Tag Archives: motorcycle travel

Reasons riders can celebrate Australia Day

January 24, 2020 mcnews Leave a comment

The best way to celebrate Australia Day this year is to get out and ride in regional areas that have been hit by the bushfire crisis and spend your tourist dollar.

Click here for our tips avoiding bushfire areas and what to do if caught in a bushfire situation.

And click here to find out how you can support the many bushfire appeals.

So if you’re out riding this Australia Day Long weekend, consider this about our great continent.

REASONS TO BE CELEBRATE

Most parts of Australia have year-round riding weather, not just on one day!
We have a host of great riding roads.
Our forests, beaches, outback and deserts offer some of the greatest adventure riding in the world.
Most country people are welcoming of riders dropping into their towns.
New helmet laws now allow us greater access to more and safer Euro-approved helmets.
Most states now have or are considering introducing lane filtering.
We have one of the widest varieties of motorcycle model choices in the world.
Motorcycles have never been cheaper in “real terms”.

REASONS TO BE WARY

Road safety Nazis selectively pick on us with their scaremonger campaigns.
Police target riders for discriminatory licence and vehicle checks.
Insurance companies gouge us on premiums and compulsory third party.
Our road rules annoyingly vary from state to state (although this is gradually changing).
There is an epidemic of ever-decreasing speeds on our roads.

BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT YOU’VE GOT

It could be worse.

Several major cities are banning all or some motorcycles from entering the CBD.
Some Asian and Mid-East cities ban all motorcycles or impose a curfew.
Some countries also ban women from riding for “modesty” reasons!
In London, motorcycle theft has halved in the past two years, yet almost 10,000 were stolen last year.
In Malaysia, 26 unmarried couples have been arrested for riding together on a motorcycle.

AUSSIE BIKE HISTORY

More great reasons to celebrate motorcycling on Australia Day is our rich motorcycling history.

With its vast distances and rugged terrain, motorcycles were popular at the start of the last century. We even had a thriving motorcycle manufacturing industry, particularly during World War I when supplies of British motorcycles dried up.

While we have not had a motorcycle manufacturing industry for some time, Australia once built many motorcycles such as Lewis, Pasco, Blue Bird, Bullock, De Luxe, Peerless, Invincible JAP, Whiting, Mostyn, Rudge, FN and Norton.

Lewis motorcycles

Robert Saward wrote A-Z of Australian-made Motorcycles which details 396 brands of motorcycles, most of which were assembled here from imported engines and frames.

In 1928, the Auto Cycle Council of Australia was formed to represent the interests of motorcycle clubs and state associations at a national level. It is now called Motorcycling Australia which represents motorcycle racing.

RACING HERITAGE

Racing successes are more great reasons to celebrate.

Australians were among the first in the world to start racing motorcycles. Many believe the first speedway meetings were held in Australia and our speedway riders travelled to the UK to pioneer the sport.

Over the years, Australia has had many motorcycle champions. MA notes our first world champion as speedway rider Lionel Van Praag in 1936.

Here is MA’s list of champion Aussie riders and teams and more reasons to celebrate on our national day:

RIDERS

Lionel Van Praag

1936 Lionel Van Praag, Speedway

1938 Bluey Wilkinson, Speedway

1951/52 Jack Young, Speedway

1957 Keith Campbell, Road racing (350cc)

1961 Tom Phillis, Road racing (125cc)

1969 Kel Carruthers, Road racing (250cc)

1979/81 Barry Smith, Road racing (Formula TT)

1983 Steve Baker, Speedway (under 21)

1987 Wayne Gardner, Road racing (500cc)

1992 Leigh Adams, Speedway (under 21)

1994-98 Michael Doohan, Road racing (500cc)

Mick Doohan enters Hall of Fame

1995/2004/06/09 Jason Crump, Speedway (under 21)

