I've heard the "ride a smaller bike" comment a bunch too and while I think people's hearts are in the right place, the unsolicited advice is difficult to hear sometimes, and perhaps disappointing as folks might be missing the bigger picture. Adventure bikes are vastly superior, as you mentioned, for long distance touring in the comfort, carrying capacity, maintenance intervals, and fuel capacity departments. If riding an adventure bike offroad is the goal, training from a qualified offroad adv instructor is the best advice I could give. PSSOR, Rawhyde, DirtFirst, Jimmy Lewis, ADV Woman to name a few. Your goals, from my standpoint, have always been about exploring, taking in the scenery, and being peacefully alone. I'd never tell you or anyone else how to enjoy that. Keep on being rad, Amanda!
Great comment, definitely agree. I had almost the opposite experience planning a camping trip on my 250. Everyone said I needed a bigger bike haha. And to be fair aside from having to literally drag my bike out of a mud pit, a 1200 could have handled all the off roading I did. Granted it would have to be taken a bit slower.
I often get laughed at for riding my Royal Enfield 500 but I was doing 80km/h on a trail last Sunday when the group of other riders were doing 10 with both feet down. And they were on capable adventure bikes. Bigger bikes come with bigger responsibility with you requiring more confidence, skills and the acceptance of having to inevitably pick it up.
The ADV bike's are geared for the highway, not dirt that's why everyone is frying their clutches. Change your sprockets, bigger rear sprocket slows you down gives you more low end chug so the clutch doesn't get worked as much and you have the power when it's needed. The ADV bike's have the power & speed but when it rocks &/or sand speed can be very bad, especially when you are fully loaded. My Africa ADV easily did over 120 mph but you can't do 120 on the White Rim trail where 25 mph is the safe speed in most places. Take that big, multi piston power and use it for your advantage. Change your sprockets. My favorite cruise speed is 30-50 mph just so I can see the world around me.
@@solodad7999 One of the biggest things I've learned doing motorcycles for 20 years and RUclips now for 5 is that folks are always interested in offering advice. I think this comes from a genuine place of trying to offer help with some aspect of something they've learned about and wanting to help by sharing this advice. The complicated part of this is that folks learn from their own experience. I would wager to guess, based on my friendship with Amanda, she has learned that riding in foot deep pea gravel isn't her preference for having fun on two wheels. It's not for everyone and that's okay! Rather than retuning her motorcycle for better off-road, I suspect she prefers to enjoy riding it as it was designed and enjoying riding terrain that is more fun for her doing things that she enjoys.
As someone who is absolutely in love with the dual sport lifestyle I think you definitely made the right choice going with an adventure bike. From watching all your travels I think it suits you perfectly.
Also, agree about the through hiking videos. I got into it learning about moto camping. Being on a smaller bike I was kinda stuck between the worlds of moto camping and backpacking.
Thanks Chris! :D Cool to see how many of us also watch thru hikers! Also thank you for the vote of support of my ADV lifestyle XD I also think it fits me the best.
I’m glad I’m not the only person that finds thru-hiking videos to be fun to watch. I tell myself it’s because a friend of mine, who is retired, that has hiked portions of the AT and has asked me a few times to take time off and hike with him...
Just like you, I started with minimal plugged in gear. I hated being tied to the bike and sometimes would forget that I was (ugh). I find the same true with the mobile heated gear; lifespan of batteries are fairly short. Heated grips were best mod. Most necessary part of me that needs heating and tends to get cold fast are my fingertips. I have spent $$$ on all sorts of gloves that don't impede my ability to react and properly reach levers. The heated grips help tremendously. Much luv to you! I enjoy your videos and love your candor and enthusiasm. You tell it like it is. I thank you so much for that. Stay Safe!!
Yes! Thanks Ratkity! Someone who feels my pain of being plugged in. Hands are def a fast to get cold spot for me too, Heated Grips, Hippo Hands and Snowmobile gloves man. That's my sweet spot lol
Another great video Amanda. I’m hooked on thru hikers too. Lots of great gear ideas from those guys. Great adventures too. Big bike and crazy girl on the dirt. What’s not to love? I’ll take the comfort on the road every day. It doesn’t stop me from off roading it with a cruiser. If a car can make it, so can I. If all you see coming the other way are dirt bikes, and the guys riding them are laughing at you, well... that is usually a bad sign. Makes for great stories later. Ride safe!
Thanks so much Robin! Yes!! They're an Excellent resource for camping gear! Particularly knowing that we will probably never put it through as much abuse as they do XD Yes!! The best adventure bike is the one you own! When I first went to the Alvord desert on my Honda Shadow I passed a few people who thought I was nuts XD I probably would still be doing off-road things with Lazarus if my Papa hadn't bought my CB500x to get me to stop doing off-road things on Lazarus XD
Great video Amanda. End screen question... I have heated grips now !! Who knew they could make such a difference 😁 I bought them after a 200 mile each way trip in the UK in February 2 years ago and wondered why on earth I hadn’t had them before....
I have always thought these big bike trips that people go on cost thousands of dollars. I have been wanting to go on a multi day tour but afraid of the expenses. I guess it all depends on on your expected level of comfort. Thanks for taking the time to answer all the questions. It's like talking to a rock star. :-)
Totally! Cost will always change drastically based on your expectations. For example the Baja trip I really could have done for about a grand if I had gone by myself. Hotels add up VERY quickly. Dispersed camping seriously helps the budget, and checking to see if there's a cheap Air BnB before resorting to hotels is a good trick but not always as convenient as checking into hotels because you have to book a little in advance to make plans with the owners. But I mean I can do a 1,000 mile trip with a little under $300 (gas, accommodation, food) by camping and staying with friends when I can, eating cans of soup and only eating out 1-2 times and only at lunch time lol
You don't have to spend a mint, or have a huge bike. One of my favorite RUclipsrs is C90adventures. He's traveled the world on an often cobbed together old Honda C90. He's funny as hell, if you like British humor. If he can go all over four continents on a scooter, you can go a few days on a bike.
