Had a great weekend on the Terra. 280km's to a mates house then ride the forest roads & single track. Did it all again the next morning & rode home again.
I bought the Strada to explore, and to open up the option to do light off pavement stuff. Today was sort of the typical mix. 15 miles of interstate to get out of town, 15 miles of secondary pavement to get well into the national forest, then a 40 mile loop of logging roads, mostly gravel. During the ride the sun shined brightly, it rained like crazy, and for the most part it was overcast with a few sun breaks. 4000' in a couple of places, with snow there but vehicle tracks made it passable. Had lunch at a lake and took it all in before heading back. It occurred to me that I've been looking at riding exactly backwards. I had thought that gravel roads were stretches that connected interesting paved roads. I'm starting to look at paved roads as a way to get to the interesting gravel roads. Views on the way to the lake... Nice stream, or mini waterfall, whichever you prefer... The lunch spot. Not another soul for the hour I was here. My ride, patiently waiting for the trip home. Lots of junk on all the roads, diligence was key. This particular tree brings whole new meaning to 'clothesline.' What an excellent all around bike, really enjoying it. It's like it was designed for the US Pacific Northwest.
I am using the Wolfman Expedition saddlebags and rear duffel. I have a cover for the tank bag. Good stuff and very waterproof. No garbage bags this go around! BTW, nice trip report.
Hey krussell, did you happen to be riding through West Linn towards Lake Oswego Sunday afternoon? I was on my way to class and by Marylhurst I saw the yellow Wolfman bags on a bike stopped at the light going the other way, and first thought, "Oh, a nice GS with Dry Bags". Then it passed me and I saw it was a Husky. I thought I saw more red than the Strada has, which would make it a Terra, but after seeing your latest pics it very easily could have been you.
Nice, that's the second time I've been spotted by a CafeHusky member. Was headed back from the ride above. Came out of the forest on NF45, then through BeaverCreek and on to Tigard. I wear a red Aerostitch Darien, rather Santa-ish so the that could have been the red you saw.
Haha, Husky Santa. That is a great mental image. I'll have to get a hold of you and go for a ride when I get my bike, hopefully I'll be able to do that before summer is out. Definitely going to go to Bill's, I've read good things about them on here.
The Strada made it's camping debut this weekend. One night at a campground pretty nearby with Mrs. krussell (via her car), the next night in the Tillamook National Forest at a 'designated dispersed' site. Lots of forest roads and exploring too. Bike was perfect, really getting it setup nicely. I'm down to a few things to go, most importantly crash bars and skid plate. Anyway, some highlights... Mrs. krussell brought these, and some matching beverages! A reminder that they didn't create all these great roads for motorcyclists. My solo spot, and solo Mountain House dinner warming on the Top Rack. (something it's rated to carry!) Nice river with nice background noise just behind and below the tent. No humans that I saw for the last ten miles before getting here. One of two dead ends on my way out, this was the re-route attempt. Closure notices on the log, along with no-cut warnings too. I just don't think they want you going this way, not that I would have tried. Beautiful weekend, nice bike to take me there. Hit 5,000 miles somewhere along the way.
Went for a ride yesterday with my buddy Dan, Brother, and I linking single track and forest roads in the Tahuya State Forest. I flogged the Terra HARD in the trails - slimy roots, rocks, puddles, whoops, etc at speed. Normally I only ride my smaller bike in this stuff...but the Terra continues to surprise the hell out of me. Love this bike! Single track all the way to this lake: View attachment 27132 Fun Two-Track trails A great day was had by all. Next week is the Black Dog Dual Sport down in Hood River, OR. Can't wait to break in the Terra on a proper camping trip!
I'll try to get some film footage next time for ya. I'm still sore from throwing that big Husky around all day in the woods!
Krussel, do you have a pic and details on your license plate holder? There was one pic viewing the under side of the fender, and the license holder looks like what I want to do. Did you make it? Thanks!
Does anyone carry something like this? Although it would take a bit for those 6" logs...it's still a fantastic little saw. Never thought about while out on a D/S ride. But it's always in my boot when we're out on our dirt bikes. Old habit.
Bills Motorcycles Plus did it when my fender broke. It's off some other bike, plastic instead of metal, I don't remember what it's from. I'd call Bryon there, he'll likely know what it is and can get you one. Kudos again to Bill for promptly taking care of my fender when it broke, and making it 'better than new.'
Too much work! But if you are up for it, sure. I think from about November to July here in the northwest carrying a husky saw would be cool. I know some guys that carry survival saws that are essentially a piece of actual chainsaw chain with a loop on each end for handle. They pack up small and work extremely well. Here's an example http://www.amazon.com/Chainmate-CM-24SSP-24-Inch-Survival-Pocket/dp/B0026OOS60.
I've tried one like that before. Works well but I found they bind easily and takes a bit to take out and put away. When we trail grooming, the Gomboy comes out of my boot fast does the job and we off riding again. This is just for grooming. If we have a big wind fall. The chainsaws (with motors) come out for the day.
