Issue 73September 2022
this 510 cc SOHC single-cylinder powerhouse has an incredible power-to-weight ratio and provides nothing less than the most dynamic and exciting option for offroad riding, dual-sport riding, or rally events. CONQUER THE MOST EXTREME TERRAIN 2023 KTM 500 EXC-F 2023 KTM 500 EXC-F 2023 KTM 500 EXC-F 2023 KTM 500 EXC-F
Think of as a sledgehammer. Hard-hitting, and utterly devastating. But, thanks to a its even more is surprisingly and a result,
the 2023 KTM 500 EXC-F
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Upshift Magazine is published monthly by Upshift Online Inc. 2022. Reproduction of any material requires written consent from the publishers. All photos, editorial contributions and advertise ments are accepted upon representation that they are original materials by the author and or advertiser. Opinions expressed in the articles are those of the author and may not reflect the views and opinions of the editor, staff or advertis ers of Upshift Online Inc. Advertisers assume full responsibility for the entire content and subject matter of their advertisements. LOGO SHEET horizontal on whitePMS021RGB:R255B80CMYK:N80Y100BLACK RGB: R255 B255 G2550 CMYK: C40 M30 Y30 K100 Proprietary information: These drawings contain information proprietary to Upshift. Any reproduction, or transmittal of this information without expressed written consent is prohibited by use partial or complete of the sord marks is prohibited punishable to the full extent of the law horizontal on black vertical on black vertical on white Want to advertise with us? Contact: Brandon facebook.com/upshiftonlinebrandon@upshiftonline.comGlanvilleJoinusonInstagramat@upshift_onlineJoinusonTwitterat@upshift_onlineJoinusonFacebookat Cover Chad de Alva Design, Production Chris Glaspell Contributing Writers Chad de Alva Travis Gill Brandon Glanville Tim Notier Bill Whitacre Contributing Photographers Kadir Asnaz Tim Burke Chad de Alva Olivier de Vaulx Travis Gill Gregor Halenda Alex Kelly Tim Notier Technical Editor Chad de Alva Story Editor Stefanie Glaspell Business Development Brandon Glanville ISSUE 73 September 2022 INSTA-ADV Instagram Travelers THE INSIDER Electrified GEAR The Latest WIDE OPEN Views Through The Lens NORWAY From North Cape to Kristiansand MAX OFF-ROAD Max Gerston 2-Day Skills Clinic BUILDING BRIDGES The Outdoor Community Gets It Done TESTED Motion Pro Tools onX OffRoad GPS App BEAUTIFUL DAMN RIDES A Wild Trip Through The BDRs BILL WHITACRE PROJECT Husqvarna FE501s Build
INSTA-ADV The mission is simple, if you want to share your adventures on “insta-adv” you’d better start following us! @upshift_online and use the hash tag #upshift_online on your photos Follow FollowFollow FollowFollow Follow FollowFollow
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MitterbauerFotografieCampelli,M.Photo:husqvarna-motorcycles.com
graphics and trim Counter
501sGoFE anywhere.
Possessing the strongest engine in Husqvarna Motorcycles’ dual-sport lineup, the versatile FE 501s is designed to deliver strong, controllable power that assures the most comfort on extended rides.
Swedish
Strong, controllable power inspired balance shaft
©2021 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.
www.YamahaMotorsports.com
Professional rider depicted on a closed course. Dress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, gloves and boots. European spec model shown. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further information regarding the MSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal and dangerous.
Ténéré 700. Find new horizons.
By Chad de Alva Like it or not the future is electric. If you’ve had a chance to drive something like a Rivian or a Model S Plaid Tesla, you know what the future holds: stupid amounts of torque, no powertrain lag, and less maintenance. These are just three examples of the advantages electrified vehicles and motorcycles bring to the table. Yet as of today in September 2022, there are still a few key things where electric vehicles and motorcycles fall short compared to their internal combustion powered brethren. The big limiting factors of electric motorcycles are their range and the resources it takes to replenish that range when the battery gets low. With an internal combustion dirt bike, you just throw a few gallons of gasoline in the tank and five minutes later you’re back on your way. Electric motorcycles can’t recharge that quickly just yet. Swappable batteries work great for kid sized electric motorcycles where you’re essentially carrying around a power tool battery, but packing around a few spare batteries for an adult size bike isn’t practical. Yet these limitations (charging infrastructure) haven’t stopped riders from pulling off some impressive adventures with electric motorcycles. Ewan and Charlie of the Long Way Down and Around rode a couple of e-motorcycles up the South American continent. Last year, a couple of guys bagged the Colorado BDR on electric motorcycles. Each of these pioneering trips had to contend with significant limitations that riders on internal combustion bikes wouldn’t have to deal with. Yet these riders pulled off first of a kind trips and I’m sure each trip was an adventure the riders will never forget. 100 years ago the automobile was just becoming a thing, and traveling by car required multiple spare tires and mechanical savvy to not end up stuck in the wilderness. Look where cars are now. A few decades from now, it’s not hard to imagine a group of adventure riders sitting around a campfire joking about old gasoline powered bikes and silly things like changing engine oil. The electric motorcycles available in 2022 are a ton of fun to ride, so call me excited for the motorcycles that will result in epic adventures in 2052.
Fire Power’s OEM replacement oil filters are compatible with mineral and synthetic oils and provide the same filtration at a price point you cannot refuse. With over 50 years of experience in the power sports industry, Fire Power was created by people who live and breathe all things that fuel our adrenaline rush. We believe in sourcing the highest-grade materials and value craftsmanship above all else. The entire Fire Power line is designed and built with durability and quality in mind, providing our customers a greater value than OEM products.
Klim Mojave Bonfire Gear Set
New Z-Liner Insoles
The Mojave series, which focuses big time on airflow while maintain ing solid durability, also gets a full kit (matching pant, jersey, glove) with a Bonfire colorway that includes gray, ruby red, fiery red and safety yellow. The recently redesigned Mojave Series—KLIM’s ultra ventilated, ultra durable hot-weather gear—is now more comfortable, more ventilated and more durable than before with the same burly material found in the Dakar line. Utilizing the world’s most premium technologies in waterproof, breathable, durable and comfortable materials, KLIM offers gear for the most demanding riders. MSRP: $69.99 Jersey, $209.99 Pants, $39.99 Gloves www.klim.com
ZL Labs use 100% American-made materials and precise engineering to make an insole with the strongest emphasis on comfort, performance and pain Z-Linersrelief.are a new breed of insole built with ZL™ HEXCORE. Z-Liners adapt to your natural foot shape, cradling your feet and increasing stability with the added help of built-in arch support and an adaptive heel cup. Hexagonal foundation and mesh top layer, reduce sweat and odors by circulating airflow with each step you take, helping your feet stay cool and dry. Shock absorp tion takes the jolt out of your steps and energy return keeps your feet feeling more refreshed throughout your day. MSRP: $69.99 www.z-liner.com
Fire Power is distributed exclusively in the United States by WPS, a leader in power sports after market distribution. With six warehouses located throughout the country, you’ll be sure to find a dealer near you who proudly carries the Fire Power brand. www.firepowerparts.com
Riding Moto can be rough on the feet, and if you’re one who likes to stand a lot we have the answer. Z-Liner’s perforated honeycomb design provides shock absorption & energy return, reducing fatigue and energizing each ride.
Fire Power HP Select Oil Filters
• Dakar-inspired lower pocket, ergonomic crossed hand side pockets and waterproof chest pocket for real-world practicality.
• Ready to be upgraded with Nucleon chest and back inserts.
Are you riding a dualsport moto, or a plated trail bike? Are you tired of always having to worry about bending or breaking your state license plate? Look no further, the Motominded FLEX PLATE is here to help! $39.00 Features:www.upshiftonline.com/store/
• The polycarbonate plate backer is slightly bigger than your state plate. This protects the edge of the state plate and keeps the sharp aluminum edge from cutting your gear.
A lightweight, dual sport adventure touring jacket ready for everyday adventure on and off road, the Venture XT Water-Resistant Jacket is equipped with a durable and protective shell, with strategically positioned PU film reinforcements for additional protection in the most exposed areas. This jacket utilizes a water-resistant construction pattern for effective wet weather performance, while the large opening vents on the sleeves and the additional Super Airflow front panel on the chest allow the jacket to be quickly and easily adapted to warm weather and active riding conditions. This jacket is Tech-Air ® ready and can accommodate the Tech-Air 5 Airbag System for complete upper body protection MSRP: $269.95 www.alpinestars.com
• Soft collar construction for enhanced rider comfort.
