Alaska on a BMW K1600 GTL

[NakedBikeRyder]

Originally Posted by ClifNotes

The idle (I learned what that is from Cindy today) is set too low so the engine cuts a lot. At first, I had to roll to a stop holding the clutch, shift to Neutral, restart (and it wouldn't), pull out the choke more, restart, shift to 1st, then get going again.

My next stage was learning from Cindy to just pull on the throttle a bit when i restarted it - what a good lesson! That made restarting faster when the engine cut.

Then finally, I got to the point where I didn't even have to stop to restart! I'd be rolling, engine would cut, keep the clutch, I'd pull the throttle, restart, let out the clutch and keep going!

So... today I rode my first sports bike, Buell, AND HARLEY DAVIDSON!

* * *

Cindy said, "Thanks for helping me condition the engines."

"Thanks?" I was shaking my head. "You canNOT have anyone else condition or help fix your motorcycles!"

I finally found an internship I really enjoy!

Cindy here......

A quick comment to the Buells current "Idle" issues, both of these bikes have not been ridden any distance in over a year. In a past posting, Bill noted the fact that my husband died unexpectedly last October. With the help of BIll and Clif, allowing me to join them and get back on a bike and really ride, my head is back into this wonderful sport. The therapy it provides is like none other. The worst day on a motorcycle is still better than the best day in the office.
I can now, once again, enjoy working on the bikes, I replaced both batteries, and will now work on fuel treatment, Techron concentrate plus, and fix the Idle adjustment. With new fuel in tank we should be good to go. I found on the S1 a much smoother engine on our return this afternoon than when we departed this morning. We will take them out again in the morning. Right now we must go do what we Harley riders do best, socialize and party with neighbors and friends, after all it is Bass Lake, and we come here to have fun! So all of you get out there and RIDE TO EAT, EAT TO RIDE....Harley Mom

[ClifNotes]

Originally Posted by judgebill

Now that life has been defined by my riding partners and H1550 I'm re-adjusted and more composed. Thanks for the wake-up call.
Teaching is fun for me and I am looking forward to discussing legal analysis and writing with eager young minds. All these students are potential riders who can spread our religion around the world...so for me I'm on a sort of mission to "spread the word".
Clif, if you can come up with a program that will allow people to video conference from their home computers in a better fashion than Skype, you should make enough money to support all of us in the fashion to which we would like to become accustomed. I'll simply move my entire household back to Los Angeles and we can continue riding.
In the meantime, riding for a living sounds more and more like work. When riding for pleasure, for personal pleasure and personal satisfaction the feeling is different. It's the so-called busman's holiday. Nice but when you get down to it, the change of pace is what makes a holiday, not the same old routine. Even if the routine is enjoyable.
Bill

Hi Bill,

Cindy's correct in that reading your posts, we often have to return to them and read the "different layers" of knowledge.

As far as "the fashion to which we would like to become accustomed," I have a lot of ideas.

We could have the resources to wander the planet in exorbitant style. If you feel tired, then we'll stop at a 5 star hotel and stay as many days as you'd like, until we're ready to start riding again. We could each have our own chaser vehicles and we'll pay Greg a $Million$ a year to come with us. Personal assistants will call ahead of time to make sure only the best margaritas are waiting for you. Yours and Cindy's dogs will be cared for by a professional dog care staff that will stay in the multimillion dollar mobile "star homes" that catch up every night we ride.

Why not have optimal imagination?

When our tour was winding down, I put into the universe that I wanted lots of different kinds of motorcycles. My "reasoning mind" sent back to me that it would be impossible, because I'm so close to missing payments on my own baby girl GTL.

But I went with my gut instinct and instead of opening all my luggage at home (which never happened - neither my GTL nor the luggage ever reached my house), I felt like spending time with Cindy. Yes, yes - there was the risk she'd find out all her tables and coffee tables, counters would look like THE BORG (in Star Trek). She'd find out I like sleeping until early afternoon and the "TWO MINUTE" measurement of time would still be off by a couple hours. The worst that could happen was that without you there to explain my GRASSHOPPER-like behavior, Cindy would end up wishing she never met me.

So I followed my instinct ... and here I am! Writing and posting pics of an awesome ride on my first sport-bike-BUELL-Harley-Davidson bike. I remember when I first saw it running in the garage, no rider, kickstand down: its end and front windshield was shaking violently. Instead of following my fear and CONTINUING to think, "that Buell is so powerful it's shaking and it scares me!" I thought, "Wow, it's like a dog wagging it's tail and is so excited to be pet that he's shaking!"

