paris 2 dacre amuse-bouche
n o i t c a Tr
ers rs by Rid e id R for g e-Rag in id R d Off-Roa
hour 2 s ’ y d Woo arly e l c s e in se v e K M T K bike! y h t l i f that h s a w o g
JUNE 2010 • FREE!
VOLUNTEER POWERED!
IN THIS ISSUE STOCK
the view from here dirt from the prez Still kickin’ On the stand over the bars on the soapbox bma club events exhaust note the finish line
BLING
Paris 2 dacre woody’s 2 hour contour hd cam oftr news
Traction Off-Road Riding for Riders by Riders
3 4 6 8 18 20 30 34 36
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Editor Dallas Shannon the slasher Kaveri Gupta Layout The Stig Contributors Larry Murray Mike Hillier KTMKevin Brian Flannigan Glen Cooper Mike O’Reilly Brian Knechtel Photographers Anthony Kerr Kaveri Gupta Brian Knechtel Rally Connex
We are always looking for story ideas, contributing writers & photographers. If you would like to have fun and participate in an off-road motorcycle rag just for the hell of it, please drop us a line. You don’t need to be a good writer to participate, just enthusiasm and a love of riding off-road. Reviews, interviews, mechanical questions & solutions, design, photography, ride reports and event coverage are just SOME of the things we are interested in. Anything outside these topics or a weird hybrid of these is welcome. We have NO rules and can do and say whatever we want! How’s that for freedom of expression! Send subscription requests and any questions or comments to: offroad.newsletter@gmail.com Traction Disclamer: We in no way intend this to be a commercial publication. Views expressed here are our own and should be taken for what they are - valueless. A friend always says “Don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story” and we do our best to honor that statement. If you are looking to challenge what you read here don’t bother, just assume you are right and we are wrong. This rag exists because we LOVE riding motorcycles off-road and we love publishing. Everything is done by volunteers and no money is generated. If you are unhappy with that and feel the need to send us money - donations are accepted, PAYPAL preferred! If you think your product or service should appear in this rag, please let us know and we’ll see what we can do. Written permission must be obtained to reproduce, or reprint all or portions of the content contained herein. photo: Anthony Kerr
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© 2010 Traction
The view from here By Dallas shannon
Everyone likes to mod their bikes, but sometimes resisting that urge is a good thing. In preparation for the Paris to Dacre Rally held by Rally Connex, I installed a 25 litre tank on my bike. Twentyfive litres sounds like a winning combination for a long distance ride but I forgot that I had to live with this tank before and after the rally. Typically, I like to ride single/ double track in the Calabogie Highlands and anyone who has attended the Calabogie Boogie knows the type of terrain I’m talking about. My “soon to be sold” tank is not suited for that kind of abuse.
Speaking of faded memories, check out the Contour HD Helmet Cam review inside this issue. Flanny, a “qualified” videographer put his camera through the test – see what he’s got to say. Video never lets you forget. I am pleased to announce that Glen Cooper is Still Kickin’. Glen delves deeper into first aid in this month’s column. In his last column, we got to steal our dead buddy’s boots – does life get any better? We have some new blood in this month’s issue: Brian Knechtel. Brian is the ODSC president and he is going to give us some advice on how to clean a bike. Like I tell my buddy, KTMKevin, I won’t take it personally. Enjoy the issue, and the weather!
The original
50lbs of go juice
“Flying Guppy”
As you can see in the picture, it’s large. It has doubled the width of my bike and although it is narrower than the handlebars, the tank is still a beast. Trying to hang onto the bike with your knees is not fun. With the tank fully loaded, it would be easier to ride a jack-hammer. Before I did the Paris to Dacre (P2D), I showed up at a Calabogie ride with my newly installed tank and promptly got laughed out of the parking lot by my single track buddies. Among the many names my bike was called were “Flying Guppy”, “Orange Pig”, “Exxon Dalvez”, “Super Slurper” and some other unmentionables. If (when) I crashed, everyone was worried that there was going to be an environmental disaster. Brilliantly, I wanted to test it with a full tank so I filled it to the brim. I made it through the day but I would be lying if I said it was easy. By the time the day was over, I was only ½ empty – which would have been the starting point on my normal IMS 13L. Unfortunately, “Exxon Dalvez” and “Flying Guppy” stuck, but I am hoping the memory of this tank soon fades.