•
Motominded Flex Plate
• Made in the USA Lifetime Warranty
Alpinestars Venture XT Jacket
• Nucleon Flex Plus armor delivers optimal protection against impacts.
• Flex Plate creates a suspension system for your license and eliminates the old school way of hard mounting your license plate to your moto.
• According to European statutory law the CE mark is a conformity requirement for the marketing of this product. The following standards apply: Fully CE-certified motorcycling garment – A class.
Features:
• The Motominded FLEX PLATE uses flexible, urethane bands paired with a super strong polycarbonate blacking plate that will allow your license plate assembly to flex away without damaging your plate on your moto.
Powered by a new 1200 triple engine, the unique T-Plane design blends the low-speed capability of a twin with the top-end performance of a triple, for excellent traction in tough conditions, and supreme performance on the road. Add to that an all-new chassis that’s significantly lighter and more agile, long travel semi-active suspension and feature-packed technology, for unprecedented capability off-road and on.
HAVE IT ALL
Built to excel in the dirt and on the tarmac, the new Tiger 1200 Rally Pro is the all-new globe-busting, desert-crossing, mountain-conquering adventure champion.
The all-new Tiger 1200 Rally Pro. It’s time to reset your adventure expectations. From $22,500 MSRP. Find out more at triumphmotorcycles.com
CHOOSE TO
2O23 4-Stroke 350 / 390 / 430 / 500 » Rear Suspension Linkage » On-Demand Traction Control » Electric Starter » Twin Fuel Injectors » Diaphragm Clutch for Easier Clutch Pull » Trail Tech Voyager GPS LEARN MORE AT THE MOST OFF-ROAD WORTHY DUAL SPORT ON THE MARKET Go ahead...You deserve it. Street Legal
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TAP THE MAP FOR YOUR NEXT OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE Explore thousands of miles of interactive trails for 4x4, SxS, ATV, and dirt bikes across the nation. Color-coded trails let you see which are open with just a glance. Tap on any trail to access details like difficulty rating, clearance level, duration, open and close dates, trail photos, and more. Your paper maps can’t do that. Download the app: onxoffroad.com
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Along with concerned conservationists everywhere, Suzuki urges you to Tread Lightly!® on public and private land. Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki Trademarks or ®. © 2022 Suzuki Motor USA, LLC
This ride needs no introduction, its 400cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine produces predictable, tractable power for any road or trail. You won’t think twice about your line thanks to its light yet rigid frame coupled to a fully-adjustable suspension. And its unwavering reliability means you can ride everywhere with complete confidence. With the world at your tread, enjoy adventure on a bike that has stood the test of time — and keeps asking for more.
EXPERIENCE THE CAPABLE DR-Z400S AT SUZUKICYCLES.COM
The DR-Z400S. Arguably the most proven on- & off-road motorcycle ever created. Built to thrive in any terrain. Experience the machine that literally defines the word DualSport.
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By Travis Gill of viajarMOTO.com
It was raining. A heavy, cold, and grey kind of rain that sucks the enthusiasm out of motorcycling. We were staring out the window of our tiny cabin watching the endless rain pour from the menacing clouds that eroded our travel spirits drop by drop. The high cost of the cabin was also bleeding our budget at the exorbitant amount of 700 Norwegian krones (73 US dollars) a night. We continued to wait out the storm. One of the holy grails of motorcycle overlanding was just 12 km (7.5 miles) north of us – the famous globe monument of North Cape, marking the northernmost point of continental Europe. We had dreamed of tak ing pictures in front of this monument for years. Here we were, just a short ride away, but the heavy rains continued well throughout the day and into the next. As another day was coming to an end, we contemplated spending a third day. However, just before going to bed, we checked the forecast and noticed a short break in the weather. This was our best opportuni ty – A two-hour gap from 2-4 AM in the morning! Normally we would not even consider a photo opportunity at these hours, but we were still enjoying the natural phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun. We excitedly set an alarm and fell asleep with the anticipation of capturing this iconic moment. We woke at 1:30 AM and could see the low laying sun just breaking through the upper layer of clouds on the horizon. This was it! This was our chance! We excitedly put on our motorcycle gear, mounted the mules, and headed north. As we rode past a herd of reindeer trot ting among the treeless expanse of northern tundra, I was tempted to pull over and capture the moment. Not this time. We’ve got a mission. We motored on.
Norway is incredibly beautiful, there is a dark side. A sinister place of darkness, burning flames, and eternal torment.
After reaching the parking area of the North Cape Hall, we maneuvered our mules around the building to reach the iconic globe monument that stands elegantly on a massive cliff 307 m (1,000 ft) above sea level. Here we were! After more than 3,300 miles across Denmark and Sweden (UPSHIFT Issues 71 and 72) we had reached our destination! We quickly maneuvered the mules and snapped some memorable photographs before allowing others to capture their own photographic memories. Even at 2 AM, there was already a queue of other travelers waiting. These “instagram moments” are rarely free of crowds, especially in the summer months.
Incredible Natural Beauty Norway is one of our favorite countries for its combina tion of stunning natural beauty and the communal idea that nature should be conserved and protected for all to enjoy. Norwegians take nature seriously: Laws pre vent billboards from ruining the natural views from their highways. Incentive programs make driving electrical cars preferable, with more than 84 percent of new car purchases being fully electric. Most of the two-lane roads have a strict speed limit of 80 kmh (50 mph), which feels like a nice relaxing pace to relish in all the stunning natu ral beauty, which will undoubtedly be full of many “wow moments.” Tim Burke said it perfectly when he traveled through Norway in 2017 (UPSHIFT Issue 27), “Every day of riding in Norway introduces new mountain roads, multiple ferry crossings, and new views that will drain camera batteries and fill memory cards. If you’re not taking hundreds of pictures in this country, you must be Althoughblind!”
THE ARAI DIFFERENCE
ABOUT THE XD4 DEDICATED TO RIDER PROTECTION
©2022 Arai Helmet XD4 • COVER WHITE FROST SCAN TO SEE THE VALUE OF ARAI VIDEO
Photo courtesy of Triumph Motorcycles Ltd.
At Arai, not only the management, but its owner also knows the mission to protect riders and continues learning how a helmet works to protect the wearers against riding impacts. Witnessing how severe and unpredictable some impacts can be, Arai’s focus continues to be the consistent pursuit of gains in protection for helmets bearing our family name. When a helmet is impacted, the inner liner is crushed, absorbing impact energy in the process. The liner’s ability to absorb impact energy varies depending on the helmet’s construction and thickness in its upper regions. But Arai helmets, with their proprietary one-piece multi-density EPS liner, can maintain a consistent thickness even in areas where high levels of energy absorption are needed. The helmet remains compact by forming different EPS densities into a single liner of uniform thickness while still satisfying strict helmet standards.
No helmet can protect the wearer against all foreseeable impacts. Nothing is a substitute for safe riding practices.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
Welcome to Hell Have you ever wanted to ride a motorcycle in Hell? Perhaps ride on the Highway to Hell? Maybe even eat some ice cream in Hell? How about attending a church service in Hell? Fortunately you can do all these things in the small village of Hell, Norway. We made sure to top off our gas tank and walk the short path to the HOLLYWOOD-type sign that overlooks the village and highway. Although it makes for an interesting and fun story, hell in Norwegian translates to “luck”. We felt pretty lucky to be riding through such a wonderful country, full of incredible natural beauty.
Taking Trash Seriously Norway is one of the leading nations when it comes to the recycling of glass and plastics. Since 1972 the country has implemented a incen tive-based deposit system which has resulted in a 97 percent recycle rate. A remarkable achievement, especially considering that worldwide, 91 percent of plastic isn’t recycled. We experienced the efficiency and ease of Norway’s recycling program after performing the regular oil change maintenance on our two BMW G650GSs. Finding a place to dispose of the used oil was as easy as googling “waste manage ment” and then riding to the hundreds of convenient drop-off points all throughout the country.
