IMTBike Motorcycle Tours has published its full 2024 calendar. Destinations include Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, the Alps, and Morocco along with MotoGP tours and global tours in Turkey, Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam. Check out the IMTBike 2024 tour calendar for dates, details, and pricing. Sign up now to lock in IMTBike’s current prices.
Many of IMTBike’s tours have new improved routing for 2024, and the company’s fleet of more than 200 BMW motorcycles will be updated with the latest 2024 models. Established in 1997, IMTBike has been conducting motorcycle tours for 26 years, and it has not only extensive experience but a reputation for high-quality tours. Check out the IMTBike testimonials page to find out what many satisfied clients have to say.
Whether commuting to work, picking something up from the store, or bringing essentials on a trip, there are plenty of good reasons for having sportbike luggage. SW-Motech offers tankbags and saddlebags that can fit almost any motorcycle, including my Kawasaki Ninja 400.
The Pro City tankbag ($299.95) is made of 1680-denier ballistic nylon with a water-resistant interior coating. The molded, laminated EVA top includes a MOLLE attachment panel, which can be used to secure an optional smartphone drybag ($31.95).
A model-specific Pro tank ring ($37.95), which replaces the OEM ring around the fuel filler, is required. As a novice mechanic, I thought installing the ring was straightforward, requiring about 45 minutes. The tankbag snaps onto the tank ring effortlessly, and a pull-latch releases it (an optional anti-theft lock is $24.95).
Pro tank ring parts
The tankbag’s zippers open and close smoothly, and the pull tabs have a thick, rubbery feel. The outside pockets are convenient for holding small items like keys and a wallet. The tankbag is deep and holds a great deal, and it is expandable from 11 to 14 liters.
While the Pro City tankbag is high-quality luggage that fits cleanly and securely thanks to the Pro tank ring, it is a little too tall and long for my Ninja 400’s riding position, pressing into my chest when I lean over the tank to reach the grips. The smaller Pro Micro tankbag (3-5 liters, $184.95) is a better option for the Ninja, while the Pro City is ideal for the more upright seating position of my Kawasaki Versys-X 300.
SW-Motech’s Blaze saddlebags ($499.95) solve the problem of saggy luggage on sportbikes. They use an innovative mounting system with easily detachable support arms that slide into pockets on the soft saddlebags. The saddlebags are clipped in with a buckle on a nylon strap and then fastened together over the pillion seat using a heavy-duty strap secured by Velcro.
It took about 45 minutes to install the mounts, and the bags are easy to put on. SW-Motech recommends installing the bags while empty and ensuring that the Velcro strap is in place before attaching the bags to the mounting arms to avoid bending or breaking the arms.
The semi-rigid saddlebags are made of 1680-denier ballistic nylon and include waterproof inner bags. They open lengthwise on the top, are easy to fill, and have the same luxurious zippers as the tankbag. Each bag is expandable to hold 15-20 liters and has a zippered outer pocket.
Overall, I was impressed with the quality of both the Pro City tankbag and the Blaze saddlebags. From the innovative design to the sturdy materials, zippers, and seams, these bags seem like they will last a lifetime. They add useful carrying capacity to a sportbike in a way that doesn’t clash with the styling. Now my bike carries nicer bags than I do!
The Very Boring Rally 5 by Aerostich is here, and with it comes guest speakers, storytellers, a bike night, a Rider of the Month meet-up, and more. It all starts July 7 and runs through the month of August.
The Aerostich factory and store are located in Duluth, MN.
Aero Design & Mfg. Co. Inc. started in 1983 with the goal of developing “a completely new type of textile-based gear for motorcyclists.” The efforts of that goal resulted in the Roadcrafter suit, which is still available as the Roadcrafter Classic. Aerostich’s popular R-3 suit is the third generation of the Roadcrafter, and the R-3 can now be custom-tailored for an exact fit.
Since those early days, Aerostich has increased its product offerings, now including jackets, pants, gloves, boots, and other gear in its catalog. The Aerostich factory and store are located in Duluth, Minnesota.
The Aerostich store offers gloves, boots, suits, jackets, pants, and more.
Friday, July 7, is the first day of the Very Boring Rally, which runs through August. The event kicks off at 2 p.m. with guest speaker Thomas Day, who writes the Geezer with a Grudge blog and is a Minnesota Motorcycle Monthly columnist.
