Captivity Day 36

Spent some petrol money the other day.  Unfortunately, still not on petrol...

On a lark, and courtesy of some Adv Rider posts on phones as GPS devices and a Samsung special (phew, the stars were aligning to get me to spend some hard earned!), I bought a tablet.

Just like a phone, only even bigger and not a phone!

I then installed an app called OsmAnd which allows you to download open sourced maps and will also understand .gpx files from Mapsource/Basecamp.

I then copied over one of my TT2000 maps and went out to the shed to compare the tablet to the GPS.

Screen is just slightly bigger...

You'll note that I've stuck the tablet inside my tankbag.  Great place for it and I could get power to it if necessary but I'd probably smash it or it would get cooked in the sun.  If I do use it for navigation it will only be as a backup so will probably be stashed away somewhere a bit safer.

The software seems to work quite well, but I've yet to try to use it in anger.  Theoretically, it should also be able to send directions to my Sena as well.

There's a fair bit more detail available from the larger screen too:

Another thing it will be useful will to store our TT plan and the checkpoint pictures.  I can see me arranging the pictures in order and just flicking through to the next one at each checkpoint so I know what to look for with other information like distances and next fuel stop etc.

Very geeky...

DIY ear-plugs

So a couple of weeks ago I dropped my custom ear-plugs in the shed while moving the Tenere (they were resting on the topbox).  I found one but the other vanished - it may even have been processed by the hairy apprentice...

Anyway, with the TT coming up I needed some new ones.  I used disposable jobbies on the Dusty Butt but wanted something more comfy for the longer days on the TT.  My old custom plugs were awesome, I could easily sleep with them in and they fitted nicely under the helmet, kept out a lot of the wind noise while letting me still use the Sena.

When I got back from the DB I started looking around and the guy who made my last ones no longer does them, local earologists want around $180 and Plugs for Lugs are a wee ways away from here.  So, Google was pressed into service.

And, there's a lot of options out there.  I initially found the ones I got on an Aussie website but more searching located a dealer in NZ (I needed them quick) for about $5 more.

The goop you make them with is some sort of two-pot silicon which you mix together and then quickly mold to fit your lug-holes before it goes off (it takes 10 minutes).

Less sticky blue-tack...

When molding them to your ear you need to push them into your ear canal a bit and then smooth the rest of the material around so it fits tightly and doesn't stick out when you put your skid lid on.

One weird thing was the ten minute wait with them in.  While the stuff is going off you can kind of hear and feel it moving.  But once the ten minutes is up they're pretty hard and ready to go.

I think I made a better job of the left one (my second attempt).  As you can see there's a bit more material to go into my ear canal and it's got a bit better shape to it.

So, do they work?

Well, prior to trying them out, I happened upon the package sent to me from the guy who made the last ones many moons ago.  And guess what?  Inside was another pair of plugs that I didn't know existed...Best do a quick comparison then...

Slipping in the new home-made jobbies I noticed that the material is not quite as soft.  They aren't uncomfortable - just not quite as good as my "pro" ones. 

The fit also wasn't quite as good either - I had to make sure that they were in properly otherwise it felt like they'd slip out as I put on my helmet.  This is most likely my fault rather than the product.

I tried them out on a short ride on the Tenere.  There was a bit of wind around and I also tried them with visor up or down.  They were definitely stopping a lot of wind noise and more comfortable than foam plugs.

I then stopped in and put in the "pro" plugs.  They went in a lot nicer and there was no issues putting my helmet on.  I think that they did also offer more protection from the noise but it is hard to tell.  I didn't have the Sena with me so I don't know how well they'll go with it on - I would guess that they'll be fine.

Anyway, I guess I'll stick to my "pro" ones but will also pack these new ones as spares in case I lose the others.  And yeah, at $45 I'd recommend them if you can't find a pro to help you out.

