LATEST ARTICLES -

MAINTENANCE LIST HONDA CRF 450 L

A list that shows all the necessary repair- and maintenance work, done to my CRF 450 L …

ADVENTURIZING A HONDA CRF450L

This write-up is about adventurizing and modifying a Honda CRF 450 L (or also the CRF450RL) for making it a proper long range Dual Sport Motorcycle. Be warned: That’s going to get a long read …

Yes, you are reading right: I’m going to give the ultimate motorcyclists travel dream a chance to fulfill. Armed with a new heavily modified Dual Sport Motorcycle, I’m going to leave at the end of this week for making a journey around the globe. This is a short introduction of my incoming, more than 13 months lasting undertaking…

A distant pickup. Or: “The Mule”

DAY RIDE 2022-03

After ages of lurking around in motorcycle-forums and the long vainly wait for a dual sport motorcycle, which truly deserves the description “Adventure Motorcycle”, I made the decision to get an appropriate successor for my trusty black beauty Чернотa, which was a KTM 690 Enduro. This is the short story about getting a new ride for some proper incoming adventures….

Scouting-Central-Austria

DAY RIDE 2022-2

Each of has his personal home route which gets ridden, when there is some spare time, but no route planning time. Or often also just for getting the mind free from daily life troubles. When I’m on such a ride, I often recognize some small tracks or tiny back country roads aside my home route which look promising. This ride report is about scouting some of this little trails and roads along one of my usual home routes. Enjoy …

The Austrian High Tauern Mountains Ride

“DAY RIDE 2022-1”

This ride report is about a short adventure day ride in Austrias federal states Tirol and Salzburg, which I made in Summer 2022.
The day itself was a real stunner and led my black beauty and me into alpine areas, right at the edges of the Kitzbüheler-Alps and the High-Tauern-Mountain-Range. Enjoy …

THE BREAKDOWN RIDE-DAY 14

“IN THE END …”

One day or other, each journey find its end. So did the Breakdown Ride after more than 5500 km or about 3500 mi. After two weeks nonstop riding in dual sport manner along some awesome more or less remote areas through south Eastern Europe, my black beauty and I started early in the morning into our last riding day. The trip followed some well known back country roads from Southern-Salzburg back to my chosen hometown Vienna.

THE BREAKDOWN RIDE-DAY 13

“DOLO’S AGAIN”

This day of “The Breakdown Ride” led my black beauty and me from the flat Italian plains near the river “Po” right into the Dolomite Mountains, and further to my homeland country Austria. I’ve ridden the “Dolo’s” a few times during the last years, and each time they proof being a true riding highlight. This time was no exception. But have a look at yourself …

THE BREAKDOWN RIDE-DAY 12

“TUSCANY’S HILLS”

After 12 days and more than 4000 km or 2500 miles in the saddle, in my mind a kind of travel fatigue started. But, already being in central Italy, this was no excuse for getting weak/pausing the trip. The hard offroad parts had been already passed, and now it was an easy ride. So the journey along back country roads through the scenic Apennines Mountains in the area of Tuscany continued …

THE BREAKDOWN RIDE-DAY 11

“AMALFI COAST”

One of Italy’s most famous coastal roads follows the winding Amalfi Coast. On the eleventh day of our journey, Чернотa and I went up early for avoiding the tourist masses along this sightseeing road. Afterwards, our journey left Italy’s western coast for the central Apennines Mountains, with their impressive landscape. More about it, you will find in the following ride report. Enjoy …

THE BREAKDOWN RIDE-DAY 10

“ENTERING ITALY”

Leaving Greece behind, I reached after an eventless night ferry cruise over the Adriatic Sea the southeastern shore of Italy. The goal of the day, was traversing “The Italian Boot” from east to west, through the Apennines Mountains right to the entrance of the well known Amalfi Coast.

THE BREAKDOWN RIDE-DAY 09-Part 2

“THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTE”
(Part 02)

The unplanned alternative route was better than estimated : Чернотa and I passed some very scenic areas in the Pindos Mountain Range along our comfy tarmac ride, which led us to the Adriatic Coast / the city Ingoumenitsa, where our ferry to Italy was leaving in the evening. Like mentioned in the first part, some new material brake downs occurred, and also a mayor delay happened …

THE BREAKDOWN RIDE-DAY 09-Part 1

“THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTE”
(Part 01)

You surely remember, that I changed my plans on the eighth day of my journey due to safety reasons related to the unbearable heat and an uncommon noise coming out of the engine. Instead of following the Trans Euro Trail off road further westwards through Northern Greece, I stayed on tarmac and rode from the coast of the Aegean Sea, right through the mighty mountains of Greece to the Adriatic Coast/the harbor of Ingoumenitsa, where the plan was to take the ferry to southern Italy in the night.