Thursday, July 13, is Bike Night starting at 5 p.m. Bike Night includes a ride over Bong Bridge and through Billings Park and ends at the Superior Porchfest for free live outdoor music and a food truck.
On Friday, July 28, guest speaker Dr. Gregory W. Frazier will discuss “Motorcycle Sex and Adventure – Secrets, Tips, and Tricks” at 2 p.m.
Aerostich suits and gear are made in its Duluth, MN, factory.
Plenty more guest speakers are scheduled to visit Aerostich during July and August, including Duane “Digger” Carey, Paul Pelland, Pat Hahn, Robert Higdon, and Voni and Paul Glaves. The Aerostich founder and owner will be featured as a guest speaker to end the two-month-long event on Saturday, Aug. 26. The full schedule can be found on the Very Boring Rally’s website.
Also included in the rally is the Rider of the Month Meet-Up on Aug. 11, during which visitors can chat with Aerostich Riders of the Month.
Visiting the Aerostich factory or store in Dutuh, Minnesota, during the rally gets you a free “Very Boring Rally 5” T-shirt and collectible event pin, and you’ll have the chance to take advantage of the VBR sale on the Roadcrafter Classic suit. Visitors can save 5-15% on a Roadcrafter Classic one-piece suit, two-piece suit, jacket, or pants.
The Roadcrafter was Aerostich’s first suit, and it’s still available as the Roadcrafter Classic. Visitors to the Aerostich factory and store during July and August can get up to 15% off a Roadcrafter Classic.
Each Friday with a guest speaker will have a light lunch served at noon, and Saturday mornings with speakers will have a continental breakfast. The Very Boring Rally will also include contests and door prizes, tech sessions, factory tours, a souvenir booklet, and more.
As I reached for the pump handle to fill up at the start of this trip, I suddenly realized my hydration pack wasn’t on my back. Doubt flooded in, and I wondered if this trip on the Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail was a bad idea. After returning home to retrieve my pack, I scolded myself for failing right out of the gate.
The Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail is also known as the TWAT, a term I use for “one who tweets” and the British use for an obnoxious person. Though not a term one hears in polite company, this TWAT is a 635-mile dual-sport and adventure motorcycle route that runs from the Illinois/Wisconsin border in the south to the shore of Lake Superior in the north. There are no maps of the route, but you can download a free GPX track at the Trans Wisconsin Trail website.
The TWAT was to be my first time riding off-road. What was I thinking?
To prepare myself, I binged hours of off-road riding instruction on YouTube by Bret Tkacs, Dusty Wessels, and Eric Lange. Their tips and techniques came back to me when I needed them most. YouTube was also my tutor for what to pack. I’d watch a video, hit pause, and click over to Amazon to load up my cart. I felt like a kid on Christmas opening boxes and setting up fake camp in my backyard to try out everything.
My Honda Africa Twin was the perfect bike for the 635-mile trek across Wisconsin.
The Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail starts just south of Hazel Green, Wisconsin. I rode past the gravel road near “The Point of Beginning” historical marker on State Route 80 twice before realizing it was my starting point. There was no sign for the TWAT, but the route I had uploaded to the REVER app indicated I was in the right place. My adventure had begun!
The standard advice is to run knobbies on an adventure route, but after all the money I’d spent on gear, I figured replacing the perfectly good 90/10 tires on my Honda Africa Twin would tip Mrs. Trimble over the edge. Rather than make camping a permanent situation, I opted to use my existing rubber.
The trail is lush in spring and summer.
The first day had the most pavement of the three. Intermittent road stretches were a welcome break for a novice like me. The limited traction off-road was unnerving, so the grippy bits helped relieve the tension. Hour by hour, my confidence and skills improved.
The Midwest is renowned for its flat landscape and laser-straight roads, which results from most of the region being scraped clean by glaciers during the last ice age. But there’s a small territory where Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois meet that was not covered by ice and thus lacks glacial deposits known as drift. Known as the Driftless Area, this playground of hills, ridges, valleys, and rock formations was a highlight of Day 1.
Arriving at a campground like this makes a long day on the trail worthwhile.
The first day also took me over the Mississippi River for some riding in Iowa, which is a little odd for a route across Wisconsin, but the ride through the Yellow River State Forest made it worthwhile. After crossing back into Wisconsin, I rode through the Rush Creek State Natural Area.
