2009 Rides

[sparklr]

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Sorry Kermode, I had that terrible work business happening last night. I haven't ridden since I got back from Van, 3500 kms ass time filled the void, albeit all assfault except the 2 nasty Kms to and fro from the cabin. Didn't have the time for any of my adventures, so now I have the itch for some dirt, tonight or Thursday anytime works for me as I may be off south again.

 

[Kermode_Klr]

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That's OK Sparklr, I ended up not going due to the rain and family duties getting in the way.

I am up for a ride this evening and open to suggestions. It will be 6pm before I can head-out and given that the beast is not on charge (hence no electric start and limited headlight power) I will need to be close to home before dark. Other than that let's make a plan:TTT:

As soon as the beast get's put away for the winter I am sending the stator to Trailtech and upgrading the headlight. Next year will be very different Having said that I am considering parting with the KLR and investing in the tracks and ski for the KLX and making use of it all year

Any sign of a lobster munching Northie

 

[Proudman]

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Woe is me.
Bike's broke.
I'm broke.
Fishing on the Internet for a used triple tree, otherwise may be the end of season.

:gaah:

 

[sparklr]

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OMG Proud, you escaped major injury and fret about a Triple Tee. Kidding of course, go here and look up your victims. $224 CAN for Upper and about double for lower, New!

http://www.motosport.com/dirtbike/index.php

BTW How did Dorothy make out on the course. Worth it, enjoyed it etc?

 

[bclinehand]

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If the guy from theUS won't ship to Canada I may be able to help.......I have a buddy in southern Ont. with a post box in the US.....let me know

Dave

 

[Proudman]

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Looks like I'm going to get a used triple tree (top, bottom, and stem)for about $100 CDN. It's coming from Georgia. That's the state of, not the straight .

I did check out the Motosports but they don't appear to have anything for the KLRs.

Dortohy completed the PG Learn to Ride course and passed her MST. Now she's working on passing her driver's test. It looks like we'll need to go to Prince George to do it before her learner's license expires.

They let me sit in on the course. It's called Ride to Survive, and it's totally awesome. It's the same course that Chuck took last fall and we are all impressed. They concentrate on making sure that everyone has the skills and knowledge to survive on the road. The MST almost seems like a bonus.:clap:

As a side item, I learned that there are some diffences in the highway laws in BC and all of the other places I've lived in.

 

[sparklr]

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Sorry guys, I went for a small jaunt today and didn't notify anyone :shock:. Was only supposed to be a 1 hour or so ride while the Little one slept. Was looking like it might rain so I thought an hour or so might be enough, turns out the sun was predominant and to the Missus it equates to me being a liar.

However this is my story and I'm sticking to it. I went up to North Bish to explore the area. As usual a KLR unfriendly obstacle, with friends no problem! It was worse than it looks, ATV'rs modded it but it still had crankcase hole written all over it.



I was trying to get closer to the mountains in the background.



That was my first hour or so already spent, so I headed for the usual Weedene blast to Onion Lake. Took a few side detours to look at areas I rode over 20 years ago. All I can say it's amazing that you meet people in the bush in the middle of nowhere. Perhaps there is a reason why they call it Weedene!

It's hard to see, but there is Blackie there, apparently had cubs as reported by ATV'rs watching from the other direction.



Arriving at Onion Lake, I contemplated making a call to get some riding partners out as I blew my curfew and the Sun shone ever so brightly. Then I reconsidered as I was just going to go to the Upper Kitimat FS campsite for a little break and go home after that. On route I passed an elderly couple on mountain bikes. At the campsite I chatted up with some Ol'Timer's in their 70's out on their ATV's, having a smoke 'n' coffee break. I directed them to another route I had already ridden and implied I was going to navigate the ATV detour around a gate and go that way. The gentlemen were kind enough to see me pass through safely and watch me venture on. Just one KLR unfriendly portion that I momentarily got hung up on. Nice to have someone watching your back though. At this point I was elated, a new route to explore and somehow encouraged by diehards that a year ago were on two wheels.

So I mosy along at my usual excessive speeds, and I run into two vehicles. Yikes, note to self, check gate to see if it is unlocked first! Then a Blackie, 2 of those Quilled things, and those drunken Grouse. I see a mountain adorned with glaciers that looks like it is in need of investigation. Then somebody laid booby traps.



No problem. Let's go and see what else is there!

I can see the mountain and glacier, but there is these wierd washout/landslide things. Two of them in this pic, doable, just creepy when in the middle of nowhere. The pic doesn't show the depth.



So I manage 6 of these unscathed and find at least 6 more up ahead. A little Angel buzzes my lid protector and reminds me I'm in too deep in the backcountry on a Pig and I should reconsider my agenda. So I obey and retreat. Slightly defeated I saunter home, thankful I have oil still in my crankcase and two tires with air. 5.5 hours later I arrive at home and immediately tackle my Honey Do It list to avoid repercussions. I was ready to blame the whole misadventure on a few Grandpa's.

