| Author |
Message |
    
Court
| | Posted on Sunday, November 26, 2006 - 02:48 pm: | 
|
Dick:
Well put.
The internet is a playground where midgets claim to be NBA All-Stars.
My trip around the USA was in response to a similar dialogue.
I confess a sentimental glow in reading this. As a member of the IBA you have likely heard of my friend Martin who, when a gauntlet was tossed, came to the USA for the first time and amazed Michael and Co. He came back a couple years later and did the Iron Butt on a 167cc Zundapp.
You have an impressive riding resume'. I hope the cliche' . . "don't major in the minors" has made it's way to Canada.
Congratulations on your accomplishments. There is a fraternity of folks, those with actual accomplishments rather than claims, who hold you in high regard.
Court |
Mr_grumpy
| | Posted on Sunday, November 26, 2006 - 03:32 pm: |
|
My hat's off to you too. |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Sunday, November 26, 2006 - 05:43 pm: |
|
They were going with whichever OEM would provide the bikes.
I have the DVD and the book, and that is not my recollection of events.
Borman favoured the KTM, which somewhat bothered McGregor, though I seem to remember him saying he'd concede if it came down to them having a choice and keeping Borman happy.
KTM wanting to change the route at some point to offer less risk to the effort was not a consideration for the two. They were not willing to change at least the 'Road of Bones' section, and KTM's advisor was adamant they had to if they wanted KTM's support.
The duo also had Honda offering too, so they did have a choice. At least three when they started asking, and BMW won them over.
Anyway, my question was right at the top of this thread, and it was a serious one. Here it is again. Who here thinks either of these Buells are up to the task of 'around the world' - and based on what relevant information?
I think the Ulysses is capable of doing this ride but has some things that are compromises.
I have the definitive answer and I'm pleased I asked. Thank you ref.
I've another question. This "Trans Americas", are there any proper tough off road out of the way sections or is it mostly paved road save the odd dirt one? The IBA web site doesn't appear to have info on the 'TA'. ref?
One last thing. Buell on the other ha.......... Sarcasm or not, my comment was in poor taste. I'm an idiot. My apologies.
Rocket |
Bison
| | Posted on Sunday, November 26, 2006 - 06:49 pm: |
|
Rocket
Without trying to evade your question the answer varies with two major factors, the weather and road construction on the Haul Road. It also depends on your definition of offroad. I am an old ISDT and desert racer so I break the riding types to three,pavement, off pavement, and offroad. There is no offroad on this ride unless you happen to hit some of the construction on the Haul Road. There is a total of 480 miles give or take of off pavement, approx 400 in Alaska (the Haul Road)and 80 miles on Tierra Del Fuego.The problems arise because of the weather. Because the ride is from as far north to as far south as you can go on this hemisphere or south to north the time window is quite narrow due to winter on both ends. This can make the off pavement rather nasty. I have done Prudhoe 4 times now and have had snow every time. 3 times in August.It was snow, sleet,ice, and some mud this last September. The south portion on Tierra Del Fuego I managed to hit in heavy rain and insane mud where the trucks run you out of the tracks and totally cover you in mud. This tends to make these portions interesting.
This is probably more than you really wished to know but considering how things can be taken in different ways than intended I have tried to be definitive.
regards ref |
Lowflyer
| | Posted on Sunday, November 26, 2006 - 07:37 pm: |
|
Hey, I was just asking for some clarification. Your getting huffy and defensive about it seemed to reinforce my suspicions. That said, if you read my posts carefully, you will see that I am pretty consistent in my use of the words 'apparent,' 'sounds as if,' and/or 'appears' etc... Therefore, I made no assumptions. I merely proposed conclusions that you were welcome at any time to refute in a friendly manner.
I reckon I just can't help you with your reading comprehension.
As to your challenge, let me just just tell you to go ahead and blow it out your ass. I have nothing to prove to the IBA or anybody else. I'll ride my own ride. 
I do appreciate that you finally came out with what I was digging for the whole time. I also commend you on an astounding accomplishment. No hard feelings.
But still...
blow it out your ass. |
Bison
| | Posted on Sunday, November 26, 2006 - 08:11 pm: |
|
I once sat on the board of a small corporation. The Chairman was a friend and mentor. Over a beer after a board meeting that had a rather heated discussion about something that I can't remember, Ken said to me," Dick when you argue or debate with a fool" (insert any noun you wish)"It soon becomes hard to distinguish who is the fool" I am finished with this bullshit!
ref |
Lowflyer
| | Posted on Sunday, November 26, 2006 - 08:42 pm: |
|
Good advice. Sounds to me like he was politely calling you a fool. Smart man, that chairman. 
