Elbow Down Author in Adventure Bike Rider Magazine!

Triumphworld Tour Hits the Headlines

 

In August 2013, fourteen adventurous Triumphworld customers set out on a voyage of motorcycling discovery, participating in the Four Nations Tour, organised by the dealership. Over the following two thousand miles the gang of merry men and women would reach new highs, both emotionally and geographically, and find their riding ability tested by the ridiculous roads en route to a beautiful base in Annecy, capital of the Haute-Savoie department of France. The photos & videos bear testament to the splendid views & stunning riding witnessed on tour and there are more to follow on their website

But this wasn't the first time Triumphworld have toured the Alps (and won't be the last!). In 2012, the final destination was Gap and the quality of the riding was just as good – so good in fact that, as tour organiser, I couldn't help but write about it! Thankfully, the good folks at Adventure Bike Rider magazine liked what they saw, and chose to publish the article in their September 2013 edition.

To read more about the tour, and get a 'behind-the-scenes' take on what it feels like to be on the business side of such a venture, all you have to do is grab the latest copy of ABR.

Elbow Down Column - Institute of Advanced Motorists

 

A light flickers in my mirrors, and I'm momentarily distracted from the road ahead by the vision of a copper up my chuff. Another, longer look – big headlight, copious bodywork, high vis outfit: this spirited ride appears to be coming to an abrupt halt. But wait...isn't that a Burgman? Embarrassed at my apparent lack of finesse, I open the taps further with the intention of leaving only an exhaust note to be remembered by, but to no avail. This guy really knows how to ride.
 

I dial down my hyperactive imagination when we pull in for a butty and a brew. I knew it was a scooter all along, and I certainly knew the chap could hustle it around. Alan is my observer from the Institute of Advanced Motorists, and he's a bit of a two-wheeled Yoda. Now, I'm not saying he spends his spare time defending outer galaxies like another famous biker/actor, but he is at the opposite end of the height spectrum to myself, dispenses his extensive wisdom freely, and has a certain wispy-tuft-chic style to his helmet hair. A career in film beckons.
 

Since I've been riding under Alan's guidance, my confidence has increased dramatically. I now see further down the road than I thought possible, and I've improved the smoothness of my overtaking and my belief in the front end of the bike. I'm faster, happier and ultimately, safer. It also gives me a guaranteed pass out on a Saturday morning ("makes me safer, darling"), and I'm meeting new biking buddies to boot – what's not to like?!
 

You learn something new every day, and in my experience that never rings truer than when riding with the IAM. Don't believe me? Sign up and see for yourself.

And in the meantime, don't ever try to lose a Burgman.

Elbow Down Column - A Story of Lost Virginity...

Sometimes, a little bit is all you need. We all know that size matters – otherwise middleweight bikes would easily outsell their lesser-ability, higher-capacity stable mates – but it's not just about how big your tool is. Often, you find that the littler things that are said or done can have the greatest impact.
 

My girlfriend of (for her, too) many years has numerous virtues, and one of them is supportively showing interest in my addiction to motorcycles. It's a small gesture, but I appreciate it in a big way, and normally end up so excited by her enthusiasm that I get carried away with yet another enthralling lecture on variable valve timing. Lucky her. Sadly though, I've never convinced her that riding is not reserved for sheer lunatics with a death wish.
 

Until now. Whilst trundling home in the car, holding negotiations over TV stations for the evening's entertainment, she boldy proclaims it would be a nice night for a bike ride. “Pardon?! Sorry?" Cue the high pitched voice and the 'did-you-really-just-say-that' expression – a man's innate response to a 'yes' in the bedroom, but not a scenario I thought I'd experience in the garage!

In borrowed gear and on borrowed time - despite it being the longest day of the year the sun was setting fast – we cautiously set sail...and had an incredible ride. My fears of tears were replaced with whoops and giggles as we took in a dozen miles of steady sunset scenery.

The big question – what's the other half's view on lunacy now?

“We'll have to do it again, but just a short ride...baby steps. Now I can see why you like it though.”
 

A small admission it may be, but like I said: sometimes a little bit is all you need

Racing Round Up - Collarbones and Corkscrews

Laguna Seca - The Corkscrew

 



According to the fountain of all knowledge, Wikipedia, "In human anatomy, the clavicle or collarbone is a 'long bone' of short length that serves as a strut between the scapula and the sternum...It receives its name from the Latin: clavicula ('little key')”
 

At this moment in time, Jorge Lorenzo's collarbone probably bears more resemblance to Spaghetti Junction than any skeleton I've ever seen, and yet in spite of a recently re-aligned titanium rod (and more screws than a worn out wench) he will compete at Laguna Seca – and you just know that means he will reeeally compete. There are no half measures: all in, balls out; go hard or go home...sorry, that reads like stage directions for a decidedly dodgy porno. The point is, Lorenzo is certain to be the most influential man in this weekend's MotoGP result.
 

