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7 Aug 2007
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Sorry...
Yes sorry - I'm very guilty of starting these rambling discussions - I'm the same in the pub after several pints ;-)
Lorraine - yes I see what you're saying, on the trips I'm planning now I've been working hard to make sure I'm never out of contact, making sure I can update my blog and send my photos home, making sure people know where I am at all times... perhaps it would be a 'real' adventure for me if I left it all at home!
As far as the old explorer accounts go - yeah your right - they're very technical - 'today we travelled 20 leagues south until we encountered a land with people who wore no clothes. We landed and told them the Lord would not be happy'.
Feeling invincible? I'm not sure, in older times ship captains would make a point of having their affairs in order before they left, today I doubt any of us would even think of making sure our will was in order and our insurance was up to date.
Kass55 - why didn't I think of that? - just look it up damn it! (much like I had to Dromomania  ) I don't think it's a case of some people being a little snooty about being 'adventure motorcyclist' - although I think there are some people like that - it's more that I caught myself becoming snooty about other people preparations, and their kit and 'they're not really taking this thing seriously' - and I just thought that was insane.... and then that got me thinking... which is always a very very bad idea ! 
Right, I'm going outside for a cup of tea, I may be some time.
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7 Aug 2007
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Dromomania. Well that is interesting. This reminds of someone who used to live in Egypt who said, 'The great thing about being an expat is you get to reinvent yourself every time you move.' Perhaps that's an unpsychotic, less 'mental' condition of dromomania.
As for the insurance issues, I know plenty nowadays who DO make sure all their affairs are in order before their departure dates. So there goes my theory of invinsibility. ;-) But it sounded good, didn't it???
Lorraine
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7 Aug 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lorraine
As for the insurance issues, I know plenty nowadays who DO make sure all their affairs are in order before their departure dates. So there goes my theory of invinsibility. ;-) But it sounded good, didn't it???
Lorraine
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Yes sounded very good! Very tough! 
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12 Aug 2007
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Am™ ;-)
Dare I claim that I first coined the term in the mid 90s? No, I better not but Lorraine's
--- " veering away from your comfort zone."---
is always the way I've defined it. IMO for most of us from the privileged 'West' that means independently travelling in Africa, Asia or Latin America where just regular riding is challenging and unpredictable (partly because we are conspicuous and unusual).
Back in Europe or with support in the 'Adv Zone' it's a holiday or touring. It can be physically demanding but the defining mental challenge is largely missing because what's the worst that can happen? Of course adventures can befall us anywhere but in the A Zone it's guaranteed which is why we are attracted to it.
I agree the A-word is being watered down - it's a look you can buy but that's to be expected; I bet if Golden Wonder sold Adventure Crisps they would be a hit. A mag about trail biking in the US that used to be called Dual Sport News renamed itself 'Adv M'cycle (DSN)'. One story I read was about a bloke who slipped on a log and got lost in the woods one Sunday. A raccoon ran off with his packed lunch and it took him a while to get back to the car.
To me AM is about not being certain how a long journey will work out but taking the chance anyway, cutting loose and putting your faith in your resourcefulness - and encountering the world on the way. Even if we think there are lots of us here on HU, only a tiny minority takes the risk which I believe still takes guts.
Chris S
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12 Aug 2007
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From the horses mouth himself  thank you Chris - beautifully put .
Why didn't I think to even ask the gentleman behind Adventure Motorcycling ~ the website of the Adventure Motorcycling Handbook !?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott
Dare I claim that I first coined the term in the mid 90s? No, I better not but Lorraine's
--- " veering away from your comfort zone."---
is always the way I've defined it. IMO for most of us from the privileged 'West' that means independently travelling in Africa, Asia or Latin America where just regular riding is challenging and unpredictable (partly because we are conspicuous and unusual).
Back in Europe or with support in the 'Adv Zone' it's a holiday or touring. It can be physically demanding but the defining mental challenge is largely missing because what's the worst that can happen? Of course adventures can befall us anywhere but in the A Zone it's guaranteed which is why we are attracted to it.
I agree the A-word is being watered down - it's a look you can buy but that's to be expected; I bet if Golden Wonder sold Adventure Crisps they would be a hit. A mag about trail biking in the US that used to be called Dual Sport News renamed itself 'Adv M'cycle (DSN)'. One story I read was about a bloke who slipped on a log and got lost in the woods one Sunday. A raccoon ran off with his packed lunch and it took him a while to get back to the car.
To me AM is about not being certain how a long journey will work out but taking the chance anyway, cutting loose and putting your faith in your resourcefulness - and encountering the world on the way. Even if we think there are lots of us here on HU, only a tiny minority takes the risk which I believe still takes guts.
Chris S
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12 Aug 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott
To me AM is about not being certain how a long journey will work out but taking the chance anyway, cutting loose and putting your faith in your resourcefulness - and encountering the world on the way. Even if we think there are lots of us here on HU, only a tiny minority takes the risk which I believe still takes guts.