1996/2005 Troy Corser, Superbikes

1997 Shane Watts, Enduro (125cc)

1997 Peter Goddard, Endurance Road Racing

2000/01/03/04 Stefan Merriman, Enduro

2000/02 Warwick Nowland, Endurance Road Racing

2001/06/08 Troy Bayliss, Superbikes

Troy Bayliss

2001/08 Andrew Pitt, Supersport

2001 Heinz Platacis, Endurance Road Racing

2003/08 Chad Reed, Supercross

2003 Chris Vermeulen, Supersport

2004 Karl Muggeridge, Supersport

2007/11 Casey Stoner, MotoGP

2009 Jay Wilson, Junior Motocross

2009/10 Darcy Ward, Speedway (under 21)

2009 Steve Martin, Endurance Road Racing

2010 Mick Headland, Jesse Headland, Track Racing Sidecar (1000cc)

2011 Darrin Treloar, Jesse Headland, Track Racing Sidecar (1000cc)

2012 Caleb Grothes, Junior MX (65cc)

2012 Chris Holder, World FIM Speedway GP

2013/14 Matthew Phillips, Enduro (Junior/E3)

2014 Jett Lawrence, Junior MX (65cc)

2015 Matthew Gilmore, Youth Speedway World Cup (250cc)

2016 Matt Phillips, Junior Enduro GP

2016 Toby Price, Dakar Rally

Toby Price

2017 Jason Doyle, World FIM Speedway GP

2018 Toby Price, FIM World Cross Country Champion

2018 Josh hook, World Endurance

2018 Braden Plath, World Junior Motocross

2018 Tayla Jones, ISDE (Enduro EW)

2018 Daniel Milner, ISDE Enduro E3 and overall

2019 Toby Price, Dakar Rally

2019 Daniel Milner, ISDE Enduro E3 and overall

Teams

1974 Pairs Speedway, 2nd

1976 Team Speedway (Phil Crump, Billy Sanders, Phil Hearne, John Boulger), 1st

1990 Pairs Speedway, 2nd

1994 ISDE Junior Trophy, 2nd

1995 ISDE Junior Trophy (Ian Cunningham, Shane Watts, Shawn Reed Jamie Cunningham), 1st

1998 ISDE World Trophy, 3rd; ISDE Junior Trophy, 3rd

1999 Team Speedway (Jason Crump, Leigh Adams, Ryan Sullivan Jason Lyons, Todd Wiltshire), 1st; ISDE World Trophy, 3rd

2001 Team Speedway (Jason Crump, Leigh Adams, Ryan Sullivan, Todd Wiltshire, Craig Boyce, Jason Lyons), 1st

2002 Team Speedway (Ryan Sullivan, Todd Wiltshire, Leigh Adams, Jason Crump, Jason Lyons), 1st

Jason Crump and Troy Bayliss

2003 Team Speedway, 2nd

2006 Oceania Motocross (Nathan Brochtrup, Lee Ellis, Josh Strang, Kirk Gibbs, Chris Hollis, Cody Mackie, Ryan Marmont, Joel Passlow, Harley Quinlan, Tye Simmonds, Todd Waters), 1st

2006 ISDE Junior Team (Christopher Hollis, Joshua Strang, Blake Hore, Darren Lloyd), 3rd

2007 Team Speedway (Ryan Sullivan, Rory Schlein, Leigh Adams, Jason Crump, Chris Holder, Dave Watt), 3rd; Oceanic Motocross (Craig Anderson, Troy Carroll, Lee Ellis, Jay Marmont, Jake Moss, Cameron Tatlor, Danny Anderson, Lewis Stewart, Kristy Gillespie, Ashlea Bates, Adelia Barton, Tye Simmonds, Ross Beaton, Luke Arbon), 1st