If you make a list of things and desires you have for LA (and you cannot stop at just "survival" things - go all out), post them here - and I'll tell you how you can have it all! (Remember Bill, at one time, you taught me all this!)

I think one reason I'm so willing to admit vulnerability in finances, in riding skill, in the lack of skills to get Wyoming girls is that I have a stronger faith and belief that the universe is MUCH STRONGER AND SMARTER in delivering to me what I want. Hopefully soon, I will have a job riding my GTL around town delivering legal papers for a law firm. And soon after, William Morris will pick us up and I'll be following you and Cindy again around the world.

If you stay in Uruguay and bring light, wisdom, positive energy to the Law Students - then they are very lucky of course. And so are their future clients and family - as the Beamer Dad's light will BEAM FOR GENERATIONS to come.

Just as you taught me - there is no wrong or right. You make a decision and a consequence happens.

There are some things that I'm completely blind to. I couldn't woo Wyoming girl (actually, a funny rhyme? Woo Wyoming Women).

But some things I'm pretty good at navigating in and out of... Or predictions - like knowing we'd exceed 100,000 on this thread.

And I can say with very strong certainty that if you come back to LA now, you'll be in good hands IN THE SAME WAY HAD I started a new video conferencing website that went public like facebook.

So... Bring Bill Back Before Belief Begins Belittling Benevolence

Did you understand what I just wrote?

I sure didn't. But hey - it rhymes!

Just come back Bill. We'll figure it all out here.

[harley1550]

Beautiful bikes, Cindy! I'm happy to hear that you are back 'involved' with them and the spark has returned! Very cool. I'm going to go where I wanted to go when I first heard that you lost your husband last fall and I hope it doesn't upset you. I feel a need to address the loss. I am so sorry to hear of your huge loss, Cindy. SO sorry. I can't imagine how tough life was for you initially and how hard it has been trying to accept, adjust, and go on. You seem to be, from what we see, a beacon of cheerful light, and everything Bill and Clif say about you, or in reference to you, seems to confirm that. Pretty amazing and pretty impressive! That is inspirational and a sign of hope for the rest of us who can't imagine how hard it would be to suffer such a loss. Then you mentioned that the loss was 'unexpected'. Wow. I wish nothing but the very best for you, Cindy.

I got a new battery for my Buell today too! :) Serviced a couple days ago and a new battery today! That sweet ride will be raring to go bright and early Monday morning!

Keep enjoying Bass Lake and thanks for taking us along for the ride! :) We are enjoying it.

[ClifNotes]

Originally Posted by harley1550

Beautiful bikes, Cindy! I'm happy to hear that you are back 'involved' with them and the spark has returned! Very cool. I'm going to go where I wanted to go when I first heard that you lost your husband last fall and I hope it doesn't upset you. I feel a need to address the loss. I am so sorry to hear of your huge loss, Cindy. SO sorry. I can't imagine how tough life was for you initially and how hard it has been trying to accept, adjust, and go on. You seem to be, from what we see, a beacon of cheerful light, and everything Bill and Clif say about you, or in reference to you, seems to confirm that. Pretty amazing and pretty impressive! That is inspirational and a sign of hope for the rest of us who can't imagine how hard it would be to suffer such a loss. Then you mentioned that the loss was 'unexpected'. Wow. I wish nothing but the very best for you, Cindy.

I got a new battery for my Buell today too! :) Serviced a couple days ago and a new battery today! That sweet ride will be raring to go bright and early Monday morning!

Keep enjoying Bass Lake and thanks for taking us along for the ride! :) We are enjoying it.

Beautiful post. I know Cindy will read it.

Post a pic of your Buell! I want to learn more about them now I that i rode one today!

Cindy said it's not a THUNDERSPORT - it's a THUNDERBOLT!

[ClifNotes]

2012 JUL 28 1904

List of things to take with you on a LA Alaska round trip:

a) If Bill is going, don't bring anything. He'll pack enough for everyone

b) if going alone???

