Radio TRO

Dedicated Episode Page: https://tro.bike/?p=33489 Music by Otis McDonald (https://otismacmusic.com/)We've all been in the position where we get a portion of some major task done only to return and realize it's finished. In the case of a sport touring getaway, we might want to know more about the route than the destination. For 777, that means fuel and lunch stops need to be itemized. Onto listener questions! We'll bleed brakes on an R1200RT, calm riders who are reaching for bigger miles and visit concerns over the bounty of a barn fine. Game on. Brian asks that riders everywhere take time to find out where their fuse boxes and spares are located. Most year/make/models have a few spare fuses holstered. Whether they're stashed behind some quirky afterthought of a solution or not, we all stand to benefit from at least knowing.

Dedicated Episode Page: https://tro.bike/?p=33460 Music by Otis McDonald (https://otismacmusic.com/)Robin returns from his memorial trek to California, with minimal twisties logged, an hour late for an iron butt placard. Mama nature made herself known every step of the way, be it through unplowed snow, landslides or cold rain. Fortunately, AirBnB kept him warm every night. Meanwhile, Brian's reminiscing about New Mexico's bizarrely tenacious red clay, which somehow holds a tire's grip so long as you can see tarmac underneath. There's also the matter of polite cagers kindly pulling over before waving motorcyclists by. Riding the road that shall not be named, what planet is this? Eventually, the duo philosophise about personal time management. You know ... guilt free and steadfast self actualization. Because in the grandiose theater of existential self-actualization, where the metaphysical intertwines with the corporeal, it is within the unencumbered expanses of our discretionary leisure time that we, as sentient beings, find ourselves straddling the chromed-out, two-wheeled mechanical steeds of liberation, their engines throbbing with the rhythm of freedom, as we traverse the labyrinthine highways of life, each twist and turn of the throttle serving as a tangible manifestation of our relentless pursuit towards the zenith of our individualistic potential.

Dedicated Episode Page: https://tro.bike/?p=33411 Music by Otis McDonald (https://otismacmusic.com/)Robin is still prepping for big miles between Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, and Monterey Beach, California. With 100k approaching on the odometer, his valve clearance paranoia carries momentum. Fortunately, they're within spec, even if a little on the high side. Brian asks: who should we invite to guest host? Conclusions may be astronomically out of reach but hey, it never hurts to try. Robin just needs an email address for Ghost Rider, Lisbeth Salander, and Akira. There's a new segment in the mix, titled "septically" by Mr. Wringer and focusing on unacceptably cheap rides that are worth their weight in fake gold. This, of course, leads into why buying a modern first bike might be better for some. Our hosts then cite common vintage traps in the universe of unobtainable motorcycle parts.

Dedicated Episode Page: https://tro.bike/?p=33356 Music by Otis McDonald (https://otismacmusic.com/)Mutual respect can conjure strangely entertaining discussion points. With Anders Carlson, that might require being both brand agnostic and model eccentric. Knowing not how things might go, TRO welcomes the introduction of his new podcast, titled to embrace his admiration for Buell's CR 1125 and the frustrations that come with owning a vintage Honda CB360. Anders joins the effort to fine tune Robin's route to California. The 1500 mile jaunt flirts with 10k elevations, garden variety must-sees and a dedicated purpose. How it'll play out depends on whether Mr. Dean remembers anything about the Southwest. We can't introduce a peer's podcast without testing the waters, though. Anders employs Robin's OpenAI developer key to beep-boop-borp-burp an "opinion" of Carlson's beloved Buell. First there were hallucinations, then a grip on non-reality, then Mandarin Chinese.

Dedicated Episode Page: https://tro.bike/?p=33347 Music by Otis McDonald (https://otismacmusic.com/)It's not often that a guest host answers our "did you ride today?" question with a polite, "Yes, I just toured Thailand." However, in the case of Dylan Code, it makes perfect sense. He describes riding through different seasons in one day due to changes in elevation and shares his observations about enjoying local wildlife without disturbing it. Moving beyond small talk, the group delves into "simple" topics like dynamic traction control kHz sample rates and percentage triggers. Things then lighten up with a casual discussion on the cognitive science of human attention limits, focusing on in-ride problem-solving under specific conditions. Here's a hint: we answer questions about why track days can be beneficial to street riding. Listener questions ask Robin if he'd buy another used R1200RS. His answer, clear as mud, revisits that to-be-expected "yes and no". If he did, he'd be more than happy to own it ... but he wouldn't because there are newer, more interesting options on the market.