2008 ISDE Junior Team (Jarrod Bewley, Geoff Braico, Blake Hore, Andrew Lloyd), 2nd

2009 Junior Motocross (Tye Simmonds, Jay Wilson), 1st; Track Racing Sidecar (Mick Headland, Paul Waters), 1st; Team Speedway (Leigh Adams, Jason Crump, Chris Holder, Davey Watt, Troy Batchelor), 2nd; Women’s Team (Jacqui Jones, Alison Parker, Jemma Wilson), 3rd

2010 Junior MX (Wilson Todd, Mitchell Evans, Joel Dinsdale, Scott Mann, Matt Phillips, Errol Willis), 3rd

2011 ISDE Womens Team (Allison Parker, Jess Gardiner, Jemma Wilson), 3rd; ISDE Mens Team – E2 Class (Toby Price, Matthew Phillips), 1st; MXoN (Chad Reed, Brett Metcalf, Matt Moss), 3rd; Speedway World Cup (Jason Crump, Darcy Ward, Chris Holder, Davey Watt, Troy Batchelor), 2nd

2012 ISDE Womens Trophy Team (Jess Gardiner, Tanya Hearn, Tayla Jones), 3rd; Speedway World Cup (Chris Holder, Davey Watt, Jason Crump, Darcy Ward, Troy Batchelor), 2nd; Speedway World Cup U21 (Darcy Ward, Sam Masters, Dakota North, Alex Davies, Nick Morris), 2nd

2013 ISDE Womens Trophy Team (Jess Gardiner, Tayla Jones, Jemma Wilson), 1st; Speedway World Cup (Darcy Ward, Cameon Woodward, Jason Doyle, Troy Batchelor) 3rd

2014 ISDE Womens Trophy Team (Jess Gardiner, Tayla Jones, Jemma Wilson), 1st; ISDE Junior Trophy Team (Daniel Sanders, Tom McCormack, Lachlan Stanford, Scott Keegan), 3rd; Speedway World Cup (Chris Holder, Darcy Ward, Jason Doyle, Troy Batchelor), 3rd

2015 FIM World Junior Motocross Championships (Hunter Lawrence, Cooper Pozniak, Rhys Budd, Bailey Malkiewicz, John Bova, Regan Duffy), 3rd; Trial des Nations International Trophy Competition (Chris Bayles, Tim Coleman, Kyle Middleton and Colin Zarczynki), 3rd; ISDE Junior Trophy Team (Daniel Sanders, Broc Grabham, Tom Mason, Tye Simmons), 1st; ISDE Women’s Trophy Team (Tayla Jones, Jess Gardiner, Jemma Wilson), 1st; ISDE Senior Trophy Team (Daniel Milner, Matthew Phillips, Lachlan Stanford, Glenn Kearney, Beau Ralston, Josh Green), 2nd (Provisional); FIM Team Speedway Under 21 2015 World Championship (Max Fricke, Brady Kurtz, Nick Morris, Jack Holder), 3rd

2016 and 2017 ISDE Women’s Trophy Team (Tayla Jones, Jess Gardiner, Jemma Wilson)

2018 World Junior Motocross (125cc) Bailey Malkiewicz, Brad West & Braden Plath

2018 ISDE Women’s Trophy Team (Tayla Jones, Jess Gardiner, Mackenzie Tricker)

2018 ISDE Trophy Team (Daniel Milner, Joshua Strang, Lyndon Snodgrass, Daniel Sanders)

2018 ISDE Junior Trophy Team (Michael Driscoll, Fraser Higlett, Lyndon Snodgrass)

(Above information from Motorcycling Australia.)

(If we have missed any, please advise us and we will add it to the list. And tell us how you will celebrate Australia Day)

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Aussie guide to road trips in the USA

November 24, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

Aussie rider Linda Norman has published a US road trips guide for other Australian riders after spending several years touring the country with her husband, Barry.

Aussies Guide to Roadtripping America isn’t a recap of their trips but a valuable guide to help other Aussie riders plan their journey, Linda says.

“Hopefully it will save them a few dollars along the way.”