I don't ride with heated gear....but not because I don't want to, I just can't afford new gear right now. I'll definitely be investing in some when I can.
I think it's awesome that you ride a basically stock CB500x all over the damn place. Skills! We all fall into the category of the "if I only had THIS accessory, performance upgrade, etc, yada yada I could do some REAL adventuring..." sickness. Which is the best bike for adventure? THE ONE YOU RIDE.
Thanks Thomas! lol YES!! THE ONE YOU RIDE! Yes Yes Yes. I always think 'having that -thing- would be real nice BUT I could probably ride to -place 1,000 miles away or more- for that kind of money' ha! Especially the cost of the rally raid kit, really the only thing I'd want is the bigger wheels but you have to get the suspension to do that and by that point it would cost the same amount of money as it would take me to travel a big loop around the US for 3 months. lol right now I'd rather travel than have all the farkles lol But for real though. I really do need to get engine guards lol my poor bike is so banged up XD I'm going to break the case one of these days lol
Oh my goodness! That intro is out of sight!!! Someone is gonna hire you to be their “awesome video production person!” Really enjoyed the video! I will be waiting in Tim’s review of his soft luggage (dark side). I know you love your Wolfman but I can’t get away from locks! I’m a paranoid freak, I know... darn planes messing up your sound:-)
I'm going to add to the question of photography tips and learning: Look at B&H photo and Adorama RUclips videos. Especially with B&H, they have filmed seminars that you can watch for free (or at least it was free 5 years ago when I got serious about my photography.) The seminars are great and the #1 thing one will learn is the importance of diffused lighting.
Medicine Rock Park is beautiful!! Montana is breathtaking. There’s so many amazing places all over the U.S! Have you ever been to Medicine Wheel Park in ND? If not, look it up it’s well worth the visit. Before you say the hike would be to much....my 70yr father with a beer belly that would put any man to shame did the hike lol. Awesome video as always! Take care!!
Thanks Travis! :D I have been to the Medicine Wheel when I was REEALLY little. I think you underestimate my Montana roots if you think that 'hike' would be too long for me :P
Great material and fun presentation. Cold weather riding gear should always include fire building supplies. Hypothermia happens more often in cool wet weather than any other time. Keep up the great work!!!
No, but my bike has heated grips. It doesn't sound like much, but you would be amazed how having warm hands changes your outlook on life during a windswept rainy night. :D
The only heated gear I have is a pair of cheap battery powered socks my wife bought me from Wish (God Bless Her). I used them twice for riding and they are good enough for 6 hours continuous use on low. They keep me from thinking about how cold my toes are, so that means they work well. I do want more heated gear some day.
As for the adventure vs dual sport bike thing , your body has a strong say in which kind of bike is best for you. When I was younger, my knees and hips had no problem with the ergonomics of a larger R1100GS and a smaller Versys, both of which I owned and enjoyed for many miles. But now that I'm a card carrying member of the moto geezer club, my knees and hips don't appreciate the ergos of both bikes on long hauls. So back to the power cruiser class I went, with my feet in front of my knees, much to the delight of my hips. Enjoy the ergos of the bike that you are most comfortable with now. Your body may feel differently in the future. Thanks for your continued sharings, Amanda, and happy holidays to you and yours.
Thanks Mr. Solitude! Everyone has aches in different places! I also know members of the 'geezer' club that can't handle their knees being extended like they normally are cruisers. I'm glad you found a bike who's seating position fits what you need so you can keep riding! :)
Layers are the Core of having a good cold riding experience, and the best heated gear on the market isn't worth anything if you're not good at layering. It's more like adding a good base layer to an already good layering system rather than thinking you can slap on some heated jacket and have it just 'work'. lol I rode for a very long time without heated gear, it's nice to have when the temp suddenly drops, but it's important not to rely on it for all the comfort :P
I deserved that answer. And I learned something! 😄 I commute on my KLR and carry my work laptop in a fake Harbor Freight rip-off Pelican case bolted to my rear rack like a top trunk. Works perfectly! No heated gear for me, yet, but I should get some because I HATE being cold!
My hands get cold but I didn't want heated gear. Try the Rev'It Taurus GTX gloves. I got them from Revzilla. They are so warm. I ride to the low 20's before I get worried about ice on the road.
Great advice on the video techniques. So many vids are people talking over video zipping by... the narrative is random, jumbled, not related to scenery. You do great putting "stories" in your post. . Just one man's opinion of course. And best sandwich ever (in line with your answer), an old, old, old time drugstore in Fort Davis, TX that has a "soda bar" and great lunches. I'd bet 95% of viewers think "young Amanda" got pretty good advise to result in "present Amanda."
Thanks Richard! :) I try hard to turn my weird experiences into some kind of cohesive narrative. I feel like there's some times I do a good job and sometimes it's a bit of a stretch, but I am my own worst critic lol lol 'young amanda' got a lot of good advice for sure but she wasn't always great at listening to it until it was a little too late lol I like to think I've gotten a little better at listening, or at the very least I over-think my decisions a lot more than 'young amanda' did XD
Hi Amanda new to your channel really enjoy your personality I'm always trying to get out and do longer trips solo these days so yourself and other solo youtubers inspire me to get out solo.