A Famous Movie Location As a child of the 80’s, one of the most memorable movies was Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. The scenes from the ice planet Hoth, were truly an unforgettable moment of this exhilarating movie. When we discovered that most of the Hoth scenes where filmed at the Norwegian mountain village of Finse, we knew we had to experience this place for ourselves! Unfortunately there are no public roads to this remote village –the only access to Finse is via a railway. We parked our mules at the Voss railway station, 90 minutes east of Finse, purchased our train tickets, and scheduled a hiking tour of Hardangerjøkulen – Norway’s sixth largest glacier. When the railroad carriage doors opened at Finse Station, we were half expecting to see Rebel Alliance soldiers riding Tauntauns, or at least a “Welcome to Hoth” sign. Instead we only found a couple of rebel stickers stuck to the back of a Finse sign, and a bright red Nordic hotel and resident cabins. We soon met our certified guide, who would be taking us on a six-hour hike to the summit of the glacier 1,860 m (6,110 ft) above sea level. After getting issued our leather hiking boots, we were on our way to Echo Base, er, I mean the base of the glacier.
One of these recycle centers is just outside Bodø, a coastal city north of the Arctic Circle. As we rolled up to the entrance, we were surprised to see a bald eagle mural by Portuguese environmental artist Bordalo II. We first discovered his “trash animal” murals in Portugal, when we passed through Lisbon (UPSHIFT Issue 54), so we were excited to stumble upon another one of his impressive murals. Bordalo’s creations “de picts nature itself, in this case animals, out of the material that are responsible for its destruction.” This is especially true for ocean animals, where a large portion of our plastic waste ends up. Throughout our travels in Norway, we didn’t see a single plastic bottle polluting the shores of this trash conscious country.
After a 5 km (3.1 mile) hike, we reached the glacier and a metal lock box. Our guide issued us crampons, an expedition harness, and an ice axe for the next exciting part of our adventure – actually traversing across the face of a living glacier. It was quite exhilarating to be harnessed together and trekking along such an expanse of heavily packed ice and snow. We enjoyed traversing around labyrinths of ice and staring off dizzying cliffs that dropped hundreds of feet into glacier fed streams that trickled underneath us. The ice was so densely packed that it takes on a mesmerizing blue hue that looks like something from another planet. This experience of walking on a living glacier was memorable and definitely an adventure of a lifetime – even if we didn’t get to see the twisted metal remains of an Imperial AT-AT Walker.
Hiking the Big Three If you’ve followed our motorcycle travels, you’ll understand when we say “sometimes you have to kick down the sidestand and park the bike to immerse yourself in the experiences of a region.” This was definitely true for hiking what many refer to as “The Big Three” – Trolltunga Preikestolen, and Kjerag.
We started with Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue) – Easily one of the most awe-inspiring and instagrammable hikes in Norway. We parked our mules at the Skjeggedal parking area, and caught a bus to the trailhead and the start of a rather rigorous 20 km (12.4 mile) hike to the Troll’s Tongue and back. Reaching the massive cliff-side and peering over the edge induces a dizzying vertigo that makes you think twice about descending the metal ladder and walking to the edge of the pinnacle that hovers 700 meters (2,300 ft) above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. It was exhilarating for sure! After a five-hour ride from the Trolltunga parking area, we reached the trailhead for the second hike of the “Big Three” – Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock). The shorter hiking distance of just 8 km (5 miles) makes Pulpit Rock one of Norway’s most famous mountain hikes with an equally rewarding view of Lysefjord from the dizzying heights of 600 meters (2,000 ft) from the massive cliff-side. There is something magi cal about hiking these extraordinary regions of southern Norway. What was supposed to be a three-hour ride from Preikestolen to our final hiking area of Kjerag, turned out to be an overnighter. As we reached the farming village of Oanes, we saw the last ferry of the day gently pulling away from the pier. Bummer. Fortunately there was a park and sleep area less than a mile up the road where we parked the mules and pitched our tent for a relaxing, quiet, and FREE night of sleep. The three-hour ride from Oanes to Lysebotn was delightful, especially the finale of 27 stupendous serpentine curves that delivered us to the Kjerag parking area with huge smiles on our faces. A parking attendant gladly waved us in for free, and we changed into our hiking clothes for our final trek of Norway – Kjerag and the world-famous Kjeragbolten (Kjerag Bolt). The often strenuous 5.5 km (3.4 mile) climb to the summit of Kjerag Boul der got our hearts racing, but it didn’t compare to the elevated heart rate we experienced when we eased ourselves onto the narrow boulder, that is wedged precariously 980 meters (3,220 ft) above the frigid waters of Lysefjord below. It’s definitely one of those heart-racing moments!
Over lunch we reflected on our travels through Norway. We had ridden over 2,500 miles from North Cape to the south ern city of Kristiansand, snaking along the coast like the Norse sea serpent Jörmungandr, and delivering us through some of the most beautiful coastlines and mountain passes we’ve ever experienced. Norway has a certain magical beauty that is difficult to explain – We’re just glad we got to experience a portion of it. The 90-Day Hourglass of Schengen After three months of riding through Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, our 90-day Schengen limit was quickly approaching. It was time to get out of the 26-country Schengen area, so we pointed our handlebars towards the English Channel, where we had a ferry scheduled from the Netherlands to England, and the other nations of Great Britain. More adventure awaits… About viajarMOTO Travis and Chantil Gill started full-time motorcycle overlanding in early 2020. They hope to experience as many different countries and cultures in their steady journey around this “pale blue dot” they call home. You can follow them on their website at www.viajarMOTO.com.
If you watched any video coverage of the 2022 US Hard Enduro Series, you most likely saw a dude with a very strong mustache absolutely ripping a GASGAS while filming course previews, chasing the pros during the race, or otherwise working as the media guy for the series. That same rider is also known for his cowboy hat, easy-going demeanor, and his impressive racing resume, which may explain why he’s able to ride hard enduro courses while providing voice over narration without sounding totally gassed – an impressive thing to be sure. This rider is none other than Max Gerston, and if all of that isn’t enough, he also has a very successful training outfit called Max Off-Road. I recently had the opportunity to attend a two-day clinic with Max in Flagstaff, AZ, and it was some of the most valuable time I’ve spent on a dirt bike in years.
Photos and words by Chad de Alva
Max is the kind of guy that treats everyone like an old friend, and watching him interact with the other students in the class, it’s quite obvious how much stoke he has for dirt bikes and the people who ride them. His objective with these clinics is to help riders develop their skill set so that they can progress in a safe way. Max has an obvious passion for sharing his knowledge and a desire to see his students progress, which makes him a great instructor. Our small group of twelve, mostly local riders, covered the spectrum from new riders to veteran US and Baja racers with a number of riders who just wanted to improve, thrown in for good measure. Max is able to take this diverse group of riders with their in dividual skill sets and help everyone grow by teaching the how and why as opposed to just telling students how to go fast. After spending a few minutes completing introductions and taking specific requests for what students in the class wanted him to cover, Max had us all working on something every rider needs to continually practice – the basics. Any discipline of motorcycle riding has a skill set where all of the advanced skills build upon basic skills, yet many experienced riders only work on the fancy stuff – they spend no time at all working on the foundational building blocks that are critical to all of the advanced skills. To really drive home the value of prac ticing the basics, Max created a course for us that had a little bit of everything.
Turning on the steering stops teaches low speed balance and control. The straight-line gates are designed to teach body balance instead of having to make steering corrections to balance at low speed. Spending even a couple of hours working on these three things would be hugely beneficial to any rider, yet this is less than half of the training track.
A pair of cones marked the start and finish of the track. After a short straight, the track made a U-turn around a tree that fed into a series of cones where riders practiced low speed 180 degree corners on the steering stops. This led into two pairs of cones for practicing standing balancing. Then it was on to a turn track that, thanks to some recent rain, had perfect hero dirt and all of the traction. Through a dozen turns ranging from 180 degrees to less than 45, students had ample opportunity to work on both seated and standing cornering. The turn track fed into a high speed section that went over a few berms before returning to the start. After a few sight-in laps to get the course programmed into our brains, Max started incorporating drills: a stop, sit, and go at the finish line helps students ensure they’re sitting in the correct position on the bike and transitioning to the proper standing position.
The turn track section is where things start to get fun. The hero dirt is currently providing all the traction, yet Max makes it a challenge by instructing us not to use our back brake, at all. This is where things get really interesting for me – I know the front brake provides most of my stopping power, but my back brake has always been there for me to help keep things settled, and to start a rear wheel slide if a last minute course correction is needed. It takes some real discipline to pretend my rear brake lever doesn’t exist, but the lesson is quite powerful – spend some time on a turn track only using your front brake and you’ll see what I’m talking about. Next comes the scary one – no brakes at all. This drill is all about cornering properly, trusting the bike, and looking where you want to go to come out the other end safely. All the students slow their paces down to get familiar with the concept of riding without any stoppers, while Max continues to lap all of us like we’re standing still just to show that so much more speed can be carried through these corners without ever touching your brakes. The net effect is eye opening, and students are remarking left and right on the value of the last couple of hours.