Reader discount

To celebrate the launch, Motorbike Writer readers can get a 20% discount when they order online if they type in the special code “motorbikewriter19”. The road trips guide normally costs $39.95 plus $5 shipping.

Linda says her guide includes tips such as placing a red arrow on the screen or fairing that points to the kerb to remind riders to ride on the right side of the road.

“It is very easy to forget what side you are supposed to ride on when you become fatigued,” she says.

Other helpful tips revolve around licensing and helmet laws, phone connections, currency conversion and insurance.

“I also cover the options of undertaking a fully guided tour, hiring a bike, shipping your own, or purchasing one over there and how to ship it home.”

Linda Norman Road Trips in USA book — Sturgis

The book features the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Route-66, and many of the great bucket list rides, with full-colour photos from her tours as well as easy-to-follow maps.

“My book is written by an Aussie, for Aussies, and was printed in Australia,” Linda says.

Road trips

Linda describes herself as a 50+ nana of three who has been around motorbikes since meeting her husband over 37 years ago.

She was the first woman in Queensland to become a registered Q-Ride provider and is now on her 12th Harley, a 2018 Roadglide.

“I remember my first trip to America, the planning, searching, studying that went into that trip and there was still so much we didn’t know,” Linda says.

“My husband, Barry, and I head over to America almost every year and spend between four to six weeks riding roads that just seem to get better every day, winding our way among the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, or cruising our way along a favourite part of the historic Route-66.

“I love traveling those hidden backroads, finding historic little towns that still look the same as when the people walked away from them over 100 years ago.

Linda and Barry have also done a lot of road trips throughout Australia, Canada and many other countries. They are also planning a ride to Alaska in 2020.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Panniersky keeps your six-pack cold

November 21, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

The Panniersky cooler bag — an esky for your panniers — will keep your food and/or drinks cold until the end of the day’s ride, says Andy White of Andy Strapz.

He’s been making adventure rider luggage and accessories since 1995, so he should know.

Andy says he developed the prototype on a few trips over the end of last summer and the Andy Strapz crew then “tidied it up” to what is now the $68 Panniersky.

Panniersky

The finished product was then tested by “Scrawny Strapz” who did an Ironbutt run from the lowest point in Australia at Lake Eyre to the highest in Charlotte’s Pass.

“His goal was to keep food fresh,” Andy says. “Crisp apples, cheese that didn’t resemble paste and a couple of coldies to celebrate reaching the goal.”

Although it looks like there were ice-cold G&Ts at the end of the day!

“It’s a bit hard to rate a cooler like this,” Andy says.

“Doing quasi-scientific measurements of ambient temperature and comparing temperature changes of the contents and a control … spare me!

“On a recent bench test we found that fridge-cold beers were drinkably cool after four hours. Add ice and it’s all day.

“Keep it out of the sun and away from exhausts, of course.

“It helps to tuck it between camping gear for extra insulation if possible. That’s why we included an inner dry bag. It was such an important addition to the concept.”

The Panniersky is a five-litre bag double-insulated with high-density foam (75PE for those who know that sort of stuff) and efficient Dacron insulation wadding, encased in a zippered, 1000 denier nylon bag.

It is made to fit inside soft saddle bags or hard panniers, or can be strapped on top of the rest of your gear.

Most importantly, it will hold a six pack of cans or bottles.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Writing While Riding Your Motorbike

September 30, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

(Sponsored article on writing and riding)

Writers are always filled with a sort of wanderlust that always keeps them moving from places to places to calm their exasperating inside. They create lines while moving between dwellings and capture ideas of their head in a better way. If you intend to write down your ideas while moving around, there is nothing better writer companion than a motorbike. A motorbike ride takes you in the air without an air ticket, but the big question is, how one can you write while being on a bike as both hands are busy in handling the balance of the bike?