Dedicated Episode Page: https://tro.bike/?p=33343 Music by Otis McDonald (https://otismacmusic.com/)As contractually obligated by our guest, Brian and Robin completed One Man Caravan (https://www.amazon.com/dp/0760352674/?tag=theridiobse-20) by Robert Edison Fulton, Jr. Their reward? The fact that it's an excellent read (more than enough). But having motorcyclist and author Melissa Holbrook Pierson suggest it ... icing on the cake. As bottomless topics go, the trio dives into a meandering conversation before making mention of it. Once they do, more of Fulton's back story comes to light. Literature, world travel and unmentionable close calls, this ride's got it all. The song remains the same, though in that the community will always be there for us. Pour a pinch of whiskey, kick back and warm up to all things "why".

Dedicated Episode Page: https://tro.bike/?p=33196 Music by Otis McDonald (https://otismacmusic.com/)Riders Share now offers experiences (https://www.riders-share.com/experiences) on their website. Members can sign up, meet with ride leaders and explore various pre-planned routes. Radio TRO dives into our signature array of questions but all in all, it reads to be pretty cool. Then there's the 2024 Suzuki flock. While Brian prefers naked bikes and Robin loves a fairing, both agree that the GSX8 series embodies music in motion. Whether it's a samba or shuffle depends on what 270° means to you but either way, she grooves through the curves. On another note ... when it rains, it pours. How can a rider protect their electronics? We've yet to really solve the wet phone issue and would love to read your solutions via our contact form (https://email.tro.bike/).

Dedicated Episode Page: https://tro.bike/?p=33140 Music by Otis McDonald (https://otismacmusic.com/)Brian's feelin' the effects of aluminum siding efforts but looks forward to visiting New Mexico for a TRO tour. This means he and Robin will be in the same place at the same time! It's probably best we get a lot of photos and update the podcast promo images. Friend and listener Seth Leader hipped us to a tidy, though perhaps bulky piece of kit. There is in fact a lithium ion jump pack (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B73SX6S/?tag=theridiobse-20) out there with a fully integrated tire inflator and it's juuuuust small enough that it might be suitable for motorcycle travel. Maybe it's time we revisit our go-to roadside remedies. Of course, no episode is complete without the obscure, so Brian has this idea. You order a shell that's similar to a motorcycle helmet, inject it with spray cheese (hardening foam) and mail it back to whatever company is willing to build your helmet from the cast. Genius, we say (perhaps to ourselves alone) but ... genius!

Dedicated Episode Page: https://tro.bike/?p=33113 Music by Otis McDonald (https://otismacmusic.com/)Run watcha brung, says Jason Herheim on the matter of track days. He's in the mix with Brian and Robin to discuss what Brian can preload before attending his first. Brian, of course is all ears though Robin did detect, filter and omit certain under-his-breath grumbly mumbles. Then it's onto the uniquely stressful but positive activity that is renting a motorcycle. Brian's meeting Robin in New Mexico for the NM3 tour. With a handful of options, one in specific might require he activate beast mode. Lastly, it would seem Garmin's continued development of their GroupTrack feature has piqued everyone's interest. It's not perfect but we'll keep an eye on it. With a number of TRO tours on the docket, it might prove useful.

Dedicated Episode Page: https://tro.bike/?p=33106 Music by Otis McDonald (https://otismacmusic.com/)Robin and Brian confirm Google's inaccuracy on the topic of lodging costs. Brian thinks crash bars might help. Robin counters with explorations in cheap road rubber. One listener asks what it takes to qualify for TRO tours. The answer depends on what you're after. Either way, nobody (not even a molasses slow rider) has ever held things up, so don't worry because you won't either. The duo tackles a couple new-ish segments to boot. The first is "somebody should invent a thing" and the other "two wheeled pilot". Both philosophize over solutions from opposite ends of the handlebars.