GPS woes

Ok, so the poor old Zumo has been having a few issues of late and I now fear that she is fading fast and may have to be retired 😢

While the route worked fine on Saturday there were a few other interesting issues:

• Continually telling me how far to the next turn - on occasion interrupting songs 4-5 times!  It seemed to get worse the further into the ride I got so I ended up turning the Bluetooth off on the GPS.
• Telling me that I was off route and suggesting recalculation even though I was bang on the purple line all the time.  This also seemed to get a little worse later on in the ride.
• Not telling of upcoming turns.  Kinda funny considering issue #1.  Caused one episode of sudden braking and quick turn.
• As I neared home I cancelled the route (which would just take me into town) and just said take me home.  Unit locked up for a while before waking up.

Yeah, but other than that all good...

So, I'm currently shopping...Looking at either the Zumo 595 or 396.  Only interested in Garmins as that's what I know and Mapsource/Basecamp are pretty easy to use.  Also, I think both will be capable of driving my Virb too.

There's a $400 difference but from what I see you don't really get a lot more except a slightly bigger but higher rez display.  I'll need to buy an extra cradle so I can use it on both bikes so that's even more $ so the 396 is probably looking more likely at the moment.  Also concerned that the slightly wider 595 might struggle to fit where the current 550 is on the Connie.

But, if anyone's got any opinions - I'm all ears!

Another blimmin camera!

Yep, I slipped on the left mouse button while browsing Trade Me...

There had been a number of emails from GoPro offering deals on cameras and I got a little twitchy.  But then I noticed that they were still pretty dear.  A wee browse on Trade Me brought up all sorts of things including a Garmin Virb Ultra 30.

I'd played around using the Garmin Virb software a few times using GoPro footage and tracks from my Zumo to overlay data but it was a pretty tricky process matching the data to the video.  Grabbing a Virb camera with its own GPS sounded like a much better idea.  And second hand it was less than half new price and cheaper than a newer GoPro.

As you can see it's roughly the same size as my GoPro 3 and the neat thing is that its case is compatible with all my GoPro mounts...

And its got a screen - a touchscreen too!

Different knobs on top.  Flicking the lever on the right (and it worked with my gloves) starts the camera up and recording.  Pressing it takes a photo.

Time to mount it up and go for a ride.

Inside its case

Still get the same buttons through the case

Ok, so I got it on the bike so it was time to test it.  The camera is capable of 4K video but I don't have that fancy fast internet for uploading gigabytes of video so I recorded in 1080 and then after the Virb software created a huge file I processed it again down to a more manageable sized file in 720p.

Sunday was another hot day and I sweated my way at very ummm, sedate speeds over the Track and Saddle before puttering home to edit the video and add some data overlays.  First attempt:

Not too bad eh?  I'm a bit unimpressed with the interference at the start of the video where I give the Connie a couple of revs but I've had similar on other cameras - GoPro's seem to not have this problem.

On one write-up I read that the image stabilisation on the Virb is not marvellous.  I didn't have it on for this ride but I'm wondering how the camera will fare on the Tenere when we're pounding gravel?  I wonder how I can find out that...

Anyway, just for a giggle here's a bit more video showing what it's like to ride the Saddle these days...far too many vehicles on my track...Some nice views though.

Snapping

Righto, so yesterday I was complaining about taking the wrong camera and getting crap pictures again as a result so maybe I need to start looking again...

But first, my current selection.

This is my first ever digital camera and cost a fortune over 12 years ago.  It's a mere 4 mega pixel but comes with a 10x optical zoom and it still takes very good pictures (well, to a very amateur photographer anyway).  It cost me plenty back in the day...

This is yesterday's offender.  I bought it when I started out adventure riding as I didn't want to wreck my little Olympus - either in a whoopsie, bad weather or bouncing around in a topbox.  I think it's about a 12 mega pixel and cost less than half of what the Olympus did.  Oh, and I've dropped the Olympus on concrete and it's survived...

This is my "good"camera and I always take it on my big trips or when I know I want good pictures.  Can't remember how many mega pixels it is but it takes a nice picture and I like the GPS function along with the 42x optical zoom.  And yes, it cost less than the Olympus...

Then of course there are my GoPro's which actually take nice pictures occasionally...

