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- Motorcycle Tourer Newsletter, August '23
Motorcycle Tourer Newsletter, August '23
Riding the Picos, vanishing memories, and a naughty disc lock
Motorcycle Tourer
September 03, 2023
Waking up to a sleepy Picos de Europa
Picos Perusals
Can you believe it’s been 10 weeks already? At the start of July, I set off for Corsica. Then at the start of August, I left Corsica for the Picos de Europa. And as you read this rambling, I’ll be packing my bike in the Picos, getting ready for the long trip back to the UK. Time flies, eh?
To be honest, I’m still not ready to go home. And although I’ve had my fill of Spain, I’d happily spend another month in Corsica. In fact, if I’d done this trip the other way around, I probably would have extended my trip until mid-October.
That said, the Picos hasn’t disappointed. There are some awesome roads if you know where to look - and a fair few hidden ones if you’re prepared to explore.
For me though, the N-625 and the N-621 are a few absolute standouts. Fabulous roads, epic scenery, and great riding.
But no matter where you plonk yourself in the Picos or the Asturias, you’re guaranteed good roads.
Road write-ups to follow 👍
If you’re looking for inspiration (or more posts about routes and destinations) in the meantime, give these a try:
Getting Acquainted with SW-Motech
In all my years of riding and touring, I’ve never actually used SW-Motech - until now. For this trip, we partnered with SW-Motech to test their 32-42L expandable PRO Rackpack. And it’s a gem!
It’s a product that’s simple but done exceptionally well. The design is excellent and the bag as a whole oozes quality.
The patented lashing system makes securing it to the bike a doddle. And on a few wet days around Mont Blanc where the rain came down by the bucket load, it made getting my luggage on and off the bike so much easier.
I wrote in my write-up (which you can find below) that I currently have three items that are with me on every trip - regardless of where I’m going.
Now there are four.
French Frolics with Furygan
As I mentioned in last month’s newsletter, I’ve worked with Furygan for a while now. And in a truly serendipitous way, it just so happened that I had to pass their factory in Nîmes as I rode from Corsica to Spain - so they kindly invited me for a factory tour and some lunch.
It was truly humbling to get an insight into the factory; meeting the staff and senior management, enjoying a guided tour, and discussing new products with some very talented designers and developers.
I don’t know if I can or can’t tell you what to expect for the winter drop. But I can tell you that the collection is technically advanced and I’m excited to be receiving mine in the coming months.
Keep your eyes peeled for exclusive reviews here 😉
If you’re interested in Furygan, here are a few more reviews for you to browse:
3 THINGS I’VE LEARNED IN THE PICOS
No matter how many times we do this touring stuff, we always get things wrong. Here are 3 observations we made in the Picos; take note if you plan on visiting!
1. Make Secret Memories:
We live in a world where people view real life through the screen of a smartphone. I do it too. But my favourite times in the Picos have been when I was dancing my bike through amazing bends whilst singing along to songs that mean something to me. I’d stop and take in the views with a soundtrack live in my ears. And instead of taking pictures to share on Instagram, I savoured the moment in the knowledge that nobody would ever know this instant but me. In many years to come, the memory will fade - until it's gone forever. As sad as that might be, to lose a memory, it’s really quite poetic. Take a moment to keep for yourself next time you tour. Then hold it close until it’s gone.
2. Take the Right Kit:
If you come to the Picos, bring a summer jacket and a warm jacket. Fortunately, I’ve been to this part of the world before, and I know it can be mad warm in the day, but really cold in the mornings (and in the mountains.) As I write this, it’s 2 p.m. and 34º. But when I set off on my ride at 7:30 this morning, it was 4º. If you like to ride early, you’ll need two jackets (or layers.)
3. Pick the right location:
If you’re going to tour this part of the world, take the time to find accommodation in the heart of the mountains. We stayed about 30 minutes south, and it turned casual explorations into expeditions. We’ve outlined a triangle of ideal locations in the image below.
SUNDAY MORNING MOTO QUIZ
Last month, I stumbled across some random facts and trivia - so I turned them into a quiz. Turns out you liked it, so here are 3 more teasers to test your knowledge.
Only 3 US states do NOT require motorcyclists to wear helmets. Which are they?
Which 3 European countries have the highest percentage of female riders?
We all love the movie Wild Hogs. But can you remember which State Doug, Woody, Bobby and Dudley set off from on their eventful trip?
Answers at the bottom.
Bike News: Documentaries, Fancy Pinlocks, & Crazy 3-Wheelers
Every month, I seem to fall down a rabbit hole of bike-related news. Here’s what caught my eye this month:
New Vincent Documentary (Narrated by Ewan McGregor) Coming Soon
A new documentary, "Speed is Expensive", tells the story of Vincent Motorcycles and its founder, Philip Vincent. It’s narrated by National Treasure Ewan McGregor and will be available to stream in a few weeks.
Founded in 1928, the company's motorcycles were known for their speed and performance - and they set a number of land speed records in the 1940s and 1950s. However, the company went bankrupt in 1955.
