5th Annual Bald Eagle Ride January 17-20, 2014

Post by **troy** » 15 Jan 2014 10:01

ozarksrider wrote:Today my new pair of heated gloves arrived, but I've discovered I forgot to check the "send long cables" box when I ordered them. Good news is the WarmnSafe folks will ship tomorrow - overnight.

Chris, I have a set of those long cables that I don't use--the ones that you use to run up your jacket and through your sleeves to reach the gloves. My warm & safe gloves came with them. In fact, at the time I bought my warm & safe gear, all gloves just came with those cables. Let me know if you need and I'll bring those cables Fri morning for you to borrow.

So did you go with heated gloves WITHOUT a heated jacket? I ask because with a heated jacket, you don't need those long cables since the jacket will have glove connectors at the end of the sleeves.

allkidd · Post by **allkidd** » 15 Jan 2014 14:02

I just got back in town and after spending the last two weeks in mid 80's Caribbean weather, today's 30's seems really cold. So cold that walking from the parking lot to my office, I can't imagine riding a motorcycle. Is the plan still to leave at 10AM Friday and head East? The forecast high for Saint Louis on Friday is 26 and 39 for Saturday. The cold front that is cooling us off on Friday is expected to be stronger and have a longer impact to the East.

Also, I just checked with my brother in law, who lives in the country near Hannibal, and he says there is still some ice and snow on the gravel roads.

If I had a cat that was sick and dying, I would still go on this ride. But, I'm kind of a wimp when it comes to the cold, so I'm reconsidering riding in the 20's and 30's. Maybe I could be a fair weather rider and meet you guys later Saturday or early Sunday.

Post by **troy** » 15 Jan 2014 14:12

allkidd wrote:I just got back in town and after spending the last two weeks in mid 80's Caribbean weather, today's 30's seems really cold. So cold that walking from the parking lot to my office, I can't imagine riding a motorcycle. Is the plan still to leave at 10AM Friday and head East? The forecast high for Saint Louis on Friday is 26 and 39 for Saturday. The cold front that is cooling us off on Friday is expected to be stronger and have a longer impact to the East.

Also, I just checked with my brother in law, who lives in the country near Hannibal, and he says there is still some ice and snow on the gravel roads.

If I had a cat that was sick and dying, I would still go on this ride. But, I'm kind of a wimp when it comes to the cold, so I'm reconsidering riding in the 20's and 30's. Maybe I could be a fair weather rider and meet you guys later Saturday or early Sunday.

Either man up or wimp out. There is no joining us along the way. I mean, you can try but this is an adventure ride. That means while there is a rough outline for timing and destinations, there is a 50% chance timing and destinations will change--and perhaps dramatically.

Welcome back from the Caribbean. I'm going in 3 weeks.

ajayhawkfan · Post by **ajayhawkfan** » 15 Jan 2014 18:14

Meeting at 10:00, I'm changing first post to reflect change.

ajayhawkfan · Post by **ajayhawkfan** » 15 Jan 2014 18:17

Girly men can watch the manly men on my Spot.

30 degrees and sunny will be beautiful.

ChrisCrash · Post by **ChrisCrash** » 15 Jan 2014 18:46

Hey guys. I haven't ridden with you all before but was thinking I would tag along if thats ok. I'm still stretching my knees but my shoulder is better from last weekends maiden voyage on the new, used ktm. The ktm is now in need of work but the heated gear and my klr are fine. I will be there if I can get caught up at work in time. I will need to be back monday morning though--my youngest is begging to ride his new 50.

ajayhawkfan · Post by **ajayhawkfan** » 15 Jan 2014 18:57

ChrisCrash wrote:Hey guys. I haven't ridden with you all before but was thinking I would tag along if thats ok. I'm still stretching my knees but my shoulder is better from last weekends maiden voyage on the new, used ktm. The ktm is now in need of work but the heated gear and my klr are fine. I will be there if I can get caught up at work in time. I will need to be back monday morning though--my youngest is begging to ride his new 50.

There is no chance we will be back Monday morning.

If you are a new dual sport rider this ride is not for you. Day one will not be tough but Saturday on lost creek road is not for beginners and knobby tires most likely are needed.

You could hear home either Saturday afternoon or Sunday to be with your precious.

ChrisCrash · Post by **ChrisCrash** » 15 Jan 2014 19:09

Humm, think I will be fine but thanks for the concern. I have yet to be able to get myself out of a ditch. Ofcourse if there is concern you will hurt your back helping me up I understand--just do more sit ups

Post by **troy** » 15 Jan 2014 21:05

ChrisCrash, me thinks Eddie read your post quickly and misunderstood that although your used KTM is new to you, you are not new to riding. Or maybe he knows you and you are a total noob. Maybe I'm the one without understanding.

In any case, yeah, it's a 4 day ride with a lot of pavement but also a lot of gravel roads. At least one gem we plan to hit--assuming water levels aren't too high, is a rough son of a bitch on a big, loaded bike. But if you are no stranger to rough gravel and long miles on your KLR, you'll be fine.

That said, Lost Creek Rd is heavily shaded in places and might even still have ice on it....like it did the last time Eddie drug me through it.....on my loaded Vstrom 650....in the dark.

You'll have to figure out how to get yourself back home for Mon morning. You could get up stupid early on Mon and buzz highway back--YUCK. Or you could turn back West Sun after lunch.