Amanda if you have a harbor freight store around you that is a good place to find hard back cases with foam in them for your lap top at a reasonable price
Love your honesty .... riding a 2014 Harley FB and have been planning a camping ⛺️ long trip buying eq. watching you, your purchase thoughts and others on RUclips (scary.). Still feeling out tents, bedding best rain gear for one. Living in South FL pretty much stays warm, but looking to ride to Colorado after March. Do you know the best books or online camping info while riding? Not a rush, but if you find time to info me much appreciated 😁
i'm allergic to wool too and resolve that the same way. and girl, we all have baggage but it's cute and it matches... i'm glad u got something to call for help; being hurt is so much harder when ur alone and have no way to reach out [ask me how i know]. the next time u plan on camping and a wiener says no i want a hotel, smile and say, 'that's great we'll wait for u here at camp.' oh and GUESS WHAT i rode my bike from ct to nc about 800 miles and loved it. my first long trip; i'm staying in nc all winter so i can RIDE hahaha. my daughter is down here with her family and it's nice to be near them. merry christmas and a happy new year to u and those u love.
Yes! Fellow Wool sufferer! Thanks Rosemary! Having the InReach is def nice for the peace of mind, and the ability to reach out even if I'm just feeling anxious ha! We did do that to one of our party who was being particularly obnoxious the second night, but I was outvoted the other three times we ended up hotelling it instead of camping. That is so exciting!! Well done!! Merry Christmas and New Years to you Rosemary :)
No heated gear for me currently, My riding kit is pretty warm. I may look into heated gloves in the future, but our winter is not too harsh or long, so the cost is not really high priority for me currently! :-)
Heated grips are where it's at! In combo with some hippo Hands and some snowmobile gloves that's my sweet spot for warm hands! Glad you don't have to endure the cold for toooo long 😉
@@AstheMagpieFlies I like the idea of Hippo-Hands... weirdly! ;-) :D My trouble with heated grips is you need a set on each bike (Like you I have multiple bikes). Me too, although I love the offroading this time of year.... I so hate being cold and wet lol :D
Thanks for being one of the few that made it to the end Ride on Two! :) That's the way it is in Montana! Although that doesn't stop me from trying at least once a year to do cookies in the snow XD
@@AstheMagpieFlies LOL, love the cookie reference, we call them donuts here. Always watch to the end! Keep up the great work Amanda, and congrats to the family on the little calfs
I love your Q&A videos! I have an additional Q for you to A. How do you do audio for your videos? Do you record audio separately? Thanks! Now, go have a beverage (unless you have a problem 😉😆) Also, no heated gear for me. I run warm, and overheating makes me itchy. TMI? 😆😆
Thank you :D Sometimes it's from my Rode mic on top of the camera plugged in and sometimes like this instance when I know there's lots of other noise I record it separate on my Olympus video recorder with a generic lav mic. More often than not my travel vlogs are with the Rode Mic because I'm too lazy to keep track of separate audio files on the road lol ;)
Thanks Amanda for another entertaining video. It’s been bugging me that something is missing... figured it out it’s the hat! The hat is missing:) it’s a really great hat!
Yes ride with heated gear. I got carried away when purchasing. I purchased everything but a nose warmer and I did not do that because they did not offer that particular item. I have put it all on and rode in 20 degree weather or 3 hours round trip and was fine. I almost always forget to unplug when I get off and if I stand on the pegs it will come disconnected. I have become adept at reconnecting my gear with my Aerostich rainproof mittens on....so how bout that!!!!!
I'm waiting till I get to see one in person. Right now I'm just kinda like 🤷 I was hoping for a 700 tbh I hope that it's true that it's lighter than the 800.
Yay, my question was answered. When I become rich I'll get you an Africa Twin 😉 I ride with heated grips, have gone down to 35 degrees without heated gear. Buying a heated jacket is in my plans, as usually my armpit is the first place to get cold on a bike after my nose.
YAY! :D AWW!! If that happens I will name it after you, and poor a little whiskey for you on every adventure. ;) Yes!! Heated grips for the win! Armpits huh? that one is new! I've ridden at 35 without heated gear too but that doesn't mean it's not nice to have it ;)
i found myself nodding at all your answers... you're pretty smart for a young whipper-snapper. or something. :-) regarding the dual-sport versus adv-bike question... i have a hardcore dual-sport (husky fe-450) that i've ridden on the road, & let me tell you: OUCH. i mean, it CAN do road miles, but it HATES them. with its tall 6th gear, it can easily hit over 100mph, but the comfort level is below zero on pavement. off-road? nothing better. so, you have to ask yourself, honestly of course: what is my dirt/street split? unless you're traveling MOSTLY off-road, something like my husky is just going to hurt you & make you hate it.
Thanks for answering I'll check out the polyester stuff, wool I've never liked on my skin, not allergic myself I just don't like it :D Great video as always :)
@@AstheMagpieFlies I hadnt until this video I was actually in a shop that had a merino wool liner yesterday and I've ordered the size for me :) so thank you very helpful :)
i bought heated gear that plugs in; i'm going to return it; i dont know what the heck to do with all that wiring and i cant reach behind me to plug it in.
The parallel twin is Rock solid, and I know this because they put the same engine in the CB500x. The Africa Twin has the better suspension and 21" front wheel that I want to put on the CB500x while not sacrificing the great weight distribution even though it's a bit heavier and taller. 🤷 I like it. Enough said.