THE BREAKDOWN RIDE-DAY 08-Part 2

“CALCULATIONS”
(Part 2)

The longer a journey with the motorcycle get, the more you will have to adjust your plans. Especially in the event of unexpected happenings. On this day of the “The Breakdown Ride”, which still followed the Greek Trans Euro Trail, I forced myself, for my own safety, to make a major adjustment relating to the incoming route.

THE BREAKDOWN RIDE-DAY 08-Part 1

“CALCULATIONS”
(Part 1)

The longer a journey with the motorcycle is, the more you will have to adjust your plans. Especially in the event of unexpected happenings. On this day of the “The Breakdown Ride”, which still followed the Greek Trans Euro Trail, I forced myself, for my own safety, to make a major adjustment relating to the incoming route.

THE BREAKDOWN RIDE-DAY 07-Part 2

“TET GREECE”
(Part 2)

This is the second part of the ride report about the seventh day of my Journey. This day we followed the scenic Trans Euro Trail Greece from its easternmost corner near Turkey westwards through the mountains close to the border with Bulgaria.

THE BREAKDOWN RIDE-DAY 07-Part 1

“TET GREECE”
(Part 1)

Day seven of my journey started very unpleasant. Members of the Greek Border Police woke me up for an identity check in the very early morning.
After this surprising nightly incident, Чернотa and I followed our planned route and entered the Greek Trans Euro Trail nearby the borderline with Turkey. The whole day we stayed on the Trans Euro Trail and followed it North-westwards along very hard climate conditions.

THE BREAKDOWN RIDE-DAY 06-Part 2

“NEXT STOP : GREECE“
(Part 2)

This is the second part of my ride report about day 6 of my journey, which now followed southern Bulgaria Eastwards to Greece. The goal of the day was reaching the Aegean Sea in far eastern Greece, close to the border with Turkey, where we intended entering and following the TET in Greece.

THE BREAKDOWN RIDE-DAY 06-Part 1

“NEXT STOP : GREECE“
(Part 1)

The name of this journey: “THE BREAKDOWN RIDE” wasn’t taken by accident. The last days of adventurous back country riding, most of the time along the different TET routes took its toll: Two further small breakdowns happened on this riding day along our way to Greece. Here’s the first part of the write-up of this adventurous day …

THE BREAKDOWN RIDE-DAY 05-Part 2

“SOUTH WESTERN BULGARIA”
(Part 02)

This is the second part of day 5 of the “The Breakdown Ride”. Чернотa and I continued following the TET further through Western Bulgaria. We passed the capital Sofia and rode right into the mountains in the South West of the Country.

THE BREAKDOWN RIDE-DAY 05-Part 1

“SOUTH WESTERN BULGARIA”
(Part 01)

During the third day of following the Trans Euro Trail in Bulgaria, it showed out again, that this country is totally underrated concerning the possibilities, it provides for adventure riders. This day, Чернотa and I followed the TET further through West Bulgaria. After another scenic ride, we passed the capital Sofia and hit for the mountains in the South West of the Country.

THE BREAKDOWN RIDE-DAY 04-Part 2

“HILL CHAINS OF TET BULGARIA”
(Part 2)

This is the second part of the ride report about the fourth day of the “Breakdown Ride”. It’s about following the beautiful (and sometimes riding technical) hill ranges of Bulgaria, always chasing the line of the Trans Euro Trail.

THE BREAKDOWN RIDE-DAY 04-Part 1

“HILLCHAINS OF TET BULGARIA”
(Part 1)

For this adventure I choose the name “The Breakdown Ride” for one reason: Along this journey Чернотa suffered small, and some bigger breakdowns. Also at this day, which followed the Trans Euro Trail in Bulgaria, a repair was needed for making progress. Besides that, the dual sport ride following TET Bulgaria was superb!

THE BREAKDOWN RIDE-DAY 03-Part 2

“TET BULGARIA”

This is the second part of the ride report about day three of the “Breakdown Ride”. It’s about entering Bulgaria and following the first parts of the Trans Euro Trail of Northern Bulgaria.