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dirt from the prez
By BMA President Mike Hillier
Treading Lightly: For the Ol’ Man and the Trees The OFTR recently communicated an Action Alert, requesting that members respond to a potential restriction on enduro bikes riding the Haliburton Rail Trail. I encourage everyone not only to respond, but to read through the emails and letters submitted by local land owners. As I read them, I was reminded of my own upbringing. I lived in an area where ATVs and dirt bikes ran rampant. My old man hated those guys. He now lives in Prescott and has an OFSC trail across his land. He already has the trees picked out that he will drop over the trail if any more ATVs rip it up....real beauties too. “The bigger the better” he says. The fears these landowners have are real (dust, high speeds, discourteous behaviour and ruined trails). These are the same fears held by trail users such as cyclists, dog walkers, equestrians, and nature lovers. Those concerns don’t discriminate between two wheels versus four. I commend the HATVA (and other ATV clubs) for the good work they do; but there are a lot of ATVs out there. In comparison to the number of ATVs, there are very few bikes, enduro or otherwise. That tells me our job should be much easier. An enduro trail is nearly impossible to find after the leaves fall.
It seems that the good work the OFTR has accomplished (i.e. NTC funds, insurance, code of conduct, noise etc.) has not achieved the visibility I wish it could have thus far. If the concerned citizens could observe the OFTR members work with other user groups and local citizens to address fears and concerns, they would see club members as a breath of fresh air. We create, maintain, and manage trail systems used by different user groups. Limerick Forest is a shining example. We recognize that by not following the “tread lightly” concept we are doing ourselves an incredible disservice.
I lived in an area where ATVs and dirt bikes ran rampant. My olD man hated those guys. My father has a soft spot for the snowmobile clubs. See, they knocked on his front door and asked permission. Courtesy and respect went right into that (historically) hard head of his. We don’t have the resources to knock on every door right now, but maybe some day. So keep doing what we know is right. Be courteous and respectful to all. Keep your bike quiet and insured, and promote a code of conduct through your own actions. Speak your mind when an opportunity to ‘spread the word’ comes along (like here: www.oftr.ca/articles.php?id=3917 ) It is the greener path to take, and you might just save a tree. FUN TIMES. Mike
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By the guy that wrote it
43 1 ere h w ow h oop’ s ‘c nd a ’ you ul a P nd a l ‘Okie ill w e c ien years of exper Traction Traction
STILL KICKIN '
First Aid on the Trail
Last time, I talked about riding in groups of three or more for safety’s sake. The next time you are going riding in a group, ask this question: “Does anyone have any health concerns that I should know about?” You might be surprised by the answers. I have been told, “Oh yeah, I am a diabetic!” When I asked a few more questions, I found that the rider was insulindependant and had his insulin, testing equipment and food with him. And, that if the riding got intense he would need to stop and eat food more often. I have ridden with people who had angina and carried nitroglycerin spray with them and asked them where it was and how it was used. As a group leader, it is imperative that you are aware of the problems that you may need to deal with. If you are unfortunate enough to have an injury in your group, you have to take charge of the situation. You need to keep the injured person safe and comfortable. You must not put yourself or anyone else in a dangerous situation where you now have more than one injured person. You have send for help and attempt to call 911. You have to keep the person breathing and stop any bleeding. Never give them anything to eat or drink in case they are going to need surgery. I am not trying to give a first aid course here but hopefully someone in your group knows both first aid and CPR. You may also want to determine if anyone is carrying a first aid kit.
By Glen (COOP) Cooper
There are small commercial first aid kits that can be purchased at most large stores that carry camping gear or outdoor supplies. Keep them clean and dry in a Ziploc bag. They don’t take up much room and lets hope you never have to use it. You may think if someone else is carrying one you may not have to, but what would happen if you were to get separated from that person and then need one? Just something to think about. A trick I have learned over the years is to never put duct tape on bare skin to act as a bandage. Hospitals have had to put patients out to remove it because the person is all ready in pain and that stuff sticks like snot to a coat sleeve. If you absolutely have to use it, put the first few wraps on adhesive side out. A lower fork leg protector can be used as a splint. Two kidney belts can immobilize a separated shoulder. Several kidney belts and or duct tape with two poles can make a stretcher. Two coats and two poles can make a stretcher. If someone has a broken femur and the paramedics are going to set it, walk away, you won’t want to see or hear what is going to happen next! I have been told by first aid instructors that people who have taken a first aid course are less likely to be to get injured. Ride safe, ride smart!