So, I'm sick of the crappy shots from the Fujifilm but still want something small to stick in the tank bag.  And I'd still prefer water and shockproof.

What to get?  Help please!

BTW: I can't quite bring myself to potentially kill the little Olympus doing this job.

Whoops!

It followed me home...honest!

Oh, and the Tenere has new rubber and rear brake pads...

Flash as Michael Jackson...

Righto, so my poor old GoPro has been playing up a bit lately and there has been the odd suggestion that perhaps I should look at replacing it.  Well, I persevered with it for a fair while just so I could ignore those suggestions but finally gave in last weekend and ordered a new Hero 3 white - the cheapest GoPro with wi-fi.

I chose this model, not just because it was the cheapest but because it really does everything I need from a video camera.  I simply don't need the 4K video if all I'm doing is some basic videos for YouTube.  The neat thing about it is that I can use my current remote (or phone) to drive it.  Anyway, four days after ordering it the camera arrived from Singapore - impressive.

There are some subtle differences between it and my old one:

Of course, when you get a new toy then you simply must play with it, so today I went for a wee pootle around the Apiti Loop.  A nice little ride on a pretty damn nice autumn day.  The video below has a few snippets from some of the best bits of the Loop:

There doesn't appear to be too much wrong with the video although it seems to pick up some "noise"from the bike at around 5k rpm - I've had that with other devices as well.  As for the sound quality, well I think it's better than the previous GoPro and you can hear the bike pretty nicely.  Oh, and it also takes pictures of course.

So it works - and hopefully it'll last me a fair while...

The Glove collection

On Saturday I bought some gloves...because I needed to...

I now have six pairs of gloves...

There is a reason for this - I think.  Well, lets see, ummmm, I've been experimenting over the years.  Yes, that's it, experimenting...

Over the years I've tried all sorts of gloves.  Sometimes for comfort and sometimes for waterproofednessness etc.  But, I've worked out that I don't like thick gloves and for the past few years I've pretty much worn thin summer gloves year round, in all weathers and just turned the heated grips on.

Lets quickly run through my old pairs:

This is my oldest pair and they've survived this long because I simply don't wear them.  I find them too thick and from memory they're probably not as waterproof as they are supposed to be.  This pair are the ones that normally get loaned to pillions...

This next pair are actually an ok pair of gloves.  I got these on my first TT2000 and they proved to be very waterproof (although putting wet hands inside them after taking photos on the Milford Road in pouring rain eventually gets them fairly wet from the inside out).  Unfortunately I find them too thick but if I was leaving home in the middle of a thunderstorm then they'd probably be my goto gloves.

These Alpinestars are lined and fairly waterproof and warm.  These get used every now and again in the very cold weather or rain.

This pair have been my everyday gloves that I wear in all weather.  Uninsulated and particularly good at turning your hands black when riding in the rain, they have been great.  But all that getting soaking wet, sitting on heaters/in front of fires to dry and adventure riding etc has taken it's toll and they're shot.

So, this time around I'm trying another experiment.  I've spent about the same money as for the gloves above on two new pairs of gloves.  One set is for the dry and one for the wet and hopefully I'll remember which is which and use accordingly...

Wet

Dry

My thinking is that if used properly, hopefully the two sets of gloves will outlast one set of thin gloves given my normal amount of abuse.  The "waterproof" pair also don't appear to be too thick which is a plus.

Let the experiment begin...

GoPro Issues

Over the past wee while I've been complaining of "ïssues" with my poor old GoPro.  The problem that I've been having is it stopping recording or just not doing as it's told when I hit the buttons on the remote (worse, the remote says it's working properly when it isn't).  Neil has also been having the same issues with his later model Hero 3.

Well, it appears that a very simple fix has fixed it (fingers crossed) so I thought I'd share...

Format the SD card!  Yep, something fairly basic but during my last couple of rides (even the one where things got damp and muddy) everything has been sweet.  So from now on I'm formatting the card every time it comes out of one of my computers.

Today I also setup a mount under my topbox plate and it looks like it'll be pretty good so hopefully it'll get some use on the BRRBT ride tomorrow.