 

[Kitimat KLR]

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Hi all,

Been some time since we were all out together. As I said before the Doc changed some meds so I was a bit wary of riding for a week or two ..but good now. Anyway, just to let you know I'll be drinking warm beer for a couple weeks (a.k.a. checking up on family across the pond). Should be back for the 26-Sep-09 ...I believe its the Toy Run that day - so the "pigs" can run with the "hogs" ...its all in a good cause so lets see you all out there! Usually meets at the DQ in Kitimat ...then Hot Springs (raffle..) ...then the weigh scales in Terrace - meet those from Smithers & Rupert) for the run around townand finally at the Northern for aburger & beer (& auction$$$).

Greg - what was the problem with the triple tree? what sort of damage..were they cracked? I would have thought the forks would have yielded before they did? Is the steering tube on the frameitself ok?

Will you all be ready for the Telkwa Pass ride?

PS ...bike running great, not alot of adventure other than blasting Weedene a few times. Sparklr - take care on those solo adventures ...you'll get bitten one day ...listen to that little voice!

 

[Proudman]

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The triple trees are bent, top and bottom.

They say that the forks are OK.

SparKLR might want to consider one of them SPOT SATELLITE MESSENGER efforts, like the guys had on their trip to Inuvik.

 

[Kitimat KLR]

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LOL ...keep safe everyone

Warm ...:hb:..mmmm!

 

[sparklr]

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In regards to the SPOT unit. You might recall I set up a SPOT web page last year while perhaps somewhat over zealous about the product and its' capabilities. I kind of eased up on the site production as I wasn't riding solo much. Now, foreseeing a shift change and everyone's obligations would require solo riding, I chose to activate it about a month ago. So far I am disappointed to have to report that my minimal test findings to date aren't very positive. I refrain from giving SPOT a bad rap, as my testing is incomplete. But in saying that, so far I've had negative experiences. For one, it is very difficult to determine if one has received satellite contact. It is only apparent after you make a service request that it is indicative that satellite recognition has failed. My cheap Garmin E-Trek GPS unit finds and indicates this transaction far better.

Some examples, SPOT would not connect near a gas station in Quesnel under clear skies. It failed to connect in front of my house until the appropriate distance from the structure was achieved. Yesterday, it failed to connect at a mountain top hillside with good skies with one side blocked from view. Matter of fact, in all instances the skies were what I thought to be clear or close to it. So for the few minimal efforts I have made to date my crappy GPS outperforms the SPOT in satellite recognition. This to me is not a good sign and what prompted me to turn around in several instances. Pondering the logical scenarios caused by this reliability issue has me concerned. For instance, what I now know suggests that if I crash or injure myself (or some unkown medical emergency), I may be required to drag my carcass farther than maybe humanly possible to achieve satellite recognition. I suppose the question is, do I make it or not?

I can't believe the gent's Inuvik trip worked so well, I did not subscribe for the Tracking option as I felt it was an unnecessary option. But perhaps they had more optimal positioning at the time or alternatively some transactions were lost. I will post this in all relevant SPOT posts to share my findings and hopefully facilitate some feedback. Currently I hold a thumbs down on SPOT, not in a negative manner by any means, more of a not properly tried and tested revelation.

 

[bclinehand]

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I am not completely sold on the SPOT unit either.....They did seem to work on the Ranger exercise I was on across BC . From what I was told they need to be on for a fair bit of time to ensure the location is sent (up to 30 minutes)....I just don't have a good feeling about anything that relies on the Globalstar sattelite system .....

 

[sparklr]

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Again, thanks for the feedback. However untimely and uncoordinated my response was. Query #1 Do you have a skid plate yet? #2 When can you ride?

:hb:Mika

 

[bclinehand]

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no skidplate yet ......not sure on rides!!!!

 

[klrnorth]

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Great RR Mica wish I coulda been there. Let me know some evening and we can meet halfway to explore the same area. Thinking about heated grips for the DRZ. That would be nice.

 

[sparklr]

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Sorry Warren, I thought I may have implied in the Toy Run email that I would be going for a ride before and after the Run. If I didn't, I did mention it in the Run post. Sorry I didn't check for updates til I got home. Turns out no post ride was happening today anyhow, details down further.

This morning, I left as usual probably too early for most and seeing as though I hadn't heard from anyone, it was decided that rain or shine that this was my one opening in the last few weeks for some back road time. Layered up for warmth and a possibly drenching day, did all my pre-ride checks and inventoried my tools and such and off I went.

:blissarty time!!