I bit the bullit and bought the SW-Motech Quick-Lock EVO Side Case Racks, since it seems to be that or the F#@% cash grab that is the Givi system where you have to buy like three different parts in order to install them onto the bike. I had the Shad Saddle Bag Supports before, which just weren't enough support for the bigger bags, but they worked great for my Wolfman Skyline Saddlebags which are just much lighter/don't carry as much weight. Well technically I still have the Shad supports, but one of them got pretty warped when the explosion happened lol I'm sure it can be straightened out with a hammer though.
Yes!! A very nice person bought me a spare battery for my birthday, and I will say having two batteries has changed the game. It is amazing now. Two batteries on like mid-low is the perfect amount of time for me to go on a little adventure when it starts to get cold. You should wrap the charger in some reflective tape so it looks really different than all the rest of the black chargers :P
LOL, it's "Steven with a ph". Stephen/Steven trivia fact, Stephen is the first known record of the name (The Acts, in the bible), therefore anyone who actually spells it "Steven" is an impostor (I jest of course 😜) . Thanks for that, I was just curious, it's been my experience as well on mine, zero issues mechanically. I have about half as many miles on mine as on yours so far, I do a lot of local riding since it's my daily transportation year round but try to get out on at least one multi-day trip (even if it's semi - local with camping at various spots). I do quite a bit of dirt riding on mine (no really technical trails, I save that for when I have a dirt bike or more proper dual sport). It's definitely The Little Bike That Could, not amazing at anything except for having the ability to do lots of things (including year round daily transpotation) well enough, but at that it's amazingly excellent imo. Great Q&A, my friend 😁✌
Excellent lol thanks for clearing that up for me lol Ya the Parallel twin is like bullet proof lol which also part of the reason I want the Africa Twin, same engine just built to make all those 'stupid' things I do one the CB500x a /little/ easier lol Little Bike that Could is an excellent description lol
You have probably found this out by now, but just in case, the magpie airspeed joke is from Monty Python. ruclips.net/video/uio1J2PKzLI/видео.html Oh, and most definitely camp to ride. I'd rather hotel to ride tbh, but can't afford that. lol Unless there is ice and/or snow on the ground I ride all year round. So, yes I use heated gear. I use Keis inner gloves and vest. These can be run from the bike or run off batteries. Gloves: www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/101456 Vest: www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/364815 Batteries: www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/417566
As the Magpie Flies Just never considered it. I always make sure I layer up with some good clothes (plenty of merino wool layers etc.) might try some one day
How can you regret an ADV? Go everywhere a road bike goes, see more cause you are up higher, take almost any 1& 2 track, more maneuverable, fast, nimble. I would never go back to a pavement pounder.
Love the video. To anyone here, I'm in Portland and I'm putting my '14 Rally Raid level 2 (converted to tall suspension) CB500X up for sale. Message if you're interested.
No, kept the original cast rims. They only offered tubed wheels at the time and I'd rather stay with 17" tubeless. I was going to upgrade the wheels this winter, but I'm thinking I want 2 bikes now. A dual sport for weekend camping and a touring bike for the long trips.
I've heard the "ride a smaller bike" comment a bunch too and while I think people's hearts are in the right place, the unsolicited advice is difficult to hear sometimes, and perhaps disappointing as folks might be missing the bigger picture. Adventure bikes are vastly superior, as you mentioned, for long distance touring in the comfort, carrying capacity, maintenance intervals, and fuel capacity departments. If riding an adventure bike offroad is the goal, training from a qualified offroad adv instructor is the best advice I could give. PSSOR, Rawhyde, DirtFirst, Jimmy Lewis, ADV Woman to name a few. Your goals, from my standpoint, have always been about exploring, taking in the scenery, and being peacefully alone. I'd never tell you or anyone else how to enjoy that. Keep on being rad, Amanda!
THIS. Thank you Nathan!
You said it all more eloquently than I ever could lol
Great comment, definitely agree.
I had almost the opposite experience planning a camping trip on my 250. Everyone said I needed a bigger bike haha. And to be fair aside from having to literally drag my bike out of a mud pit, a 1200 could have handled all the off roading I did. Granted it would have to be taken a bit slower.
I often get laughed at for riding my Royal Enfield 500 but I was doing 80km/h on a trail last Sunday when the group of other riders were doing 10 with both feet down. And they were on capable adventure bikes. Bigger bikes come with bigger responsibility with you requiring more confidence, skills and the acceptance of having to inevitably pick it up.
The ADV bike's are geared for the highway, not dirt that's why everyone is frying their clutches. Change your sprockets, bigger rear sprocket slows you down gives you more low end chug so the clutch doesn't get worked as much and you have the power when it's needed. The ADV bike's have the power & speed but when it rocks &/or sand speed can be very bad, especially when you are fully loaded. My Africa ADV easily did over 120 mph but you can't do 120 on the White Rim trail where 25 mph is the safe speed in most places. Take that big, multi piston power and use it for your advantage. Change your sprockets. My favorite cruise speed is 30-50 mph just so I can see the world around me.
@@solodad7999 One of the biggest things I've learned doing motorcycles for 20 years and RUclips now for 5 is that folks are always interested in offering advice. I think this comes from a genuine place of trying to offer help with some aspect of something they've learned about and wanting to help by sharing this advice. The complicated part of this is that folks learn from their own experience. I would wager to guess, based on my friendship with Amanda, she has learned that riding in foot deep pea gravel isn't her preference for having fun on two wheels. It's not for everyone and that's okay! Rather than retuning her motorcycle for better off-road, I suspect she prefers to enjoy riding it as it was designed and enjoying riding terrain that is more fun for her doing things that she enjoys.