Dedicated Episode Page: https://tro.bike/?p=33100 Music by Otis McDonald (https://otismacmusic.com/)In this episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Eric Shropshire from Quadrant Motors (https://www.quadrantmotors.com/). Eric tells listeners about his roller coaster ride through the motorcycle industry, pulling back the curtains on why motorcycles prices can be as volatile as a teenager's mood. Some might even call it a crapshoot but he repackages it into valuable nuggets, enlightening less-than-informed customers about bizarre bike models while advising them to look before they leap into buying that twitchy showpiece. It's a wild spin, like a suspiciously inexpensive house listing with a sinkhole hiding in the basement. From obscure motorbike background checks to sketchy Harley mods, only a test ride will unveil unexpected gear transitions. Don't forget to peek under the plastics! The sport touring conversation isn't complete without testing our tolerance with 15 hours on a Goldwing. Should we all have one or is it another hype train destined for disappointment town? This and other inexplicably cryptic announcements within.

Dedicated Episode Page: https://tro.bike/?p=33093 Music by Otis McDonald (https://otismacmusic.com/)Maggie is getting closer to isolating issues with her 2016 Triumph 675 Street Triple R (https://www.google.com/search?q=2016+triumph+675+street+triple+r&tbm=isch). Whatever the start routine culprit is, she's managing to get it running for a ride regularly. Brian, on the other hand, is stuck in the snow. Far from the northern freeze, Robin interviews Shawn Haley (https://www.google.com/search?q=encore+trim+san+antonio) about his customization and repair skills. Shawn owns and operates Encore Trim out of San Antonio, Texas. His jack-of-all-trades approach to keeping our motorcycles beautiful has built quite the resume. One question we visit this round is: once you get your aesthetically enhanced bike back from Shawn, what happens if you get a little too zoned out mid-ride by its refurbished beauty? Maggie and Brian have different but similar things to say on the matter. Bottom line, maybe that's the right time for an intermission.

Dedicated Episode Page: https://tro.bike/?p=33057 Music by Otis McDonald (https://otismacmusic.com/)It's New Year's Eve! With that, we elected to sit down (at around 4pm) and pretend the midnight hour approaches. Otherwise, there might be too much champagne in the mix. And what a year it's been! From motorcycle transport services, to Brian's official entry into TRO's podcast host alumni, to interviews galore, 2023 has raised the bar nosebleed high. We gotta figure out where to go from here. Still, there are remnants of stories to tell. The process by which Robin was able to install his first helicoil in rural Texas is one. Brian navigating through uncharted Harley territory is another.

Dedicated Episode Page: https://tro.bike/?p=33032 Music by Otis McDonald (https://otismacmusic.com/)It's an auditory smorgasbord this episode, folks as we talk up the one and only Joanne Donn. She's vaguely stoked to be here, what with all of the deep diving into the secret science of motorcycle gear. Technicality and purpose is her game ... among many other things. Heed our confessions to weirdly enthusiastic behavior wherever riding boots may hide. Ponder profound queries constructed from cryptic phrases about color scheme. It's a sublime thrill ride that points directly at European measurements and Merica's resistance to them. Finally, we fall down an offbeat rabbit hole: MX race boots and the MSF dirt class. Who's game for some engrossing light topic conversations thrown around rubber on the road? Make that bowl of popcorn and hit play!

Dedicated Episode Page: https://tro.bike/?p=33006 Music by Otis McDonald (https://otismacmusic.com/)It's an episode of laughter with fewer rants than usual. Brian admits to guest host Jasmine Islam that he's never attended a track day. The trio discusses roadside headaches and their remedies in motorcycle maintenance, hoping others will learn to replace a failing battery. Moving on to personal riding stories, our raconteurs use camaraderie to survive dodgy wheel bearings failing simultaneously on a single ride. That's a pretty hardcore scenario, even by sport touring standards. Do you carry the necessary portable tools to solve the problem? The conversation slowly shifts to long-distance riding before touching on DIY wrenching activities. Brian concludes it all by pulling rubber off of rims. He and Robin would like to thank Jasmine for taking part and hope she'll do so again in the future!