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on the stand
By ODSC president Brian Knechtel
lock it up , e g a r a g r ing in you itt s r e ed Moe. h m s a a n w e or r b u h s e pres y 280lb neig h c u ro get that nic g r u e key to yo h t e iv g d n a Traction
Keeping it clean
In my opinion, properly washing a dirt bike is one of the most important parts of a bike maintenance program. Like oil and tire discussions, washing a bike is a debated subject. Over the last few years, I have developed a method that works well for me and saves money and time over the long run. First we need a dirty bike. The best time to wash a bike is when the mud is still wet/damp, or as soon as possible after getting the bike dirty. Leaving the mud to dry for a week or two is inadvisable, as mineral compounds in the mud and dirt can stain aluminum and plastic, leaving your bike with a permanently dingy look. Let’s start with a mudded up bike, fresh from a ride
The next step is to get that nice pressure washer that is sitting in your garage and immediately lock it up and give the key to your grouchy 280lb neighbor named Moe. Tell him to not return the key until he knows for sure that you are done washing your bike. You must remove all temptation to use that machine. Have him put the key down his pants if necessary. Save the power washer for your car, or your deck. Dirt bikes and power washers are a bad combination – one that can give you grief and cost you money down the road. The problem is that the stream from a power washer is hitting your bike at pressures often exceeding 1000 PSI. That will easily force water and dirt past rubber seals on your chain and all of the other seals and bearings on your bike. Once the water gets into those places, it causes the small metal parts to rust. That, and the dirt forced in, will cause the bearings and bushings to fail prematurely. Using a garden hose has the added benefit of getting you closer to the bike, so you can visually inspect things as
your washing them. It’s a great way to kill two birds with one stone. All you need is household water pressure to wash even the nastiest, muckiest bike. Even packed-on heavy clay comes right off with this method, although sometimes requiring the assistance of a small stick to remove heavy clumps from the swing arm/shock area. If mud is dried on and stubborn, just soak it down and move on to another spot on the bike while the water softens the dried mud. After you’ve completely removed all the mud/dirt clumps stuck everywhere on the bike, there will still be a thin layer of dirt scum covering most of the bike. This is why Simple Green (SG) is your friend. It will release the scum layer without the need of significant scrubbing. Spray the bike down with SG while it is still wet from the initial wash. After a few minutes letting the bike soak, hose it off. To save money, buy a 20 liter jug of industrial strength SG from an industrial supply store. Then dilute it 6:1 with water and apply it with a pump spray bottle. It works out to less than a dollar per wash doing it this way. If there is any scum or film remaining after rinsing the SG off, a quick pass with a soft bristle car wash brush, while the bike is still wet, will easily remove any remaining dirt film. On some spots, there may be a layer of really sticky and stubborn grease and grime, such as around the countershaft, or on the hubs. For stuff like this, spray on a cheap water based degreaser and rinse it off after a few minutes. This completes the washing portion of this exercise. Continued on next page...Now it’s time to start the bike Traction
up and let it run for a few minutes to help dry the engine and electrics above the engine. Or, take the bike for a short spin around the neighborhood to help air dry it. Once this is done, the bike is now ready to be prepped for storing. This is where the WD-40 comes in. Thoroughly spray the chain, and give a squirt to the axle seals and every pivot point on the bike. Be mindful of not getting any on the brakes, or clean it off if you do. I also spray the carburetor, which helps keep it clean and easy to service. Even after several years the carbs on my bikes still look shiny and new. The WD-40 gets rid of any water that may be hanging around in all these areas and keeps the grease in good shape around the lips of the seals. This helps them seal better and last longer. The total time for this wash and prep was about 50 minutes You may save a few minutes initially by blasting your bike with a power washer and just throwing it in the garage wet, but it will cost you a lot more time, money and frustration later on when you have to spend hundreds