After we’ve dried out the turn track from so many laps, Max moves us to another track so we can work on hills, obstacles, and whoop riding. Max watches each student as they ride through a few sections, then provides specific feedback before we run the sections again. You can almost see the light bulbs turning on as things begin to click and the students start pushing harder. Day two of the class is all about applying the skills that were practiced on day one. Instead of sessioning a few sections to work on drills, the group set out on a trail ride that ran into a few obstacles that the class sessioned. As the group starts logging miles on single track, Max moves through the group watching each rider and providing specific coaching. When the class stops to regroup, Max shares what he is seeing with the other students in the class, so that everyone can benefit from his coaching.
Taking a class from a pro rider is one of the best things that you can spend money on in all of motorcycling. Whether you’re just getting into the sport, or you’re looking to up your game for racing or general riding, the coaching and feedback that a pro can provide you is invaluable. They can help you correct bad habits, teach you proper technique, provide coaching every step of the way, and so much more. There is no shortage of things that you can spend money on for your motorcycle, but what about spending some money on yourself for a change, to make you a better motorcycle rider?
Soon we’re at an obstacle – the ever-present tree down across the trail. Max demonstrates a few different techniques for crossing the tree and then explains when each of these techniques would be a good one to use. The class lines up and riders start sessioning the tree. Newer riders go for the more basic drive or wheelie, while advanced riders are looking for little rises in the trail to set up a splatter or simply jump over the tree. The recent rain had soaked the tree well past the point of being slick, but that didn’t stop Max from demonstrating how to ride down the length of it or how to cross it at an extreme angle without slipping off. The opportunity to watch a pro ride something, explain what they’re doing, and then have them watch and critique you trying the same obstacle is an incredibly effective way to improve your riding.
Max Gerston is a great resource for any rider interested in off road riding instruction. Even if you’ve never ridden a dirt bike before, Max Off-Road has the gear and bikes to get never-evers both young and old riding for the first time. Experienced riders can benefit from Max’s teaching as well – taking a class from Max will help riders of any skill level develop the tools they need to progress their riding. For more information on Max or Max Off-Road, visit MAXOFF-ROAD.com
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It’s easy to take something for granted. We, as humans, do it all the time and oftentimes it doesn’t even register in our consciousness. Hence the term. For most of my life I have been incredibly fortunate to live in Idaho, enjoying this vast and diverse landscape and all it has to offer. I have taken for granted the incredible access that I have always had to world class singletrack in some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world, not to mention the endless back roads that crisscross the Intermountain West. It has always just been there and I have had little reason to think that this might change. Not in a significant way anyhow. However, things are changing, especially as the population of some of the more remote places in the country, like Idaho, is growing. Change that sometimes creeps in so slowly that it is almost imperceptible unless you are really paying attention and other changes that explode in front of you.
BUILDINGBRIDGES
BY BRANDON GLANVILLE
BRIDGESBUILDING
Over the years, I have had many conversations and participated in efforts to keep trails and OHV areas open or to get trails built. I would occasionally join in on a “work day” in my local area cleaning up a slot canyon full of trash or throwing a pick and shovel on a reroute. Most of the time, these efforts were focused outside of my home state and my effort was anecdotal as an industry insider helping out where I could. But to be honest, I don’t know how meaningful those efforts really were. Two years ago, I had a tough conversation with Mark Kincart from KLIM USA and it became clear that I needed to get more involved. I got called out, and for good reason. Everything we take for granted can and will change. Access to public lands and the single track we enjoy now is in the cross-hairs of a number of well organized and well funded special interest groups on both sides of the aisle. I asked myself what can Upshift do to become a positive force in this conversation? Ultimately what we are talking about is taking a stance on an issue that is political in nature, and anything political is full of landmin es. No matter how good our intentions are, we run the risk of stepping on one of those land mines. Thankfully Mark kept calling and sending me information and ideas that got me to commit to joining in for a work event on the Bear Creek Trail Project in Southeast Idaho, a multi-use trail in the Palisades Ranger District of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
WWW.SEATCONCEPTS.COM
BRIDGESBUILDING
So last May I loaded up the van with a BETA 300RR that I borrowed from Rodney Smith, some camping gear and a cooler, and took off to meet Mark in Idaho Falls at the KLIM headquarters. We had a late lunch and headed out to the campground where we were going to stage for the weekend. At this point I really did not know much about the specific project. I was assuming we would ride down the trail a ways, start digging and moving some rock around, bottled water and orange wedges would be handed out, and we would take some pictures. That evening I was introduced to a number of folks around the campfire and exchanged pleasantries. This is when I met Brian DiLenge, East Region Trail Specialist for Idaho State Parks and Recreation and Mike Evans of (ISTA) the Idaho Single Track Alliance. These guys spend most of the summer riding singletrack on dirtbikes with a load of tools keeping the trails in the region tip top and building programs to keep users involved. They had a thing or two to say and I had questions, but it was time to get some sleep.
BRIDGESBUILDING
The next morning, I crawled out of the sleeping bag to find the number of people in camp had grown significantly as more had arrived in the middle of the night and in the wee hours of the morning. All told there were roughly 50 volunteers in addition to a dozen or so Forest Service and State staff on hand. Most impressive was that the group was a mix of motorized, mountain bike, and equestrian users, all getting along laughing and talking about the day ahead while consuming large quantities of Mark Kincart’s french toast and hilariously inappropriate jokes. With everyone there, we had a quick safety meeting with Colby Jacobson from the Forest Service and off we went. I rode in with Brian and his son. Brian made sure to stop at an impres sively stout bridge that they had built last year in the first phase of the Bear Creek Trail Project. This wasn’t a simple footbridge built with a couple of lodgepole pines from the forest. He explained to me that the bridge we were going to build this weekend would be like this one but twice as big. My first reaction was kept private but it went something along the lines of, “ha, sure we are buddy.” Another 3 or 4 miles down the trail and sure enough, there was a team of pack horses getting un loaded with tools, a generator, hundreds of pounds of nails and bolts and all those people I just had breakfast with, ready to go. This bridge was going to be 45 feet long. The beams were so big that a helicopter was needed to bring them in the previous fall. Fortunately, before the beams were flown in, the Forest Service and state crews were able to place the abutments and the helicopter was able to set them down across the river. This was a significant head start. The smaller bridge we had stopped at earlier required every timber to be pulled from the trail head by draft horses including all of the fill. This bridge was bigger, but there were a couple of advantages. The biggest advantage being that a number of the people working on this bridge had the experience from the smaller bridge and had a good primer for what was happening on this day.
BRIDGESBUILDING
With very little being said, everyone just got to work like it was their day job. A little guidance from the Forest, State and ISTA personnel and everyone figured out where they could be useful and got to it. In my experience, when you get that many people together in one place trying to accomplish a task, it can get a little tough to keep things moving forward and cer tainly safety can be a concern. There was a natural fluidity to this group that was really impressive. The plans were unrolled and the bridge was under way. The biggest chunk of labor was excavating and moving the backfill for both ends of the bridge by hand. We had that bridge built in one day. Yes, the beams being roughly in place and the abutments having been built last fall was great, but the efficiency and effort of the team was incredible. Several months later, it still makes me smile.
All these people come from different backgrounds and have different needs from public lands, but there seemed to be a collective reasoning that everyone there intui tively understood. If we don’t work together as trail users despite our differences and become a net positive for the trail systems at large, we are all going to start losing some of these opportunities. The reality of the situation is that the bud gets for building and maintaining trails are not growing, they are shrinking. As more people head out each year and use trails all over the western US, it is only getting harder to keep them maintained. In some cases, the only course of action for some agencies that oversee these trails is to close them, especially when users are damaging trails and the surround ing areas. It’s happening far too often and we all shoulder the responsibility AND the consequences.
BRIDGESBUILDING
So how did this project come to be? How did a bunch of motorized users, mountain bikers, equestrians, and local businesses join forces with the Forest Service, the State of Idaho and a number of grassroots organizations to improve many miles of trail and make it more sustainable for the long term enjoyment of everyone?