Blasting along and still dry at the Kitimat River bridge area, my stupidity hit me hard, I had forgotten my main tool kit, the one with all the tools for when you are really in trouble. This just after the Pig did a sputter like some carbon hit the plug. Seems this anomaly happens in the same area everytime I head out. Turn around or go forward, the demons played havoc for awhile, but the angels overcame and I carried on. Now I'm thinking I'll go wake up Warren and use him for his tools just in case I run into trouble, crap it's only 9:15. Do I dare? Nope!! I turn and head up Williams Creek way and saunter along to around the 20 Km mark. Nice scenery, but as I'm chasing the sun, and losing, there is no time for pics. I turn back, don't know why but I did and head for Kleanza as I had every intention of getting this blast in before snowfall. On the return I run into a pickup sauntering along, this dude signals his pullover to let me pass, although I'm pulling aside to let him through at the same instance. Wow a signal, I can't believe it, on an FSR. If only people could do that on the highways.

So I creep along Kleanza, weary of the fact that I'm toolless, however I have the Spot. Run into 2 trucks, at least I'm not alone. Time for a break.



A little further along.


Hard to see but there is a dusting of snow.

In about 35 Km'ish +/_ and this.



Doable, I have got to stop saying that. Ok, better with a friend. Seeing as though I'm about due for the Toy Run, I make a hasty retreat.

Meet up at the weigh scales with Steve. Do the run and stop at the Northern for a donation. Off for a coffee at the Bucks and lo and behold I have my first official flat! The front is completely void of air. Filled her up and trudged along home. Went to rinse the Pig and she was already flat again.

So perhaps it was Karma. I believe the flat started possibly during the Toy Run or at the Northern donation. If I hadn't opted for the coffee with Steve, I may have never noticed until too late. Hmm. However, strangely enough throughout the day there was this little voice that kept saying "Don't be an idiot!" whenever I got frivolous on the throttle. Was it just me knowing that I had forgotten essential tools behind or something else?

 

[Kitimat KLR]

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"Was it just me knowing that I had forgotten essential tools behind or something else?"

...definitely something else (Pleased to be of help with the coffee)

I'll probably go out this afternoon - nowhere special . Anyone else?

I'll check back here around 12:30-1pm ...so could be in Terrace before 2pm (..other wise I'll stay more local)

PS Coffee anyone?


:worth:
...so off I went along Weedene FSR and soon met a bunch of quads & a KLR stopped at the side. The KLR had "lost" its oil drain plug & it's oil (duh!). The KLR belonged to Northern Goose's brother....yet another blue one. There's something about these blue ones...:spl: Fortunately a pickup came along and the KLR was duly loaded & shipped back to Kitimat. Now waiting for the damage report - I've loaned him a drain plug bolt so he can fill up with oil and find out if it's siezed.Didn't check if the bolt simply "fell out" or was ripped out - Ouch!.

Goose - maybe you can keep us updated?

Always something when I go out ...but I forgot the camera this time.

 

[sparklr]

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It's very unfair to pick on the BLUE ones, even though last night while admiring my first flat I discovered that my rear rack was flopping around, seems my first bolts finally loosened or snapped possibly due to overloading or just the bumpy ride. Seemed to me it was noisier back there yesterday. However I recall your RED had some issues as of late and Kawi has ditched the evil colour from the 2010 line. :spl:

All kidding aside. Knowing this stretch quite well, I'll hazard a guess. Depending on if you met up nearer the Kitimat end, there is a washout/ditch that doesn't enjoy high speed crossings. I've slammed the bottom hard more than once on it, could be classified as an oil plug remover. Having done this here and elsewhere, I've been accustomed to do a brief check to see if the plug is in fact still there.

Hmm, doesn't sound good. Ripped out and noticed immediately, at worst some hole repair. Fell out and ran without the love juice, not good either. Best case, it justs smokes and drinks like mine, the bike that is. Hopefully this turns out well for the big guy, his new baby and all.

:mad3::gaah:

PS Thanks for the Java and the escort home.

 

[sparklr]

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I will be heading out for an all day ride on Sunday Oct 4th (yes October), currently the destination is unplanned and unknown. A new DS recruit will probably be tagging along and hopefully a few other newcomers. There's still plenty of time to score brownie points. The weather currently suggests a cool but sunny outlook. Going early, rain or shine is the motto, with perhaps a hot lunch detour somewhere. The main focus of the day is FSR/Dirt, road only for rendezvous and lunch.

:bliss:

 

[klrnorth]

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Got a head full of snot right now but I should be good and have heated grips by the 4th. As long as it's not POURING I am in.

Crazy to hear about the goose's bro's issues. Personally I like the green KLR's they have no issues...as long as you don't ride them

Really though I've had no issues with mine even when I did ride here. Drank a bit of oil but that's it. One flat once, otherwise as flawless as you could ever want, at least for a KLR.

I was up working when you were thinking about dropping by Mica, anytime, I am usually up pretty early belive it or not, unless it was an epic night.

Me and the lady are ditching the kids with relatives on Oct 13 and 14 and staying at the vetter falls lodge to get away and explore the area on foot. I'll let you all know how it was. If it's that cool perhaps we all may have to have a stay there and use it as our base to explore the vast expanse up that way next year. That would be fun!!