Morning Reads: 20 April 2007

[mika]

TodayÔÇÖs Birthdays / Calendar

News:

Mississaga.com ÔÇô Honda motorcycles ready to wow Canada.

DesmoBlog has updates on the Supermotard.

Most-expensive.net The worlds most expensive motorcycleand it is not a BMW!

Visordown.com ÔÇô UK police offer riders some life saving advice.


Book Review:

bikernewsonline.com ÔÇô Harley Davidson ChildrenÔÇÖs Book.

I would love to have a BMW book for my soon to be 4 year old grandson.

Blog Update:

Nate

DaveDragon.rilysi.com ÔÇô I arrived at the Iron Horse at 4PM

RocketBunny:
Acquired a new camping stove
June Tour


Gear:

webBikeWorld.com ÔÇô Digital tire pressure gauge review.


Riding Skills:

Some very interesting reading ÔÇô flamesonmytank.co.za ÔÇô The Ride. I will leave this up for several days so that you may have time to explore all the information in this posting.

theBikeWeb.com ÔÇô April is check your helmet month.


M.R. Traveler

Strangemaps.wordpress.com ÔÇô It seems the boundaries of Maine have been in question for some time.

ALASKA

The State of Alaska is one of the dream destinations for many BMW MOA adventure tourers. The place to start your trip planning is at TravelAlaska.com the State of Alaska travel and vacation information site.

Alaska is broken down into regions with links to help explore more on this web page.

Explore Alaska Cities and Towns

The Milepost ÔÇô The legenday Alaska trip planner and travel guide is must reading for anyone planning an Alaska motorcycle adventure.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

Alaska Marine Highway System ÔÇô ferry information.

Hello North has some good links to information on the Yukon and British Columbia.

Find out more on British Columbia at the DriveBC Traveller Information System

511.Alaska ÔÇô Driving information from the State of Alaska.

Alaska Roadmap ÔÇô Maps and distance calculator.

U.S. DOT -Alaska Traffic information ÔÇô 511 Online travel information, road conditions reports, road weather information and more.

Alaska weather forecasts with local weather reports.

The Dalton Highway stretches 414 miles across northern Alaska from Livengood (84 miles north of Fairbanks) to Deadhorse and the oilfields of Prudhoe Bay. For many riders it is reason enough to go to Alaska. Find out more at BLMÔÇÖs Dalton Highway Guide


Alaska.com ÔÇô Travel, jobs, home fishing, hiking and more information is available here.

TravelAlaska.com has a great interactive map linking to information on state parks and public land.

Alaska Region ÔÇô National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Alaska National Park Page

Welcome to Alaska Wilderness Recreation and Tourism

Alaska Campground Owners Association is a group of over 60 privately owned Alaskan campgrounds.

BMW DEALERS:

Trails End BMW
PO Box 80754
Fairbanks Alaska 99708
Voice (907)-479-2367

The Motorcycle Shop ÔÇô 400 W. Potter Dr. is located in the middle of Anchorage. Call 561-1165

BMW Motorcycle Rental ÔÇô Alaska Motorcycle Adventures

Have you considered shipping your bike one way so you can increase the length of your Alaskan stay? Here are some shippers that specialize in Alaskan shipping.

Pacific Alaska Forwarders, Inc.

Carlile a full-service transportation and logistics company.

The Motorcycle Shop has shipping information also.


TodayÔÇÖs RoadFood.com

Woot

Todays Woot

The Blog

Over Heard in New York | Voice of the City

All things BMW

Via Bikes in the Fast Lane and YouTube: Find Your Fire

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Wheels24.co.za ÔÇô BMW to launch 450cc Enduro.

F1Complete.com ÔÇô BMW has ÔÇÿfixedÔÇÖ gearbox flaw

This showed up in the Touratech USA Newsletter.

Touratech USA News

North American Adventure Riders Challenge!
June 6th through the 9th 2007

This event is going to be a blast and not to be missed! It's a Rally with unprecedented industry support, designed to be the right amount of rally excitement and challenge for Adventure riders of all skill sets with large displacement (650 cc and above) dual sport motorcycles. The focus is to improve riding skills far beyond what a more typical rally could provide. This is one of the most talked about new events of the season, and will undoubtedly grow into a legendary annual rally, possibly even setting a new standard for rally activities. Don't miss your opportunity to attend the inaugural event!