of dollars and a bunch of time to replace parts that have failed unnecessarily. It especially sucks if it causes you to miss a day of riding, or even worse, break down out in the bush somewhere. By washing my bike this way and using WD40 to prep the bike for weekly storage (along with some bearing/seal prep that I’ll detail in an upcoming issue), I have not had a single failed seal, bushing or bearing in four years (which equates to three bikes and almost 20000km of mud and water soaked Dual sport and off road riding). I have only replaced two chains, both of which had well over 200 hours of use and were only replaced when the rear sprocket was completely worn out, never due to failure. The way I see it, one of the ways to increase enjoyment of this sport is to make it cost less and to reduce or eliminate maintenance related part failures. Having a properly cleaned and prepped bike is an easy way to accomplish this. It is also way more fun to service a clean bike as opposed to one covered in a years worth of filth. A clean bike is a happy bike. B. Check out the Ontario Dual Sport Club at www.odsc.on.ca
T RY LIS LAUND e /muddy bik
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P
800 km 16 hrrseaKS no pee b
e r c a D 2 s i r a P
part 1 thony Kerr photos: An
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Official P2D Results 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Team Orange Crush - 13hr:15min Team FTV - 14hr:10min Valley Bomb Squad - 14hr:31min BMA Bombers - 15hr:13min Warren’s Orange Inside Team - 15hr:17min Fat Girl Racing - 15hr:27min Africa HP2 - 16hr:52min
P2D BY THE NUMBERS
Number of teams 31 Total riders 106 Riders to officially complete the course 30 These numbers are almost identical to 2008, but this years course had less of the level 5 sections (highest difficulty), and more of level 4. The morning rain storm played a huge part in reducing the numbers. An interesting statistic, but the numbers don’t lie. Of those who began the 2010 P2D, 48% were on KTMs. Of those who finished the entire course, 79% were KTMs.
Team Departure order 1. Dirt Bags 2. KBee 3. Africa HP2 4. Death Valley 5. 4X400 6. Trail Tek Adv. 7. Ride On Time 8. Mega Sore Ass 9. Warren’s Orange Inside Team 10. Power Fist 11. MotoMoto 12. End to End 13. Give’r 14. KBee2 15. Orange Krush 16. Fat Girl Racing 17. Explore the Bruce 18. Trail Tours A 19. Valley Bomb Squad 20. Team FTV 21. Ibox-Ivanna Feenish 22. Trail Tours B 23. Team Fear 24. RidaParis 25. Team BOG 26. Team CMG 27. BMA Bombers 28. Keep Calm and Carry On 29. Team Upshift ‘n’ Twist 30. Tail Gaters 31. Roll Me Away Traction
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2 s i r Pa new pink Blue is the
st issue of u g u A e h t . the P2D in ing photos n z o a e m g a a e r e or v o m ports and for more c e d r e e n id u t r , y s a ie St l have stor ’l e W . n io t Trac Traction Traction
e r c a D 2 aris at 4am in p n o s e o g t wha
the finish to u o y s t e focus g
c a ou Traction Traction
over the bars
By Bryan (Flanny) Flannigan
The Pecking Order
Ahhh. Another gorgeous day out on the trail. The day is sunny and bright, and the temperature is nice and cool. You have layered your gear perfectly, and you can’t remember the last time you have been so comfortable on a ride. Your bike: what a marvel of engineering it is beneath you today! The jetting is spot-on for these conditions, and the throttle response and control is intoxicating. You have been riding like a hero all morning just behind Steve and Jimmy – both are excellent riders. You have all been ripping, swapping cool lines, and really mixing it up over hill and dale. The three of you are flowing over the land like water (okay – really fast water), at one with the bikes and the trail, and with the camaraderie and respect that such rides bring. The rest of the riders in the slower group are far behind, and riding in what might as well be another universe. Yes, life is indeed good toward the front of the pack today. At a wide junction in the trail, everyone stops for a break, and all the riders out today regroup. Everyone exclaims how great the ride has been with various profanities, high fives and fist bumps. You grab a bit of trail mix, some water, and you fulfill your appointment with a fellow regarding a particular utilitarian equine beast. Others in the group are doing the same. As the break winds down, everyone starts the restless
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manoeuvres required to gear back up for the trail - adjusting straps, cleaning goggles, putting tools away. Everyone recognizes the signs, and it is not long before all are on their bikes, machines running, goggles in place, and exchanging the knowing glances and slight nod that indicate universally “good to go”. Transmissions engage into first gear in the familiar random but syncopated clacking of shifter dogs, gears and the sudden tensioning of the slack in the chain. Clack.