I spent my first night camping in Soldiers Grove, right in town at Beauford T. Anderson Park. Stomach issues had me in and out of my tent all night, and dew made everything inside unpleasantly damp. As the sun rose, I hung my things up to dry. Drinking instant coffee from my Jet-Boil, I questioned my decision to camp, which led to more second-guessing about the entire adventure. I rolled out of town disgusted by how soft I had become.
The next day, I felt more comfortable riding off-road, and gratitude soon replaced despair. The trail meandered through hills covered in baby-head-sized rocks and water-filled bottoms that hid all sorts of bar-yanking surprises. Wrestling my Africa Twin along trails in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest left me drenched with sweat.
When I poked out onto a paved road, the sun was getting low, and I worried about finding a hotel. A half-mile down the road, I passed a sign for Chippewa Campground, which was on my must-visit list. Rather than suffer self-flagellation in a hotel room, I opted to camp. Two days of riding had me so beat that I dropped my bike while trying to lower the kickstand.
Late afternoon sunlight shines on the lake and filters through the trees at Chippewa Campground.
The campground’s coin-operated shower revived me. For $2 in change, the sweat and dirt disappeared down the drain while the satisfaction of completing two days of off-road exploration lingered. I strolled to a gas station for a six-pack and a cup of ice that I filled with Jameson. That night by the campfire, I felt like a new man. A sense of accomplishment and a nice Irish whiskey buzz made for a more enjoyable night in the woods.
Day 3: Enter Sandman
The third day on the Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail called for sand, which had seemed treacherous on the YouTube training videos. So far, I’d only taken a few dabs and no falls, so I expected this to be my day to eat humble pie. Not far in, I experienced my first tank slapper after putting too much weight on the front wheel. Rather than panic, I drew upon the wisdom of my YouTube tutors – Don’t cut the power abruptly; Lean back and give it gas; Ride it out until the bike stabilizes – and I recovered. Soon I was sitting back against my dry bag and flying through the sugary stuff without a care in the world.
At a stop for gas, I asked the attendant how far it was to the Delta Diner. He said it was about an hour away, so I bought some beef jerky to hold me over. Because I was on the TWAT and not driving by car, it took three hours before I finlly pulled off the trail at the diner, a chrome-and-neon oasis in the middle of nowhere.
The parking lot was empty except for an older couple gearing up to climb back on their BMWs. After removing my sweaty gear and helmet, I nodded to them as I headed for the door. As I reached the top step, the lady said, “They’re closed.” What a gut punch. I was tired and hungry, and for hours I had been fantasizing about a juicy burger with a side of fries and an ice-cold Coke. Dry jerky and warm, plastic-tasting water from my hydration pack was a poor substitute.
As a big fan of classic diners, it broke my heart (and pained my stomach) to find the Delta Diner closed. I’ll be back.
North of Delta, I crossed U.S. Route 2 and entered the final stretch. After riding through the Moquah Barrens State Natural Area, I rolled through the town of Cornucopia. A few more county roads later, I arrived at a dirt cul-de-sac by the Point Detour Campground near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. A faint trail led into the woods and came out at a dilapidated set of stairs down to Lake Superior, and I worked my way to the rocky shore.
As I sat smoking the cigar I saved for the occasion, I felt humbled by the setting and the moment. I had overcome self-doubt, completed my journey, and even learned to love sand.
At the end of the trail on Lake Superior, with views of the Apostle Islands.
Fall is a great time for riding in some of the amazing wide-open spaces of the Southwest U.S., especially on a dual-sport or ADV bike. Along these lines, KTM has announced the dates for its 18th annual KTM Adventure Rider Rally, Oct. 13-15 at the Lake Powell Resort in Page, Arizona. The Adventure Rider Rally will take place one day after a Ride Orange Street Demo and will offer riders the opportunity to explore northern Arizona and southern Utah in groups of two to four, as well as participate in a variety of other events each day. The rally has been specifically developed for KTM Adventure and Enduro riders; however, it is open to all brands of street-legal motorcycles. For more information, read the press release below.
MURRIETA, Calif. – The 18th annual KTM Adventure Rider Rally will take place at the Lake Powell Resort in Page, Arizona, between Oct. 13-15, with KTM North America, Inc. excited to host its 2023 edition and welcoming riders from around the globe as one of the brand’s most historic and celebrated events on the global KTM Adventure Rally calendar.