Breaking it in

After getting over the cold that I had last weekend and spending the week staring at a new helmet that hadn't be worn yet it was nice to be able to get out for just a short ride this morning.

Rather than head off on a major excursion I decided to go for just a short ride to get a picture for a thread I've been following on ADVRider.  I'd noticed the below wall mural on a trip through Foxton previously but didn't happen to have a bike with me at the time...

On the way in I noticed a couple more murals so had to double back to get them too.

Leaving Foxton I decided to make a loop of my trip rather than simply retracing my steps so I scooted over to Shannon before crossing over through Opiki to home.  A massive journey of around 80km...

View Larger Map

And yes the helmet got broken in:

A few more pics of Foxton here.

New skid lid

My old Shoei XR-1000 has been feeling a bit worn out for a while now so I've been kinda snooping around at new helmets.  A couple of weekends ago I test rode an HJC RPHA 10 Plus and then made a rash decision...

For years I've always just bought plain coloured (usually black) helmets but this time I ended up ordering one with the "Evoke" graphic.  A few days later it turned up and I have to say it is a great looking helmet that the pictures don't do justice.

The helmet came complete with breath guard, chin curtain, pin-lock visor and a second tinted visor.  The shop are hopefully arranging to swap the very dark tinted visor for a lighter tint for me as I don't want to carry two visors with me or get caught out after dark with a dark tint.  I'd rather take my sunnies with me...

I haven't had a chance to break it in properly yet (hoping for a nice weekend) but the demo one felt good and was reasonably quiet - I did try it with my ear plugs on as I wanted to ensure that it was comfortable with the plugs in.  The controls for the ventilation took a bit of finding but are very easy to use once you locate them - more practice required...

Next step is to get some speakers into the helmet - there is not a huge amount of room but I have a couple of options.  I still need to be able to wear the ear plugs comfortably too.  I will post up my results and hopefully a ride report...

Been shopping again

Pack horse?

After about of week of research, talking to bike shops and umming and arring I finally picked up some new boots specifically for adventure riding.  Until now I've just been wearing my old Sidi road boots which are somewhere near 12 years old.

The faithful Sidi's

The Sidi's have been just fantastic boots but have had a hard last 12 months, splashing through mud puddles and getting covered in all sorts of things you might find on an adventure ride.  They have never, ever let water in except when it has ran down my legs via soaked riding gear or otherwise got splashed down the inside.  I would not hesitate to buy another pair and was a bit bummed when I couldn't get them when I did buy some new road boots.

The boots I've settled on are made by Forma and have come my way by comments from others who use them and like 'em.  They're mostly leather with good ankle and shin protection along with a pretty serious looking sole.  Closure is via velcro and three snap-lock dohickey-me-whatsits (apologies for the technical terminology).  I haven't ridden wearing them yet but when I tried them on they felt a lot more comfortable than I thought they'd looked and fit well.

The Forma's

Since picking them up I've given them some love in the form of a polish with Snow-seal and tomorrow is their first chance to get dirty...

Xmas time

Well, not quite but I've been wasting investing money again:

First up, a cheap pair of riding pants so that I don't ruin my good Alpine stars while charging around in the dust/mud on the DL.  The brand is RST and they are maybe a little long in the leg but seemed to do the trick on my little squirt last Sunday.  Hopefully it'll be at least 9 months until I need to test their waterproofing...

RST Razor Textile pants

My next purchase was probably even more necessary - a new helmet.  My old Shoei RXR that I use to ride to work in or knocking about town (I have another Shoei XR-1000 as my number one helmet) is just about toast.  I've had it for ages and the lining is starting to break up on me but the fit and everything else is still good - it has done pretty well.

With the arrival of a dual-purpose bike into the stable I decided that maybe I need a helmet designed for that sort of riding.  I also didn't want to spend too much on a helmet that could potentially get knocked around so ended up with an Airoh S4 which seems to fit well although it is a little tricky putting my glasses on.  I haven't used it on the bike yet so have an excuse for a ride...

Airoh S4 - need to remove some stickers eh?