Bike EXIF » Motorcycle Vacations

The Dumb Way Round

Chris Hunter — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:30:45 +0000

Norwegians have always had the travel bug. After all, they discovered Iceland in the 9th century and, as Vikings, spent a good amount of time raiding the British Isles. Upholding this fine tradition over a thousand years later are Tormod Amlien and Klaus Ulvestad: as we speak, they’re circumnavigating the globe on two ancient Danish Nimbus motorcycles. The bikes are rough-and-ready, well-used motorcycles—they’re ostensibly late 1930s models, but in reality, both are a motley assortment of parts from multiple sources, including the military and police. They’ve been fitted with sidecars and extensively overhauled, because Tormod and Klaus don’t have a support crew to help with motorcycle parts when the bikes invariably break down. (They left New York in the freezing cold a week ago, so hopefully they’re still in one piece.) The engines are 750 cc OHC straight fours, with exposed valves and rocker arms, and shaft drive. And although these bikes are hardtails—ouch—they’re also the world’s earliest production bikes with telescopic front ends, beating BMW by a year. The ‘King Croesus Contempt for Death Trip 2009’ is chronicled on a website and blog, complete with video diary, and the Minneapolis episode (27) is especially worth watching—with an interview and a segment that includes Erik Buell. Suddenly, my life seems much less interesting. [With thanks to Søren Grønbech, who looks after the project website, and whose own stunning Nimbus we’ll be featuring in the near future.]

Nikon D700 | f/18 | ISO 500 | Focal length 24mm

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The Other End of The Road

Chris Hunter — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:30:15 +0000

One of the top European Harley specialists is W&W Cycles, based in the old Michelin warehouse in Würzburg, Germany. These Bavarians have a real sense of adventure, and decided to ride a 1948 Panhead and a customized 2005-model Shovel up the ice road to Tuktoyaktuk, in Canada’s Northwest Territories. The result is a photo essay that makes Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman’s escapades look like a walk in the park. It’s not the first W&W adventure, either: in 1995, they crossed the Panamericana Gap to Colombia on Harleys, getting stuck in knee-deep mud. The following year they tackled the gravel roads from Buenos Aires down to Patagonia. But this most recent trip, taken in minus 35 degree temperatures, is something different. Fans of Ice Road Truckers, step this way. [Thanks to Studio Go photographer Josh Evans for the tip.]

Rajasthan Motorcycle Challenge

Chris Hunter — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:30:21 +0000

If I was to take an 11-day 1,800km tour around India, I’d want a BMW F800GS or the new Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 NTX between my legs. A venerable Royal Enfield Bullet isn’t the first machine that springs to mind—although parts are probably easier to find on the subcontinent. But that’s the weapon of (no) choice for riders in the Rajasthan Motorcycle Challenge, which leaves Dehli in January 2010. The ride weaves through the desert and countryside, finishing at the Taj Mahal. And given the sights and sounds of India, we’re pretty sure it’ll be a life-changing experience. The Challenge is a fundraiser for the UK charity Scope, which helps people with cerebral palsy, and there are still some places available if you’re quick. Doing anything interesting after the next New Year break?

Postie Bike Challenge

Chris Hunter — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:30:29 +0000

The Honda CT110 is a diminutive 105cc, air-cooled, single cylinder motorcycle. It’s used in Australia for postal deliveries, and renowned for its toughness. It’s also the selected transport for a bizarre 2,000 mile race across the outback, the Postie Bike Challenge. The eighth annual race starts on 3 October 2009, and it costs just AU$4950 (US$3500) to enter. This includes a late model bike to ride, three meals a day, fuel, and a one-way air ticket back to the Australian city of your choice after the race finishes. Sounds like a helluva deal to us, and it’s charitable too: after the race, the bikes are donated to the Rotary Club. [Thanks to Studio Go photographer Josh Evans for the tip and the terrific images.]

Iron Horse Hotel

Chris Hunter — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 18:30:02 +0000

In Milwaukee, just over the bridge from the Harley-Davidson Museum, a 100-year-old downtown warehouse has been transformed into a luxury hotel. The Iron Horse Hotel is designed for motorcycle enthusiasts, with secure covered parking, bike washing facilities, and check-in carts for transporting the contents of your tasselled saddle bags. Rooms have tiled entrances with strong hooks for hanging heavy leathers; you can even order ‘medi-spa services’ for both men and women, including Cosmetic Injectable Treatments. We’re not sure about that, but we do love the decor, especially that lobby with the bike by Dave Cook Customs sitting center-stage.