With Bradl and Bautista on the front row but unlikely to beat championship leader Marquez to the first apex, the real battle is from 4^th to 7^th on the grid where the remainder of the title contenders reside. It is therefore up to JL to mix it up in this race – if he gets involved it's destined to be one hell of a battle; if not it will degenerate into the usual procession and yet another week with a Marquez, Crutchlow, Rossi podium
 

As for World Superbikes, Tom Sykes has set himself and his humongous chin up for a heroic comeback ride after a crash in Superpole left him unable to post a time in the final session, leaving him to start from well down the grid. With BSB from Brands Hatch to fill the gaps between the premier races, this really will be an unforgettable weekend of track action.
 

But just remember – the key is in the collarbone



Product Review - Garmin Montana Motorbike Sat Nav

Garmin Montana Multi-Purpose Sat Nav

 

First up on Elbow Down's product reviews is the Garmin Montana 600 Outdoor Handheld GPS Unit a multi-purpose sat nav that has real potential as a motorbike specific navigator. Designed for biking, hiking and even marine use, this really is a jack of all trades - but is it a master of none?

 

Waterproof, glove-friendly and with a battery life that removes the need to hardwire it to the bike, this wonderful piece of which-way-wizardry is off to a great start. The displays are typical of recent Garmin equipment and as such are easy to, erm...navigate (pardon the pun), while the many features include a fancy 3-axis compass; wireless sharing with other Garmin units; and if you opt for the all singing 650T model there is even a digital camera included in the unit to allow 'geotagging' - marking the location where the photo was taken.

 

Different profiles are pre-installed and can be setup differently, meaning you can personalise individual modes flick between them depending on how you are using the unit. Hiking in the Peak District? Choose 'Recreation'. Commuting in the car? Pick 'Automotive'. Recording lap times round Cadwell Park? That's 'Motorcycle'. I have found the Montana to be just as much use for country walking as it in on two wheels or four, and it can easily be set up for greenlining purposes too.

 

So what's not to like? Well, the Montana is supplied without full maps, which is both a gift and a curse. Although the unit is not ready for use fresh out of the box, it does mean you can do without Garmin's maps and opt for free ones from the Open Street Map project. Simply downloads the maps you require, unzip the file entitled 'gmapsupp' and copy it onto the 'Garmin' folder on the sat nav unit - and Bingo! Free maps, in great detail, to update as often as you like. Alternatively, official Garmin maps are available...at a price.

 

Finally, you will need to buy the mounting equipment separately - try these links for suggestions: Garmin Auto Suction Cup Mount with Speaker and Garmin Bicycle Handlebar Mount for Garmin Montana Handheld GPS .

 

In conclusion the Montana is capable of all of the features of other motorbike specific units, but with a whole lot more on offer besides. As tough as it is smart, this Garmin unit should prove a worthwhile investment and complement your lifestyle on and off the bike.

 

What's The Scores, George Dawes? - Nine out of ten

Elbow Down Column - Euromillions Biker

£157 million. That's the ridiculous prize fund on offer in the latest Euromillions draw after weeks of roll-overs and discarded tickets making newsagents' pavements look like the scores on bus floors. Just think about it...life as a multi-millionaire biker would be terrible.

Terrible? Well, far from ideal at least. Imagine being able to buy any bike in the world with a casual flash of cash, yet feeling no pride-and-joy connection to a throwaway possession. Indecision would lead to overindulgence, and the dream garage of bikes you told yourself you deserved quickly becomes a burgeoning collection so vast that the Goodwood Festival of Speed gets jealous. Ewan McGregor's round the world BMW GS? Valentino Rossi's Yamaha M1? Steve McQueen's flying Triumph? In fact, if money is no object then why not dig up Steve himself – anything can be done with a budget that big.

But to have so many bikes – one of every 2013 model in every colour please - varying from cutting edge to historically important, would make it impossible to ride each of them as regularly as their magnificence justifies, if at all. You would soon open a museum and let the public drool over what should have been your personal toys, which instead have been subjected to a life of parade laps and posing on podiums. That's like buying a collection of Thai brides and donating their bodies to medical science while they're still alive. Stupid really.

Tuesday rolls around. Lo and behold I still buy my ticket...and bugger me, I've won!!!...a little more than a tenner. But that suits me – less than half a tank of fuel at today's prices, for the decade-old bike I begrudgingly borrow from my father for lack of a better option.

Yes, £157 million would be a terrible thing.

Great Roads - Inverness to Ullapool via John O'Groats

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Fàilte gu Alba - or in real money, Welcome to Scotland. When the weather is good, Scotland is great, and the further north and west you get the better the roads become. This one starts with a relatively main road up the east coast - long sweepers dragging you up to John O'Groats for a pose with the pillar. Only when you turn westwards and head for the opposite corner do things get really interesting - wide open scenery laced with single-track roads and skirted by sandy beaches. Fuel is in short supply so top up whenever possible, and grit your teeth while you pump (oo-er missus) - due to its inaccessibility, Durness proudly provides some of Britain's priciest petrol. Expect to arrive in Ullapool tired after an involving ride, but desperate to turn around and go back again tomorrow.

When? - May/June is probably best, before the swarms of midges and German campervans arrive
How? - Take a long Bank Holiday weekend away on the bike and ride as many miles as you dare
What Next? - Try the famous Applecross loop before heading back south via the Lake District

Ewan and Charlie depart John O'Groats at the start of the Long Way Down