Adventure Amigos: July 2016

This will be a long trip, so packing will need to cover a wide range of situations and scenarios:

Camping gear - shelter, food prep, eating, cleaning, water etc.
Electronics and "juice" to keep those devices running.
Protection from the big guys (bears) and little guys (mosquitos and black flies)
Cameras to document the adventure and it's "interesting" moments.
Regular Bike Maintenance at roadside or in a Canadian Tire parking lot

Most of the trip will be run solo so the BMW 1200GSA will be heavily laden. For the Kelowna to Inuvik and back sections, the load can be shared between several bikes. Touring with a group provides more flexible packing options than solo because common items like tool kits, pumps etc. can be shared between the bikes.

Note: This section will be updated as items of note are discovered.

Clothing:

This trip will require clothing to cover a wide range of conditions, from 30 C or higher, down to below freezing and snowing - near the Arctic.

MotoPort mesh jacket for coolness for the majority of the trip and maximum protection.

Motoport waterproof under layer
Outer rain jacket for the Dempster. Want to keep the mud off the Motoport because the Calcium Chloride is nasty stuff.

Klim Gen1 Badlands pants - these are still waterproof and still work. Sign of a good product (although I wish they would take the armour more seriously)

Will take a rain pant as well - extra protection and keep the Calcium Chloride off the pant fabric.

Gerbings heated jacket - controlled by the Neutrino. Light weight and as warm as you need - while on the bike.
Merlino wool socks - keep the rider warm, cool and dry. Nature's wonder material - too bad my wool sensitivity does't allow me to wear the sweater close to the skin.
Mosquito jacket and hat/net. The bugs can be really bad up there and time spent on the side of the road fixing a tire or in camp, setting up or relaxing - can portray a small slice of hell without this gear.
long sleeve first layer - for cold and hot weather. Soak these and they will keep you cooler in the hottest weather. Discovered that fact in the Arizona and Nevada desert.
Schuberth E1 Helmet. This flip up helmet provides all the safety and functionality that an adventure needs. Design is not perfect in all functions but it covers all of the bases.

Another posting will provide a more detailed list of clothing items.

Camping Gear:

We will camp in order to reduce trip costs and enjoy the mountain scenery. This is closer to canoe camping than car camping, and may be close to deep woods hiking - not a lot of space or carry capacity. The key is prioritizing space and weight.

Shelter:

Hennessy Expedition hammock tent. This is the preferred accommodation when trees are available to hang the tent. Hammocks keep you off the ground, take 5 minutes to set up. When back packing, a hammock doesn't provide space to protect the back pack in a rain storm but since the motorcycle stores everything in weather proof boxes/bags, the hammock is perfect for motorcycle touring.

A siltarp to protect the hammock/tent or eating area if the weather gets really rainy.
A Therm-a-rest insulated pad provides warmth from the bottom for both tent and hammock
Rope - in the old days we used thick and heavy rope to hang tarps but now, we use 550 parachute cord. This is very thin and light rope with a working weight of ~200 lbs but a minimum breaking strength of 550 lbs.
various cam and rope locking devices from Nite Ize provide the methods for managing the tarp, cloths line etc.

Hammock "tent"

MEC Spark 1 tent. This is a small >2kg 1 person tent that protects and provides a bit of sit up room when trees are not available.

Tent "footie" - a small waterproof sheet that's 2 cm shorter than each dimension of the tent floor. The tent sits on top of the sheet to provide extra puncture protection and a bit of water proofing.
The MSR Hubba sets the standard in this category but the Spark offers a bit more space, better waterproofing at a lower cost. It weighs a tiny bit more (grams) but has thicker fabric. As always, a footie protects the bottom tub and extends the life of the tent.

MEC Guide Silk tarp

to build a larger shelter for a group so that they can eat or just sit around during a rain. When you have the right equipment and know how to rig it, camping is never a burden, regardless of weather.

Sleeping bag

cotton liner for really hot nights
Penguin waterproof 12C over bag for most situations
-3C bag for cold weather

Therm-a-rest insulated sleeping pad.