That's right folks, time to get Challenged!
Officially sponsored by BMW Motorrad, the NAARC will take place in the RawHyde Adventures Enduro Park, a 120 acre powersports training center just one hour north of the Los Angeles area. (39950 Golden State Highway, Castaic CA, 91310) The NAARC is part of RawHyde's Adventure Rally Series.
ÔÇó For complete details check out the NAARC web site!
ÔÇó Read about the event on the BMW Motorrad web site

ÔÇó Make sure to check out the other RawHyde events



2007 Adventure\Enduro Events have begun!
Look for Touratech's GPS Seminar and Product Demos

The South Sound BMW Open House and Globeriders DVD Release events were phenomenal successes. We hope to attend many more this season with activities including product displays and GPS seminars. Below is a rally list with suggestions for events you may want to attend. Look for updates here as the season progresses:
ÔÇó North American Adventure Rally Challenge, June 6 to 9
ÔÇó Chief Joseph Rally, June 14 - John Day, OR
ÔÇó 35th Annual MOA International Rally, July 12 - West Bend, WI
ÔÇó Black Dog Dual/Adventure Events, July 14 & 15 - Hood River OR
ÔÇó Idaho GS Rendevous, Aug 2 - Elk River, ID
ÔÇó Nez Perce Rally, Aug 5 - Grandjean, ID
ÔÇó PNWGS Adventure Rally, Aug 9 - Menlo, WA
ÔÇó North West Dualsport Rally, Aug 26 - Stevenson, WA

BMW Sauber F1: Website

BMW Group Press Club: on page 2

BMW MOA Chartered Club:

club:
European Motorcycle Owners Club, #150

founded:
5/1/1985

contact:
Steve Hall (bmwsmiles@cox.net)
3085 Tioga Way
Las Vegas, NV 89117 US
www.emolasvegas.org

meetings:
Sunday morning each week, 8:00 am, Henry's American Grill, 237 N. Stephanie, Henderson, NV. Phone 702-898-5100.

events:
North Rim of the Grand Canyon, third weekend of August



Gem??tlichkeit is the warm, comfortable feeling
one receives from pleasant surroundings and atmosphere.
I think you will find that when you come here.




Ozaukee ÔÇô Washington Daily News

Fond Du Lac Reporter

The Sheboygan Press

Daily Citizen, Beaver Dam

Weather

West Bend WI
Current

10 Day Forcast

United States
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

Canada
Meteorological Service of Canada


Travel Information ÔÇô Driving Conditions and other related information sites.

Bike Candy:

THE END

 

[mika]

Page 2

BMW Group Press Club:

Tracking the news from BMW at their English language sites and Germany

PressClub USA

BMW GROUP DESIGN TALK VILLA ERBA 2007

Top-class international panel discussion and design exhibition

Munich/Como. "Sketch the dream! Visualizing car design" will be this year's key feature of the "BMW Group Design Talk Villa Erba 07" in Cernobbio at Lake Como (Sunday 22nd April 2007 commencing 10:30 a.m.). For the fifth time now the BMW Group is holding this exclusive event initiated within the framework of the Concorso d'Eleganza at the Villa Antica, to which a number of international journalists and select VIP guests have been invited. The Design Talk event will again be hosted by Carl G. Magnusson, Executive Vice President of New York-based Knoll Design of many years' standing. Whilst the 2006 event bearing the title "Utopia" was directed at the future, this year's discussion will focus on the artistic processes covering all stages from conception to the finished design object. "Sketch the dream!" will be supplemented by an exhibition in the foyer of the Villa Antica. The exhibition features 50 sketches of automobiles of different times and make from 1940 to 2000 and will be open to all visitors of the Concorso.

Like every year, the panel will consist of renowned designers and design experts. This year, the BMW Group has been fortunate enough to acquire the following guests:

Fabrizio Giugiaro, Styling Director of Italdesign Giugiaro; Verena Kloos, President of DesignworksUSA, LA; Ross Lovegrove, Industrial Designer, UK; Phil Patton, journalist and author, NY; Ban Y.J., CEO Stikfas Toy Company, Singapore.

In addition to this, the two BMW Art Cars by C?®sar Manrique and Esther Mahlangu, which were designed as part of the BMW Art Car Collection in 1990 and 1991 respectively, will be showcased in the rotunda of the Villa Erba.

For 78 years now the Concorso d'Eleganza at the Villa d'Este has been one of the most exclusive events, bringing together enthusiasts and experts in the field of historical vehicles as well as collectors of automotive items from all four corners of the world in unique surroundings at Lake Como.
This year it is being held from Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd April.


PressClub Austria

Exciting Wettfahrten and Regattafeeling purely with yard farmer the Cup - presented by BMW Austria

Postage RON, Slovenia. The yard farmer Cup - for the first time in April 2000 delivered - was established meanwhile as fixed point in the Austrian offshore Regattakalender. 21 crews placed themselves also this year of 11. until 15 April 2007 in the bay before postage RON of the international sail competition and provided for six stretching Wettfahrten with good wind conditions.