d peckers e l k ic p f o Pick a pack
You might as well be carrying a shovel and a bucket, wearing clown shoes and a wig to be cleaning up after these jokers. Jimmy, the fastest of the group and today’s leader by far, nods and goes first without looking back. Steve (a former enduro guy and crazy fast rider) nods, and heads enthusiastically behind him with a mighty roost. You’ve been fiddling with you glove, but finally disengage the clutch, leaning the bike slightly to ease your way onto the trail to pick up third spot, when you find Joe’s Honda casually rolling past your front wheel. Your eyes widen, you re-engage the clutch and catch yourself against the recoil of the bars. Your mind slowly processes. What in good god’s name just happened there? You come back not only to a full stop, but also to a startling realization. “Shit!” your mind punctuates “Joe just rolled into third spot! What the hell does he think he’s doing?!” “Ok. It’s ok”, you urgently tell yourself, “I can pass him up ahead, no biggie. All is good. Just go!” But you can’t. No, no, no. You can’t because not only did Joe roll ahead, but so did Chris, Jubejube and Joe’s older brother Cecil riding the old bagged-out KDX220 that Wally sold him two weeks before. One after the other, they just casually strolled past your front wheel without so much as a glance, permanently destroying any chance you had of passing to mix it up with Steve and Jimmy ever again. “Aw SHIT!” You finally disengage the clutch, and pull up the rear. How you, the rightful owner of third place today could suddenly wind-up riding sweep for Cecil and his band of vagabonds is beyond your comprehension. You might as well be carrying a shovel and a bucket, wearing clown shoes and a wig to be cleaning up after these jokers. And the pace – it’s brutal! It’s neither fast nor slow. You can’t find the zone! You awkwardly bounce off one rock after another, having longing visions of Steve and Jimmy up ahead, swapping killer lines and enthusiastically roosting the gnarly stuff chasing one another; as the three of you had been doing all morning. Now, you can’t help but follow Cecil’s awkward line choices that steadily increase your frustration, confusion and delay. “Dammit! I was third in the pecking order…third! Resignation sets in, and like many times in life before, you settle for your unfortunate lot in life, and just ride it out. Until the next stop. Bryan (Flanny) Flannigan is a freelance writer with FlannyMedia. www.FlannyMedia.Blogspot.com
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by ktmkevin
Up On My Soapbox Trail by braille My sycophant riding buddies insist that I am a man of vision. I would have to agree with that description. I really like to see what I’m about to hit in trail riding situations so that I can make that split second analysis about how much damage will likely be incurred by either my bike or my body. But it continues to surprise and annoy me how many riders seem to prefer the “trail by braille” method that Stevie Wonder would endorse. You, my rotund reader, need an unobstructed view to make the most of your limited talent. The problem is that most of you are all fogged up. In case you have not noticed, your goggle lenses seem to accumulate moisture on the (usually inside) surface without the slightest provocation. And, much to my amusement, this causes all sorts of goggle gymnastics at stops in a ride. Just this week, I got another graphic
example of the tortuous routines that some people subject themselves to. I pulled together a (mostly) old guy ride with Sneaky Fast Faron, Wise Old Sage Coop, Okie Paul, Paris-Dacre Dallas and myself. Riding with such a group of esteemed old farts meant that stops were frequent and goggles were coming on and off more often than a street hooker’s underwear. And all this under ideal weather conditions. (As an aside: if you ever get a chance, be sure to talk with Okie Paul as he has some absolutely killer stories from back in the day. Wow!) I do so enjoy irritating my riding partners by seldom removing my goggles unless the stop is especially long. I NEVER suffer from fogging. My secret? Double pane lenses. Or, better still, vented double pane lenses. Almost all major goggle manufacturers make these lenses and a few even have them available in your favourite tint. You will probably have to order them from your preferred photo: Rally connex
Traction BMA BOMBERS
COPE WITH IMPAIRED VISION - AND NO, THEY WEREN’T the SWEEPERS
moto emporium as most dealers don’t stock these lenses. And, yes, they are pricey; generally about 2.5 times more expensive than the normal single pane variety. Just don’t buy anything for your spouse’s birthday again this year and put the surplus coinage towards lenses. Your significant other will completely understand. I shall also pass along some cleaning tips that I have gleaned from conversations with lens care professionals. NEVER clean your lenses dry. All that grit that you are trying to remove is simply being ground in and causing fine scratches that will eventually render them useless. So, before attempting to clean, use a liberal dose of water to “float” the grime therefore preventing scratching. Also, use a proper lens clearing cloth. Those old shop rags that you’re currently using have materials in them that can also cause scratching and have probably retained some dirt and oils from previous usage. I purchase proper lens cloths from optics stores and keep one in my gear bag, one in my truck and one in my garage. They are also washable. And avoid using any sort of lens cleaning sprays that are available just about everywhere. Despite the sales pitch, they are NOT safe on all plastics and will turn your almost new lenses into an opaque mess. Ask me how I know. So, with these tips in hand, you can go forth and attack the terrain with new clarity. Your regular ride buddies haven’t nicknamed you Ray Charles because of your piano skills, ya’know. You’re welcome.