THE BREAKDOWN RIDE-DAY 03-Part 1

“TET ROMANIA”

It showed out, that after two days living on the bike, I’m back in my daily “adventure-mode”. I’m not talking about the necessary tasks like managing the shelter life, planning for fuel stops or food-organization, but rather in the ways of my general thinking:
First my thoughts often rotated about the left behind everyday life, like: work, family, private issues, …, and now, whilst traveling, such thoughts have nearly vanished. My thoughts changed and were about the other simple tasks like: gaining distance, keeping to the planned route as close as possible, finding detours, taking some nice pictures and get over all the small and big hurdles, which such a ride is coming with.
In hindsight, this change in my ways of thinking during this adventure (and also other adventures) was like a mental holiday. But to whom do I tell this? Each of us motorcyclists knows the therapeutic effect a proper motorcycle ride brings with it!

But now, enough of this bla bla, here’s the first part of my ride report of day three of the breakdown ride. This time, Чернотa and I rode in a well-balanced dual sport manner along TET Romania into Bulgaria. Enjoy!

THE BREAKDOWN RIDE-DAY 02

“SOME SAND AGAIN”

The plan for day two of my adventure was reaching the foothills of the Romanian West-Carpathian Mountains. Therefore, my black beauty Чернотa and I had to handle first a good amount of the Hungarian-Southern-TET Section, to pass the border between HU and RO and to ride some easy and impressive back country roads along the Romanian and Serbian borderline. This is the ride report about a great dual sport day in the saddle along perfect route- and weather-conditions.

THE BREAK DOWN RIDE-DAY 01

“FIRST BREAKDOWNS”

“Carefully spoken, my mood was down at the bottom. I was really upset due to the undergone events of this first day of my adventure. First a close call which resulted in a broken fuel line, now some hated electrical problems and the worst: My just fresh washed riding gear was now a wet, muddy and stinky clamshell, which I’ll have to wear for the next two weeks …”

THE BREAK DOWN RIDE-DAY 00

“THE DRAWING”

So let this travel report begin: For introduction, I’m serving you with this post a short overview about my main journey of 2021, which finally led me and my black beauty Чернотa through six different European countries. This is “The Breakdown Ride 2021”:

AUSTRIAS-FLATLAND-SIGHTS

“DAY RIDE 2021_1”

Austrias easternmost corner is widely known for the following: Lake Neusiedel, huge flatlands and big vineyards. Due to the lack of slopes and bends, this part of my home country is not the first choice for motorcyclists to ride. Living since over a decade in the nearby capitol city Vienna I explored this “boring” corner very well the last years, and found out, that there are a lot of nice sights in this part of Austria. This is, let’s say, a little summary of enjoyable sights within this area. Enjoy …

PICTURES MAINTENANCE 121000 KM

MILEAGE:
121.271 km or 75354 mi

Date: October 2021

After this high mileage, some serious signs of wear were found during the obligate maintenance work. It looks like the 690ty-high performance engine is slowly reaching the end of its lifetime. 🤔

THE CENTER OF EASTERN-AUSTRIA

“DAY RIDE 2020_2”

The plan for this day ride was, to try out a 600 km or 370 mi long, mostly tarmac orientated route leading through the Austrian federal states Lower Austria and Styria. This ride report is the result of this long riding day. Enjoy …

THE COVID DETOUR 2020-Day 11

“THE LAST DAY”

Each journey has an end. The Covid Detour Ride is no exception: This is the ride report of the last day of my journey. The last day of this ride started in Western-Carinthia, followed one of the most famous Austrian-Scenic-Roads and went also through some common known Valleys of the eastern Alps. Enjoy …

THE COVID DETOUR 2020-Day 10-Part 2

“DOLOMITES”
(Part 2)

This is the continuation of my ride through the famous Dolomite mountains in north-eastern Italy. If you haven’t already read the first part, I recommend you to do so. You will find the first part ➡ HERE ⬅.
So, lets start with the second part of day number ten of my “COVID DETOUR RIDE” within some of the most famous areas of the European Alps.

THE COVID DETOUR 2020-Day 10-Part 1

“DOLOMITES”
(Part 1)

Due to the gaining pandemic and the uncertain travel conditions I was now, instead of somewhere along the Trans Euro Trail on Sardinia Island, in northern Italy on my way back to Austria. Overall this change of my plans was OK for me.
I was lucky to get not trapped on one of the Mediterranean Islands. Leastwise I had the chance to ride through the famous Dolomite-Mountains, which I haven’t been for a long time.

THE COVID DETOUR 2020-Day 09

“BACK TO MAINLAND”

Travelling along the uncertain pandemic conditions forced me to skip the next intended goal which was Sardinia Island. Instead, shipping from Corsica to Sardinia was the famous “Plan B”. So Чернотa and I took the ferry from Corsica to the Italian mainland-city Livorno, from where our ride back homewards to Austria/Vienna continued.