With the options to ride spanning northern Arizona and southern Utah, including the Grand Canyon, adventurers will welcome the opportunity to experience designated loops across each day, inclusive of routes that are suitable for all skill levels and with common places for lunch/gas, supported by KTM.
The format of the rally will once again be in line with that introduced last year, promoting a collective environment for riders to enjoy together.
In the interest of safety and to maximize the fun for participants, adventurers will be placed in groups of two to four people each day. Riders can sign up in advance to pre-determine their groups; otherwise, individuals will be teamed up on-site with a rider/group of the same skill level. In order to navigate the self-guided adventure following GPS tracks provided by KTM, a SPOT, InReach, or similar PLB is required for all riders.
The ultimate KTM Adventure Rider Rally has been specifically developed for KTM Adventure and Enduro riders; however, it is open to all brands of street-legal motorcycles. Thursday, Oct. 12, will feature the ever-popular KTM Ride Orange Street Demo sessions, which enables participants to take part in the planned rides across Friday, Saturday, and half-day Sunday. Riding Technique and Technical Riding Seminars will be available for participating riders, and a broad mixture of Adventure vendors will also be on location.
In addition to having the chance to enjoy the experience with a selection of KTM Adventure ambassadors and athletes throughout the event, participants will receive an event T-shirt and hat, along with a pre-event dinner on Thursday, breakfast Friday-Sunday, and an Awards Dinner on Saturday, where riders will be able to recollect the experience and share their “orange adventure” stories into the evening.
With positions to the 2023 edition strictly limited, visit the 18th Annual KTM Adventure Rider Rally event page for further information and to register now for the KTM Adventure Rider Rally in Page, Arizona, from Oct. 13-15.
The BMW Museum in Munich, Germany, opened its 100 Years of BMW Motorrad exhibit on May 12 in celebration of the company’s centennial. More than just a collection of bikes, the museum “bowl” will include numerous displays that will include history, parts, gear, and recognition of BMW Motorrad clubs around the world. But of course, there will also be the bikes, including more than 55 original motorcycles, some of which are being displayed for the first time on their own platform, and staying to the spirit of an anniversary celebration, many historical models will be featured next to current ones. And looking toward the future, the exhibit will also include the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 vehicle. For more information, read the press release below.
In honor of these motorized two-wheelers, which have always supported the sporty, dynamic image of Bayerische Motoren Werke and today contribute significantly to its economic success, the BMW Museum will be displaying more than 55 original motorcycles from 10 decades in its world-famous Museumsschüssel (Museum Bowl).
Built in 1973, this round building’s architecture continues to fascinate visitors to this day and boasts themed displays comprising roughly 15 stations. Five larger exhibition levels are dedicated to the best-known BMW Motorrad designers, the various customer interests, the most captivating motorcycle combinations, and remarkable models.
In addition, unique treasures from the BMW Group Classic historic collection of vehicles will be displayed to the public for the first time on their own dedicated platform.
Motorcycles of the BMW Group Classic collection.
A Thrilling Journey Through 100 years of BMW Motorrad History
At the center of the exhibition are a number of original motorcycles spanning a period of 100 years, which present an appropriate depiction of the development of the BMW Motorrad brand over time. The exhibition also draws on tanks, benches, lights, rider’s helmets, frames, and smaller technical details to trace exciting lines of development from the past to the present. Space is also devoted to specific aspects such as motorsports, electromobility, research and development, and advertising, as well as the fascinating world experienced by two globetrotters on their BMW motorcycles.
Exported to more than 110 countries to date, the company’s vehicles for use by the authorities play a decisive role at international scale. The exhibition will also highlight the BMW Motorrad clubs organized around the globe.
BMW Museum Showcases Motorcycle Pairings From Past and Present
First-generation 2-cylinder Boxer engine next to a current 2-cylinder Boxer engine.