This documentary explores the history of Vincent Motorcycles, from its early days to its eventual demise, and tells the story of founder (and brilliant engineer) Philip Vincent.
You’ll be able to find Speed is Expensive on AppleTV, Google Play, Amazon, and Sky Store from 25th September.
Read it here: Speed Is Expensive
Ural Launches £33,750 ‘Gear Up Edition’
Ural, the Kazakhstan-based manufacturer of sidecar motorcycles, has launched the new Gear Up Expedition.
The Gear Up Expedition is a top-of-the-range model that is designed for long-distance travel and adventure riding, featuring a number of upgrades over the standard Gear Up. These include a larger fuel tank, more luggage capacity, and a more rugged suspension.
It actually looks amazing. But for £33,750, it better be mind-blowing! If you’re reading, Ural, we’d be happy to have a bash on it!
Read it here: Ural
Pinlocks are sooooo 2010
Visin has developed a heated visor insert that is designed to keep motorcycle riders' visors clear of fog and condensation.
The insert is made of a thin, transparent film that is coated with a conductive material. When power is applied to the film, it generates heat that helps to prevent fog from forming.
The Visin heated visor insert is available for both road and enduro helmets, is easy to install and remove, and can be used with any Pinlock-ready helmet.
The insert is powered by a small battery pack that is located in the helmet's pocket.
If you’re interested, you can find it on the Visin website for £99.99. I haven’t tried one yet, but I must admit… I’m a touch perplexed at how it’s any different, really, from a Pinlock!
Read it here: Heated Visor
Abus Releases New Sold Diamond Rated Granit 68 Xplus
I know what you’re thinking. And no, I didn’t find this in Ann Summers. Although saying that, I’m sure I probably could.
This is the new Granit Victory 68 XPlus disc lock, designed to offer the highest level of protection against theft, and approved to the highest Sold Secure Diamond standard.
This new offering features a hardened steel shackle that is 14mm thick and is protected by a rotating sleeve that makes it difficult for thieves to attack with tools. It also features a double-locking mechanism that makes it even more secure.
The Granit Victory 68 XPlus can be found on the Abus website priced at £70. If you’re on the hunt for a new lock for touring, this could be a shout.
Read it here: Abus
MOTORCYCLE TOURER CATCH-UP
It’s a busy time! The kids are off school, you’ve probably had a nightmare flight to your holiday destination, and now you’re enjoying sipping a San Miguel by the pool. Hunting for articles is just too much effort on hot days like these. So we’ve brought a few of the latest Motorcycle Tourer articles to you. ‘Cause we’re kind.
Real-World Review of the SW-Motech PRO Rackpack Tail Bag
Over the years, I've amassed a tonne of touring kit. But out of all that gear, there are only three pieces that I absolutely refuse to leave the house without.
Now there are four.
The SW-Motech Pro Rackpack has been a worthy ally throughout my 10-week trip. It has never let me down. And for that reason alone, it will be with me on all my future tours.
Here’s our review of this excellent bit of kit.
Top Motorcycle Touring Accessories for Your Next Big Trip
Whether you’re a seasoned motorcyclist or just starting out, having the right gear for your motorcycle touring adventures is important.
And whilst many people focus on practical accessories (like puncture repair kits and tyre compressors), we want to emphasise the accessories that keep you comfortable on your travels.
Having the right motorcycle accessories can make all the difference in the comfort and safety of your ride. So here are some of our top touring essentials you should consider for your next tour.
Top Places to Tour in the USA on a Motorcycle
America is full of incredible routes that offer breathtaking scenery and exciting roads. If you’re a motorcyclist looking for your next adventure, it’s the place to go!
Whether you want to explore the curvy highways of the Great Smoky Mountains or take in the coastal views on California’s Pacific Coast Highway, America has it all.
From coast to coast, this is our list of some of the top places to tour in the USA on a motorcycle.
A Handbook for Self-Guided Motorcycle Touring: Is it Right for You?
Do you dream of self-guided motorcycle touring? If so, you’ve come to the right place!
This handbook will provide all the information and resources needed for a successful self-guided motorcycle tour. From choosing the right bike for your journey to packing essentials and safety tips while on the road, this guide will help riders of all levels enjoy their self-guided motorcycle tour.
We’ll cover everything from prepping for your trip to ensuring you get the most out of it – no matter what level rider you are!
Looking for something particular?
If you’re looking for something particular to read about, don’t forget to use the search function on our website.
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Catch up on Previous Newsletters
Last month’s email (touring in Corsica) was the first I sent via our new platform. I made a mistake with one of the settings, and as a result, many of you didn’t receive it.
You can access last month’s newsletter by clicking on the image, and in future, you’ll be able to access all previous newsletters here:
QUIZ ANSWERS 🤓
Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear one, though!
Sweden (20%), Finland (18%), and Denmark (17%.) If you’re wondering about the highest population of female riders in general, it’s Vietnam (27%), and Indonesia (23%.)
They set off from suburban Cincinnati.
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