• Photos provided by Jared Fisher - Forest Service & Brandon Glanville • US Forest Service: Tracy Hollingshead, Ranger & Colby Jacobson - Recreation Mgr. • Idaho Department Parks and Recreation: Brian Dilenge • Idaho Single Track Alliance (ISTA): Mike Evans • Snake River Mountain Bike Club: Craig Stoddard • Eagle Rock Back Country Horsemen: Aline Brickman • Anheuser-Busch Foundation • Wackerli Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Subaru Dealerships • Action Motorsports • Lithia Ford • Idaho Falls Trail Machine Association (IFTMA) - Ben Hawker • Advocates for Multiple Use on Public Lands (AMPL) - Will Mook
The Snake River Trail Alliance is an organization that Brian DiLenge helped to form with the goal of pulling all of the user groups together to give them a collective voice. They went to the Forest Service and asked them how can we help and offered some ideas that could become solutions. Those ideas led to plans and pulling together resources from the private sector. Resources like a $30,000 grant from the Anheuser-Busch Foundation had been put forward for clean water projects in addition to funds from Wackerli Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Subaru Dealerships, Action Motorsports, Lithia Ford and of course Klim USA. As I drove back to Boise, I realized that I need to pay more attention; pay attention to this incredible opportunity that I take for granted because it can go away. It won’t go away all at once. It will happen slowly, in some cases almost unnoticeably until all of a sudden a larger than realized portion of our trails and OHV areas will no longer be available to us. It has already happened in a significant way in Southern California and that is not a pattern we can allow to continue. I ask that everyone reading this think about getting more involved. Volunteer a day or two a year to work on trails. Buy your OHV stickers, as those dollars build and maintain trails and give us a lot of power to keep those trails OHV accessible into the future. Be courteous to your neighbors on the trail. Building a bridge within your community with other user groups is a powerful force for all. Thank you to the following people and organizations for their help on this project. And thank you to all the people working tirelessly to keep trails open everywhere. It can be a thankless job and we do appreciate it.
BRIDGESBUILDING
@_drew_martin_ Tired of gettting baked during the day? Get comfortable riding at night with a set of RUBY lights.
THE RIGHT TOOLS Easily Service Your Motorcycle or ATV’s Clutch Find your local dealer at MOTIONPRO.COM @motionpro84@motionprofans@motionpro I nnovat I ve t ools and P roducts t hat h el P Y ou M a I nta I n and r e P a I r M otorc Y cles , atv s and utv s Part No. 08-0743 Reversible blades work on conventional square spline and on round spline style (KTM/Husqvarna) clutch hubs Heavy-Duty ClutCH HolDing tool NEW Securely holds clutch hubs on most motorcycles and ATVs Precision machined stainless steel blades Extended knurled handle Billet aluminum body
Having the right tool for the job can make all the difference when it comes to working on motorcycles. With the right tools on hand, there’s no need to jerry rig a solution to get the job done. There’s also no need to worry about accidentally damaging other tools or the parts you’re working on should your improvised solution fail. Best of all, having the right tools helps you finish the project in the most efficient way possible, resulting in less time spent working on your bike, and more time riding. Motion Pro has been making some of the best and most innovative motorcycle tools on the market for more than 30 years. Yet the company does so much more than just make a bunch of awesome tools. They make a complete line of cables and controls for all sorts of bikes, and they’re incredibly supportive of the sport, from sponsoring racers at every level, to supporting events like the Nevada 200 and advocacy organizations like the Trails Preservation Alliance. Motion Pro, in the words of an industry legend “is the gold standard of a motorcycle industry company.” Motion Pro was founded by Chris Carter, who has been playing with motorcycles since he was 14. In 1968, Chris got into trials, and in 1970 he started racing the national MX circuit. His efforts caught the attention of Yamaha, and in 1974 he started working with the Japanese manufacture on the development of the Yamaha IT. While Chris was with Yamaha, he started developing his own tools to work on the new bike. 1975 was the year that Chris made the switch to off road racing by competing in hare scrambles and enduros, and he also qualified for the International Six Days Team (ISDT). He would also qualify for the ISDT in 1976 and 1977, bringing home the gold medal from Austria in 1976. In 1984, Chris started a company that sold aftermarket and OEM cables for Japanese bikes. By 1991, Motion Pro had acquired a local tool maker, and was officially in the motorcycle tools business. Today, Motion Pro‘s tool line is extensive, covering everything from dirt bikes and ATVs to American V-Twins. Whether you’re just doing a quick bolt check, or splitting cases, Motion Pro makes a host of tools that can really help out on any service project. In addition, Motion Pro is directly involved in helping to ensure the future of our sport. Show up to an event that supports trail riding advocacy like the Nevada 200 or the Trails Awareness Symposium (Colorado 600) and you’ll see Motion Pro listed as a supporter. The company recognizes that riders, companies, and honestly everyone who par ticipates in this industry needs to be involved in ensuring that this sport has a future. As Chris puts it “if we don’t have places to ride motorcycles, no one is going to wear them out, and we will be out of a job.” As someone with an extensive racing background, Chris and Motion Pro have also been sponsoring riders at every level of the sport since the company was founded. Know that any time you purchase a Motion Pro tool, you’re supporting a company that gives back and pays it forward to the sport of motorcycling. Now that we’ve established the fact that Motion Pro is a moto-industry company that does it right, let’s check out some of their awesome tools.
MOTION PRO TOOLS BY CHAD DE ALVA
TESTED RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB
SPINNER T-HANDLE
This little guy makes short work of pressing the side plate back on your master link. The tool is small enough that you can carry it with you on the trail, and likewise this tool makes installing a chain in the shop a breeze. Given the price point, there’s no reason not to have one. If you want to take things a step further, pick up the CHAIN MASTER LINK PRESS TOOL, which is a shop tool, but it has the additional functionality of being able to press a master link out of a chain in seconds.
FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER
MINI CHAIN PRESS TOOL
TESTED: MOTION PRo TOOLS
Modern Fuel Injected bikes are more complicated than their carbureted cousins. The trade off for a bike that runs perfectly at every elevation is a system that is more susceptible to being impacted by fuel system contamination. Teeny tiny particles that can pass right through the orifices in a carburetor can clog or otherwise impact the function of your bike’s fuel injector, and Motion Pro has a really slick solution for cleaning your bike’s injector(s).
The Motion Pro Fuel Injector cleaner is a system that allows the user to back flush and flush the fuel injector(s) from all sorts of bikes. The system is straight forward to use and is a great tool for diagnosing the proper function and flow of a Fuel Injector.
The Motion Pro Spinner T-Handles are used almost every time I work on a bike, because they’re so darn useful for installing and removing fasteners. A spinner handle on the shaft of the tool enables you to steer the tool and simultaneously spin it, giving you the best of both worlds: you can aim the tool to quickly align those shroud screws and you can add a little pressure to the tool to help get your seat screws to engage. Seriously – these tools need to be in every rider’s toolbox. The Spinner T-Handle is available in 3/8” drive, ¼” drive, and a bit driver, which is great when paired with a set of Torx Bits.
SLACK SETTER PRO KTM riders know the old saying of “three fingers, right behind the chain slider” for proper chain slack on their bikes. Well it turns out, human fingers come in all shapes and sizes, meaning that measurement is about as effective as using your… never mind. A much better solution that actually ensures that your chain is in spec is to use the Slack Setter Pro. This slick tool lets you measure chain slack in millimeters, so you can determine if you need to make an adjustment or not.
TESTED: MOTION PRo TOOLS BEADPRO TIRE BEAD BREAKER AND LEVER TOOL SET Motion Pro’s BeadPro Tire Bead Breaker and Lever Tool set is a great tool to have with you when you’re working on a trailside tire fix, or in the shop and swapping tires. These fancy looking tire irons can lever off of each other to break the bead of a tire, which is a HUGE help when you’re fixing a flat in the field. When the bead is broken free of the rim, the other end of each tool has a spooned end so you can work the tire on and off. This is a textbook example of a multi-function tool that’s worth its weight in gold, making the BeadPro an integral part of a great tire repair kit. The BeadPro comes in an aluminum version for trail use and steel version for shop use.
PRO FUNNEL The real name for the Pro Funnel is the super useful graduated container with a swivel funnel and a stopcock attached to the bottom. But I appreciate how much easier Pro Funnel is to say than the other name. This tool makes oil fills and other measured fluid fills as easy as possible. Simply pour in the required amount of fluid, put the end of the funnel in the fill port on your bike, and open the valve. Whether you’re filling the tranny on your trials bike or the oil on your 890 R, this tool makes getting the right amount of fluid into your bike and not all over it a breeze. This is also one tool that I’ve been using long enough to see Motion Pro revise, and the new Pro Funnel only improves on the function of the old version (which is still a super handy tool).