’t n e v a h s e i d ud Your ride b les r a h C y a R u yo nicknamed iano p r u o y f o because ow. n ’k a y , s l l i k s
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Parts: We stock them all, call us for same-day shipping. Service: From engine to suspension or just race tuning, we’ve had your service needs covered since 1978. Accessories: A huge stock of tires, riding gear, hard parts, boots, handle bars, tubes, you name it, it’s at Woody’s. We keep it in stock, and keep you running! Motorcycles: You can relax and enjoy buying your next
KTM or Husaberg from us. We take the time to sell you the right bike, and more time to show you the service aspect, and small details, as nobody else will. No 10 minute sales process here, we take as long as you need. Our customers and bikes are very special to us. Customer Riding Area: We’ve developed a huge and challenging trail riding area for our friend and customers, now open for the season. Call for details.
See all our bikes on the Auto Trader website or at www.woodys-cycles.com Woody’s Race Watch: June 13th • 2 Hour Scramble (www.offroadontario.ca or call for info) October 24th • Colin Snider Memorial 4 hour Team Challenge
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CONTACT US: 613-267-6861 OR 1-800-267-BIKE (819, 613 area codes) or email: woody@woodys-cycles.com
woody' s 2 hour
A beautiful day to ROCK OUT
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photo: Anthony Kerr
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land o t n io iss perm g in st e u q e r
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t day a e r g a d a iders h r ro p e h t even
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s a w n o i t c e s s s ro c s a w the enduro n e d r a g k c ro e h t nasty – e c i o h c f o the line
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Contour HD 1080p review By FLANNY
Uploading Video
To upload your video, plug the unit into your computer, and copy the movie files to your hard disk. How much simpler could you ask for? If you want extra help, you can use the available software for the unit.
Mounting Options
There are a zillion mounting options for this unit. The mounts that came in the box are perfect for a helmet or goggle strap. There are also available mounts for a tripod, ram mounts, and even a fully submersible waterproof case.
Image quality It is amazing how far along digital media has come. A few years ago, we were all mounting giant cameras or point-and-shoot digitals to our heads trying to get the great “point-of-view” (POV) shot of the trails we were riding. Times have changed! These days small, light and very powerful little POV units are available that will knock your socks off. One such unit is the Contour HD 1080p. The Contour is a super-tiny fully-integrated “wearable” unit that mounts just about anywhere, and shoots in full HD. I recently had the opportunity to try one out.
In the Box
The unit comes neatly packed in a super-cool helmet cam display box. It was a little too much packaging for my taste, but the box is sturdy and re-usable for shop trinkets.The unit comes with everything you need to stick it on your helmet, and start shooting. After charging the battery, I had my first video uploaded to my computer in under 5 minutes.
Operation
The camera is very easy to use. All you have to do is slide the big, tactile switch forward, listen for the loud beep, and you are recording. Slide it back, listen for two loud beeps and you are not recording. As long as my engine wasn’t revving, I could easily hear the beeps, and (as claimed), the switch works great even with gloves on. Status LED on the front of the unit can also provide confirmation by looking in the mirror on the bike.
