Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." While the good book doesn't mention riding specifically, I'm confident our maker would agree that there is a time to live free and ride hard. The trouble is in today's hustle and bustle world many of us have a difficult time...finding the time to do the things we enjoy. We get overwhelmed and it seems we're pulled in a hundred different directions, constantly bombarded with information...our computers and smartphones are always on. Some say we should just turn everything off and return to a time when life was less complicated.
While I agree that this would be nice and it is good to get away from it all, it isn't a realistic or sustainable solution. We need to master technology not become slaves to it. We must harness technology to make our lives better. We can start doing this is by taking advantage of automated scheduling tools and calendars. One such technology tool that I've found useful is Google Calendar. This is an especially powerful tool for groups as a single calendar can be created and shared so that everyone can be instantly aware of the latest and greatest information on group events and activities.
A group's calendar can be viewed on the web via a desktop computer or smartphone or through the Google Calendar app. However, the real power of the tool is its ability to push notifications on changes and updates directly to group members via email and text message...and that's how the tool helps us to live free and ride harder.
The Gruene HOG Chapter is working to implement it's Ride Schedule on Google Calendar. In order to help guide members through the process of connecting to the shared GHOG Ride Schedule, so that they can access the schedule and receive notification of updates and changes wherever they may be...whether they're at home or on the road, I created a short "How To" Guide that can be downloaded here: How To Access the GHOG Ride Schedule via Google Calendar.
As technology moves forward so must we. We can't be intimidated by it or bury our heads in the sand longing for the days of old when dinosaurs roamed the plains. This is a brave new world and now more than ever...it's time to Live Free and Ride Hard!
5.25.2013
Do You Hear What I Hear...Rider Communication
About a year ago I purchased a pair of the Sena SMH5 Bluetooth Headsets from Spoiled Biker. Several people have asked how I like them...so I thought I'd do a little review and let you know just what I think.
Why did I chose the Sena SMH5? I wanted a relatively inexpensive way to communicate with my wife when she rides with me, I wanted to be able to listen to music, and I wanted to be able to use my phone while riding. After doing quite a bit of research, I decided to go with the Sena SMH5. From a cost stand-point it is one of, if not the least, expensive Bluetooth headset on the market (for under $200 you get two headsets...you might pay almost that for one of anther brand). It's gotten good reviews from a lot of riders and Sena has a decent reputation for producing good quality products. It may not have all the bells and whistles some of the other headsets have but it's feature set was more than enough for me. Here's what the Sena SMH5 offers (from the Sena website):
You might be asking about the sound and sound quality. Personally, I think it's pretty decent. The sound isn't as good as you will get with a set of earbuds plugged into your iPod but it's not bad. You won't have any trouble hearing the music or a conversation...even at freeway speeds. I've had phone conversations with my dad doing 70 MPH and he didn't even know I was on the bike. I'm sure having a full face helmet doesn't hurt.
Installation on the helmet wasn't too difficult. You'll have a couple different mounting options. I ended up modifying the adhesive mount to fit my Harley-Davidson modular bluetooth ready helmet. I would definitely recommend the Sena SMH5 as you'll be hard pressed to find a better value. You can read more about the Sena SMH5 at www.senabluetooth.com.
Do you hear that? The road is calling...Live Free and Ride Hard!
- Bluetooth 3.0
- Bluetooth intercom up to 430 yards in the open
- Multi-pair Bluetooth intercom
- Voice prompts
- Bluetooth stereo headset by A2DP
- Bluetooth music playback control by AVRCP: Play, pause, track forward and track back
- Easy operation by versatile Jog Dial (Patent pending)
- Sufficient sound level with integrated audio booster
- Bluetooth handsfree for Bluetooth mobile phones
- Bluetooth headset or stereo headset for Bluetooth GPS navigations
- Water resistant for use in inclement weather
- Crystal clear and natural sound quality
- Up to 8 hours talk time, 7 days stand-by time
- Can be used while charging on road trips
- Individual volume control for each audio source
- Firmware upgradeable
I made a few recordings by placing a microphone inside the helmet to give you an idea of the sound. The recordings are representative of what you can expect but I think the sound is slightly better than what you'll hear in the demos...maybe because your ears are closer to the speakers (and the helmet isn't empty when you're wearing it) ;-)
The first two demos are of music and the third is from a telephone...I called my cell phone from the house and recorded it.