Chris S
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As I head out solo into the Salar de Uyuni and the patchwork of roads south to San Pedro de Atacama, on my fuel-injection 650GS Dakar that doesn't want to start when in the cold and at altitudes above 3000m, I was thinking I was being stupid. Its nice to know I'm just doing the AM thing. 
I just bought another liter of alcohol for my Trangia stove - if the bike won't start, I'll light a fire under it and warm up the engine oil (exhibiting resourcefulness!). At the same time, its potable, made from cane, so if the bike won't start, I may not care.
If not heard from in a few days, send limes 
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quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
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12 Aug 2007
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Chuck I expect to see your own `Israeli backpacker sans ropa` efforts on the salt flats. 
And no being cold doesn`t cut it. I was damn cold too!
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12 Aug 2007
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Well I now have my very own definition of Adventure Motorcycling.
This afternoon I've been digging through a huge box of photos my grandmother has given me and came across this
A very young me on a scooter on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
now tell me that's not an adventure!
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12 Aug 2007
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Also, on some systems turn on the key... wait about 20 secs. then start.
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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 06:49.
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12 Aug 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
Try warming the air intake sensor rather than risk burning your bike to the ground. I don't know F650's but it might be in the air box somewhere? Just touch it to warm up....might work? Check plug to see if it's black. If it is...you have an FI problem.
Or open up air box a bit. Also, on my Vstrom I always disconnect the battery after going up to altitude....wait 3 minutes...then re-connect. The computer will then re-boot and adjust to new altitude/pressure parameters when you start up.
Also, on some systems turn on the key... wait about 20 secs. then start. This gives the computer time to "learn" from sensor data and make adjustments. If you just crank right up the computer may just go to default settings which may not be optimized for 12,000 ft.
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It's a programming thing. In September, 2006, BMW sent out a service bulletin regarding a fix for the 'hard start' problems. With a couple replacement throttle control springs, and a reprogrammed unit, it should be better.
Of course, none of the dealers in Ecuador or Peru know about this. You'd have thought BMW would have clued the high-altitude folks in on this problem of hard starting at altitude - sent them a gross of them springs (for free!) and made sure they had the software update.
I've tried everything you've mentioned - its a problem with the bike - one of the first of the dual spark 2005 models sold in the US. Unfortunately, I've been outside the US for the past year, can't get a fix here in SA. Otherwise, teh bike runs fine at altitude. It just won't start.
(I got me some jumper cables - just need a passing 12v battery and I'm alright).
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quastdog
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13 Aug 2007
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"As I head out solo into the Salar de Uyuni and the patchwork of roads south to San Pedro de Atacama, on my fuel-injection 650GS Dakar that doesn't want to start when in the cold and at altitudes above 3000m, I was thinking I was being stupid. Its nice to know I'm just doing the AM thing."
This is probably no help whatsoever but last winter my wife's car started exhibiting similar symptoms (without the altitude bit) - would just not start from cold but was then perfectly normal for days before playing up again. We eventually called out the AA and the patrolman checked the usual stuff - sparks, fuel etc. He then poured about 50ml of petrol from a bottle straight down the throttle body and cranked it over. It fired up straight away.
Lesson learnt for me because this is the sort of thing I've been doing for decades with bikes and older cars that won't start but this new fuel injected stuff, it's much more sophisticated and you don't want to mess with it, right? Well it's still an internal combustion engine underneath all the wiring and a bit of "manual override" might be applied now and then. If heating the engine up with the stove is taking too long try tipping some of the Trangia fuel straight into the engine!
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13 Aug 2007
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Adventure begins... when the money runs out.
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14 Aug 2007
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"Adventure begins... when the money runs out."
Well said. Or, when the bike/van starts making funny sounds and you pull over and someone else does too t see if they can help. Or you take a 'wrong' turn and get lost. Or you throw away your guide book. Etc. etc etc.
Lorraine
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16 Aug 2007
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Just back to civilization (Salta, Arg.) from doing the SW of Bolivia (Salar de Uyuni). At the Laguna Colorado stopover (where there's shelter for the traveler), I was able to get a jump from a 4-wheel vehicle. It took about 5 minutes of cranking, but it finally started (probably warmed up a bit from all the cranking). That was at 4600m, and around -10C that a.m. It had been inside the hut all night. I had it parked inside a hostel the night before in San Juan, just south of the Salar where it was under 4000m but the air temp was well above freezing. Started that morning, with a minimum of cranking - no jump required.
The ride was damn tough for a fully loaded 650 (me, the bike, all my gear weigh in at 850 lbs.). Made it without problems, without crashing (one drop) - glad to be out of there!
Now I'm at 1500m and it starts just fine. I shouldn't have any more starting problems - at least not due to the altitude.
Let the next adventure begin! (Ruta 40)
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16 Aug 2007
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Wow, sounds like a great ride. Where am I off? Are you carrying camping gear?
Total : 760 lbs. ??
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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 06:51.
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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