I'll do a few sit-ups before going to bed tonight just in case you come along.

ajayhawkfan · Post by **ajayhawkfan** » 15 Jan 2014 22:23

ChrisCrash, we have never ridden together You are welcome to join us. I only wanted to let you know this ride if not for beginners. If you have the equipment for freezing temperatures, experience on minimum maintenance roads, creek crossings, maybe snow and icy patches you are very welcome to join! You could even be the leader by the end of the trip. It will be a hoot!

I hope you can join us. I only ask you let everyone know when you head home.

Eddie

ozarksrider · Post by **ozarksrider** » 15 Jan 2014 22:30

Let me know if you need and I'll bring those cables Fri morning for you to borrow.

Thanks Troy, but I bought a set from Engles after work. I connected it all up to test my "system" tonight. Went for a ride and was toasty warm.

So did you go with heated gloves WITHOUT a heated jacket?

No, I bought a Kanetsu from Aerostich. They get really good reviews, but the one thing they get criticized for is no plug ins in the sleeves.

ozarksrider · Post by **ozarksrider** » 15 Jan 2014 22:34

Ok, I talked to Eddie and begged for a bit later departure. I whined about having to come from the north side of the city, and it worked!

So, he asked me to post up that the new depart time will be 10am until he can update the first post. See you guys then!

Hmm, looks like he has updated it. Well at least you all know the reason now.....

ajayhawkfan · Post by **ajayhawkfan** » 15 Jan 2014 22:38

This is going to be a fun ride!!!!

Post by **troy** » 16 Jan 2014 07:00

ozarksrider wrote:...I bought a Kanetsu from Aerostich. They get really good reviews, but the one thing they get criticized for is no plug ins in the sleeves.

I'm sure it's a great product--Aerostich makes high quality stuff, but WHY in the world did they not build in heated glove plugs into the sleeves?! That really seems stupid. BUT...maybe it's not really much hassle to deal with the long wire extenders running through the sleeves to power the gloves. Seems when you take the jacket off, you'd have to be careful with the cables--not to lose them or pull them out of place.

Just checking, but is this an ABATE ride or are you guys wearing your helmets?

I love this FAQ on the ABATE KS website:

ABATE KS FAQ wrote:Do I need to be a Harley owner to be a member?

That's usually the first question people ask RideForum.NET when signing up.

Here's another good one:

ABATE KS FAQ wrote:Can I wear a helmet and be a member?

ChrisCrash · Post by **ChrisCrash** » 16 Jan 2014 08:34

I'm just ribbing as I hope there will be a lot of on the ride. So to answer the question better. I did start riding off road just two years ago on a Kaw versys with tkc 80's, got stuck on some mountain passes in Colorado and decided I needed a klr which I then decided was still to big and heavy to lift after getting stuck on a mountain pass in New Mexico (ofcourse all of these were alone) so I then decided to get the klr which was awesome last weekend down to through the flint hills, over to chadwick and back up--all dirt, ice and mud. I did learn how to ride on Ice though after going down twice--don't ride on it. ha ha. I can put together a more colorful resume but Im looking to get with some riders who share the same love for bikes and so that we can help each other. Look forward to the getting to know you all and the ride.

Post by **troy** » 16 Jan 2014 08:49

ChrisCrash wrote:...I can put together a more colorful resume but Im looking to get with some riders who share the same love for bikes and so that we can help each other. Look forward to the getting to know you all and the ride.

The #1 question before we can admit you....

Do you own a Harley? We only let Harley riders in our exclusive club.

I agree about ice....there's not really a skill to riding ice other than do not--even in the slightest--change your speed or direction until you are past the ice! Best tip is to avoid ice. Cold I can dress for. Snow isn't hard to ride in. Ice is basically impossible on 2 wheels unless you have ice-studded tires.

ChrisCrash · Post by **ChrisCrash** » 16 Jan 2014 08:57

actually I have been making my own chains for the klr. Front are on and work great but havnt tested them at higher speeds because the back was falling over--have the stuff for the back but just need to finish. Was thinking after getting back last weekend that a handful of small hex screws that you could screw in to the nobs (but not though to the tube) would work if you got stuck somewhere. Not sure that they would stay in for long--curious if anyone has tried.

allkidd · Post by **allkidd** » 16 Jan 2014 09:22

Lets see...forecast temp at meeting time, 18, gusty winds 15-25, possibility of ice/snow on gravel roads...three strikes and I'm out. You guys are braver than me!

Make it through the first day or two and you should have great conditions. Wish that I wasn't such a wimp when it comes to the cold because Eddie puts together a great ride and once you get beyond the cold you guys will have a great time!

Looking forward to a ride report....be careful!

Post by **troy** » 16 Jan 2014 09:27

ChrisCrash wrote:...Was thinking after getting back last weekend that a handful of small hex screws that you could screw in to the nobs (but not though to the tube) would work if you got stuck somewhere. Not sure that they would stay in for long--curious if anyone has tried.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVMxmVM2FFI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwUbbv1k_Zc

ChrisCrash · Post by **ChrisCrash** » 16 Jan 2014 11:16

holy C... those tapcons are scary. I'm going to have to try the hex screws, looked easy to put in and could probably be done on the fly with a socket screwdriver.

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