In the exhibition’s wide-ranging content, the concept of the anniversary exhibition proceeds in principle from motorcycle pairings, with a historical vehicle in each case being placed beside a current one. This creates many interesting contrasts on the subjects of innovation, super-athletes, combinations, full cladding, and urban mobility. Visitors will find the most valuable pieces in the exhibition on the way from platform 2 to Motorsport. Here, two machines are presented that are associated with victory in the legendary Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man: in this road race, which is probably the most difficult in the world, Schorsch Meier was successful on his BMW R 255 Kompressor, and 75 years later Michael Dunlop placed first on a BMW S 1000 RR.
BMW 255 compressor (Schorsch Meier, 1939) and BMW S 1000 RR (Michael Dunlop, 2014); winners of the famous Tourist Trophy
Here, the anniversary exhibition honors the drivers, designers, and developers from 100 years of BMW Motorrad history and at the same time references production in the BMW Group plant in Berlin-Spandau.
One of many highlights in the exhibition is the parade of fascinating BMW R 18 models, which is presented in a range of model variants. These alone would be worth a separate exhibition in this format. This is also true for the fully clad powerhouse from the batch of a BMW K1 and BMW R 1250 RT.
The final touch is added by the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 vehicle, which has been known since 2016 and gives an outlook into the future of the motorcycle.
BMW Vision Next 100 vehicle.
Interactive stations encourage visitors to actively engage with the exhibition; for example, a special photo station on platform 2 creates unforgettable moments for visitors as they explore. Visitors will also be able to hop onto each of two original BMW motorcycles, a couple of which we also encounter here. They can take their place behind the handlebars of a BMW R 25 from the 1950s and a current BMW S 1000 RR.
There’s even more BMW Motorrad to enjoy in the permanent exhibition. Since it’s re-opening in 2008, the BMW Museum has dedicated around 10 rooms and stations to the history of BMW motorcycles. Various topics give greater insight here, whether it’s the very first motorcycle, the BMW R 32; an overview all depicting around 25 milestones; or impressive examples from motorcycle racing.
May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. (Photo by Kevin Wing)
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and with the peak motorcycle riding season kicking off in many parts of the country, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released what the Motorcycle Safety Foundation called a “grim report” showing an increase in motorcycle fatalities in 2021.
According to the NHTSA Motorcycle Safety webpage, 5,932 motorcyclists were killed in 2021. These deaths represent a 7.7% increase over the previous year and 14% of the total traffic fatalities for 2021. It is also the highest number of motorcyclists killed since at least 1975.
Motorcycle and scooter riders, with their smaller profiles, are at great risk of not being seen by drivers, so the MSF is urging all roadway users to “Expect Us, See Us,” and actively search for riders and stay focused on the road.
“The NHTSA data may be from 2021, but distraction, speeding, and driving or riding while under the influence continue to be problems today,” said Rob Gladden, vice president of training operations for MSF. “However, these are all things we can change.”
When it comes to riding impaired, nearly a third (29%) of riders who were killed in 2021 were intoxicated, representing a 19% increase over the previous year. Another surprising number is that over a third (36%) of motorcyclist fatalities were riders without a valid motorcycle license.
In the bigger picture of all traffic- and vehicle-related incidents, crashes caused by distracted driving rose 12% from 2020 to 2021, according to NHTSA, while speeding-related fatalities increased by 7.9%, and alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities rose 14%.
“One of the biggest risks to motorcyclists is drivers who don’t see the rider and turn across their paths, even if they are not driving distracted,” Gladden said.
Being visible, which includes wearing bright apparel and a light-colored helmet, is an important part of motorcycle safety. (Photo by Kevin Wing)
As part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the MSF has offered five tips for motorcycle and scooter riders:
Be visible: Wear bright clothing and a light-colored helmet. Always have your headlight on, day and night, and avoid riding in the blind spots of cars and trucks. If possible, flash your brake light when slowing and before stopping.
But pretend you are invisible: If you assume others can’t see you, you will tend to ride in a hyperaware mindset and learn to notice every detail in your surroundings. Constantly search for changing conditions using the Search-Evaluate-Execute (SEE) strategy to assess and respond to hazards before you have to react to an emergency.
Gear up every ride: Wear proper riding gear from head to toe. Full-face helmets provide the best protection. Jackets, pants, gloves, and boots that are made for riding will generally be made of abrasion-resistant material and provide additional comfort and protection.
Follow the rules of the road: Riding respectfully — and legally — creates a safer environment for everyone. Unexpected maneuvers could startle or confuse others and cause a crash.