In the class of the travel yachts without Spinnaker Gregor fur man could become generally accepted with its crew on a Bavaria 39cr scarcely before the Mannen around Skipper Robert Dornst?ñtter on energy 333. With the boats with Spinnaker Wolfgang Rendl won as Skipper with attendant Armin wheel designer on the IMS500 ÔÇ£AquilaÔÇØ conceivablly scarcely before Hubert Mayr on the roofridge 47,7 ÔÇ£ImaÔÇØ, which had gotten itself with olympia winner Hubert Raudaschl a good trimmer and tactician on the boat. The victory in the unit class went completely clearly to the crew around Skipper Alfred Minassian, which could decide all six Wettfahrten with Michael Farthofer at the wheel for itself.

This year in postage RON not also thereby: The 2006 in the class yachts with Spinnaker victorious team BMW Austria yacht Racing. The past title defenders approximately around Ren?® Mangold had to call the participation off in yard farmer the Cup due to BMW the Sailing Cup of world final 2006 in Valencia.

The yard farmer Cup was at the same time also prelude meeting BMW Austria Race Trophy, a running series over four Regatten in the Adria. As main price a driver training at the N??rburgring in Germany signs - draws by lots under all that Seglern, which participate in at least two of the four meetings. Many the Skipper announced to the Kornati Cup therefore directly for next meeting

PressClub Germany

BMW motorcycle tests new concept in the competition. Employment of the 450er sport Enduro in the Enduro world championship.

Munich. The commitment of BMW motorcycle in the area haven has a long, successful tradition. To it the residents of Munich with capacity-strong machines tied like the HP2 Enduro and now their activities also on the attractive 450 cubic centimeter capacity class will expand. For pure test purposes therefore to 28. and 29 April a BMW team on a new Einzylinder Sportenduro will start with both runs to the Enduro world championship of the class E2.

The prestigious competition takes place in the southSpanish Puerto Lumbreras and meets the world-best Sportenduro drivers including their machines. In this hard surrounding field BMW motorcycle becomes its new, for which developed motorcycle concept on heart and kidneys test sporty employment. Drive as chassis-laterally offers the machine innovative technical solutions, whose competitive ability is to be proven.

As drivers the Offroad professionals Joel Smets and Sascha Eckert could be obligated. They will contribute with their experience and authority to optimize the technology of the new motorcycle. Exclusively for this purpose BMW team will go in the course of the season 2007 even when far renowned running to the start.


Rolls-Royce Motor Car Press Club:
ROLLS-ROYCE CONVERTIBLE DEBUTS AT VILLA D??ESTE

Goodwood, 19 April 2007

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will unveil the new Phantom Drophead Coup?® for the first time in Italy.

On the weekend of 21 - 22 April 2007, the spectacular grounds of the Grand Hotel
Villa d'Este and Villa Erba in Cernobbio on Lake Como will again form the unique backdrop for the most beautiful automobiles from yesteryear and exceptional cars of the present at the annual Concorzo dÔÇÖEleganza.

In 2004 the experimental Rolls-Royce 100EX, the forerunner of the Drophead Coup?®, was shown at the same event. Based on customer reaction to this car during the worldwide tour which followed, it was decided to launch a production model.

The two-door, four-seater convertible is a less formal interpretation of the classic
Rolls-Royce design. From a technical perspective, this car combines a lightweight, extremely stiff aluminium spaceframe with the lean and elegant body of a drophead coup?®. Hand built to specific customer requirements from the finest materials, it includes a number of unique details. The rear deck is made from teak, using the same structure as that used in the yacht-building world, and the bonnet and windscreen surround are available in brushed stainless steel to give a contrasting, two-tone look.

At this yearÔÇÖs Concorzo, Rolls-Royce will also be marking the 100 year anniversary of the launch of the Silver Ghost ÔÇô the car which was responsible for building the companyÔÇÖs early reputation for power, refinement, reliability and virtually silent running.

The name was first used in 1907 when Rolls-Royce silver plated the fittings of a ÔÇÿ40/50ÔÇÖ Rolls-Royce and painted the coachwork silver. The name was later adopted for all the 40/50hp cars manufactured between 1907 and 1925.



Motorsports PressClub

Formula BMW.
Test run of a special kind for the Formula BMW FB02.

Munich, 18th April, 2007. In March, the Formula BMW FB02 contested extraordinary test runs on Sylt Island (GER). By means of a kite and powered by nothing but the wind, the control car of the most successful young-gun series worldwide, completed truly spectacular tests at the German North Sea islandÔÇÖs airport.