Dedicated Episode Page: https://tro.bike/?p=32985 Music by Otis McDonald (https://otismacmusic.com/)Brian hasn't even started One Man Caravan. What's taking him so long? Meanwhile, Robin is re-blazing toaster oven tacos with a heat gun. Once things get rolling, we compare results for our "Mount Airy to Maggie Valley" route challenge. Not a problem is, Brian's already perfected it (and Robin's got nothin' to add). This is going to be a great ride! Any tour of this level will see obscure hazards, though. Dogs are just par for the course. Imagine passing a brand new toilet, weaponized particle board and an abandoned lawn mower!

Dedicated Episode Page: https://tro.bike/?p=32981 Music by Otis McDonald (https://otismacmusic.com/)Place Brian's bike on its side stand and a little man with a hammer will bang on the walls. It's called Cam Walk and it's harmless. The sound, however is right out of a mechanic's nightmare. Knocking that out, we consider all roads between Mount Airy and Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Hypnotic meditation and a droning mantra about all things north, south, east and west leads to friendly competition. Results next episode! A look at cold and even hazardous weather riding follows. Call around and layer up, folks. Sometimes the mountains of Colorado, peppered slush of urban Chicago or ... sunny Texas is the cure for what ails us.

Dedicated Episode Page: https://tro.bike/?p=32977 Music by Otis McDonald (https://otismacmusic.com/)Brian leaves us wondering where he's most known for "eggplant sploosh" emoji use. We then move swiftly into more serious discussion on how our motorcycle manuals sometimes read like War & Peace. The goal quickly becomes a rabbit hole into the world of rider goals. Neck deep in what feels like mechanic lingo, a haze of numbers point to bike maintenance. Don't fret if you're not fluent in Wrenchin-ese as there's plenty of alternate banter. Dangerously close calls with cars and crashing cease before harm is done. Truth be told, even the downtime from riding seems essential for balance. That means garage envy, aka elaborate toolicity of a Wringerian nature. Get lifted before you go at it!

Dedicated Episode Page: https://tro.bike/?p=32872 Music by Otis McDonald (https://otismacmusic.com/)Robin kicks things off with a hearty congratulations to Brian on his shiny new Disco Linux machine (Macbook Air). We then move swiftly into the realm of armored fashion, directing our attention to Tourmaster's Mariner jacket. If your wardrobe could use an upgrade with one of these bad boys, listen up. Onto actual riding territory, Robin's glad to be once again surrounded by the twisted sisters while Brian reminisces about Florence, Kentucky. Epic storytelling soon covers drizzly weather, painted line roads and hunting down ultra-rare trails that only seasoned riders should consider. It's drama worthy of a low-budget action film. A bit of tech-talk covers our go-to route planner for what are better color gradients and vector graphics. You know, the kind of stuff that causes sleep deprivation among sport touring enthusiasts. No goats were harmed in the recording of this podcast but in fielding listener questions, well ... let's just say we aren't taking prisoners.

Dedicated Episode Page: https://tro.bike/?p=32868 Music by Otis McDonald (https://otismacmusic.com/)Robin's heading to TX while reminiscing about Colorado. He and Brian chat about adventures across the country while returning briefly to tech talk about Travis's new Honda CB650R. Feeling the same sudden quiet as children after summer camp, a bit of humor points to hair-raising encounters with oblivious deer in Southern Indiana. Our journey continues with camping escapades outside Fruita. Then, it's a sharp turn onto a mountain passes that could put just about anyone over the edge. Roadside dinner confessions (apparently durability beats taste) meet tales of ten year old bourbon, all of it steeped in lies ... and camaraderie. Brian eventually navigates through a myriad of twists and turns, both literal and figurative, of Heartland backroads. Among stories that'd scare off deer lurk references to merging multiple screens. Well, that and avoiding what are apparently in-betweener Harleys but hey, at least they sound good.