Do you hear that? The road is calling...Live Free and Ride Hard!
5.19.2013
1000 Miles...18 Hours and 5 Mintues
On May 18th at 12:05 a.m. I completed my first Saddlesore 1000 riding in Hoagy's Heroes Lone Star Six Shooter. Robert "Hoagy" Carmichael told me before I started that I'd either love it or hate it...and having completed it, I can say overall "I loved it!"
At the beginning of the ride I was a little intimidated because the other rider's bikes where better set-up for long distance riding. There was an assortment of sport-touring bikes like the Yamaha FJR and larger Harley Ultras. My Sportster seemed small and uncomfortable in comparison. I told myself, it's not the size of the bike that counts, it's the heart of the rider riding it...and I have a big heart. :-) In actuality, the Sportster isn't all that small with a 1200 cc engine and I have an aftermarket Corbin Dual Tour seat for added comfort. I knew I could ride ride with the "big boys".
I can't say that I loved every minute of the ride because that would be a lie. At around the 600 mile point in far West Texas with the temps running over 105 degrees, I really questioned why I had undertaken such an endeavor. I can tell you, its hot wearing a full face (black) helmet, textile jacket, and leather chaps...even at 80 mph. Given the temperature it was important to stay hydrated. Fortunately, I packed quite a few bottles of Gatorade and had a water bladder in my tank bag that I could drink from while riding. At one stop it was so hot, I soaked my shirt with water to get the Texas swamp cooler effect. It's amazing how well evaporative cooling works. Try it sometime.
For the most part the ride was uneventful. Just mile after mile of pavement...but the scenery was fantastic. Unfortunately, I didn't take many photos because I was so focused on making good time and I wasn't overly comfortable with trying to operate my camera with one hand. I didn't even take the camera out until Big Spring. I missed some get shots near Fort Stockton...there were places where I could just picture Indians sitting on their horses lined-up along the ridges. I was overcome with a sense of adventure, history, and freedom as I rode across Texas.
It would be easy to feel alone in the vast openness of West Texas, but I wasn't alone. I met a 64 year old Marine Veteran named Herb the night before the ride and we rode together for over 800 miles. Herb retired from the Marine Corps in 1996 after 30 years of service. He saw combat in Vietnam, Mogadishu (just before the Black Hawk down time frame), and Dessert Storm. I'm sure he had some amazing stories. I was sad when he decided to end his Iron Butt ride 120 miles from the finish due to some bladder/kidney issues but I know he must have been hurting pretty bad. Herb flashed his lights and waved goodbye as he headed home to Aledo, Texas (about 15 minutes from Fort Worth). I rode the last 120 miles alone.
I got my official ending gas receipt at 12:05 a.m and checked-in. I was greeted by Hoagy and several other riders who had participated in longer rides (2000 miles in 36 hours). I felt good and surprisingly wasn't too tired. Overall, it was a great experience and I'm confident one day, I'll do another Iron Butt Long Distance ride. After reflecting for a day, I've come to the conclusion that Long Distance riding is a lot like the rest of life. You may get tired, down, and feel like you can't go any further but then you dig deep, look for the silver lining and press ahead...one mile at at time until you are finished. Live Free and Ride Hard!!
At the beginning of the ride I was a little intimidated because the other rider's bikes where better set-up for long distance riding. There was an assortment of sport-touring bikes like the Yamaha FJR and larger Harley Ultras. My Sportster seemed small and uncomfortable in comparison. I told myself, it's not the size of the bike that counts, it's the heart of the rider riding it...and I have a big heart. :-) In actuality, the Sportster isn't all that small with a 1200 cc engine and I have an aftermarket Corbin Dual Tour seat for added comfort. I knew I could ride ride with the "big boys".