Thanks for playing. |
Captpete
| | Posted on Sunday, November 26, 2006 - 08:56 pm: |
|
Dick,
I am especially impressed since I know what it feels like to have been around since 1941.
What kind of painkillers did you use? Were they a sponsor? And did they have any detrimental interactions with the amphetamines?
Seriously, I don't know how you did it!
Congratulations. |
Henrik
| | Posted on Sunday, November 26, 2006 - 08:59 pm: |
|
Rocket; not that it's a definitive answer by any means, but Mike Kneebone of IBA fame signed onto Badweb awhile back after he'd bought a Uly. Granted, I don't know what kind of riding he's doing on the bike - or even if he still owns it, but still ...
Henrik |
Blake
| | Posted on Monday, November 27, 2006 - 12:09 am: |
|
Lowflyer,
You are way out of line. Take a time out. 
Bison,
Honored to have you contributing here. |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Monday, November 27, 2006 - 01:22 am: |
|
This is probably more than you really wished to know but considering how things can be taken in different ways than intended I have tried to be definitive.
No actually ref, it is not enough.
I'm 45 years old and getting a serious itch to try my hand at the kind of riding I've never done. Adventure riding then. My kids aren't so far off an age where I might feel ok about leaving them without my presence for a time or two.
My interest was pricked when two years ago I bought the latest edition of 'The Adventure Motorcyclist Handbook'. Having always wanted to do what Ted Simon did after reading those two great tombs back in the 80's, I think it's reasonable to say I'll probably never do the round the world, but North Africa is just around the corner, and a great place to learn.
I've spoken with Nick Sanders several times too. He no longer takes small parties around the world. He's very much committed to family life and now has young children too. He does do adventure tours though, where he splits the world into sections and time. He has dropped the Trans America type route though through lack of interest. It was a 10 week endeavour all told, and for £10000 all you needed was to arrive at an airport in England with suitable papers, some clothing and toiletries and fuel money with change for the odd snack. Everything else was provided for the 10 week tour. Nick said he would consider doing a tour again but it would need at least 10 people to commit to make it worth while. I don't think I've got ten friends, lol.
You see the difference here though. You do it as an Iron Butt, where as Nick Sanders offers it as a fully sorted 10 week somewhat leisurely tour.
So yes, I'd love to know what those trucks are doing going down to Tierra Del Fuego. Do people really live down there? And yes I really appreciate the contributions you've made to this thread, and look forward very much to hearing more detail.
On the 'Trans Americas' what is the accepted way of crossing the Darien Gap? The AMH mentions it often. Tells of one fella who winched his way through swamps for days. Never mind the bandits and all. Is fuel readily available along the remote parts of the route? I'm sure there's a wealth of stuff us BadWeBers would love to hear. I'm even more sure that someone will do this on an Ugly too, very soon I'd guess, and wouldn't that be something.
Thanks ref.
Rocket |
Captpete
| | Posted on Sunday, December 03, 2006 - 04:20 am: |
|
I’ve been out of touch for a week, and what a shame to come back to discover this thread died during my absence. I’m sorry it took the tangent it did, ref, and I hope you understand that there are some of us who admire your achievement and would like to hear more.
I was originally drawn to Buells because I wanted a hot rod bike. Although I’m old enough to be Sean’s (Rocket’s) father, (I don’t want to dwell on that thought very long!), I seem to have arrived at that same stage of life where I think the kind of experience he suggests on a Uly would be an outstanding adventure. (It’s not the date on the coin that matters, it’s the circulation – I think Sean’s well circulated.)
To that end, I would personally be most appreciative if you would consider returning to this thread and sharing some of your hard-earned insights.
Sean: I still have an email from you that ended with you asking me what I proposed doing about the subject you were discussing. As you know, I left that question unanswered. I’ve been thinking about it.
Perhaps you’ve just struck a spark on this thread that could lead to a solution for that little problem. Ten people, you say?
Capt. Pete |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Sunday, December 03, 2006 - 08:43 am: |
|
Ah Pete, I missed this post when I saw the link you mailed. Now I understand (I think).
Don't get to hung up on the Nick Sanders thing. He was talking £10000 per person, but click his name and check out the way he does things now.
Rocket |
|
