Ride Around http://www.ridearound.net Adventures Guaranteed Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:00:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-03-07 http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-03-07 http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-03-07#comments Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:00:00 +0000 Tweeter http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-03-07
  • If I leave now can I get to the garage, fit new coil on R1200GS AND get to work on time? Hell yeah! ^AR #
  • Coil fitted, time for a test ride! #R1200GS ^AR #
  • Wow! I'd forgotten how much grunt the R1200GS has got :D ^AR #
  • The best thing about having a coffee at Checkers? Watching people admire your R1200GS! ^AR #
    • ]]>     http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-03-07/feed 0     Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-02-28 http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-02-28 http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-02-28#comments Sun, 28 Feb 2010 03:00:00 +0000 Tweeter http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-02-28
  • Bought myself a present today. ^AR http://twitpic.com/14r7m1 #
  • Got this from Park Lane Motorrad Showroom in London yesterday – pricing & options for 2010 R1200GS Adventure http://twitpic.com/14vgx6 #
  • "Bike" magazine currently has a sports touring special on sale. Well worth reading. Ridearound mate Simon Pavey is in there too! ^SM #
    • ]]>     http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-02-28/feed 0     Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-02-21 http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-02-21 http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-02-21#comments Sun, 21 Feb 2010 03:00:00 +0000 Tweeter http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-02-21
  • Issues with R1200GS hesitation when accelerating seems to point to spark plugs or ignition coils. I'll start with new spark plugs. ^AR #
  • BMW R1200GS: Gravity defying promo. BMW should use this! http://bit.ly/aXToDx ^SM #
  • Except you don't need a BMW R1200GS when you can have the most powerful enduro bike in the world! http://bit.ly/9uuK2O ^SM #
  • SCOTTEVEST/SeV® – Travel Clothing that may find its way into my luggage when heading off on the bikes! http://bit.ly/a8J81b ^SM #
  • R1200GS coil puller tool arrived. Initial checks show possible corrosion. More investigation required! ^AR http://twitpic.com/13ngoz #
  • BMW F800GS Review – Small Adventure – HD on Vimeo http://bit.ly/bMLVbl ^SM #
  • Just finished running over some PS skills, did something useful. Logo on site has been updated with a Mini Aidy on a Mini R1200 GS! ^SM #
  • Good for the bikes! Sony unveils world's slimmest rugged compact: Digital Photography Review http://bit.ly/8YvTk8 ^SM #
  • Just taken up about 3 meters of slack on the chain. New one and sprocket needed!! ^SM #
    • ]]>     http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-02-21/feed 0     Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-02-14 http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-02-14 http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-02-14#comments Sun, 14 Feb 2010 03:00:00 +0000 Tweeter http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-02-14
  • Sorting through pictures from this afternoons greenlaners training session. Only managed to take 475 pictures! #
  • I've kept 53 of the 475 pictures from yesterday. Will upload to Flickr shortly. ^AR #
  • @phrixus photos are being uploaded now. I'm hope my battery doesn't die before it completes. ^AR #
  • Pictures from the off-roading practice session have been uploaded to Flickr: http://bit.ly/bp6LRB ^AR #
  • R1200GS vs V-Strom video: this is what they're made for! http://bit.ly/cdze46 #
  • @phrixus only to tell her how awesome the ride is! ^AR in reply to phrixus #
  • I think these guys could do with a weekend at the BMW Offroad skills course: http://bit.ly/aHgFhj #
  • And I think I could do with a holiday in Uinta National Forest, Utah! ^AR #
  • The Half-Throttle.com moto trip, Utah to panama! All the vids here! http://bit.ly/aoEFmm ^SM #
  • Can you use tubes on an R1200GS? Yes you can! http://bit.ly/aexUT4 (with care) #
  • Got an R1200GS? Need extra tool storage space? Try a Tool-Tube from GT-Moto: http://bit.ly/ajq8Et #
  • @phrixus the only thing that could make it better is having a lock on it for valuables, documents, etc. ^AR in reply to phrixus #
  • I must remember to drop my TKC80s tyre pressure next time I'm offroad. 25psi front & rear: http://tynie.net/u32d/ #
  • Wow, first ride whilst snowing today! Not much fell, but it was cold enough! ^SM #
  • Been looking at Morocco in Google Earth. Erg Chebbi is big. I mean REALLY BIG. #Morocco2011 ^AR #
  • Nifty customisable tool-kit list for BMW R1200GS: http://bit.ly/9K3prg ^AR #
    • ]]>     http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-02-14/feed 0     Baglux Tank Cover on a R1200GS http://www.ridearound.net/content/featured/baglux-tank-cover-on-a-r1200gs http://www.ridearound.net/content/featured/baglux-tank-cover-on-a-r1200gs#comments Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:49:04 +0000 Adrian Ritchie http://www.ridearound.net/?p=82