No, you do not need another person to drive the bike while you sit at the back and write. There are two problems in this situation; first of all, it’s hard to get thrilling ideas and secondly, no one is will always be free to take you on a bike ride every time you need to write. So what do you do?

No no, you also don’t need to give up riding a bike for writing when you can do both things hand in hand. How? Here are some ways by which you can write while riding a motorbike

1 Use Your Smart Phone as Writing Tool

X2 phone mount charges your phone while riding

The first thing that comes handy is your smartphone. All smartphones have recording features that can be used with or without videos. ? I am not asking you to make Vlog, my point is, record your thoughts, word to word, in your smartphone. These will later come handy to draw the picture of your story on paper. You need a hands-free or earpieces, a well-working mic, fully charged battery, and a holder tool to put mobile phone while riding a do not. These recorded pinpoints will help you, and you will not forget the actual bike ride story you were struggling to write.

2 Take Pauses on The Way While Driving a Bike

Keep your eyes on the road and do not flow too profoundly in your words while recording and riding a bike. It can cause accidents. Therefore, you need to use your eyes to see, drive with your hands, and your voice will be your writer for the day. When you also find a place that is will not be comfortable, stop your bike and record the things you want to write. Try to find a place that’s less noisy for voice recording. If you want everyone to feel that you were writing while exploring the world on your bike, you can get help from professionals at Bid4Papers.com..

3 Talk To Your Writing Partner on Phone during Bike Ride

Being a writer,it is always essential to have people in your acquaintances who write or simply your writing colleagues. Whenever there is something more exciting on the way, call your writing partner and tell them about the things you are seeing. Tell them to write down your ideas in their own words to give your story a new and fascinating script. You will be able to create a masterpiece in this manner and that also while driving a motorbike. Get the best essay writing services from Bid4Papers.com.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Life on the Open Road Doesn’t Mean Leaving Your Life Behind

September 18, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

(Sponsored post on life on the open road)

If you haven’t taken some time out from life to explore the vast expanse of our world, you’re missing out. There’s something extraordinary about packing up some essential belongings, jumping on your bike and cruising off into the sunset.

OK, that’s slightly too romantic a setting, but can you see how relaxing an adventure on the open road can be? Sure, switching off and taking a digital detox can be incredibly relaxing.

But, you can still balance having a relaxing trip with staying in touch with the world. Since we’re all so connected thanks to the smartphone surge, connecting with our loved ones is only seconds away through the likes of Facetime, Skype, WhatsApp and the addictive social media channels.

Hell, there’s also new betting sites you can try while you’re on the move if betting is your thing. With mobile networks and WiFi hotspots stronger than ever, placing bets and watching live streams online is much easier now.

The fact is, apart from the rigmarole of daily life pressures, you can explore the likes of Mary River Valley without feeling stressed about putting life on hold.

How? That’s for us to know, and for you to find…

No, we’re kinder than that!

Work Flexibly

We understand that not everyone can be mobile when they’re working. However, with such a massive shift in employers’ recognising that staff want more flexibility in working hours and work locations, how much is there to stop you from working on the road?

Imagine a world where you can cruise around on your bike, stopping off in a coffee shop to attend a conference call and catch up with the team while supping on your favourite bean-brew of choice. It’s possible, it really is.

How? Well, people are already doing it, so follow them!

Bloggers Are Leading the Way

Freelancing and blogging sit in their isolated niche away from the office and factory-binding jobs that make you feel like you can’t ever break free. Even if you can’t take your work away on your bike, perhaps you can extend your work so you can entice your employer to be more flexible.

What if they let you have some time out over and above authorised leave for a trip on your bike, in exchange for you to blog about your employer?

Or, in exchange for snapping some photos of your travel, the company can do a spotlight on their employees and what they get up to in their spare time?

This is just one example of how breaking the status quo can lead to a life more open and explored.