As someone who is absolutely in love with the dual sport lifestyle I think you definitely made the right choice going with an adventure bike. From watching all your travels I think it suits you perfectly.
Also, agree about the through hiking videos. I got into it learning about moto camping. Being on a smaller bike I was kinda stuck between the worlds of moto camping and backpacking.
Thanks Chris! :D Cool to see how many of us also watch thru hikers!
Also thank you for the vote of support of my ADV lifestyle XD I also think it fits me the best.
I’m glad I’m not the only person that finds thru-hiking videos to be fun to watch. I tell myself it’s because a friend of mine, who is retired, that has hiked portions of the AT and has asked me a few times to take time off and hike with him...
Yes *high five* Thanks Tommy! :D
Just like you, I started with minimal plugged in gear. I hated being tied to the bike and sometimes would forget that I was (ugh). I find the same true with the mobile heated gear; lifespan of batteries are fairly short. Heated grips were best mod. Most necessary part of me that needs heating and tends to get cold fast are my fingertips. I have spent $$$ on all sorts of gloves that don't impede my ability to react and properly reach levers. The heated grips help tremendously. Much luv to you! I enjoy your videos and love your candor and enthusiasm. You tell it like it is. I thank you so much for that. Stay Safe!!
Yes! Thanks Ratkity! Someone who feels my pain of being plugged in.
Hands are def a fast to get cold spot for me too, Heated Grips, Hippo Hands and Snowmobile gloves man. That's my sweet spot lol
I love the state parks much more low key and relaxing than the national park. Thanks for sharing your Q and A.
For real! State parks are so underrated
One of your best videos yet. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.
Thanks so much :) and thank you for watching it!
Another great video Amanda. I’m hooked on thru hikers too. Lots of great gear ideas from those guys. Great adventures too. Big bike and crazy girl on the dirt. What’s not to love? I’ll take the comfort on the road every day. It doesn’t stop me from off roading it with a cruiser. If a car can make it, so can I. If all you see coming the other way are dirt bikes, and the guys riding them are laughing at you, well... that is usually a bad sign. Makes for great stories later. Ride safe!
Thanks so much Robin! Yes!! They're an Excellent resource for camping gear! Particularly knowing that we will probably never put it through as much abuse as they do XD
Yes!! The best adventure bike is the one you own! When I first went to the Alvord desert on my Honda Shadow I passed a few people who thought I was nuts XD
I probably would still be doing off-road things with Lazarus if my Papa hadn't bought my CB500x to get me to stop doing off-road things on Lazarus XD
Great video Amanda. End screen question... I have heated grips now !! Who knew they could make such a difference 😁 I bought them after a 200 mile each way trip in the UK in February 2 years ago and wondered why on earth I hadn’t had them before....
I have always thought these big bike trips that people go on cost thousands of dollars. I have been wanting to go on a multi day tour but afraid of the expenses. I guess it all depends on on your expected level of comfort. Thanks for taking the time to answer all the questions. It's like talking to a rock star. :-)
Totally! Cost will always change drastically based on your expectations.
For example the Baja trip I really could have done for about a grand if I had gone by myself. Hotels add up VERY quickly. Dispersed camping seriously helps the budget, and checking to see if there's a cheap Air BnB before resorting to hotels is a good trick but not always as convenient as checking into hotels because you have to book a little in advance to make plans with the owners.
But I mean I can do a 1,000 mile trip with a little under $300 (gas, accommodation, food) by camping and staying with friends when I can, eating cans of soup and only eating out 1-2 times and only at lunch time lol
You don't have to spend a mint, or have a huge bike. One of my favorite RUclipsrs is C90adventures. He's traveled the world on an often cobbed together old Honda C90. He's funny as hell, if you like British humor. If he can go all over four continents on a scooter, you can go a few days on a bike.
great video. My favorite layer combination is frosting, cake, frosting and cake with frosting over the whole thing.
An Excellent Layering Technique
I don't ride with heated gear....but not because I don't want to, I just can't afford new gear right now. I'll definitely be investing in some when I can.
I think it's awesome that you ride a basically stock CB500x all over the damn place. Skills! We all fall into the category of the "if I only had THIS accessory, performance upgrade, etc, yada yada I could do some REAL adventuring..." sickness. Which is the best bike for adventure? THE ONE YOU RIDE.
Thanks Thomas! lol YES!! THE ONE YOU RIDE! Yes Yes Yes.
I always think 'having that -thing- would be real nice BUT I could probably ride to -place 1,000 miles away or more- for that kind of money' ha! Especially the cost of the rally raid kit, really the only thing I'd want is the bigger wheels but you have to get the suspension to do that and by that point it would cost the same amount of money as it would take me to travel a big loop around the US for 3 months. lol right now I'd rather travel than have all the farkles lol
But for real though. I really do need to get engine guards lol my poor bike is so banged up XD I'm going to break the case one of these days lol
LOL that you answered the question on the speed of a Magpie. And "did you look under the dog?" Classic.
😉 thanks 603Rydes! I try to please 😝
Oh my goodness! That intro is out of sight!!! Someone is gonna hire you to be their “awesome video production person!” Really enjoyed the video! I will be waiting in Tim’s review of his soft luggage (dark side). I know you love your Wolfman but I can’t get away from locks! I’m a paranoid freak, I know... darn planes messing up your sound:-)
Thanks Rik lol
#WolfmantilIDie
I ride solo and love riding in the northwest; just purchased a trailer last weed in Vancouver. Still riding at 69! We may cross paths in the future.
I'm going to add to the question of photography tips and learning: Look at B&H photo and Adorama RUclips videos. Especially with B&H, they have filmed seminars that you can watch for free (or at least it was free 5 years ago when I got serious about my photography.) The seminars are great and the #1 thing one will learn is the importance of diffused lighting.