    BMW R1200GS With Baglux TankbagR1200GS Baglux Install-4283R1200GS Baglux Install-4286R1200GS Baglux Install-4293R1200GS Baglux Install-4296R1200GS Baglux Install-4301

    Having given away my old luggage when I sold my Bandit 600 to Shane, I thought it was about time I got a new tank bag for my new BMW R1200GS. The first bag I got was a Cargo Endurance Tank Bag. Whilst it gets great review, what I didn’t realise was that my R1200GS has plastic and aluminium panels covering the tank and therefore the Cargo bag wouldn’t stick, it being magnetically mounted.

    Thankfully I was able to return the Cargo bag and get a credit note. After a bit of hunting around I turned up some info on Baglux tank covers and bags. Rather than being magnetic, the Baglux system has a cover for the tank which is permanently attached to the bike and the tank bag then clips into this cover. The tank covers are also colour matched to the bike so that, from a distance, it looks like there is nothing there.

    Fitting the cover to the bike is fairly easy but it does pay to prepare a little before hand. I found some instruction specific to the BWM R1200GS which I read first, although I thought they could be clarified a bit so here are my version of the instructions (with my own pictures):

    R1200GS Baglux Install-4283

    1. Wait for a warm sunny day. The tank cover is best attached when warm so either leave it in the sun for a while, or warm it next to a radiator… but don’t get it too hot.
    2. Remove forward side fairing panels. This is done by undoing the two D-Ring clips on the outside of the panels and a twist clip on the inside of the panels just inside the bottom front edge. The panel can then be gently pulled off.
    3. Remove the front seat.
    4. Remove the small black fairing panels just in-front of the seat. These can be just pulled off carefully.
    5. Clean, dry and polish the tank fairings, this is critical as any dirt under the tank cover will damage the paintwork.

    The Baglux cover can now be placed over the tank. The first step in the installation is to use the existing fairing bolt to attach the cover to the fairings. The bolt should not be tightened too much at this point as the cover will need to be able to move during installation.

    R1200GS Baglux Install-4286


    Next, the forward straps can be passed inside the fairings beside the front forks. The front straps pass around the frame and back up to be secured on the buckle. The back strap is passed under the steering yoke and back up on the other side to be fastened. Again these straps should not be fastened too tight at this point.

    R1200GS Baglux Install-4293


    Next, the rear straps on the cover can be attached. I did the back straps first. Passing them around the frame then back up to the clip. The strap was only just long enough to reach, so you my need to pull it quite tight.
    The forward straps where then fitted. I hooked it onto the aluminium tank cover which ends just under the bottom end of the Baglux cover. The strap is then adjusted for length.
    At this point the tank cover is quite stiff and wont appear to fit the tank terribly well. This will last for a couple of days as the material settles down to take the shape of the tank. For now the straps and fairing bolt can be tightened up as best as possible. This will need to be repeated in a couple of days once the cover is bedded in.

    R1200GS Baglux Install-4301


    Finally the side fairings, side cover and seat can be refitted and the bag attached to the tank cover. The only thing that remains is to stand back and admire your handy work and the tank cover and bag that you’ve just fitted… and take it for a quick spin :)

    BMW R1200GS With Baglux Tankbag


    But is it worth it? One of the benefits of the Baglux system is that it has a tank cover that is permanently attached to the bike. This means that the tank has always got protection, especially if you’re like me and like to go getting muddy off-road. Having a bag that attaches to the tank with four quick clips is also very handy instead of having to muck about with various straps. Filling the bike up with fuel is a breeze, I just unclip the bag at the front and it hinges back, leaving the filler cap easily accessible, other bags I’ve previously used have been I right pain when it comes to fuelling up.