This 3 season unit packs down very small and light and provide R2.4 insulation. We all know that a sleeping bag compresses under our body when we sleep and doesn't provide insulation. The sleeping pad is more than just a tool to soften the ground - it keeps us warm.

MEC inflatable pillow - can't sleep without a pillow ...
Helinox One chair

After a long day of riding, the saddle sore rider needs to have a comfortable way to wind down. Sure, you can drink your beer/rum & coke while sitting on at a picnic table or on a log, but they are simply not comfortable. The benefits of this high tech chair outweigh the small increase in weight/space.

Sit back and relax at the end of the day

Energy for the Riders (Food and Food Prep):

You gotta eat and drink on the trip and restaurants are not plentiful in several areas of this trip. Our many years of camping with the boy scouts has this nailed, however we don't have the luxury of the camp boxes which had everything AND the kitchen sink.

MSR Reactor 1 liter stove with coffee press

Heats water very quickly
Water for coffee, freeze dried food. Not so good for cooking eggs and stuff like that - burns easily. Hey, if you have caffeine, food can wait a bit.

spare fuel canister

replacements can be found in most hiking stores in tourist locations.

Titanium spoon, fork and eating knife

light, high tech - hey, who doesn't love titanium - all the important parts on airplanes and rockets are made of titanium.

Titanium (Snow Peaks) thermos. This sucker keeps ice for 2 days. Hot coffee and soup stay hot for an entire day.
Freeze Dried meals for emergencies only

we will be buying food for supper and breakfast at whatever grocery/quick service store in the last town before camping - what ever store is there, will determine the meal. Otherwise, restaurant take out works as well.

Josh taught us this - ask for the food to be wrapped in foil and it can be heated up later by placing the food on the bike headers/engine.

Melamine plate, dish. Holds a bit of heat in the food and is almost unbreakable
Folding water container - a dry bag with a spout

Carry water to the camp site for drinking and clean up.

Camp Soap
Water Pills

Clean water is a necessity and those clear lakes and streams will give you the "runs" (no pain, no strain, just sit and drain). The sodium dichloroisocyanurate (source of chlorine) pills kill bacteria, protozoa, virus and all the nasty buggers that can make a good day - bad.

Camelbak UV water purifier

kills all the nasty bugs and viruses by disrupting their DNA (nuclear science - bwah ha ha... he snickers, rubbing his hands in glee; anticipating the mayhem the experiment will wreck on the micro-organisms swimming in the water sample) using short wave length UV. If the water is clear, it's safe in 60 seconds.
Dirty water is another issue i.e. swamp water. If that's the case, we filter the food stuff (algae, bugs, beaver poop etc.) drop in a water pill, and add a flavour enhancer like Nuun tabs. Swamp water has a particular flavour and it takes time to develop a taste for it. For this trip, we'll use coffee filters and do our best to stay away from swamps.

Bear Protection

Bear Bangers

"BANG" see the video below for more information

hand launched grenades (no shrapnel) that make a very loud "BANG" (like a shotgun only louder).

Includes emergency signal flares

Bear spray - also provides hot sauce for cooking although it's a bit hard to apply
Bear food barrel and bear bag

Bear proof barrel holds all food and toothpaste.

Ask Jonathan May about bears and toothpaste. He was on a wilderness camp, making dinner - 100 meters from the camp site so that food smells did not permeate the tents, when a bear ripped a tent apart to get at the yummy smelling toothpaste. He has an aluminium water can with a hole the size of a dime, made by bear incisors.

It's hung far from camp so if a bear smells food, they go after the barrel, making enough noise for the alternative food source (us) to get the bangers and spray ready.

Shotgun

optional for those who have a F.A.C. (Firearms Acquisition Certificate). For our US friends; we Cannuckians can't buy hand guns but a short barrel, pistol grip shot gun is OK because it's still a long arm. Somehow, if you don't mind the extra weight, a mix of slugs and 00 Buckshot is probably more effective than a .45 - or waiting until you can smell the bear's bad breath to indicate it's in range for a shot of hot sauce bear spray. Nothing like pissing a bear off before it attacks you. Yeah - that shot gun is sounding like a good option.