👍
Medicine Rock Park is beautiful!! Montana is breathtaking. There’s so many amazing places all over the U.S! Have you ever been to Medicine Wheel Park in ND? If not, look it up it’s well worth the visit. Before you say the hike would be to much....my 70yr father with a beer belly that would put any man to shame did the hike lol.
Awesome video as always! Take care!!
Thanks Travis! :D I have been to the Medicine Wheel when I was REEALLY little. I think you underestimate my Montana roots if you think that 'hike' would be too long for me :P
Great material and fun presentation. Cold weather riding gear should always include fire building supplies. Hypothermia happens more often in cool wet weather than any other time.
Keep up the great work!!!
Thanks Mike
No, but my bike has heated grips. It doesn't sound like much, but you would be amazed how having warm hands changes your outlook on life during a windswept rainy night. :D
You are a peach. Love someone with so much passion for the ride.
Thanks so much Brett!
The only heated gear I have is a pair of cheap battery powered socks my wife bought me from Wish (God Bless Her). I used them twice for riding and they are good enough for 6 hours continuous use on low. They keep me from thinking about how cold my toes are, so that means they work well. I do want more heated gear some day.
As for the adventure vs dual sport bike thing , your body has a strong say in which kind of bike is best for you. When I was younger, my knees and hips had no problem with the ergonomics of a larger R1100GS and a smaller Versys, both of which I owned and enjoyed for many miles. But now that I'm a card carrying member of the moto geezer club, my knees and hips don't appreciate the ergos of both bikes on long hauls. So back to the power cruiser class I went, with my feet in front of my knees, much to the delight of my hips.
Enjoy the ergos of the bike that you are most comfortable with now. Your body may feel differently in the future. Thanks for your continued sharings, Amanda, and happy holidays to you and yours.
Thanks Mr. Solitude!
Everyone has aches in different places! I also know members of the 'geezer' club that can't handle their knees being extended like they normally are cruisers. I'm glad you found a bike who's seating position fits what you need so you can keep riding! :)
Thank you very much for the visuals on the parks. They look beautiful.
Thank you Dennis 😊 glad you liked it!
Never tried heated gear, I just use a lot of layers and I'm usually good down to the high 30's. I don't think I'd like being wired in to the bike.
Layers are the Core of having a good cold riding experience, and the best heated gear on the market isn't worth anything if you're not good at layering. It's more like adding a good base layer to an already good layering system rather than thinking you can slap on some heated jacket and have it just 'work'. lol I rode for a very long time without heated gear, it's nice to have when the temp suddenly drops, but it's important not to rely on it for all the comfort :P
I deserved that answer. And I learned something! 😄
I commute on my KLR and carry my work laptop in a fake Harbor Freight rip-off Pelican case bolted to my rear rack like a top trunk. Works perfectly!
No heated gear for me, yet, but I should get some because I HATE being cold!
My hands get cold but I didn't want heated gear. Try the Rev'It Taurus GTX gloves. I got them from Revzilla. They are so warm. I ride to the low 20's before I get worried about ice on the road.
Another great video Amanda. Keep them coming
Thanks Kevin!
Great advice on the video techniques. So many vids are people talking over video zipping by... the narrative is random, jumbled, not related to scenery. You do great putting "stories" in your post. . Just one man's opinion of course. And best sandwich ever (in line with your answer), an old, old, old time drugstore in Fort Davis, TX that has a "soda bar" and great lunches. I'd bet 95% of viewers think "young Amanda" got pretty good advise to result in "present Amanda."
Thanks Richard! :) I try hard to turn my weird experiences into some kind of cohesive narrative. I feel like there's some times I do a good job and sometimes it's a bit of a stretch, but I am my own worst critic lol
lol 'young amanda' got a lot of good advice for sure but she wasn't always great at listening to it until it was a little too late lol I like to think I've gotten a little better at listening, or at the very least I over-think my decisions a lot more than 'young amanda' did XD
Hi Amanda new to your channel really enjoy your personality I'm always trying to get out and do longer trips solo these days so yourself and other solo youtubers inspire me to get out solo.
Thanks so much Karry! :3
Oh my gosh I LOVE watching thru hiking videos also. 👍🏼
Yessss! They're so calming to me!
Always enjoy your vids. You really should try a trip up here to the west coast of Canada 👍
Thanks Critter_Moto! :)
Amanda if you have a harbor freight store around you that is a good place to find hard back cases with foam in them for your lap top at a reasonable price
My grandpa has a couple of them! Not all are exactly waterproof though 👌 thanks Jeff!
Love your honesty .... riding a 2014 Harley FB and have been planning a camping ⛺️ long trip buying eq. watching you, your purchase thoughts and others on RUclips (scary.). Still feeling out tents, bedding best rain gear for one. Living in South FL pretty much stays warm, but looking to ride to Colorado after March. Do you know the best books or online camping info while riding? Not a rush, but if you find time to info me much appreciated 😁
i'm allergic to wool too and resolve that the same way. and girl, we all have baggage but it's cute and it matches... i'm glad u got something to call for help; being hurt is so much harder when ur alone and have no way to reach out [ask me how i know]. the next time u plan on camping and a wiener says no i want a hotel, smile and say, 'that's great we'll wait for u here at camp.' oh and GUESS WHAT i rode my bike from ct to nc about 800 miles and loved it. my first long trip; i'm staying in nc all winter so i can RIDE hahaha. my daughter is down here with her family and it's nice to be near them. merry christmas and a happy new year to u and those u love.