    The one downside I’ve found with the Baglux is the bag itself but that is more my own fault with bag choice. I went for the small Minea bag. Off the bike the bag is really good as a small back pack – it comes with built in solder straps – but on the bike it’s small size doesn’t fit the shape of the tank terribly well, I suspect the newer Rider or Impact bags would be a better fit.

    Overall it is a quality piece of kit which has served me well for the two years that I’ve had it.

    ]]>     http://www.ridearound.net/content/featured/baglux-tank-cover-on-a-r1200gs/feed 0     Wales Alcohol http://www.ridearound.net/content/trips/bmwoffroad/wales-alcohol http://www.ridearound.net/content/trips/bmwoffroad/wales-alcohol#comments Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:00:27 +0000 Shane Marriott http://www.ridearound.net/?p=178 This is massively late, I had plans to write a great long post to go with it and I forgot. So let me get down to business and let you know what we managed to drink whilst we were staying at the Abercrave Inn in Wales… last year!

    We drank;

    • 3 pints of Directors
    • 6 pints of Rev James
    • 18 pints of Brains SA
    • 4 pints of Guinness
    • 8 pints of Pepsi
    • 2 pints of Magners

    Not bad for 3 days, 42 pints of juice!

    ]]>     http://www.ridearound.net/content/trips/bmwoffroad/wales-alcohol/feed 0     Dakar Practice http://www.ridearound.net/content/learning/dakar-practice http://www.ridearound.net/content/learning/dakar-practice#comments Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:41:11 +0000 Adrian Ritchie http://www.ridearound.net/?p=214

    Aidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The BeachAidy On The Beach

    It was less of a practice and more of a bit of fun on the beach. But what the hell, they both involve sand!

    It started off with a random suggestion by me one Sunday morning to Shane:

    Do you fancy heading down to the beach sometime and taking photos of me messing around on the GS?

    At the time I was expecting the “sometime” to be in a few weeks, if at all, but the response I got was “yeah, how about now?”. And so it started! Cameras were grabbed, Dave was called, off-roading gear was donned and we all headed down to Bordeaux Harbour.

    Aidy On The Beach


    This was the first time I’d ridden on sand, so I was a little apprehensive at first as I had no idea what to expect. Was it going to be really soft? Was it going to be slippery? Would my bike collapse in a pile of rust as soon as it goes near the salt water? It didn’t help that I had to ride the bike over slippery stones to get onto the sand. However, my fears soon subsided as I realise that the sand in Bordeaux Harbour is actually really compacted and it was no different really to riding on a normal track.

    Soon I was picking the speed up and pushing the bike over further whilst cornering. It felt like the bike was almost lying down on it’s side but looking back at the pictures I still had a fair way to go over. The tyres, TKC80’s, were also firmly gripping the sand. The back end felt a bit squirmy on a couple of occasions but I could have pushed a lot harder

    Aidy On The Beach


    You can only do so much riding around in circles before boredom starts to take hold. So our attention turn to other things we could try our hand at. You on a beach, what else is there appart from sand? Rocks! So that’s what I threw the bike at next.

    Aidy On The Beach


    It’s been a while since I tried doing any technical riding like that but the skills learnt in Wales at the BMW Offroad Skills course soon came back. Although I did have to keep putting my feet down, and at one point got the bike stuck on a rock under the sump guard so that Dave had to come rescue me!

    And so the fun came to an end. With nothing left but to ride back up the slipway off the beach. Although I was rather surprised to find a van full of Policemen (and women) waiting at the top. Were they waiting to arrest us for breaking some law we were unaware of? Thankfully not – but that didn’t stop a momentary adrenaline fuelled panic with visions of soap being dropped in the showers!

    ]]>     http://www.ridearound.net/content/learning/dakar-practice/feed 0     Day in the Dirt http://www.ridearound.net/content/featured/day-in-the-dirt http://www.ridearound.net/content/featured/day-in-the-dirt#comments Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:01:06 +0000 Adrian Ritchie http://www.ridearound.net/?p=229