Heat:

Can't go camping without fire for heat

Matches, lighter etc. for good conditions
waterproof/wind proof matches and flint/steel for emergency conditions. We are boy scouts, so be prepared
fire starter cubes for damp conditions

(how do you start a fire when it's been raining for 3 days? - join a scout troop to learn)

machette

to shave wood for kindling (there's the rainy weather hint - shave the wet wood off, and use the dry wood inside to start the fire.
a machete actually does a better job than a small axe, and is easier/lighter to pack.

Some people feel an axe or saw are needed. We will not be taking a splitting axe because they weigh so much. Longer branches are not cut, you just put the middle in first, and then keep moving the ends into the fire as the centre burns. Worst case, we buy split kindling. K.I.S.S.

1200 GSAW Bike Prep:

The GSAW is the adventure model of the famous BMW GS product line. The bike is powered by a water cooled, horizontally opposed cylinder (aka boxer - same method used by Porsche) powering the rear wheel via shaft drive. The entire bike is a fly by wire model that controls engine behaviour, which ranges from meek and mild (rain mode) to jack rabbit in the dirt (Enduro modes) to fire breathing dragon (dynamic mode). The suspension is electronically controlled and adjusts to load (including heavily packed for long distance travel) and road conditions. Shift assist pro and lean sensitive ABS are designed more for hooligan mode when the bags are off the bike, but all contribute to making this a major grin maker both on and off road.

Not in full touring configurations. Luggage missing

While the 1200GSAW is well equipt when delivered from the factory, it sadly needs help to become a full fledged long distance, camping touring machine. This bike has the following "farkles" to improve safety, increase protection of expensive parts or make the ride more comfortable:

Clearwater Erica lights:

These puppies project 6,000 extra lumens per side, and are capable of pushing light out 1,000 extra feet, while illuminating the bushes on either side of the road - that's where deer and other hazards like to hide before they jump out in front of startled motorcyclists. If you can see 'em, you have a chance to avoid 'em.
The lights include Clearwater's proprietary CanOpener controller, which connects to the motorcycle canbus to extend the features of the product. I had already invested in Cyclops lights and would have reused those except on the new GSA, BMW restricted access to the high beam trigger so it was impossible to control the add-on lights. CanOpener reads the ECU (bike computer) and can detect the codes that the high beam switch activate to tell the stock light module to activate high beam, which the CanOpener uses to activate high beam on the Ericas.
The lights are programmable and can be controlled by the handlebar controllers on the bike - this is way too cool.
The bike is set to run the extra headlights on at 20% of full volume during the day, and 10% at night (to prevent from blinding on coming motorists). This a major safety feature because it increases visibility of the bike. Conventional bikes are almost invisible to oncoming traffic or left turning cagers. In over 30% of car/motorcycle collisions, the survivor (driver of the car) claims that they did not see the bike. British motorcyclists invented the SMIDSY (Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You) acronym to describe the condition.

No one misses the Clearwaters, especially if high beam is flashed or horn pressed. With the CanOpener, a horn press causes the lights to flash rapidly at full power. It looks like a lightening bolt in the middle of the day. If you can't see that, you shouldn't be driving.

Sadly, based on several close calls each year and way too many non-self inflicted death by cager - too many members of our society should not be driving. They should reserve their texting/social updating, drinking, dining, make up application, music grooving, arguments, etc. to some where else. A car is as dangerous as a gun ... Driving is a major activity that requires alert concentration yet North American traffic law is more focussed on putting tax paying automobiles on the road, than safe drivers. [end of rant]

Billie Jr brake lamp:

Billie's are very bright red LEDs that augment the brake lights. Mine are programmed to flash rapidly for a few seconds then go solid red when ever the brakes are applied. They are several times brighter than stock lights, so regardless of time of day, the brake lights can be seen by all but the most intoxicated or deeply engrossed texting drivers.