Before you ride, look over your bike: Do a pre-ride check, which includes looking over your tires and wheels, checking fluids, cables, your bike’s chassis, lights and electronics, and the stands. Use the T-CLOCS inspection checklist to help you.
Because riders are also often drivers of other types of vehicles, the MSF has offered tips for operating other vehicles as well.
“If you are distracted — using your cell phone, eating, or engaged with other passengers — the risks rise exponentially for riders,” Gladden said. “If driving, please be vigilant. Actively search for motorcyclists and look twice, especially before changing lanes or turning.”
Whether you’re a driver of a four-wheeled vehicle or a passenger in one, keep these tips in mind:
Actively look for motorcyclists: While many cars have blind-spot detection and collision-avoidance systems, they are not a fail-safe. Also use your eyes and mirrors to check all around you, and look twice before maneuvering into or around traffic.
Focus on driving: Put down the phone; don’t let pets and passengers distract you.
Use your turnsignals: Signal your intentions. It can help others know what to expect or even alert them to get out of your way if they are in your blind spot.
Give two-wheelers some space: Don’t tailgate or get too close next to riders. Give them space to maneuver and adjust to roadway conditions.
Keep it in the vehicle: Don’t throw trash or cigarettes out the window. Make sure cargo is secured so it doesn’t fall onto the road and become a hazard.
For additional information, including safety booklets, tips, and other reference guides, as well as details on MSF riding classes, visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website.
The parking lot of the Bellvale Farms Creamery in Warwick, New York, provides scenic views of the surrounding valleys. The Appalachian Trail crosses State Route 17A nearby, so this is a popular stop for hikers hungry for ice cream.
A good ride doesn’t have to be a long one. With only $10’s worth of gas, I set out to see how much fun I could have cruising around close to home on a New Jersey and New York motorcycle ride, and I was not disappointed.
It was a beautiful spring day with low humidity and temperatures in the 70s. I went out to the garage to warm up my 1990 BMW K 75, a bike known as the “Flying Brick.” Adding a little throttle as it idled, the BMW sang its familiar run run run run. I’ve owned it for 32 years, and with 28,000 miles on the clock, it’s barely broken in.
With its 750cc inline-Triple, waterproof saddlebags, and a cafe windscreen, some motorcycle reviews called the K 75 the perfect bike. It can take you around the corner for a quart of milk or around the world. I gassed her up, getting only a couple gallons for my $10. The gas station attendant admired the BMW’s silver paint and blue pinstripes and asked if it was new. I told him it was almost twice as old as he was.
The days of the 1,000-mile weekend trip are over for me. Most of my motorcycle jaunts these days, whether alone or with friends, are designed around breakfast, lunch, and a late afternoon snack.
The Village Buzz Cafe in Greenwood Lake is one of my go-to spots for breakfast or lunch. If you drop in, tell Katie I sent you!
From my home in Ramsey, New Jersey, it was a quick ride north on State Route 17 to Auntie El’s Farm Market in Sloatsburg, New York. At one time just a small shack with plants in summer and Christmas trees in winter, it’s now half a block long and sells plants, garden art, and fresh fruit and vegetables. But for me, it’s all about Auntie El’s bakery, which serves up freshly baked pastries, pies, and cookies. I enjoyed a warm apple turnover with coffee.
Next, I veered west on Sterling Mine Road, curved my way back into New Jersey, and rode past Ringwood Manor, a 724-acre park with rolling hills and a babbling brook. A slow ride through the park is usually a nice diversion, but on this trip I kept going and turned onto Margaret King Avenue. A few miles later, I turned west onto Greenwood Lake Turnpike and crossed over the Monksville Reservoir, which provides water for northern New Jersey and recreation for kayakers, paddleboarders, and anglers.
It was not quite 9 a.m., and the lake shimmered in the morning light. Anglers were out trying their luck. I slipped into the parking lot with my K 75 making about as much noise as a sewing machine – even the geese on the shoreline were unperturbed. Walking out on the dock provided a taste of the natural beauty that’s so close to home.
Monksville Reservoir was created in the late ’80s by damming the Wanaque River. The idyllic lake is popular among boaters and anglers.