THE COVID DETOUR 2020-Day 08

“RELAX”

The last night I made the decision to skip my plan of shipping over to Sardinia, which is the Italian neighbor island of Corsica and has also a nice part of TET to offer. The near future of the pandemic development especially in Italy was very uncertain back at the time of my journey. The last thing what I needed was to get trapped on one of the Mediterranean islands. So I booked a ferry ticket from Corsica back to the mainland of Italy for the day after the next day. That meant for the incoming riding day on Corsica Island, that I had more than enough time for getting back to the northern part of Corsica. So I improvised a quick plan for doing some “unusual” sightseeing along my way.

THE COVID DETOUR 2020-Day 07

“TET CORSICA”

Do you know that feeling when you are very upset about the bad weather whilst riding a motorcycle? On the seventh day of my tour my patience was stressed to its limit. The bad weather with rain, very cold temps, snowy mountain peaks and bad view accompanied Чернотa and me nearly the whole day along the TET Corsica …

THE COVID DETOUR 2020-Day 06-2

“TET CORSICA”
(Part 2)

This is the continuation of my ride along the Trans Euro Trail Corsica (part of TET France). If you haven’t read already the first part, I recommend you to do so. You will find the first part ➡ HERE ⬅.
So, lets start with the second part of day number six of my “COVID DETOUR RIDE” which followed some nice remote tracks through the mountains of Corsica …

THE COVID DETOUR 2020-Day 06-1

“TET CORSICA”
(Part 1)

Trying to find some sleep on a ferry without having a cabin is in general an uncomfy undertaking. Thinking about myself how smart I am, I made the plan to sedate myself with vodka. That worked very well, and I faded away quickly in my sleeping bag, outspread in a staircase corner, somewhere at an upper deck of the ferry boat to Corsica. But I wasn’t aware about how loud my own snoring noises went, when a proper pillow is missing and alcohol affects the throat muscles. For me that was no big deal, because I don’t get disturbed by my own snoring, but for my direct neighbor at the staircase floor it was. The poor dude aside me had to wake me up three times this night …

THE COVID DETOUR 2020-Day 05

“FRENCH RIVIERA”

Riding along the Route des Grandes Alpes in autumn 2020 was no bad decision. The roads had been nearly empty so far. The same applies to th Côte d’Azur. Usually the coastline of the French Riviera is a pain in the ass to ride due to the crowded mass tourism. This time, during the Covid Outbreak, the ride along the coastline was a constant flow without any remarkable delays, except the high populated area around Monaco and the center of the city Nice.

THE COVID DETOUR 2020-Day 04

ROUTE DES GRANDES ALPES
(Part 2)

During the htird night the temperatures decreased sensitively, surely close to the freezing mark. I woke up around 02:00 in the morning due to a soft breeze of ice-cold wind caressing the sheet of the tent. I went out for a pee and had a look at the impressive clear starlit sky surrounded from the high mountains of the alps. Whilst watching the clearly visible Milky Way, I started shivering. No wonder just wearing underwear and wool socks. Hence, I put on an additional layer and went back into the sleeping bag, which was now operating at its comfort zone limit. I fell asleep again quickly …

THE COVID DETOUR 2020-Day 03

“ROUTE DES GRANDES ALPES“
(Part 1)

Chased by cold temperatures Чернотa and I pushed forward consequently. The main goal of the riding day number three was reaching the entrance of the “Route des Grandes Alpes” before midday. This way it would be possible to do at least about 1/3 of the “Route des Grandes Alpes”, what was my second goal for this day.
This way it would be possible for us to stay ahead of the incoming first snow in the high alpine regions on the next riding day. That was the plan and probably our last chance this year for passing the incoming, about 2800 meters or 9100 feet high alpine areas!

THE COVID DETOUR 2020-Day 02

“SILVRETTA AND SWITZERLAND”

When I got up in the morning of day number two, I checked the weather forecast and I found out, that I had to finish crossing the alps at least in the next three days. Reason for that: Cold temperatures and first big snow masses in high alpine areas have been announced.
Now I was a bit in a hurry, because the remaining distance along my route to the southern edge of the alps was surely somewhere about 1300 km or 800 mi. Avoiding getting stuck on some of the highest roads within the Alps due to the onset of winter had now grown to my primary priority!

THE COVID DETOUR 2020-Day 01

“LET IT BEGIN”

Two of my main goals of this trip have been: On one hand side the “Route de Grandes Alps” and the other side: the Island “Corsica” within the Mediterranean Sea. From my hometown Vienna, to the entrance point/ferry port of these two goals it needs a ride which is about 1100 km or 700 mi long. So the first two days of the trip I’ll serve you a few impressions of nice places along the way to my first chosen goal, which is the entrance to the famous “Route de Grandes Alps” in Western-France. Lets start!