Dynamic turn signal bulbs:

Without a doubt, these are the best value investment a rider can make in their bike. The Dynamic bulbs are LED assemplies that replace the stock turn indicator bulbs. I feel bad for those who paid hundreds for the BMW LED turn signal upgrades, when for $20/ bulb, they could get these canbus compatible alternatives. The lights are very bright, thus improving visibility in all conditions (see comment above about SMIDSY drivers)

Ermac wind screen:

Stock screen did not flow air smoothly over the top and my long body is too tall for the design, so the stock screen was replaced by a French made Ermac, which has a smoother design and a lip on the top. Just in case, an Ermac screen extender will provide clean air if we get a lot of rain.

Hondo phone holder:

This is the most reliable, solid phone holder available anywhere on this planet. It's designed and built by a company that owns some CNC machines and cut their teeth on products that support film camera equipment.

See web links for more information - highly recommended

RAM mounts:

Hold all other electronics

Neutrino power distribution device (PDU):

This devices helps manage power to all of the electronics. It provides 6 highly controllable DC outputs that connect to a smart phone app. It offers a ton of benefits for long distance touring:

Use the phone to turn circuits on/off. This is important from several fronts, primarily allowing power off on a circuit during rain. Water and electricity don't mix well. I have lost several cables because water gets into a plug and corrodes it within hours.
set fuse break point for each circuit - no fuses, total flexibility
change power output using Pulse Modulation. This runs the heated jacket so it provides just the amount of heat needed.
Programmable - adjust heat level based on outside temperature.
This should be a standard feature on all adventure bikes.

AltRider headlight cover:

Protects the the LED head light from rocks. Hmmm ... break a $99 cover or an $1,100 head light. Good insurance for a ride that will have at least 1,600 km of rock covered dirt roads.

Bark Busters:

Replace the flimsy stock plastic hand protectors/wind/rain deflectors with a forged aluminium bar for protection in a low speed fall.

Wunderlich foot extender:

The stock side stand is great for concrete or cold asphalt. In off road conditions or hot asphalt, it sinks under the weight of the porky bike, causing it to fall over and take an expensive nap. The foot extender creates a large foot print that keeps the bike standing in all but the most swampy ground.

Rox Bar risers:

Most of the 1,600+ km of dirt road will be run standing up, but the stock handle bars are not designed for a tall body, so the Rox bar risers will provide an addition 2 inches of height. While a small PITA to install, these buys make a big difference and are a worth while addition.

Skid Plate:

The stock skid plate is more like a bikini thong when off road riding needs hockey pants. Must have been a cost concession by BMW product management. A Black Dog Cycle Works skid plate will protect the expensive engine and exposed headers from Dempster rocks.

Givi case:

Need luggage space to store all the "stuff". The Givi 43 litre Trekker is a rugged case that will house rain gear and rapid access light items. I also installed USB charging so that batteries and devices can be charged - even in the rain.

SW Motech "Yukon" 9 liter waterproof tank bag

Based on past experience, the larger tank bags interfere with the stand up position. It's also very difficult to a truly waterproof tank bag. The 9 litre Yukon places the important "stuff" in an easy to access location, and is fully water proof using truck tarp material and a well designed snap on cover. The design allows for water proof rainy day charging and quick release tank mount eliminates hold down straps. This trip will provide a long term test to see if the device delivers on it's promise.

one flaw, that is not unique to the Yukon is that the clear plastic map holder reflects sunlight on certain angles, blinding the rider - usually not a good situation. The bag needs something less reflective for those conditions i.e. traveling west later afternoon/near sundown.

Water Proof bags

Regular back packing waterproof bags are too flimsy for motorcycle touring. A MECvWatershed white water bag with a zip lock (same closure used on arctic dry suits for divers) enclosure has a tough water proof fabric that's good enough for white water rafting ... so it should be good enough for Adv touring. I have been using this for 4 years and it's flawless.

Touratech tool box:

This moves the tools to a low (centre of gravity) location and utilizes otherwise wasted space.

Rotopax fuel container:

While the Adventure model has a 31 litre tank, capable of 500km range, Once can't make this trip without back up fuel. There are no sections that exceed the tank capacity. An 11 litre heavy duty tank is easy to mount and holds high test gas that can be mixed with the regular blend available in remote locations. The 11 litres can feed my bike or that of a stranded fellow traveller.