1) Still camera to upload pics for advrider
2) a laptop (now you can choose between a leafy thin one or a huge monster like the 17 inch macbookpro
3) one of those things i've never seen but heard about - like a "go push" or "i go find" ??? it's a button if you push it, the emergency people can find you
4) A motorcycle (i learned the hard way - the GTL k1600 is NOT an off-road bike. So if you want to go offroad, take a smaller cc bike with tires for dual or road)
5) START OFF WITH COMPLETELY NEW TIRES unless you want to be stranded and pay for greyhound shipping and beg Canadian dealerships on the phone to believe you're not calling from Nigeria. Many riders take an extra set of tires. Or, you can arrange to have new tires waiting at a dealership - but order and ship them BEFOREHAND as many dealerships run out of tires
6) 3 - 5 underwear
7) 2 - 5 shirts
8) rain proof jacket and pants for when you're riding through rain or hail
9) a girl named Taylor
10) trail mix is great. it's really delicious the kind Bill got. It's heavy, so you only need to eat 1 - 3 handfulls and you can keep going
11) DEEP WOODS SUPER DUPER HEAVY DUTY 90% DEET bug repellent. Yeah, yeah... ya all are looking for that holistic "energetically keep away mosquitos" spray. Uh uh - that aint gonna work with the Yukon mosquitos. And trust me, you'll think about deet differently when you're covered with a blanket of mosquitos
12) a paddle zapper for bugs - if you're any less fast than the original karate kid with chopsticks and flies, you'll want it
13) if you have lots of money, bring a) satellite cell phone b) verizon cell c) sprint or some other network. This way you can call for help if you get into trouble
14) pen and paper to write down Taylor's email and cell # in case you come across her
15) motion camera - HD is better
16) external hard drive - 4 terabyte or larger if you can afford it. Get 2 terabyte if you wanna save money
17) waterproof bags - wrap your laptop and electronics, clothes in it
18) GPS system. if it gives phone numbers, call hotels ahead of time (even if by 10 minutes ahead) and save an extra $10 - $100 per hotel. I learned this from a motorcycle magazine
19) some tissue or toilet paper in case you get #2 call of nature in the woods (and spray your ass with repellent or you'll have monkey-monkey [that's double monkey!] butt)
20) US and Canadian cash
21) Your ID so you can prove you're over 21 to go into the bars
22) motorcycle insurance and ownership papers
23) the bible is too think, so rip out the verses that are dearest to you
24) gloves - light for hot weather and REALLY HEAVY for cold
25) Make a list of advrider friends along the path you're going. You can call them for emergencies
26) Stamps - us and canadian - so you can mail postcards while you're away
27) flashlight
28) a thick coat
29) camping gear (if you're camping)
30) do NOT carry any drugs - you'll be in trouble if you're caught. And no pics of Kim Kardashian - she's really selfish
31) extra socks in case your feet get wet
32) extra sandals and or running shoes so you can walk around town at night and see the pretty girls
33) bear repellent spray (i suggest you read about how dangerous bears are before going on the trip)
34) a couple face towels to wipe down the bike if you can find water
35) some mini shampoo bottles - it can wash your hair and the motorcycle
36) bring thousands of business cards, because you'll give them away fast when you travel. And put instructions to find your blog on there
37) a good book in case you bring Clif along, in which case you will be waiting for him daily and reading many chapters
38) an extension cord for your electronics
39) shaver and other toiletries (omg! i spelled it right!)
40) swim suit for swimming and for when your riding pants is getting washed
41) FAMILY SIZE LISTERINE TARTAR CONTROL MOUTHWASH (pic will be included later)

that's all i can think of for now! reply and we'll add more

[SPX]

Originally Posted by ClifNotes

3) one of those things i've never seen but heard about - like a "go push" or "i go find" ??? it's a button if you push it, the emergency people can find you

I think that you mean a Spot, http://www.findmespot.com/en/

[bikeama]

WOW just spent two days on and off reading this thread. Found it off a link on the K1600 forum. I enjoyed your trip and posts, I am looking at driving to Alaska next year (wife will not go that far on the K1600). Meeting interesting people in life makes traveling on of my favorite things to do. Looking forward to more adventures.

Bill in STockton

[ClifNotes]

Originally Posted by bikeama

WOW just spent two days on and off reading this thread. Found it off a link on the K1600 forum. I enjoyed your trip and posts, I am looking at driving to Alaska next year (wife will not go that far on the K1600). Meeting interesting people in life makes traveling on of my favorite things to do. Looking forward to more adventures.

Bill in STockton

oh, u mean you'll drive in the car?

don't play with the bears like i did! i learned they are really dangerous!

[ClifNotes]

as promised, the listerine pic

I should be in a Listerine commercial. This bottle killed bad breath from cali to bc yukon alaska and back!



(and i just noticed after posting... it's true - when i smile i can't see anything!)