    _MG_5550_MG_5561_MG_5568_MG_5579_MG_5588_MG_5625_MG_5638_MG_5678_MG_5685_MG_5689_MG_5695_MG_5714_MG_5721_MG_5726_MG_5756_MG_5763_MG_5772_MG_5773_MG_5782_MG_5785_MG_5786_MG_5795_MG_5797_MG_5803_MG_5811_MG_5820_MG_5826_MG_5830_MG_5843_MG_5850_MG_5852_MG_5870_MG_5876_MG_5881_MG_5889_MG_5896_MG_5901_MG_5906_MG_5912_MG_5913_MG_5916_MG_5923_MG_5927_MG_5939_MG_5943_MG_5968_MG_5976_MG_5977_MG_5981_MG_6002_MG_6013_MG_6018_MG_6020

    Sunday afternoon saw the usual suspect from the Guernsey green-laners meeting at a private off-road site behind the bowl. The site is private property and used to be used by the Guernsey Landrover club and is stuffed full of gnarly rutted tracks – perfect for an afternoon of mud and madness!

    _MG_5913


    I managed to stay mostly clean and dry, instead opting to take pictures. This was mainly due to my bike still not having my bike trousers or a sump guard – you’ll know why if you follow the RideAround.net Twitter feed! However, as the afternoon went on I wished I had taken my gear with me as the other guys were racing around the tracks.

    _MG_5881


    The afternoon started off with riders heading in all directions. It must have been the amount of mud that slowed people down enough to be able to avoid any collisions. As time progressed excitement was replaced with exhaustion, the pace slowed down, tea breaks became more frequent and a few riders started heading home.

    _MG_5976


    Those that remained came up with the good idea of follow-my-leader. Whilst this sounds like a good idea, and the procession only managed to stick together for one lap. After that it degenerated into riders heading in all directions until eventually everyone had headed back for another cup of tea.

    _MG_5830


    All in all, it was a fantastic afternoon and hopefully my bike will back together for the next day in the dirt. If you’re interested in join us for the next session follow the RideAround.net Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/ridearound.

    ]]>     http://www.ridearound.net/content/featured/day-in-the-dirt/feed 0     Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-02-07 http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-02-07 http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-02-07#comments Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:00:00 +0000 Tweeter http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-02-07
  • Had a look at the Moto Guzzi Stelvio. Interesting, but seems to lack the seriousness of the BMW GS bikes. Good off-road? Need to test! ^SM #
  • I completed the Virtual Dakar in 492nd place overall! Yay!! ^SM #
  • Green laners training session at The Bowl midday tomorrow. I'll be the taking pictures. ^AR #
    • ]]>     http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-02-07/feed 0     Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-01-31 http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-01-31 http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-01-31#comments Sun, 31 Jan 2010 03:00:00 +0000 Tweeter http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-01-31
  • Had a great ride today with the guys and girls. Only a few bumps and one piece fell off the bike! #
  • May need a new sump guard and possibly a new cylinder head. #R1200GS ^AR #
  • The data from Instamapper.com is looking really good. Hopefully a RideAround.net post coming soon. ^AR #
  • Battery back in "Blue1", chain lubed, cobwebs blown out of exhaust & fuel back in the carbs! Nearly time to get back on the road! ^SM #
  • w00t! Found the parts required for fixing sump guard… can Jacksons deliver by the weekend? #R1200GS ^AR #
  • The question now is, do I keep the original R1200GS sump guard or get a Touratech one? http://bit.ly/92cIOt ^AR #
  • Parts ordered for sump guard, they should be here Thursday, fitted Friday, ready to be trashed again on Saturday! #R1200GS ^AR #
  • Guernsey Moto-X track has an open day on Saturday. 9am for a 10am start. £25 registration. 10 minute slots. ^AR #
  • Hoping the weather forecast improves for Friday/Saturday. R1200GS on a muddy Moto-X track could result in more repairs. ^AR #
  • Looks like my prayer for a dry MX track went un-heeded. Tomorrow is going to be messy! #
  • Wahoooo, the parts for my sump guard have arrived, just in time for tomorrows day in the dirt! #R1200GS ^AR #
  • Pants! One of the mounts for the R1200GS sump guard has changed from needing a nut to needing a bolt…. I only have a nut! ^AR #
  • First go at Moto-X track, only dropped it twice. Was getting some good air! #R1200GS ^AR #
  • There's going to been an offroading session behind The Bowl next Sunday. Too technical for R1200GS. I'll be taking pics. ^AR #
    • ]]>     http://www.ridearound.net/content/twitter/twitter-weekly-updates-for-2010-01-31/feed 0