Sorry it’s so long, but gosh there was just so much great riding. I even had to split it into two parts 😂 Part two coming soon, and there were 2 more bears!
I've watched many off road and adventure motorcycle videos, but I've never found one as enjoyable to watch as this was. Great mix of well shot, beautiful scenery, soft music, and your upbeat commentary. You also have a pleasant attitude that makes it a joy to watch. You have a new subscriber.
Well, since you asked for comments...no way I would have continued the route after the initial discovery of a very loose chain in the beginning. Always better to take precaution even if it means a delay or shortened route, you got lucky man!
To answer your question at 8:30, most of my ADV rides are solo. For all of the reasons you stated. I just make sure to prepare for any potential issues. Tools, a spare tube, compressor, and a little extra fuel in a MSR bottle. Plus the GPS tracker, first aid, and survival kit. Normally I'm camping along the way so I've got camping gear and food with me as well. I've done most of the traverse, the SM500 and SM1000 multiple times solo over the last five years. Multiple road rides from Tennessee out to Utah, Nevada, and Arizona, also solo. I just prefer to set my own pace and have the ability to change things up when I decide to. I've been on group rides in the past that were frustrating due to others in the group. So now I just tend to do my own thing. It's an interesting mindset you get into after a few days on a long solo ride. All of the stuff going on in the world, and life, for the moment, doesn't mean a thing. All that matters is your destination for the day and riding to get there. It's a nice break from the real world.
Most of the time I ride alone touring or out in the woods. If the timing is right, I enjoy having my son with me (24 years old and on his own bike these days). I take my time and am conservative with the risks I take. The things that make it more comfortable for me are: An InReach that has preset message that I'm okay, but need mechanical assistance if something breaks I can't fix in the field. Personal protection from 2 and 4 legged predators. Tools to fix most things that can go wrong. First aid stuff. Food, water and basic survival stuff in case I get stuck out overnight. Call me over prepared, but it makes me more comfortable. I'm also a stickler for doing upcoming maintenance and checks before setting off. This is second nature and easy for me since my motorcycle is my primary transportation 😂.
@@mitchwiebell2785 D605 but about to change them out to Shinko 244. The bike hitch did make me nervous until I got it strapped down solid, and drove for over 600 miles with it.
@@adventureundone Thank you very much for the replies! I actually have the Shinko 244s and have had no issues with them. Haven't ridden anything other than factory IRC but the Shinkos definitely felt better on gravel and light off road. Thank you again for the video(s). Keep em coming!
I’m an old, retired vet and used to hike long distance. I found that using the Garmin Inreach for a helicopter ride to a hospital IS $60,000.00, then a short, in & out visit to an ER, is $2,500.00. I wonder also the cost of a mechanic class, specifically for your bike? I have been a loner for many years; but, there are things to do. Please stay safe…from east Tennessee.
I think a ride like this would be marvelous! To move at your own pace and pick your own route is the greatest. Carry the emergency equipment that you might need and go for it!
Wow I love that setup for the jeep. Looks soo convenient and compact. All this time I thought I needed a motor home😂. The rally looks setup amazing as well. I'm introverted and self-reliant so I'd ride by myself without fear as well. Adding ppl I enjoy would make it more memorable but not necessary. Good vid, remain safe out there!
People like you and Dork in the Road really make me want a big dual sport or middle weight adventure bike. I will get one someday. Until then, i will live vicariously through yall lol.
You gave me a good idea for trips. I will store a small bottle of fuel treatment additive on my bike if I get bad fuel. I try to avoid older gas stations...if possible. Looks like you're having a blast. Safe trip.
Great Video!! I absolutely love the North Ga terrain! Dirt and street been doing it for several years now. Coming from boring Florida the GA Mountains are Great!! Next time you go up put a call out on your channel for us to meet up with you. Two Wheels of Suches area is awesome so is Route 180 by Vogel State Park. Incredible riding in that area! Thanks for sharing!
You just filled up. It sounds like you got bad gas. I always hear dueling banjos playing in my head when riding alone in the woods. Itchy Boots is a bigger man than me. 🤣😂
I just drove back from the Hiawassee GA area, where I rode a bunch of forest service roads. First thing after unloading and getting settled is watch this video of pretty much where I just left, including that river crossing on Charlie’s Creek Rd! Still no bear encounter for me yet. I’m riding solo, and have a full complement of tools with me (well, I think I do). My biggest concern is getting trapped under the bike in a fall.
"I just want to stop and take in the scenery" Bingo, me too love stopping a lot and taking pics and stretching my legs. Some guys never want to stop...I can't do that, not my cup of tea.
I had hoped to see you move the bike off/on the hitch mount but next time perhaps? You've also taught me to have some type of tool(s) with me at all times. Space is a factor but a small adjustable wrench that can be used for different things might be a handy tool box addition? I think some bikes come with tools for the wheel lugs but IDKnow about the Rally? This bike is the reason I'm here so seeing your chain loose is a lesson I'm getting the easy way. Thanks & I hope to see the next one when you have time. Also, did you say you might do a video about this Hitch Mount? Love to see all about it. peace
All is good, I'm not in any hurry so take your time & do a good job. I'm still saving money & I had written the 300L off my lists & then I saw the "Rally" version. I liked it better than it's sibling, larger gas tank & small windscreen were pluses that would have cost more than if I had to add them. Anyhoo, I'll be patiently waiting . peace
Dropped my Trans alp , and the seat fell off😅, I was going so slow at the dirt verge of a main road , but was standing up , and stopped standing up😂. Thing is had a pair of pliers , the seat prongs at the front , underneath where seat slides into , were bent about 30 degrees off , from the fall…odd as my new low seat had no scuff marks or damage. The pliers allowed me to just bend the prongs back to straight , in order to refit the seat . The metal is so soft on the prongs , hopefully the frame is stronger😮
I like doing solo rides and did the Smokey 500 solo on GS1200. I have to be more conservative and ensure I take the safe path on a fully loaded bike. Just picked up a DRZ400 so that will now be the Woods bike and the GS can stick to the easier stuff.
@@adventureundone when they poured new gravel on the logging roads near Tellico Plains it certainly got interesting! Stayed upright and got the wet feet on Witt Road to show for it!
Can you talk about the Rally riding on the road. You look very comfortable going 60 and curious if you have suggestions for an off roader to get used to the road / freeway
I do have my rally modded up a fair bit, and it’s great on the road. I’ll be doing a follow up video on this bike here shortly talking about all of that
The lighter the bike the more unstable it is at speed on highways. However the lighter the bike the easier it is to ride at slower speeds and difficult terrain.
Georgia Traverse? Never heard of it (familiar with SM500 and all trails around Tellico/Robbinsville/Asheville). Very cool, nice description at georgiaoverland website. 👍. Riding by yourself - just make sure you have plenty of water, generally if you can get to a travelled road someone will help you (Yes, I have broken down 30 miles from my truck, walked 2 miles, then was assisted by the Cherokee police, great folks.)