[ClifNotes]

2012 jul 29 0934 bass lake

i was really lucky and found a thread about motorcycle courier adventures posted in rr starting from 10 or 20 years ago.

or 30.

i was a bit depressed and now a bit anxious to find that all the couriers didn't really like their job and found it really stressful. i mean... it seems no one wanted to be in it a long time.

why?

getting paid to ride around in a motorcycle sounds like a lot of fun.

well, i'm not going to base my decision to try and get a courier job based on what i read here.

at first, i was sure i wanted to be a messenger for a law firm - it would pay more and probably or maybe my supervisor would be nicer to me. a pizza deliverer? i could imagine a foreigner boss shouting at me all day (but he might have a cute daughter and i could pick up their language)

but then... one idea i had several days ago but turned down in my mind was taking pics of celebs in LA. I didn't like that because i've always felt that paparazzi is a negative energy bunch of people. and the celebs (as selfish as kardashian may be) also probably don't like it.

then i was reading the rr today about couriers and read about one guy that took around a camera and got extra money for taking celeb pics. and i thought... he's doing it - why can't i?

it's all thinking too much ahead. i don't think a pizzeria cares if i'm taking photos while delivering their breadsticks. but the law firm wouldn't allow it...

do i have to get a license to be an independent contractor motorcycle courier?

[ClifNotes]

YESTERDAY first time clif's on a buell, sports bike, and harley davidson... clif and Harley Mom

[ClifNotes]

thanks spx...

SPX has just replied to a thread you have subscribed to entitled - Alaska on a BMW K1600 GTL - in the Ride reports forum of ADVrider.

This thread is located at:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...6&goto=newpost

Here is the message that has just been posted:
***************

---Quote (Originally by ClifNotes)---
3) one of those things i've never seen but heard about - like a "go push" or "i go find" ??? it's a button if you push it, the emergency people can find you
---End Quote---

I think that you mean a Spot, http://www.findmespot.com/en/

[harley1550]

Awesome area, that Bass Lake! Thanks for the video, Clif. Very cool. I hope you realize, Clif, that Cindy is a very special motorcyclist, not just a cool gal. MOST riders DON'T like to let anyone ride their bikes. ANYONE! Bikes are personal and owners are very protective. Cindy is quite a gal letting you ride that awesome bike but I'm glad she did! Pretty cool bike, huh? :)

I've been busy getting ready for my trip today and I'm SET!!!! The bike is packed and I'll ride out early tomorrow for a great ride north. It would be cool if you were joining me. You'd enjoy the Sturgis experience and the beautiful rides in the beautiful Black Hills, as well as the rides on the way up and back. Who knows, maybe in the future! :)

I'll definitely tune back in when I return in 9-11 days but I don't bring a laptop with me so I'll be offline for a while. I like the 'getting away' feeling!

Be safe.

Mike

[ClifNotes]

lebec ca / 2012 jul 29 2237 w/ cindy

today a deer almost ran into cindy. i learned
1) they can actually JUMP out of nowhere and you can't even see them!
2) they are big and muscular!
3) they are fast (i was under the impression and vision of an animal just staring down the street - "deer caught by the headlights")

cindy says the deer didn't hit her because of her deer whistle. it sure came close!

[ClifNotes]

Originally Posted by harley1550

Awesome area, that Bass Lake! Thanks for the video, Clif. Very cool. I hope you realize, Clif, that Cindy is a very special motorcyclist, not just a cool gal. MOST riders DON'T like to let anyone ride their bikes. ANYONE! Bikes are personal and owners are very protective. Cindy is quite a gal letting you ride that awesome bike but I'm glad she did! Pretty cool bike, huh? :)

I've been busy getting ready for my trip today and I'm SET!!!! The bike is packed and I'll ride out early tomorrow for a great ride north. It would be cool if you were joining me. You'd enjoy the Sturgis experience and the beautiful rides in the beautiful Black Hills, as well as the rides on the way up and back. Who knows, maybe in the future! :)

I'll definitely tune back in when I return in 9-11 days but I don't bring a laptop with me so I'll be offline for a while. I like the 'getting away' feeling!

Be safe.

Mike

Mike, i'll be right behind you once i win that lotto! within the next few days, i have to call my credit card companies and make sure everything's in line. i have to find a source of income soon and i want to visit some places that need motorcycle couriers. it will be risky being a bike messenger with a gtl k16... but why not try?

have a wonderful trip and remember your own number "9-11" - means be careful on your trip!

ur right, cindy is an awesome biker, gal, person, and friend. meeting cindy and bill are the two best things that have happened in my life. she has continued teaching me to ride where bill left off and both my skill and hunger for motorcycles increase by the day.

we'll count the days while you're gone.

we'll be thinking about you... we've already been talking about you too.

thanks