Following the tests, BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen said: ÔÇ£These tests demonstrated in a very different way the effect of airflow and aerodynamics on a car. It was an interesting experiment for the public and engineers in equal measure ÔÇô the speeds achieved using wind power alone were quite extraordinary. Being extremely lightweight and safe, the FB02 was the ideal car for the demonstration. However, we will continue to rely on engine power for the junior race series on the track.ÔÇØ

To make this test possible, the BMW Motorsport engineers subjected the FB02 ÔÇô that will once again be used in the 2007 Formula BMW Championships in Germany, Great Britain, Asia and North America ÔÇô to numerous modifications. To make the windÔÇÖs task as the FB02ÔÇÖs sole power source easier, the carÔÇÖs engine was removed, with a stunt kite acting as replacement.

Extreme-sportsman and editor of the ARD science magazine ÔÇ£KopfballÔÇØ Dirk Gion, who previously crossed the Australian continent on a skateboard pulled by a kite, steered the car. To offer the driver more elbow-room for the complicated manoeuvring of the kite and the FB02, the windscreen and the mirrors of the Formula BMW car were removed and the head and neck protection system (HANS) was shortened. Furthermore, the FB02 was equipped with new, more direct steering.

Gion says: ÔÇ£The power of the wind never fails to impress and represents a special fascination. The FB02 is the ideal car for this test. Actually, its safety features made me feel comfortable during all the testing.ÔÇØ At a wind speed of 21,6 knots (40 km/h), the Formula BMW FB02 accelerated to a top speed of 41,6 knots (77,4 km/h) at the 2.3-kilometre airport track.

The extensive safety features that make the Formula BMW FB02 the safest car for single-seater newcomers were also used in the test held on Sylt Island. They comprise ÔÇô among others ÔÇô a state-of-the-art carbon-fibre monocoque, wheel retention tethers, an energy-absorbing head protection and the Formula Rescue Seat (FORS) specially designed for the series.

 

[PAULBACH]

Let the police get to know you!

MOTORCYCLISTS are being offered free advice from a range of top riding experts. All they have to do is book a free assessment ride starting in Thirsk on Saturday 5 May. Their skills will be observed and then evaluated by Police motorcyclists and other advanced riders, who will give straight-from-the-shoulder evaluation and positive advice.
...
Free assessed rides will be on offer to anyone who attends on their bike. Sgt Pete Mason, who heads the countyÔÇÖs Bike Safe initiative, said: ÔÇ£Come along for an informal chat and have your riding skills looked at. You might just pick up some tips that could prevent a crash.ÔÇØ

Sounds like a good idea just waiting to be picked up here in the US.

Nice Find Mika!

 

[Markus]

morning reads, thanks!

New member here...just wanted to say that I really enjoy the "morning reads" posts each day.
Thanks!

 

[bobh41]

The HD Story - not entirely pretty

Harley Davidson ChildrenÔÇÖs Book.

I would love to have a BMW book for my soon to be 4 year old grandson.

No doubt I don't have the complete perspective on the Harley Davidson story, but I do resent the Reagan tariff that "saved" HD. At the time commentators doubted it would actually save the company because of serious debt, obsolete mfg, and dubious management. I do know that it resulted in an immediate across the board rise in "heavyweight" bike prices of around 10% or more. The HD story up to the AMF acquisition may be a "nice" one but the remainder should not be part of any morality play for children. I visited the York plant in '88 and note it was a wonderful monument to 19th century technology.

As a technology treatise the BMW story is tops - but the WWII period, that "saved" BMW has it's historical downside. (My point - would BMW have survived without the immense support of the Reichstag?) I, too, would like my GS to grasp the engineering story because it's a good one, but like much of the crap I learned in school I would not wish to impose a ton of BS on him to have to "unlearn" later.

 

[mika]

My desire is for a childrenÔÇÖs book that features BMWs, or at least a Euro-style bike. It seems the ones I have found all have HD type rides in them. He gets enough of that from his father.

I too was not a fan of the Reagan rules. As to the rest of your comments they make for great conversation over a beer or three.

I think you need to back the train up a war if you go down that line of thought about BMW, the Reich and wars. Would BMW ever have existed, as we know it, if it had not been for WW I? The pre 1948 history of BMW is tied to the success and failures of the German government in many ways. It definitely flourished in the 30ÔÇÖs as a result of Reich investments. The company after the war existed by maintaining Allied vehicles and then building bicycles. The post WW II company seems to be an entirely different venture.

 

[bobh41]

Thanks for the history tip

I find this very interesting, and will indeed "backup the train". I'll dig into it further.

I think I get your point about teaching your GS using other themes but I'm having difficulty framing a meaningful story. I think there may be something along the lines of starting out with a good idea (Boxer engine) and improving and perfecting it through many generations of engineers and designers. Have you thought about self publishing? I compiled and bound a set of poems that my young nephew wrote - he got a lot of mileage with them.

Good stuff
Bob