I can't say that I loved every minute of the ride because that would be a lie. At around the 600 mile point in far West Texas with the temps running over 105 degrees, I really questioned why I had undertaken such an endeavor. I can tell you, its hot wearing a full face (black) helmet, textile jacket, and leather chaps...even at 80 mph. Given the temperature it was important to stay hydrated. Fortunately, I packed quite a few bottles of Gatorade and had a water bladder in my tank bag that I could drink from while riding. At one stop it was so hot, I soaked my shirt with water to get the Texas swamp cooler effect. It's amazing how well evaporative cooling works. Try it sometime.
For the most part the ride was uneventful. Just mile after mile of pavement...but the scenery was fantastic. Unfortunately, I didn't take many photos because I was so focused on making good time and I wasn't overly comfortable with trying to operate my camera with one hand. I didn't even take the camera out until Big Spring. I missed some get shots near Fort Stockton...there were places where I could just picture Indians sitting on their horses lined-up along the ridges. I was overcome with a sense of adventure, history, and freedom as I rode across Texas.
It would be easy to feel alone in the vast openness of West Texas, but I wasn't alone. I met a 64 year old Marine Veteran named Herb the night before the ride and we rode together for over 800 miles. Herb retired from the Marine Corps in 1996 after 30 years of service. He saw combat in Vietnam, Mogadishu (just before the Black Hawk down time frame), and Dessert Storm. I'm sure he had some amazing stories. I was sad when he decided to end his Iron Butt ride 120 miles from the finish due to some bladder/kidney issues but I know he must have been hurting pretty bad. Herb flashed his lights and waved goodbye as he headed home to Aledo, Texas (about 15 minutes from Fort Worth). I rode the last 120 miles alone.
I got my official ending gas receipt at 12:05 a.m and checked-in. I was greeted by Hoagy and several other riders who had participated in longer rides (2000 miles in 36 hours). I felt good and surprisingly wasn't too tired. Overall, it was a great experience and I'm confident one day, I'll do another Iron Butt Long Distance ride. After reflecting for a day, I've come to the conclusion that Long Distance riding is a lot like the rest of life. You may get tired, down, and feel like you can't go any further but then you dig deep, look for the silver lining and press ahead...one mile at at time until you are finished. Live Free and Ride Hard!!
Clear skies and Open Road
West Texas
Herb Riding Point
Mile Eater
Herb and his FJR
Rock-n-Roll
Movin On
Does my Saddle look Sore to You?
The Litle Engine That Could
With Hoagy at the Finish
5.16.2013
The Birth of a Long Distance Rider?
A lot of people think I'm crazy. I just turned 50 and tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m. I'm embarking on my first Iron Butt ride...a Saddlesore 1000. I can't explain why I want to ride at least 1000 miles in under 24 hours, I just do. Maybe it's the challenge or maybe I am crazy...I'll either love it or hate it but it will be an adventure.
Tomorrow's ride is being organized by Hoagy's Heroes, a non-profit group that sets up long distance rides to benefit charity. We'll start in Temple and make a 1000 mile loop around Texas via I-35, I-10, and I-20. I don't know how many riders will be participating but it is somewhat comforting knowing there will be others riding the same route. After planning my gas and rest stops along the route I'm hoping to complete the ride in about 20 hours.
Hopefully the ride will go as planned; however, if it doesn't, safety is my main concern so I'll stop if I get too tired. There isn't much room for error on a motorcycle...and falling asleep while riding at 70+ MPH would most likely be deadly...and I don't have a death wish. Truth be told, I ride because it makes me feel alive and free. There really isn't anything like it.
You can track my progress on the "Where's Curt?" map on the right. Provided of course, Goggle Latitude is working properly and there are enough cell-towers/wi-fi spots along the route to "see" me. It'll be an interesting experiment nonetheless. I'll provide an update and some pictures once I finished the ride. Wish me luck!
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