Stagnancy is the route of all Evil

You know that feeling of doing the same thing day in, day out? It’s awful, isn’t it? If McGregor and Boorman can inspire millions, why can’t you? If you want to make a drastic change, it’s up to nobody but you.

The thing is, you don’t even need to do it alone. If your spouse, ankle-biters or mates fancy a trip with you, memories could be created for life for all involved, not just you. That way, you won’t feel like you’re being selfish for packing your saddles and riding off.

Just because you’re on “holiday,” it doesn’t mean that you step out of one life and into another.

Take your iPads, smartwatches and phones. Crikey, even take your portable games console if you want to.

Plan way in advance and tell people what your intentions are. That way, there’s no surprise factor when it comes close to your trip.

There are very few things that you can’t get while on two wheels. The exception to this, of course, is if you head out into the true wilderness. Even so, with a boost to 4G coverage in the outback, you still might not be as isolated as you once thought.

What Are You Waiting For?

For some, it’s not so simple to pack up and ride away. Life commitments get in the way, and it’s not good to sack off your mates for a better option. But, if your boss says it’s no dramas to take some holiday at short notice, and it’s a feasible option otherwise, what’s stopping you?

We know, it’s you! We wild humans tend to find a reason to NOT do something instead of going wild and just doing it.

Even if you’re looking to grab your first motorbike or need an upgrade, start to look for a new one before you get the opportunity to go away. That way, you remove the barriers before they begin to imprint in your life and stop you from channelling the open road.

Make a plan, and it’ll become more of a reality than a dream.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Discount on first Tibet tours

September 1, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

Extreme Bike Tours is offering a 10% discount on its first tours of Tibet and Nepal, the Mt Everest base camp and the Forbidden City of Lhasa in 2020.

Riders will be aboard Royal Enfield Himalayan adventure motorcycles which were tested in the Himalayas.

Royal Enfield Himalayan Sleet invests camo — Royal Enfield Himalayan

We toured Sri Lanka last year with Extreme Bike Tours and found them to be top value, professional and honest.

Company part-owner Ben Lloyd says there is already so much interest in their 15-day, 2277km tour that they have scheduled two tours next year from 5-20 September and 22 September to 6 October.

Their tours have a cap of 10 riders to keep them intimate and safe.

Prices are $US5895 (about $A8800) for riders, $US4950 ($A7350) for a pillion and $US695 ($A1000) for a single room.

If you book before the end of October 2019, they will take 10% off.

That’s good value as they stay in good quality hotels and all meals are included. In fact, everything but your flights, health insurance, alcohol and tips is included.

Tibet treasures

The tour starts in Kathmandu, Nepal, and climbs to 5220m to Mt Everest base camp and on to the spectacular Tibetan Plateau.

Tibet Lhasa — The Forbidden City of Lhasa

They even include free oxygen cylinders for those find the altitude hard going.

Despite the adventure, it’s still only rated at “intermediate” skill level, so there will be some rough riding involved.

Highlights of the tour include stunning mountain scenery, challenging roads, spectacular waterfalls, sacred caves, ancient monasteries and temples, and jaw-dropping views of Mt Everest from old Tingri if the weather is kind.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Andy Tool for motorcycle travel

August 9, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

If there is no room in your luggage or under your seat for a toolkit, you can still rely on this handy Andy Tool from Andy Strapz.

This multi-tool is 18 tools in one small stainless-steel device that slips inside a handy pouch that you can attach to your belt, slip in your pocket or under the seat.

Australian motorcycle accessories and luggage experts Andy Strapz have some clever and useful gear for motorcycle travel and this magic little combination Andy Tool is no exception.

It is made of #420 Stainless with 48HRC hardness and includes the following features:

Flat Screwdriver
#2 and #3 Phillips Screwdriver
Bottle Opener
Box cutter
5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13 and 14mm end spanner
4, 5, and 6mm Allen key
1/4- and 7/16-inch end spanner
The Chinese-made tool costs just $18 with free untracked postage and comes with a pouch and a five-year warranty.