CHAIN ALIGNMENT TOOL This $15 tool needs to be in everyone’s tool box. The Motion Pro Chain Alignment Tool is a surefire way to ensure that your rear wheel is properly aligned on your bike. The machined marks on your swingarm will get you in the neighborhood, but the Chain Alignment Tool will make absolutely sure that your rear wheel is as straight as possible so that parts like your chain, sprockets, and wheel bearings can live a full life.
ADJUSTABLE TORQUE WRENCH ADAPTER
Proper torque on fasteners matters. It can be the difference between a perfectly snugged fastener or something that leaks, or worse, gets stripped out. Yet there isn’t always room to get the head of a torque wrench and a socket onto the fastener that you’re trying to torque, which is where the Adjustable Torque Wrench Adapter comes into play. This handy device lets you clamp a combination wrench onto your torque wrench so you can properly torque any fastener you need to. If you run the combination wrench at 90 degrees to the torque wrench, you don’t even have to do any math. This tool is key for torquing those hard to reach fasteners like KTM valve covers or coolant bleed ports on the head of a two stroke.
TITANIUM WRENCHES
TESTED: MOTION PRo TOOLS
I’m pretty sure Motion Pro made tools for NASA at some point, because their Titanium wrenches are so impressively light, they seem like they could have come right out of a Space Shuttle’s toolbox. A complete set of 8, 10, 12, 13, and 14mm wrenches with the bag weighs a scant 156 grams. In comparison, the same wrenches made out of regular tool steel weigh 389 grams; more than twice as much. These wrenches aren’t cheap, but if their weight savings means that you’ll actually have tools with you when you need them, then they’re worth every penny. They also happen to be undeniably cool, so if you let your riding buddies use them – watch them like a hawk.
TESTED: MOTION PRo TOOLS AIR GAUGES
There are tons of options out there for air pressure gauges, but when you want to have the absolute most impressive air pressure gauge made, you need one of the Motion Pro Air Pressure Gauges. Available in digital, or analog in 0-30 and 0-60 versions, these air pressure gauges are the Rolex of the air pressure gauge world. Their build quality is second to none, and every little detail has been considered to make using them as enjoyable as possible. After you’ve spent time with the Motion Pro gauges, using anything else just feels like a crude tool. There’s just something about using quality tools that makes even the crappiest, most Murphy-messed-up fuster-cluck of a project still fun in the end. Good tools are like good friends, and when you’re working together it’s always a good time no matter how many snags you run into. Motion Pro has built a reputation for making quality tools that make working on motorcycles easier and more efficient. Know that anytime you purchase a Motion Pro tool, you’re buying something that’s going to help you get the job done, and that your purchase is helping to support racers, organizations, and events that are dedicated to ensuring the future of our sport. For more infor mation on any of the tools covered here, or to check out Motion Pro’s extensive catalogue, visit www.motionpro.com
Figuring out where to ride can be a challenging process. Public land managers each have their own uniquely inefficient websites to use, and their maps vary in quality. Searching on the internet can lead to good results, but often you’ll find incomplete or old information that may not reflect current travel management. onX Offroad is a mapping and navigation app for iOS and Android devices that aggregates information from land managers, trail users, fire information resources, and additional sources to create a one stop resource to help you plan and execute all sorts of riding adventures.
ON X OFFROAD GPS APP TESTED
The first time you open onX Offroad, you’ll find that the amount of information displayed is impressive. You’ll see land ownership, roads and trails sourced from databases like the Forest Service’s Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), fire information, and all kinds of trails highlighted in different colors. As motorcycle riders, we can ride on every other motorized user groups’ trails, so depending on where you’re looking at riding, the options can seem like a jumbled mess. Thankfully, filtering results to the type of trail you’re looking for is quite easy. With just a few taps, you can filter the results so that only “Dirt Bike” results are shown. This is how you find legal, official single track to ride. If the trail is highlighted in green, it’s an open trail. Tapping on the trail will bring up a bunch of additional information on that trail. Information on a given trail is presented on what is known as a card, and depending on the trail, information here can be just the basics or quite extensive. Tabs at the top of the card will give you an overview, show you nearby trails, and provide weather information. In the overview tab, you should at a minimum see the trail’s name, distance, allowed activities and open dates. Yet, when you tap on a featured trail (blue and green outline) the information presented gets much more extensive.
Take for instance, Broken Arrow, a popular 4x4 trail in Sedona, Arizona, that we featured in Upshift 70. The card for Broken Arrow will give you a full elevation profile, photos, an overview description, and an explanation on the trail’s difficulty, technical rating, and directions on how to get there in addition to all of the basic info. Featured trails are where onX Offroad shines, as this amount of information makes the app a one stop shop for all of the information you need to go have a great time on a given trail. Yet onX Offroad is more than just a tool for figuring out where to ride.
TESTED: ON X OFFROAD GPS APP Users can download offline maps, store waypoints, record tracks, measure areas and distances, mark locations with photos, and use a number of other tools that make onX Offroad a robust mapping system. onX Offroad also has a browser-based interface where you can view all of your content (tracks, routes, waypoints, etc.) and where you can import GPX tracks from other sources. One thing onX Offroad can’t do is import GPX files directly from your device – but we’re told OnX is working on making that a thing. Speaking of new things, there are some exciting features coming to the onX Offroad browser interface – but we can’t share more than that at this time. Just know that onX Offroad is constantly being developed, and there are some awesome things in the works. onX Offroad is available in three feature tiers: Free, Premium which costs $29.99/year, and Elite at $99.99/year. Even at the Free tier, onX provides some great features (tracking, waypoints, and weather) at no cost to the user, so there is absolutely no reason not to have it on your phone. Yet the app really shines when you start to pay for it. Premium adds a serious serving of information and allows you to save an unlimited number of offline maps. For users that want to see a truly impressive level of information on their maps, Elite adds things like property boundaries and landowner names. It’s quite impressive to cruise through a town in a 3D map, with parcel names populating in real time. Each version also includes access to the browser-based interface. A chart of features available with each tier is available on the onX Offroad Website.
TESTED: ON X OFFROAD GPS APP onX Offroad is a great tool for off-road motorcycle riders. It’s developed by off-road users, and that means it’s a purpose built solution instead of a something for everyone navigation app. onX Offroad provides an exhaustive amount of information all in one place, making it a one stop shop for finding, learning about, and recording rides ranging from single track rips to BDR adventures. With onX, there is no need to consult multiple sources to find out information on a given riding area. When you actually get to that riding area, onX can handle track recording and waypoint creation with all of the expected metrics. The browser-based interface is great for managing content and creating offline maps. Like any other mapping / navigating system, there is definitely a learning curve and a number of features that are still works in progress or in need of refinement. Yet onX is constantly working to improve their app and add new features making it something you can feel good about spending your money on right now. For more information check out www.onxoffroad.com
BORN FROM RACING REFINED FOR ADVENTURE 20THANNIVERSARY 2002 - 2022 20 years of helping riders stay safe and get more enjoyment out of riding. Plug and play Auxiliary light kits, Performance LED headlight bulbs, Rally towers and accessories. cyclopsadventuresports.com / 800 624 0278 Main image by Upshift Online
Marisa and I had heard how amazing the BDRs (Backcountry Discovery Routes) were, but I was hesitant to launch ourselves into what I thought could potentially be hazardous roads full of ruts and fallen trees that lay across loose gravel and muddy tracks. But we took the plunge after speaking in depth with some of the original route creators who were confident that we could handle what lay ahead.
Beautiful Damn Rides
A wild trip through the BDR’s
BY TIM NOTIER www.notiersfrontiers.com
We were two up on a KTM 1190 Adventure, something that could be viewed as an oddity while attempting some of the tougher sections of the Colorado BDR. But with the assurance of the designers themselves, I downloaded the GPS files and pointed the front tire towards Cinnamon Pass as we headed west out of Denver. What Marisa and I came across that day eliminated any doubts that we had regarding our choice to take our overloaded KTM through the mountain passes of southern Colorado. It was everything that we could have dreamed of on the North American continent. While traveling through Peru, we had crossed the Andean mountains five times, each trajectory provided us with a unique and amazing perspective of our surroundings. I felt that same surge of excitement as we entered the first switchback of our newest mountain pass. The road crawled its way up in wide sweeping bends as we circled our way to the top, as if ascending a large Cinnabon with patches of snow as the frosting. The surrounding foothills looked to have been sprinkled with pow dered cinnamon, suitably giving the pass its name. After reaching the top, we took a small break at the apex of our first achievement, with a natural high of excitement at 12,640 feet.