Another blog will discuss the tool set required to support the long ride.

Electronics/Personal Safety

Sean Bluetooth 20S communicator

This is a major travel enhancer. When traveling in a group, it allows rider to rider communications or provides an opportunity to create a bubble of music when the rider wants to relax and enjoy the ride. It's a source of safety, and social interaction. At the end of a long ride, the riders may know more about each others lives, dreams and fears, than lifelong partners or best friends. A major contributor to the Zen of riding.

Cameras - still working on this

Waterproof Olympus for general photography
Hummer for front of bike. Dash cam with quality images that can be used for a trip film
Exploring a helmet cam.
Planning to us iPhone on Hondo mount to record driver facing video

Lithium battery - juice for rainy days and camp.
Spot Tracker - will publish the trip on Spotwalla
Delorme In-Reach - text messages in the event of an emergency. May look at a sat phone as well.
AGM battery - replaces the cost saving stock factory motorcycle battery

All the electronics need reliable power. AGM is the best deep cycle battery. Wanted to add a Lithium battery but the cold weather starting was not sufficiently reliable.

iPhone - four one six - five eight seven - forty seven hundred - for my friends who need to contact me. SMS first and have call display turned on.

There will be long periods of no cell coverage. The In-Reach is probably the best mechanism for providing text contact.
I will provide information about store and forward simple apps that you can use on iOS or Android devices to contact me.
A Sat phone number will be published if I go that way.

Sonim

A truly waterproof Android phone that was just upgraded to Android 5.0
the phone uses a proprietary magnetic connector that works in wet conditions. Some people have complained about the non standard connector, but Sonim is thinking about those who use the devices in real world conditions. The phone comes unlocked so you can use a SIM from any carrier.
This will be the foul weather phone and music device

Spotify
Rever

Only downside is a very low resolution screen that limits what can be displayed.

Apple laptop

Still deciding if the new MacBook comes along with it's long battery life. It's a bit fragile, so the old 11" MacBook Air may be the safer bet.

iPad 9.7

portable and good high res screen for looking at maps. One day, Apple will provide a tablet browser that is compatible with full desktop browsers.

GS911 Canbus diagnostic device

The GS911 plugs into the motorcycle diagnostic port and allows a smart phone or PC to diagnose electrical and mechanical problems on the bike. If the bike dies, these are worth their weight in gold (they almost cost their weight in gold)

First Aid kit

QuikClot field dressing - coagulate blood and stop bleeding fast. US military technology for the outdoors enthusiast.
crazy glue to close wounds instead of stitches
Anti-Chafe "butter" - gotta keep the "boys" comfortable.

Trip Planning:

Furkot is a web site that provides trip planning services for automobile and Motorcycle. This trip is on Furkot. Garmin users have access to Base Camp, but this is a poorly designed tool that delivers more frustration than value.

Furkot allows the adventurer to download advanced Garmin files for both track and route. This is an advanced topic for another long post but the GPS needs both in order to manage the route.
It's free. They make their money if you book a hotel from their service.

Rever provides some trip planning but it can't match Furkot in capability. The Rever value is they grade roads for motorcycle quality, to make any trip the best it can possibly be.
CAA and Rever Maps

GPS is a travel aid. Over may years of "oops" moments, I have learned that the traveller needs to trust their maps first and use GPS to aid in navigation.
CAA paper maps make the trip safe, but paper is sensitive to water. Rever uses plastic paper that survives harsh conditions and, Rever shows then best roads in the areas they cover (but they don't cover all states and provinces).

Trip planing and GPS is a topic that I have studied the heck out of and will provide a future post to detail that topic.

Change Log:

This document is not complete. I will note updates here as information is updated.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

SpotWalla link to follow the trip

Monday, July 4, 2016

Inuvik Trip Plan

The Route:

Leg 1: Toronto to Kelowna

Leg 2: Kelowna to Dawson City

Leg 3: Dawson City to Inuvik

Leg 4: Inuvik to Alaska and back to Kelowna

Transition Tour:

Packing list and Bike Prep for Inuvik trip