for years I was the ultimate Spot Tracker fan... but then I was traveling extensively in some pretty desolate areas... TX and CA have plenty of mountain and canyon areas with no cell phone service... including the wide open spaces west of Langtry TX where I had a fuel shortage.<br />
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Baring the event of no cell service, there are a couple apps that provide good tracking at NO CHARGE! (other than a little data usage...)<br />
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The simplest is <a href="http://www.roadid.com/">www.RoadID.com</a> and it's <a href="https://www.roadid.com/ecrumbs" target="_blank">RoadID app <<<</a>.<br />
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This little tool lets you load up to 5 contacts (email or phone) to receive messages when you begin or end a journey. Pre-loadable messages advise what type of excursion you are on, and a timer can be used to signal the end of your estimated travel time. Once you are ready to begin a trip you press START e-crumb and everyone is notified that you have begun. They receive a "tiny URL" that links them to your track with updates every 60 seconds.<br />
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Here's a link to a simple run out to a private pond where we fished this weekend. <a href="http://ecrumbs.roadid.com/map/hXPjENkG" target="_blank">LINK <<<</a><br />
This can be particularly useful if you are out in you boat in the fog and need to find your way back... or so that you next-of-kin can come collect the remains... The tracks seem to be stored indefinitely.<br />
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Among other things, my family uses it to track each other running errands just to figure out if things are progressing or what may be delaying the return.<br />
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In much more detail the <a href="http://backcountrynavigator.com/" target="_blank">BackGountryNavigator app <<<</a> has download-able maps, works without cell towers on your android phone (ande maybe on others) and includes GPS, altitude and speed indicators and summaries enroute. I have the PRO version, at a cost of of out $12.00. This app can be set to display on a vvariety of bap backgrounds, from topo maps to mapquest. The photo to the right was from a dual sport ride north and east of Terligua, TX back in February. See the Lt Dan article later in this blog.<br />
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See one of my articles 1/1/16 about using the BackCountryNavigator app at <a href="http://wheredoesthatroadgo.blogspot.com/2016/01/new-years-day-ride-2016.html" target="_blank">THIS LINK <<<</a><br />
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The details are complicated enough that you should check their tutorial before finding your self trying to us the app out in midst of nowhereville. You can also use it to load GPX tracks into the phone and follow them. We did this in Harrison AR for a dual-sport ride of about 70 miles. Worked well, although we apparently followed the map backwards.<br />
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I don't think the tracking system works while you are traveling. So far I have only been able to look at the tracks when completed and stored. They can be transferred to Google docs or gmail or EVeryTrail.com.<br />
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Speaking of everytrail... if you are looking for abandoned roads (like the one we used 50+ years ago to access the south end of Little Grassy Lake) there's great detail and topo info. The online version is free. I haven't tried the mobile version which has a fee attached.<br />
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<a href="http://www.alltrails.com/" target="_blank">AllTrails</a> is a little more fun and is free. I have used the online version and the mobile app. <br />
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Again, whether on two-wheels, on foot or out in your boat... tracking devices take the worry out of being far.<br />
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Also tinkered with but not discussed here are<br />
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<li>Rever</li>
<li>Real-Time GPS (worked to follow LA - Barstow - Vegas riders.</li>
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<br />US Bocce guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16143630042893510727noreply@blogger.com0