The two of us couldn’t have been more enthusiastic for what was still to come, and with the tread of the tires firmly biting into the gravel, we headed further down the road towards the next marker on the map.
Marisa and I like to ride to destinations without knowing too much about what lay in between so that we can be sincerely surprised when stumbling across gems along the way. It gives us an honest and true first impression that isn’t tainted by spoilers of what is to come.
Colorado BDR - Section 2
So as the bike rolled down a rutted descent, and the old ghost town of Animas Forks came into view, we were happily surprised. It looked to be out of an old western movie set, complete with a decaying mineshaft and small rickety buildings that had half fallen in on themselves. We took the opportunity to dismount the motorcycle and explore the tattered wooden cabins and we imagined how hard life must have been for the first settlers back in the 1870s. Being a self-sufficient homesteader on ‘the range’ had a rustic charm to it, but one that would soon dissipate if it was me who was trying to scratch out a living in such an isolated area.
After walking around the ghost town in the wild wild west, we contin ued down this fascinating portion of the BDR towards our next obsta cle that was California Pass. This section seemed to be a little steeper than the last, but I wrestled the bike up the newest set of switchbacks that led to a vista which surpassed the views from the previous pass. A small lake had settled in a pocket between the now copper-colored mountains. In the distance, tall evergreens shot into the air like spears of asparagus while white cotton ball clouds drifted aimlessly across the sky. The weather was perfect, the ride was unmatched by any other we have had in the States, and I was feeling euphoric about having made the decision to take this remarkable route through the heart of the San Juan Mountains.
The grand finale of the day’s journey would be Corkscrew Pass, and when it came into view, I had to double check my GPS to be sure that the intended route was the same coiled road that twisted up and around a sharp curve ahead of us. It was clear that this would be the most difficult of the three passes as the trail became covered in larger rocks and loose gravel. But we triumphantly made our way to the top before looking down in dismay at the steep descent that was our exit.
On our way down, the bike’s rear tire began to slide when I hit the brake, and on one of the corners, the front wheel hit a large rock, knocking the bike off balance and tipping us over onto the embankment. As I not-so-gracefully dismounted the motorcycle, I turned around to find Marisa’s foot trapped under the bike. But thanks to her new boots, her ankle was well protected. I lifted the motorcycle off of her foot, and we shook out some nerves. Below us, I could see that the hairpin turns leveled off and contin ued out of sight after just a few more switchbacks. Marisa faithfully remounted our KTM and we continued down the road as we bounced over more large rocks while trying not to lock up the rear tire in the loose gravel. Even with the fall, there was nothing that could have spoiled our day and once we made it to Ouray, we celebrated with a cheeseburger and fries. It was just a small taste of these wonderful routes, but I knew that we would now aim to travel down as many of the BDRs as possible.
Our next bout with the Backcountry Discovery Route was the NEBDR as we rode through rural New York state. The weather was turning, but I wanted to ride as far as we could before it became too cold to continue. It was mid-October, and the leaves were just beginning to turn different colors before falling gracefully to the ground. Our en trance into this fairytale land was a forest road that lazily twisted along the Delaware river. But the same beautiful carpet of leaves that created our red and yellow-brick-road over the compact gravel hid some of the ruts and potholes that lay just underneath. The recent rains had slickened the fallen leaves, but also gave new life to some of the smaller waterfalls, river crossings, and created a plethora of large puddles that I cheerfully splashed my way through.
North East BDR - Sections 1 & 2
Just like our first section of the Colorado BDR, our day was starting off to be beautiful beyond belief, but I was aware that it had the potential to get progressively harder as we continued deeper into the forest. The route passed old decaying barns nestled in wide open fields of tall flowing grasses. Colorful rolling hills swept across the landscape behind them, creating a fitting panorama for a Bob Ross painting with crooked little trees that seemed to grow directly out of the frame. Near the end of our first day’s ride, we rounded a corner to find a placid lake surrounded by vibrantly colored trees that reflected back in a mirror image on the water’s surface. It was a fitting end to a brilliantly sunny day, and we felt fully satisfied as we pulled into a small campground that held no other occupants. It had been seven hours of twisting through the backroads, snapping pictures, and absorbing the scenery. But when I looked at my Google maps, we were a mere half hour from where we started back in Hancock, if we had taken the highway. The next segment on the BDR map had something labeled as: Rocky Challenge #1. I was up for a challenge, but Marisa and I agreed that if it became too intense, we would revert to taking the alternative route that bypassed this short section.
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With positive spirits, we headed down the road to see what wonders the new day would bring. This was the first opportunity that I ever had to ride into the backcountry of the Northeast, and it was living up to everything I could have hoped. Our newest path followed miles of dry-stone walls which looked as if they could have been around for centuries. The KTM was humming as it navigated down the trail with the rear tire shooting out a rainbow of colorful leaves behind us. A river gracefully cascaded down in small waterfalls alongside us, and we breathed in the fresh air while listening to the relaxing sounds of the babbling brook. Traveling through the region of the first European settlers in the States held some of the oldest recorded history nationwide. We passed graveyards with tombstones that predated my family’s arrival to the US, and old covered bridges built over a hundred years ago. Marisa and I kept smiling from ear to ear at every little wonder that we came across. And then our smiles faded when we hit Rocky Challenge #1. At first, I didn’t even realize that we had bypassed the go-around. But I quickly determined we had entered the ‘advanced’ section once the road tilted up forty degrees and was filled with a sea of leaves that half-covered large baby-head rocks. Only the tips of the stones could be seen, like a minefield of icebergs trying to sink the Titanic, but in this case, the large vessel that was at risk of capsizing was our overloaded KTM. After a couple failed attempts, along with a few bike drops, I realized the most intelligent thing to do was to turn the beast around and coast back down to calmer waters and out of the rough seas that was the base of Vly Mountain. As soon as I turned around, it began to rain down buckets, causing me to instantaneously be soaked to the bone. There wasn’t enough time to throw on my proper rain gear before every part of me was sopping wet. A frigid wind blew against us once we hit the open road, and the rain became heavier with ever mile we traveled. The forecast looked to be just as unpleasant for the next week, so we decided to end our Northeast progression on a high note. But one day, we will be back to conquer the mountain and continue to surge further into the NEBDR.
The apex of our short stint on the AZBDR was Rim Road, where we looked out over the edge of a bluff to the sweeping hills below as the sun began to set. It reminded me of the Great Rift Valley back in Africa. And even though there were no lion cubs to raise proudly into the air, Marisa’s and my spirits were elevated knowing that we had accomplished some pretty amazing feats during the last five years of traveling around the world. We were ecstatic to have been able to find such exotic places here in our own country, and that a team of people had connected some of the most beautiful riding through the backcountry of the States while making the routes available for everyone to enjoy. The variety pack of BDRs have more flavors than Baskin-Robbins, and we were thankful to sample even just a few of them.
AZBDR - Sections 2 & 3
Our third and final round, to date, with the Backcountry Discovery Routes was riding the AZBDR from Flagstaff to Phoenix. Whereas the first two BDRs started off tame and progressively became more difficult, we turned off of the main highway and bumped down a comparatively difficult road. But after just a few short miles of difficult terrain, the path leveled out, and I was able to soak in our surroundings instead of solely focusing on the track ahead. A rocky road cut through a desert landscape much different from the mountains of Colorado and forested foothills of New York. But unlike the cool breezes that swept across the bike’s air intakes and through our helmets, the dry Arizona heat hit us like a hair dryer.
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If you asked Bill Whitacre the right questions about Backcountry Discovery Routes you would find that he is passionate about the work that BDR does for the ADV riding community. He is a director for BDR and believes that BDR plays a huge role in the opportunity for all of us to enjoy riding in the backcountry. No doubt, he feels that Idaho is his very favorite, but he has ridden 8 of the 11 routes and he says that it is really hard to choose one over the other. His passion for ADV motorcycling began after decades of riding dirt bikes and cruisers. The Long Way Round film inspired him to buy his first ADV bike in 2004. Bill has ridden on five continents and over 30 countries. Traveling in unique and remote foreign areas of the world provides him with perspective beyond just riding a motorcycle.
Bill describes being retired as “chronically unemployed” and is active with BDR and an advocate for the ADV community. Bill and his wife Joan live in McCall, Idaho where they and their border collies enjoy the many backcountry sports that Idaho has to offer.