“It won’t rebuild a basket case resto but it might just get you out of trouble,” Andy says.

“Tightening a loose screw or bolt is often left because pulling out the tool roll can be a pain.”

This handy Andy Tool may be the easiest alternative!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Watch this epic 10,000km ride across Siberia

July 31, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

A photo of a dilapidated bridge in Siberia was the inspiration for this epic trip across Russia and Mongolia beautifully captured in this 30-minute “Broken Roads to Siberia” video.

Broken Roads to Siberia

The 10,000km “Broken Roads to Siberia” journey started when Finnish rider Jyri Koski started planning an off-road route to the infamous Vitim River Bridge in Siberia.

It’s an old train bridge crossing the Vitim River which is only six-foot-wide path. Its old metal structure is covered with rotting wooden planks, which can be slippery due to frequent ice in the area.

Once the route was planned, Jyri needed a riding partner and a host for his planned travel film, so he sent a message to his friend Tuukka Josefsson with a picture of the dangerously dilapidated bridge.

“Do you want to join me for a motorcycle ride to this bridge in Siberia?” Jyri asked in the message.

Tuukka was in immediately!

Bikes and gear

“Next important task was to select the motorcycle for the adventure,” Tyre says.

“It had to be light enough, yet strong enough to carry all the gear and take the beating as well as a great off-roader and of course fun to ride.

“KTM 690 Enduro R filled all our requirements.”

Jyri and Tuukka replaced the air filter box with an additional 6.5-litre fuel tank and carried extra five-litre fuel canisters with them.

That gave them about 400km fuel range, depending on the riding conditions.

Riding gear was another important selection as Jyri and Tuukka needed protection from Siberia’s harsh conditions.

They chose Rukka’s new “Rough Roads” motorcycle wear, specially made for adventure riding.

For light and rugged luggage, Jyri and Tuukka opted for Kriega’s luggage system.

Film festivals

Their journey through Russian wilderness, Altai mountains, Mongolian deserts and Siberian taiga takes its toll on the young riders as seen in their video.

“Broken Roads to Siberia” has been selected for several film festivals around the world: French Riviera Motorcycle Film Festival, Travel FilmFest International Film Festival, MotoTematica Rome Motorcycle Film Festival and The Adventure Travel Film Festival.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

10 cool motorcycling routes in Scandinavia

July 9, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

(Sponsored post on Scandinavia travel)

Scandinavia has a lot of beautiful landscapes that just beg to be discovered. There are hundreds of ways to experience all that Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden and Iceland have to offer, and one of those ways is by taking your motorcycle and exploring. Here are 10 cool motorcycle routes you should take on your next visit the Europian north.

Inkoo to Karjaa in Finland

A modern road that connects to a medieval road that runs through south Finland from west to east. Although a section of the road is straight, the vast majority of it is curvy with a lot of twists and bends. There are multiple cafes along the Inkoo boat harbour, as well as the historical village of Fagervik and an old ancient iron factory. As you get closer to Snappertuna you would see the castle Rasenborg.

Bergen to Geiranger in Norway

A long road that may take you a couple of days, this path features multiple floating bridges that help you cross the myriad fjords. Beautiful landscapes such as glacial valleys, 1,000m cliffs and Sognefjorden, Norway’s longest fjord. At the end of the path at Geirangerfjord, there are magnificent foaming slashes of the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil waterfalls.There’s ample time to stop and view the landscape. Alternatively, Casumo has a fantastic online casino in Norway that can be played while you’re taking a rest.

Route 62 in Finland

This route is long and gorgeous, featuring scenery from forests to bridges over waters and historic towns and villages. The best section is where the winding road meets the blue waters of Puumalan lake, where you can stop and enjoy the scenery. Approximately 112km long, you may want to take your time to stop and look at the view.