Put bluntly, I was shocked at the picture quality. The unit provided crisp HD, even in transitions from shade to light. If you don’t like the settings, use the available software to adjust and calibrate the video settings to your liking. I found the picture quality unbelievable for such a small and relatively inexpensive rig.
Bottom Line
Very impressive – the camera is solid, lightweight and versatile. It is easy and intuitive to operate with gloves on, and it takes good video of me ripping in the forest.
What exceeded my expectations:
• Ease of use, especially the big sliding record button • Quality of resulting pictures • Battery run time is great • Lightweight un-obtrusive design
What met my expectations:
• Mounting hardware and solutions are stable • Uploading videos is easy • Rugged and water resistant camera body
What fell short of my expectations:
• The lasers do not work to aim the camera in the daylight outdoors (only indoors or in low light) • The battery door latch looks like it could easily break • It would be really nice to have a small screen to see what is being captured (but that would be a whole other device) Bryan (Flanny) Flannigan is a freelance writer with FlannyMedia. www.FlannyMedia.Blogspot.com
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B.M.A. 2010 Club Events (See forum and website bulletins for directions and additional information as events approach. Don’t call us the morning of the event….we are already riding!)
July 11th - Limerick Forest Kid’s Ride
Limerick Forest Family Ride near Roebuck, ON. For kids of all ages, non-competitive, and focused on fun. Trails are always well marked for different riding levels. Bikes must be quiet, plated and legal. Sign in 9-10am, start time 10:30. Contact Mike Hillier 613 258 1164. president@bytown-motorcycle-assoc.ca
August 15th - BMA Family Fun Day BMA Family Fun day. Details to be announced.
September 11-12th - Calabogie Boogie Trail Ride
This is our club’s premier event of the year, with two days of prime off-road riding and arrowed routes to suit everyone from newbie to pro. Trailheads are marked for mileage and difficulty. Dualsport route offered as well. One and two-day packages, pre-registration is advisable. See flyer at this website and watch for updates and info. Contact: Trevor Bylsma 613 271 6217 or vice-president@bytown-motorcycle-assoc.ca
September 26th - CVMG Trials, Lanark, ON
Near Watson’s Corners, this is the fall round of the local CVMG series for vintage and other observed trials enthusiasts. Contact Doug Hunter 613 826 3748 or website@bytown-motorcycle-assoc.ca
October 3rd - Jim Kolman’s Chilli Run, Navan, ON
This is a hare scramble event for riders of all ages and skill levels; from mini’s to expert riders, women and vets. The track includes open grass, single-track trails, MX and endurocross sections designed to be entertaining and easy to navigate…a perfect opportunity for new racers to try your first scramble. Also a mini track for the kids to race on in the morning schedule. Try not to miss the live band and bon-fire Saturday night before the race! Of course free camping. For more info contact Jim Kolman at Wheelsport 613 841 9400 or jimkolman@hotmail.com
October 17th - BMA Fall Trail Ride Details to be announced.
October 23rd - BMA 4-hour harescramble, Woody’s
The Colin Snider Memorial 4-hour hare scramble is an annual favourite, a team event set on a course meant to be fun but reasonably challenging. The event is a fundraiser for local charities and an excellent event for a family group to have a fun day, socialize, kick some tires and get some racing experience to boot. No bikes smaller than 65cc. Call for info: Carolin or Woody 613 267 6861. director-at-large@bytown-motorcycle-assoc.ca Traction
photo: Anthony Kerr
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otfr news Rail Trail Decision – July 7th, 2010 The OFTR made a request to delegate to county council at today’s meeting and was asked to hold our presentation until a special meeting of council could be scheduled. The OFTR attended the council meeting this morning and the topic of access for Enduro Motorcycles to the rail trail was introduced during the “APPROVAL OF REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE” portion of the meeting. The recommendation of the June 9th Economic Development Committee to ban the Enduro Bikes on the Trail was not endorsed by County Council at this meeting. Warden Burton asked that council set a date for a ‘Special Meeting of Council’ and it was decided that July 7th at 1pm in the council chambers would suit all of the members. It is important to note that the issue will be dealt with and a final outcome will be determined at this meeting. There was some discussion as to who would be allowed to make presentations, how long they would be allowed to speak and whether or not the person presenting actually represents a user group. Warden Burton then went on to state there would be some control over the content of the presentations. They really don’t want to listen to the same points already mentioned from previous consultations. Thank you for your emails and letters last week and we will keep you advised of our progress. Ken Hoeverman Executive Director FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS STORY AND TO READ THE LOCAL MEDIA’S OPINION ON THIS ISSUE GO TO:
www.oftr.ca/articles.php?id=3942
What are we going to do when all our riding areas are gone? Traction
BMA GIVES BACK By MIKE O’REILLY
The attached photo was taken in front of the Hospice Renfrew on June 3rd. I am with Helen McGregor, after having presented her with a $500 donation on behalf of Leo Hall and Opeongo Forestry Service. The Hall family (owners of the Opeongo Forestry Service) own approximately 6000 acres in the Madawaska Highlands. For the Boogie, we ride on their land Saturday (north side of Campbell Road) and Sunday (the connection between Eagle’s Nest and Wabun Mountain). They are important partners in what we do. They want to encourage recreational opportunities on their properties (primarily hunting in the fall) but recognize the legal and financial implications for this. (The hunters, by the way pay anywhere from $2 to $5 per acre to use the properties). Therefore, the issue is, what can the BMA do to make a meaningful contribution for our activities?