Bill took notice of the 2021 Husqvarna FE501 ADV-lite bike build project featured in Upshift Issue 60 and asked the guys at Upshift to build a dual-sport for riding BDR and BDR-type tracks. He loves being on the bigger bikes but this one is purpose built for shorter dual-sport riding.
Starting with a 2021 FE 501, our first move was to set the bike up for Bill who stands over six feet tall. We sent the suspension off to Carl’s Cycle Sales in Boise, ID where their WP certified suspension techs re-valved the suspension for Bill’s weight and the bike’s intended use as an ADV bike. To help make the bike fit Bill better, we added Fasst Company anti-vibration foot pegs and a set of their Flexx handlebars. Pro Grip Foam Rally Grips round out the vibration management for the big thumper and also happen to be outstanding grips. The biggest change on the 501 is the MotoMinded Rally Moto Kit V3, which offers several key benefits for this build. The windscreen and air dam provide a real serving of wind and weather protection, and the two Ruby Moto R4 lights provide plenty of light for riding at pace at night. The tower is designed to host a full Roadbook setup, but it also provides a great spot to put a Trail Tech Voyager Pro GPS unit and the stock computer where they’re easily viewed from both the seated and standing positions.
The modern 500cc dirt bike is an incredibly versatile platform. Thanks to an extensive aftermarket, a 500 can be built to work well for so many different types of riding. With some armor and lower gearing, a 500 can be built into a torque monster of a single track machine that can climb mountains with the best of them. With a different setup, a 500 can be turned into a lightweight adventure bike that is perfect for tackling everything from long dual sport rides to BDRs and the new BDR-X routes. Upshift recently had the opportunity to work with Bill Whitacre to create a 500 for ADV use.
To add range to the 501, we fit a 3.9 gallon Acerbis tank, adding 1.6 gallons of fuel over stock while still using the bike’s OEM shrouds. A Seat Concepts Comfort Seat was a no-brainer add on to round out rider comfort on the build. The bike received a set of nardo gray plastics and custom Upshift-created graphics to give the bike a unique look. To make the 501 sound as good as it looks, we fit a Yosh RS12 full exhaust system. The stock Husqvarna wheels are wrapped in Dunlop 606 Rubber, and a 45T DDC Rear Sprocket will ensure hundreds of hours of trouble-free performance. An Acerbis chain guide and skid plate provide protection to the bottom of the bike. Cycra Pro Bend handguards pro tect the levers and the rider’s hands. A MSC Moto Vector MX Steering Damper with MSC’s awesome active return to center damping system provides protection from hidden trail obstacles.
We’re rolling out another 500+ miles of gorgeous ADV track in Pennsylvania with the launch of the PA WILDS BDR-X. Ride it in combination with the MABDR or just ride the “X” and get your BDR fix over a long weekend. If you haven’t heard about the BDR-X concept yet, these new routes will be 300-600 miles in length, take only a few days to complete, and conveniently loop back to wherever you started. The PA Wilds BDR-X is the second in this new series and there’s plenty more on deck in the coming years. Of course, free trip-planning resources are available on the website just like with our traditional BDR routes. Check out the: • Interactive map • GPS tracks download • Documentary film • Downloadable map • Travel resources • CatchFAQs the film premiere and download the tracks on August 31st: RideBDR.com/PAwilds © 2022 Backcountry Discovery Routes. All rights reserved. Backcountry Discovery Routes and BDR are registered trademarks. Backcountry Discovery Routes is a 501c(3) non-profit organization. RideBDR.com PRESENTED BY WITH THE SUPPORT OF CROSS COUNTRY CYCLE | KISSEL MOTORSPORTS | ADVMOTO MAGAZINE Download Free Map LOOKING FOR A WEEKEND ADVENTURE IN PA? “X” MARKS THE SPOT
About the same time, there was a docu-series with Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor called Long Way Round that fueled my excitement for traveling first in Idaho, then the western United States, and ultimately the world. To this day, I still run the film on a monitor in my motorcycle workshop. After riding much of Idaho and Oregon solo and then with new adventure-minded friends, I saw a film called Washington Backcountry Discovery Route that took me a step deeper. I became hooked on experiencing motorcycle adventure travel in the backcountry. Backcountry Discovery Routes became my bedrock for learning, experiencing, and connecting to this growing passion.
By Bill Whitacre
This summer, BDR will have twelve routes in the US. Thousands of individuals are riding these tracks, experiencing spectac ular scenery, and meeting new people along the way. It’s usually remote and offers challenges for all levels of riders. The mission of BDR is to develop and preserve adventure riding opportunities, motivate people to discover the backcountry by motorcycle, and be the voice for adventure motorcyclists. They also work to promote safety, share knowledge, inform the community, and make sustainable economic impact in rural areas. Each of these areas of focus are extremely important for the ADV riding community. Being a not-for-profit organization means adventure riders and fans support BDR financially. This past week, the BDR Annual Fundraiser Ride was in Helen, Georgia. I have attended most of these events over the years and this was truly one of the very best events they have ever put together. It made me realize how important BDR has been to me and to the entire culture of like-minded backcountry motorcycle adventurers. My appreciation runs deeply to all individuals and companies that support this organization. The really special thing about Backcountry Discovery Routes is that they provide the “how” for all adventure riders. Our personal challenge is then to ask ourselves “why”? For me, it is because I am curious. At one point or another, we have all felt humbled on a BDR route, but this is also exhilarating for me. This type of travel gives me perspective about the uniqueness of people, the geography of our world and the beauty of a sunrise with the only sound being a flowing river. alongtheway.site
Along the Way
I have places to go and people to meet. This is a major statement about my life. I have spent a lifetime filling in blank spaces on maps. This urge for traveling globally has provided me happiness, experiences, excitement, perspectives, challenges, friends, and memories. It has come in many different forms, but nothing is as personally revealing as traveling by adventure motorcycle in unique and remote places. These adventures began a half century ago with a strong desire to satisfy my curiosity about most everything and anything. Backcountry exploring evolved for me about twenty years ago by experiencing the thrill and challenge of adventure motorcycle travel. This type of travel brings me closer to people, their culture, and the land. It also allows me to experience a completely different world than one seen by paved roads alone. With the merge of serendipity and destiny, I was visiting Big Twin BMW in Boise, Idaho, curious about buying a motor cycle. Without any knowledge or prior experience of the ADV world and tired of riding Harleys, I met two Canadians circumnavigating North America with nothing but BMW GSA 1150’s, tents, and sleeping bags. They were getting oil changes, check-ups, and tires while I was getting information, perspective, and inspiration.
A 500 setup like Bill’s FE 501 is a wonderful bike to ride. It’s able to cruise at speed for hours on end, so whether you’re making a big push on a BDR, or having to contend with a few dozen miles of slab to get to more dirt – this bike does great. Thanks to the fact that it’s still a full on dirt bike, no matter how gnarly the trail gets, you can still charge through all of the rough stuff thanks to the proper suspension and real off-road tires. All this bike needs to tackle a BDR or a couple of nights of fast and light camping is some luggage like a Mosko Moto R40, and a rider.
PROJECT PARTS LIST Motorcycle: 2021 Husqvarna FE501S www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com Plastic: Acerbis 3.9 Gallon Fuel Tank, Skidplate and Frame Guards www.acerbis.com Rally Tower: MotoMinded www.motominded.com Headlights: Ruby Moto www.rubymoto.com Hand Guards: Cycra CRM Ultra www.cycra.com Handlebars: Faast Flexx www.fasstco.com Steering Stabilizer: MSC Moto www.mscmoto.com Footpegs: Faast Impact Moto Peg www.fasstco.com Custom Graphics: Upshift www.upshiftonline.com Seat: Seat Concepts Comfort www.seatconcepts.com Tires: Dunlop 606 Front and Rear www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com Clutch: Rekluse Radius CX Auto Clutch www.rekluse.com GPS: Trail Tech Voyager Pro with Buddy Tracking www.trailtech.net Suspension: Carl’ s Cycle WP XPLOR 48 Forks with WP XACT Rear Shock www.carlscycle.com Exhaust: Yoshimura RS-12 Stainless Full Exhaust with Aluminum Muffler www.yoshimura-rd.com Front Turn Signals: Yoshimura LED www.yoshimura-rd.com Sprockets: DDC Delaney Drive Components (Gearing 15-45) www.ddcracing.net
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