Continuing on Greenwood Lake Turnpike took me to its namesake body of water, which is a narrow 7-mile lake that straddles the border of New York and New Jersey. From the turnpike I could see boats bobbing in the water at South Shore Marina, where years ago I kept “Dumb Idea,” my 19-foot day sailer. Anyone who has owned a boat will understand the name. The road, which becomes Warwick Turnpike, was all mine as I curved a large arc around Upper Greenwood Lake.
My next stop was Wawayanda State Park, a wonderful 34,350-acre preserve with 60 miles of trails and a beautiful spring-fed lake with a wide swimming beach, a boat launch, and kayak rentals. It’s a great place to take a short break and enjoy the sun sparkling on the lake. I was only burning $10’s worth of gas, so there was no need to rush.
The black dirt and onion farms of Pine Island, New York.
I crossed back into New York, turned west onto Route 94, then north onto Sanfordville Road. Turning west on Pine Island Turnpike took me to Pine Island, an area famous for its onion farms and some of the blackest dirt you’ve ever seen. After a quick stop in town, where there’s a great restaurant called The Jolly Onion, I backtracked on the turnpike and turned north on Little York Road, a small country road with views of the fields and small tidy houses in dappled sunlight. I stopped at the Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery, which has a cafe, picnic tables, and acres of land. As I strolled the grounds, I admired the blooming roses and made a note to return for a longer visit.
Continuing east on Pine Island Turnpike, I turned east at West Street and rode into the heart of Warwick, a charming town full of cafes and restaurants. There’s free parking in a large public lot right off Main Street. I sought out a power outlet to recharge my phone and had a slice of pizza while I waited.
Farther down Main Street at the far end of town is a large public park with benches under towering oak trees, providing shade that complemented the spring breeze. On a little hill is the Old School Baptist Meeting House, a majestic white church built in 1810. It’s now maintained by the Warwick Historical Society, and I enjoyed a quick tour.
The Old School Baptist Meeting House in Warwick.
I left Warwick by riding south on Oakland Avenue (Route 94) and then turning east on Galloway Road (State Route 17A). A left turn on Kain Road took me to Bellvale Farms Creamery, which looks like a Norman Rockwell painting of a farmhouse and has an expansive view of a valley full of farms. It also serves delicious ice cream, but I didn’t want to spoil my appetite.
One of my favorite stops for breakfast or lunch is The Village Buzz Cafe, which is in the heart of the Village of Greenwood Lake on Windermere Avenue just off Route 17A. The cafe serves up hometown cooking with welcoming smiles all around, and its menu includes all-day breakfast, sandwiches, and sweets. Their handcut home-fried potatoes with onions alone are worth a stop. Out front there’s a chalkboard with positive affirmations written in different colors, and they reminded me of how lucky I was to be up on two wheels on a gorgeous day.
Nothing beats ice cream straight from the source.
By the time I returned home, I’d only ridden 89 miles, but the $10 I spent was a bargain for a great day of exploring hills, lakes, and curves.
BMW partner VTR Motorrad AG & VTR Customs in Switzerland recently built a customized BMW R 18 First Edition commissioned by one of its customers to pay homage to the Ju 52 three-engine commercial and transport aircraft from the 1930s christened “Iron Annie.” Everything from the dial on the speedometer and replica cooling fins to the custom color scheme and corrugated aluminum planking reflect the appearance of the well-known aircraft. For more information, read the press release below from BMW Motorrad.
Munich/Schmerikon — The old “Aunt Ju” Junkers Ju 52, the legendary three-engine commercial and transport aircraft from the 1930s, is still familiar to many people. The Ju 52 with the aircraft registration D-AQUI in the Lufthansa color scheme grey-black from 1936 became particularly well-known worldwide. During its time in the U.S. from 1970 to 1984 under the American aircraft registration N52JU, it was christened “Iron Annie” for short by its then-owner Martin Caidin.
It was precisely this aircraft that inspired a customer of BMW partner VTR Motorrad AG & VTR Customs in Schmerikon, Switzerland, to commission a very special customized version of the BMW R 18: the R 18 “Iron Annie.”
Years before, the customer, who is an architect, had an R nineT built at VTR Customs that was also inspired by aviation style elements from aircraft construction.
With the R 18 “Iron Annie,” the dial of the speedometer integrated into the tank is intended to be reminiscent of old cockpit instruments or access panels with quick-release fasteners, as found on many aircraft. And of course, it was imperative to borrow from the Ju 52’s characteristic corrugated aluminum planking. The seat was designed to be reminiscent of a riding saddle, and only the “Iron Annie” color scheme in grey and black was used for the paintwork.