Yes! Fellow Wool sufferer! Thanks Rosemary!
Having the InReach is def nice for the peace of mind, and the ability to reach out even if I'm just feeling anxious
ha! We did do that to one of our party who was being particularly obnoxious the second night, but I was outvoted the other three times we ended up hotelling it instead of camping.
That is so exciting!! Well done!! Merry Christmas and New Years to you Rosemary :)
No heated gear for me currently, My riding kit is pretty warm. I may look into heated gloves in the future, but our winter is not too harsh or long, so the cost is not really high priority for me currently! :-)
Heated grips are where it's at! In combo with some hippo Hands and some snowmobile gloves that's my sweet spot for warm hands!
Glad you don't have to endure the cold for toooo long 😉
@@AstheMagpieFlies I like the idea of Hippo-Hands... weirdly! ;-) :D
My trouble with heated grips is you need a set on each bike (Like you I have multiple bikes).
Me too, although I love the offroading this time of year.... I so hate being cold and wet lol :D
I do not have heated gear, usually if it is too cold to ride without there is snow. Once the snow and ice are here riding is most likely over!
Thanks for being one of the few that made it to the end Ride on Two! :)
That's the way it is in Montana! Although that doesn't stop me from trying at least once a year to do cookies in the snow XD
@@AstheMagpieFlies LOL, love the cookie reference, we call them donuts here. Always watch to the end! Keep up the great work Amanda, and congrats to the family on the little calfs
Great q&a Amanda, ride safe ride far,Rand
Thanks Rand!
I love your Q&A videos! I have an additional Q for you to A. How do you do audio for your videos? Do you record audio separately? Thanks! Now, go have a beverage (unless you have a problem 😉😆)
Also, no heated gear for me. I run warm, and overheating makes me itchy. TMI? 😆😆
Thank you :D
Sometimes it's from my Rode mic on top of the camera plugged in and sometimes like this instance when I know there's lots of other noise I record it separate on my Olympus video recorder with a generic lav mic.
More often than not my travel vlogs are with the Rode Mic because I'm too lazy to keep track of separate audio files on the road lol
;)
As the Magpie Flies thanks so much, Amanda! That's really helpful! 👍🏽
Thanks Amanda for another entertaining video. It’s been bugging me that something is missing... figured it out it’s the hat! The hat is missing:) it’s a really great hat!
Thanks David! Lol 😂 it is a great hat!
Yes ride with heated gear. I got carried away when purchasing. I purchased everything but a nose warmer and I did not do that because they did not offer that particular item. I have put it all on and rode in 20 degree weather or 3 hours round trip and was fine. I almost always forget to unplug when I get off and if I stand on the pegs it will come disconnected. I have become adept at reconnecting my gear with my Aerostich rainproof mittens on....so how bout that!!!!!
lol that's pretty skilled David! haha
What do you think of the new Triumph 900? I currently ride CB500FA and can't wait to test ride the new Triumph 900!!!
Love your videos, keep it up!
I'm waiting till I get to see one in person. Right now I'm just kinda like 🤷 I was hoping for a 700 tbh
I hope that it's true that it's lighter than the 800.
I keep thinking about heated gear, but I always find something else I need to spend money on more!
Yay, my question was answered. When I become rich I'll get you an Africa Twin 😉
I ride with heated grips, have gone down to 35 degrees without heated gear. Buying a heated jacket is in my plans, as usually my armpit is the first place to get cold on a bike after my nose.
YAY! :D
AWW!! If that happens I will name it after you, and poor a little whiskey for you on every adventure. ;)
Yes!! Heated grips for the win! Armpits huh? that one is new!
I've ridden at 35 without heated gear too but that doesn't mean it's not nice to have it ;)
i found myself nodding at all your answers... you're pretty smart for a young whipper-snapper. or something. :-) regarding the dual-sport versus adv-bike question... i have a hardcore dual-sport (husky fe-450) that i've ridden on the road, & let me tell you: OUCH. i mean, it CAN do road miles, but it HATES them. with its tall 6th gear, it can easily hit over 100mph, but the comfort level is below zero on pavement. off-road? nothing better. so, you have to ask yourself, honestly of course: what is my dirt/street split? unless you're traveling MOSTLY off-road, something like my husky is just going to hurt you & make you hate it.
lol Aw Thanks
I just adore you, great job and who on green earth wouldn’t want an African Twi
Ha! Thank you Bell! Right! I still want an Africa Twin XD
You'd love British Columbia, but it's pricey. Enjoyed the QA!
Thanks Terry!
camping is the way to go mate
why pay for a bed you may not get sleep in
good video 👍👍👍😊😊😊
For real! Thanks Toby!
Thanks for answering I'll check out the polyester stuff, wool I've never liked on my skin, not allergic myself I just don't like it :D
Great video as always :)
Thanks for asking 😜
Have you tried Merino wool? Because regular ol' wool is way different than Merino wool. Merino wool is a LOT softer.
Anyway!
@@AstheMagpieFlies I hadnt until this video I was actually in a shop that had a merino wool liner yesterday and I've ordered the size for me :) so thank you very helpful :)
Great video Amanda.
Thanks so much :)
Great video. More violin playing please if possible👍🏻
😂 thanks Jim
You’re the best! Thanks!
Well thank you Cliff! :P
I still use gerbing heated gear that plugs in. Ugh. Keep up the great work
Thank you Nick!
Gold Star, I'm pretty sure you're the only person so far to make it to the end XD
i bought heated gear that plugs in; i'm going to return it; i dont know what the heck to do with all that wiring and i cant reach behind me to plug it in.