$250. Woody and I each kicked in $125 personally, to bring it to $500. Frankly, we both felt that after many years of using the Opeongo property and to cement future a relationship, $500 was not a large amount. This year, after what I expect will be another successful edition of our local classic, I would hope that the BMA will see fit to fully fund some strategic donations to ensure the future existence of the ride. I think that the days of expecting that we can just ride for free and not give anything back are over, and the importance of pro-active landowner development cannot be overlooked.
After the Boogie last year, I called Leo and asked him that question. He indicated that a contribution to the Renfrew Victoria Hospital or Hospice Renfrew (where Leo’s mother Ann spent her last days) would be appreciated. Woody and I approached the BMA for a $500 donation, which seemed reasonable in light of the above numbers. The club approved
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exhaust note
by LARRY murray
Standing Up or Sitting Down Part Deux
slide left/right/forward/back and how planted the bike feels with that lower center of gravity.
I wish I could tell you that there is no reason to ever sit down on a dirt bike, but that is just not true. At this stage of my riding life, I, too spend lots of time on the seat. However, I almost always wish I was standing up! In part one of this article I covered some of the reasons to stand. I also feel that there is no better riding position than standing. Now it’s time to give you my thoughts on sitting down.
When sitting, try to remember that you still need to move your weight around. Your weight should be forward when braking, weight backwards while accelerating to manage your wheel spin. But you should always try to return to a balanced position over the center of the bike. Similar to the standing position, keep your shoulders parallel to the bars, slide or twist your body around trying not to bend one arm more then the other. This will automatically move your weight to the center of the bike after a turn and still keep your upper body balanced and in its strongest riding position. Keep your feet on the pegs!
Like standing, I think there are two sitting positions: (1) sitting there like a bump on a log (or riding a street bike) and (2) sliding around on the seat with little weight actually on the seat. The second position feels like you are almost floating on the seat, with a lot of your weight on your arms and legs. It is surprising how easy you can
The only time you should take your feet off the pegs is during a super tight turn at low speed, when there is a stump or rock that looks like it’s going to destroy your
photo: kaveri gupta
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foot or leg and when you need to stop to keep yourself from falling over. This month, I rode the Algonquin trail ride and spent lots of time sitting, and I feel that I was even faster in some sections than I would have been if standing. I was able to keep of with some of my fellow BMA riders and not with others, just like when I am standing. Some times there is no choice, the trail will not permit you to stand (super tight turns that the bike must be spun around, low branches on slow trails that you pick and pound yourself along plus many others). Many (ALL) the bikes today have lots of travel in both the front fork and rear shock. Some even have a nice soft seat, so sitting down may not slow you down. In the 1970s, bikes hade soft seats and little travel front and rear (less than ½ of today’s bikes). So you had to stand up to absorb the pounding of the trail. So! What to do? Stand up or sit down? I say stand as long as you can. Sit when you need to. Both riding positions have something to offer and riders are not all the same. However, learn and practice both. I try to stand all the time BUT I will be 60 years old on my next birthday and though the brain is telling me to stand, most of the time the body is winning. Just For Fun Larry
photo: kaveri gupta
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