A BMW R 18 First Edition served as the starting point for the customizing project. First the engine was removed and painted black. All chrome parts were painted black, and the fork stanchions also received a black coating in the form of a DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coat.
The cockpit trim was pulled back as narrow and flat as possible to emphasize the streamlined shape. The 7-cm shorter fork and a height-adjustable Wilbers shock absorber emphasize the crouched stance of the motorcycle.
“To make the bike look smaller and give it a more filigree appearance between the wheels, we had large 18- and 21-inch wheels made by Kineo,” said Daniel Weidmann, owner and managing director of VTR Motorrad & VTR Customs.
As a further technical treat, racing-style HC3 pumps from Magura were fitted in place of the standard R 18 brake and clutch fittings. The dial of the customized speedometer has a hand that was specially made by watchmaker Zeitzone Zurich.
“One of the big challenges with the R 18 Iron Annie was the replica cooling fins in the area of the rear silencers,” Weidmann said. “Shaping these parts into parallel and beautiful radii and at the same time still fastening them harmoniously took a number of attempts.” This consumed countless hours of work, as the fuel tank, the tail with the suggested tail fin of an airplane, the side panels, and the cockpit were artfully hand-formed from aluminum sheet. Reminiscences of traditional metal aircraft construction are also provided by the numerous lens-head rivets.
“What almost pained us a little when we saw all the handmade, bright aluminum sheets shimmering and shining was that they would have to be painted,” Weidmann said. “However, we are extremely satisfied with the result because the R 18 Iron Annie differs even more clearly from our well-known Spitfire, which is also designed in aviation style.” The R 18 Iron Annie will receive road approval and is sure to turn quite a few heads in its new home on Lake Geneva. It will remain a unique model, as was promised to the customer.
Seeking relief from some of the strains of adventure bike riding, I thought I would test out one of the HeliBars Tour Performance Handlebar Risers. The riser positions the handlebar 2 inches higher and 2 inches closer to the rider, significantly altering the handlebar-seat-footpegs rider triangle.
The handlebar position on many adventure bikes is well-placed for both sitting and standing while cruising backroads and maneuvering through technical off-road areas. Even on pavement, I find it helpful to stand up when riding through small towns to give my derriere a chance to get some blood back into it.
On my 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America, with my 31-inch inseam, when standing on the pegs the stock handlebar position requires me to bend my knees slightly or stoop over a bit, which puts strain on my lower back. This riding position can become tiresome and uncomfortable after riding off-road over rough terrain. After an hour or so, my legs get pretty knackered.
Enter the the HeliBars Tour Performance Handlebar Riser. Installation of the HeliBars riser is straightforward. Remove the stock handlebar, release some of the tie straps that secure brake lines and wires to the handlebar, reposition the lines behind the handlebar mount, and then install the HeliBars riser atop the stock handlebar mount. After that, simply re-install the stock handlebar on the new riser using bolts provided by HeliBars and torque them to appropriate spec. Nothing needs to be removed from the handlebar, and all stock lines are retained.
On a recent ride in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, I put the riser to the test on the Santa Ana Divide Trail. It was fairly rutted with several rockslides and water crossings that required frequent standing. The HeliBars riser not only provided a more comfortable position but also helped with controlling the Pan Am and its significant heft. While I previously would have preferred to sit down for most of the ride, I found it equally comfortable to stand up for long stretches of deep sand and rutted two-track.
During long stints in the saddle, the new riser minimizes tension in my arms and shoulders, reducing fatigue and some of those post-ride aches and pains that are familiar to all of us. One downside to the new handlebar position is that it might block part of your view of the TFT dashboard depending on your height. For example, I now must lean forward a bit to see the clock since it’s located in the lower left corner of the screen.
HeliBars Tour Performance Handlebar Risers are machined from a single piece of 6061 T6 aluminum with nice craftsmanship, and their solid design reduces flex. They are functional, stylish, and manufactured on American soil in Cornish, Maine. The riser for the Harley Pan Am is priced at $199 – or $209 with the optional RAM ball mount. HeliBars also makes risers and replacement handlebars for a wide variety of other motorcycles. For more information, visit the HeliBars website.
