GPS

Creating a fun dual sport ride first requires an area that is fun to ride. After that "roll charting" the route is the most critical. Creating the roll chart for the riders requires a lot of time, both in making sure the chart is accurate and then printing the charts. While creating my last two rides I have been using a GPS to "capture" the route. The 2001 Ozarks Fall Color Tour was ridden without a roll chart, only a GPS file that was sent to interested riders in advance of the ride. The experience was so positive that I think I can do away with the roll chart all together. As more riders integrate GPS with trail riding, I think the roll chart will disappear into history.

Garmin seems to be the favorite GPS unit. Articles I have seen in dirt bike publications, and discussions with experienced GPS dirt bikers have confirmed this.

- the dirt bike GPS expert.

and James Associates are good sources for Mac - GPS users.

I have the eMap and find it to be fine for trail use. Although, I think I will be soon upgrading to the Garmin 176. The larger screen will be a help with ride route layout.

For good files to load onto your GPS look at:

TrekNow offers an ever increasing list of GPS files to give you tracks and routes through areas you have always wanted to ride. Have a look at their site and see what adventures they can offer.

Which GPS should I buy?

Flat Tires

Flats seem to be right up there with getting lost, as the most frustrating part of riding a dual sport ride. As an opinionated SOB, I have a few thoughts about how to almost eliminate flats.

Most dual sport bikes weigh over 300 pounds. Some well over that. As such, I think a stiff sidewall knobby is critical. Should your tire pressure drop you will appreciate a sidewall that can take the weight and abuse without allowing your rim to destroy the tube.

Next, the inner tube you select is important. Why let a cheap or patched tube ruin a dual sport ride. I always change tubes when I change tires. Inner tubes are made of synthetic and natural rubber.

Synthetic tubes hold air well and are the most common on the market. They are also prone to tearing when stressed. The 'ol pinched tube flat.

Natural rubber tubes weep a bit of air, which requires checking air pressure more often. In exchange for this extra bit of work, you get a very durable tube though. Natural rubber tubes do not pinch-tear. They also seem to resist punctures better. The Metzler Heavy Duty tube is natural rubber. also offers a 4 mm thick natural rubber tube.

Another reason why I believe I do not get flats is that I always add 18 oz. of tire snot to each tire. I use a lot of the snot because with tubed tires I want to provide plenty of "back-up" for dealing with tube flex. Tire balance is made better by the snot. In my tubeless tires I use just a few ounces. My favorite snot is made by American Sealants in Clay Center, Kansas. I buy it by the quart from Tractor Supply Company.

Print Magazines

If you are interested in subscribing to magazines about dual sport motorcycle riding, have a look at:

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Dual Sport Product Suppliers

When I am looking for dual sport riding products I like to shop at the following places:

Mike Walburn, co-founder of , has been a advocate of adventure riding and dual sport for a long time. His vision of what dual sport riding is and can be have been an inspiration to me.

Alan Roach, owner of , is the guy that invented the conversion kit for dirt bike riders that want their bikes to be street legal too.

Tom Myers at is the inventor of well made and creative products for dual sport and adventure riding. As above, he is an excellent source for all of your GPS needs. Now he is the US importer for Touratech products, the high zoot stuff from Germany for adventure riding.

Tom makes a cross-bar map holder that I use all the time. When you ride one of my dualsport rides I will give you 11" x 17" maps of the route. These maps fit perfect into the holder.

offers the BEST supply and selection of adventure riding gear. I can't say enough good things about the superior products Andy Goldfine has developed. Just check-out my riding gear closet - It is full of his products. If you want to protect yourself while riding, this is the place to shop.

Motorcycle Closeouts is a business owned by Rusty Beck, an Ozarks Fall Color Tour rider. As Rusty describes his business: "While on the 2002 Fall Color Tour, I got the idea to start my own business selling closeout motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel on the Internet. I love bargain shopping almost as much as riding, so it was natural for me to get excited about this business. My dream has become a reality! I am featuring lots of waterproof textile apparel, including FirstGear and Cycloak products, which Randy (Cycloak) and I (FG Sirocco) wore last November and stayed warm and dry! It's really exciting for me to be able to sell these product from 30% to well over 50% off retail. I also have some one-of-a-kind blemished items up to 75% off. I am still adding new products almost everyday. I have access to over 10,000 SKU's and nearly $10 million in inventory, so I won't run out of things to sell anytime soon."

Helmets

Dual sport and adventure riding helmets are evolving. In the past we either wore a street helmet or MX helmet. Manufacturers now recognize that there are many of us that ride on and off-road in the same day. has introduced a collection of face shields for their popular MX - Off-Road GS3 helmet.

That is it for now - 10/16/2004 - I will add more later.