Don't know how many of the city folks are keeping up with the Oklahoma Adventure Trail thread, but Kiltedcrawford just posted a report on the south/west section that is very interesting... LINK CLICK HERE
Anyone heard from Shov3BR? His spot hasn't been updated since the 16th. Wonder were the guy is now? hope all is well...
Just a reminder about three big factors in motorcycle disasters; fatigue, heat and dehydration. The motorcycle community lost another legend and her funeral is today. She lost her life on another long trip near the Barbor Motorsports Complex in Alabama. She is legend in the Iron Butt community, you can read some about her here http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=898572 I have made several long distance trips with her over the years when she was in her 70's. She looked pretty rough in the mornings, when we got on our bikes but as the day progressed she would sit up straighter and look more refreshed, I was just the reverse. Her loss a few weeks ago really reminded me of how we push ourselves too far too often. That is why I am very observant about my reaction time and mental state as these big three wear on thru the day. I also spent a few months researching these same types of issues when I worked for the Air Force and these issues tend to raise their ugly head in an insidious way affecting reaction time and judgement. Ardys Kellerman was part of our extended family when we lived in Austin Texas and a frequent visitor to our home in Idaho. We already miss her.
Got back to the States yesterday and your voicemail was waiting for me. Thanks for checking! The Dempster took it's toll last Wednesday (or was it Tuesday) with 5 riders down including me and only two getting back to Dawson City unscathed. All riders are OK including one who hit a car head on. Lots of scrapes, cuts and world class bruised but otherwise OK. The big issue was getting broken bikes back to civilization. I augered in just south of Fort McPherson and getting back was an adventure that rivals any I've had in my lifetime. I'll try to relate it in some detail when I get home later this week. Thanks again for checking on my whereabouts. Cheers, Shov
I managed to land on the same side so the right wing is still good. Added some elbow damage but nothing that won't heal in a week or two. One world class bruise from mid forearm to shoulder. Decorative to say the least. BTW - got home today so all is good. Now to get parts ordered for the Purple Goose so it is ready to take to the KTM Rally in September. Cheers, Shov
Well, i'm glad you're alright then! I'm riding right by that KTM rally this September, one of the crew i'm riding with is going to the rally, he plans to peel off of the COBDR to attend. We should get the metro folks together again next week sometime, somewhere...
You are starting to make me question my decision to ride with you guys? I hope you are OK. Something happens on every one of these outings. I guess it is no secret that it says on my resume that, I do not ride well with others? I have made my first step into the OKC area. I am working out of a non descriptive location in Nichols Hills Plaza on a TV pilot. With the appropriate two black Lexus in front every day. We are right next to Coolgreens. Any of you are welcome to drop by as I will be looking for any reason possible to take a coffee break and will be here as little as possible. cheers. JM
No worries here. Today is my 72nd birthday and time to give up the dirt riding. I just don't have the reaction time to deal with stuff like the Dempster gravel traps and mud. I don't feel bad about augering in up there. Four other guys, all a lot younger than me splattered that day. There's still a lot of this continent to explore without getting gnarly. I'm glad I made it to the Arctic Circle and Inuvik, I would highly recommend the ride to anyone. -Shov
Great, lets take an enjoyable ride sometime where we don't have to eat dust, crash and suffer heat exhaustion.