The E4 Highway, High Coast Route in Sweden

A famous route that stretches from Härnösand to Örnsköldsvik in north-eastern Sweden. This route takes you over the High Coast Bridge, a large suspension bridge that travels over Ångerman River. There are some really fascinating hiking trails if you want to stop. This ride won’t take you long, lasting about an hour and a half.

Atlantic Ocean Road in Norway

There are multiple bridges along this route (8 in counting!) with a generous amount of twists and dips through Norway’s most spectacular views. Keep in mind that this road can be hazardous in the rain, as the high altitude twists could make the leisurely ride fatal. Waves are known for crashing into the overarching bridges – so beware.

Route One in Iceland

Do this one in the summer to avoid the crippling winter cold. Iceland becomes a lush country of green with multiple panoramic views around May-June. You’ll see beaches with icebergs in the distance, enormous waterfalls, black sand, and fascinating wildlife. The full route is quite long at 1319km, so if you want to do this in one stretch, you better pack a snack.

Trollstigen in Norway

Also known as “The Trolls Ladder,” Trollstigen is a part of the Norwegian National Road 63 which is a high road on the side of a mountain. This 57km route has breathtaking views and sharp corners. Within the twist and turns is a waterfall that cascades towards the bottom of the hill. Getting to the top and looking down is the best part – check out that view!

West Coast and the Atlantic Wall in Denmark

A ride along the North Sea Coast that shows off the Bork Viking Harbour and the small town of Hvide Sande. Up the coast is the WWII Atlantic Wall fortification at Houvig and eventually the BunkerMuseum Hanstholm. This route is perfect for any war buff but is quite long at 228km. Still, it’s a great way to see various city sites in Denmark.

The Highlands in Denmark

The Lake Highlands have long winding roads from Silkeborg to Skanderborg, through a forest, idyllic villages and fields. This road features the best of nature and culture all in one sitting. The historical town of Himmelbjerget looks out on a river that winds around it. Great motorcycle route for those wanting the best of both worlds.

Fjordland in Norway

The fjords in western Norway are a quiet little pocket of beauty near Oslo. As you drive, you’ll be surrounded by endless mountains, forests and winding valleys as you approach Telemark. Hardangervidda National Park along the way shows off the west coastline, and the Laerdal Tunnel burrows through the mountainous landscape.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Sydney rider dies in Bali scooter crash

June 9, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

Sydney motorcycle dealer Peter Raymond Robinson, 59, has died in Bali when a truck ran through a red light and hit his scooter on Friday (7 June 2019).

Bali police have arrested the truck driver, 24-year-old Dicky Agung Wijaksana.

Graphic CCTV footage of the crash was posted on Instagram showing Peter’s head being run over by the truck’s rear wheel. We have chosen not to publish the video.

Bali scooter crash — Peter’s damaged scooter

Bali dangers

One Aussie tourist dies every nine days on the popular Indonesian tourist island.

In the past three months, three Australians have been killed in scooter crashes.

In April, Queensland father Erran Braddick, 32, died after being hit by a truck in Canggu, north of Seminyak, and in March Frankie Avalon Fonohema, 27, of Melbourne died after a scooter crash with a motorcycle, also in Canggu.

Our sincere condolences to their family and friends.

Holiday scooters

Many Aussies holiday in Bali and many hire scooters and motorcycles to tour the island.

It is an offence to ride without a helmet in Bali and offenders will cop an on-the-spot fine.

If you try to bribe an officer, you could cop an extra fine.

Yet many tourists choose to flout the law and run the risk.

It is not suggested that any of these riders did not wear a helmet.

In fact, the CCTV images show Peter was wearing a helmet and no amount of rider gear could have saved him.

We suggest that all riders heading overseas take extra care to acclimatise to the traffic.

Road rules and traffic behaviour can be radically different to what you would be used to.

Riders should also ensure they have adequate travel insurance to cover them in case of an unfortunate accident.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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