Very interesting you would buy the Africa twin. Please, explain....?
The parallel twin is Rock solid, and I know this because they put the same engine in the CB500x. The Africa Twin has the better suspension and 21" front wheel that I want to put on the CB500x while not sacrificing the great weight distribution even though it's a bit heavier and taller. 🤷 I like it. Enough said.
@@AstheMagpieFlies cool and thank you for your reply. Happy holidays 😁
What’s the best way to find routes
Like even before seeing the video ♥
Aww! Thanks for your faith in me haha 😉
Amanda what racks do you have on the cb now?
I bit the bullit and bought the SW-Motech Quick-Lock EVO Side Case Racks, since it seems to be that or the F#@% cash grab that is the Givi system where you have to buy like three different parts in order to install them onto the bike. I had the Shad Saddle Bag Supports before, which just weren't enough support for the bigger bags, but they worked great for my Wolfman Skyline Saddlebags which are just much lighter/don't carry as much weight. Well technically I still have the Shad supports, but one of them got pretty warped when the explosion happened lol I'm sure it can be straightened out with a hammer though.
I went with the bmw g310gs at 160 kilo after down sizing from a cruiser 300 kilometre range and cheaper then a bigger adv bike.
Good for you Alan! 👍
I like the Mobile Warming stuff too, but every fall I can’t find the battery charger. SIGH......
Yes!! A very nice person bought me a spare battery for my birthday, and I will say having two batteries has changed the game. It is amazing now. Two batteries on like mid-low is the perfect amount of time for me to go on a little adventure when it starts to get cold.
You should wrap the charger in some reflective tape so it looks really different than all the rest of the black chargers :P
Haha I love watching thru-hikers too!
Lol yess!!
Chicago Italian beef, sweet, hot and dipped is the worlds best and least healthy sandwich.
Interesting!
Yes! Love my heat!
:D Which ones are you running nowadays btw?
Awesomeness!!
😊 thank you!
For the record, they were in the pocket of my work trousers.
😂
Rad channel thank you
🙌 thank you!
Mansplaining their opinion you should get a smaller bike in the form of a question. Hehe. Thanks for making vids!
Ya. That's ALWAYS my favorite thing. People's attempts to subtly try and tell me that I ride a bike that's "too big" for me. 🙄😑
Thanks Jon!
Airplane!
✈️
Informative
😉 thanks Scott! I wasn't sure I was imparting much wisdom in this one. More sass than anything 😂
LOL, it's "Steven with a ph". Stephen/Steven trivia fact, Stephen is the first known record of the name (The Acts, in the bible), therefore anyone who actually spells it "Steven" is an impostor (I jest of course 😜) . Thanks for that, I was just curious, it's been my experience as well on mine, zero issues mechanically. I have about half as many miles on mine as on yours so far, I do a lot of local riding since it's my daily transportation year round but try to get out on at least one multi-day trip (even if it's semi - local with camping at various spots). I do quite a bit of dirt riding on mine (no really technical trails, I save that for when I have a dirt bike or more proper dual sport). It's definitely The Little Bike That Could, not amazing at anything except for having the ability to do lots of things (including year round daily transpotation) well enough, but at that it's amazingly excellent imo. Great Q&A, my friend 😁✌
Excellent lol thanks for clearing that up for me lol
Ya the Parallel twin is like bullet proof lol which also part of the reason I want the Africa Twin, same engine just built to make all those 'stupid' things I do one the CB500x a /little/ easier lol
Little Bike that Could is an excellent description lol
Under the dog!😂😂🤔
😉👌
Airpseed velocity joke ruclips.net/video/liIlW-ovx0Y/видео.html “Are you suggesting that coconuts migrate?” 😂Thank you for the Q&A i learned alot.
Yes. I was aware it was a joke.
Thanks CrunchyHam
As the Magpie Flies sadly it is the only Monty Python movie I have watched 😬
You have probably found this out by now, but just in case, the magpie airspeed joke is from Monty Python. ruclips.net/video/uio1J2PKzLI/видео.html
Oh, and most definitely camp to ride. I'd rather hotel to ride tbh, but can't afford that. lol
Unless there is ice and/or snow on the ground I ride all year round. So, yes I use heated gear. I use Keis inner gloves and vest. These can be run from the bike or run off batteries.
Gloves: www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/101456
Vest: www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/364815
Batteries: www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/417566
No heated gear.
Don't believe in it, or too much money?
As the Magpie Flies Just never considered it. I always make sure I layer up with some good clothes (plenty of merino wool layers etc.) might try some one day
How can u regret an ADV bike?? It's the best of all worlds, roads, mud, dirt, sand, water.
👍👍
👍👍
How can you regret an ADV? Go everywhere a road bike goes, see more cause you are up higher, take almost any 1& 2 track, more maneuverable, fast, nimble. I would never go back to a pavement pounder.
Lol. Why hike trails when you can bike trails?
Love the video. To anyone here, I'm in Portland and I'm putting my '14 Rally Raid level 2 (converted to tall suspension) CB500X up for sale. Message if you're interested.
Oh man!! What are you gonna get? Or did you already get it?
Did you get the 19 wheel when you did the suspension kit?
No, kept the original cast rims. They only offered tubed wheels at the time and I'd rather stay with 17" tubeless. I was going to upgrade the wheels this winter, but I'm thinking I want 2 bikes now. A dual sport for weekend camping and a touring bike for the long trips.
Not 👍but 👍👍up 😁
lol thanks Steve! :)
@@AstheMagpieFlies just spent 2 hours from Gaston thru Portland ugh! Your video helped ha!