THE COVID DETOUR 2020-Day 00

“PLAN C – THE FINAL CHOICE”

In the year 2020 each of us suffered from the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us had to postpone or cancel detailed travel plans due to heavy lock down measures or got affected in another way of the pandemic.
My person was no exception. This is the plan behind my 4000 km or 2500 mi Covid-19 dual sport adventure …

SHELTER & KITCHEN GEAR

ADVENTURE-MOTORCYCLING-CAMPING & KITCHEN-GEAR

When I think back to my first motorcycle journeys, where the plan was to sleep overnight most of the time in a tent, I’m always surprised how much gear I had with me back then about 10 years ago.
The more my riding style changed from simple motorcycle journeying to amateur-dual-sport-adventure-motorcycling, all the more my used gear changed too. As a result the packing list shrunk.
With the following lines I’ll show you my personal dual-adventure-motorcycling compromise, focused on the following parts of gear: tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, stool and kitchen utensils.

TET HUNGARY 2020 – NORTHERN SECTION – Day 2

“THE LAST PIECE”

After more than 220 km or 135 mi along the Northern TET Section on day one of this ride, I tried to do the rest of it, which equals about 100 km or 60 mi. But, it happened what always happened: Plans are just plans. Due to overnight changed conditions, I had to bypass a big amount of the leftover TET Section. Nevertheless, it was still a nice riding day with my trusty dual sport adventure bike Чернотa …

TET HUNGARY 2020 – NORTHERN SECTION – Day 1 Part 2

“SWAMP- AND WASTELAND”
Part 2 of 2

This is the sequel of my ride report concerning my first day following the northern section of the Trans Euro Trail in Hungary. If you haven’t already read the first part, I highly recommend to start with it first, before continuing with this part! The first part is available via the following link: “TET HUNGARY 2020 – NORTHERN SECTION – Day 1”.

And now let’s continue with the second part …

TET HUNGARY 2020 – Northern Section – Day 1 – Part 1

“SWAMP- AND WASTELAND“
(Part 1)

Back in 2019 I already did the eastern and central part of the Trans Euro Trail (TET) Hungary. Because the Hungarian linesman is very productive, there appeared a few more TET sections in Hungary since.
I had two days off, so I made in Summer 2020 the decision to give the northern section of TET Hungary a try. It is leading from the Three-Country-Border-Point between Hungary, Austria and Slovakia straight to the Hungarian capital Budapest. This is the report about my first day along this short adventure …

THE MOSTVIERTEL RIDE

DAY RIDE 2020_01

A new year means a few new day rides. I started in 2018 with some trail scouting through Austrias federal state “Lower Austria”. Lower Austria is divided into 4 quarters. In Spring 2020 it was time to ride, after the already explored quarters “Weinviertel” and “Industrieviertel” the Quarter: “Mostviertel.” This is the report about this day of riding …

PICTURES MAINTENANCE 101000 KM

MILEAGE:
101.255 km or 62.900 mi

Date: October/November 2020

With October 2020 my black beauty Чернотa did the job and crushed the 100.000km / or 60.000mi mark. Now the time has come for some serious maintenance work after such a mileage. This is the report about that milestone-maintenance, which my trusty 690ty received …

DAYRIDE 2019_05

“AUSTRIA – THE FORBIDDEN LAND”

After more than three years riding sometimes some off-road tracks here in Austria and depending at least on my own fault, I got confronted with a very upset landowner, which threatened me with a civil lawsuit …

DAYRIDE 2019_04

“A SCENIC TARMAC ROUND“

Like in my last dayride report Чернотa and I were still in Salzburg for a few days of holiday. On this beautiful early autumnal day, my black beauty and I rode a nice paved round through Austrias federal states Salzburg and Tirol. On our schedule for these days ride out: Kitzbühler Horn, Pillersee, Lofer Mountains, Hintertal, Hochkönig-Mountainrange and Rauris-Valley!

DAYRIDE 2019_03

“STUBACH VALLEY”

Autumn 2019: Having a few days off, I used my spare time to make short explorations in the Alps. This time I focused on the Stubach-Valley. It has a couple of men made lakes at its end. Here’s the ride report about a short trip into the valleys of Austrias high alpine Areas …

KTM 690 ENDURO – 100.000 km / 60.000 mi without a breakdown!

“TRIBUTE TO AN UNDERESTIMATED THUMPER”

It’s done: My black beauty Чернота crushed the 100.000 km or 60.000 mi mark!

Back in 2014, when I first informed myself about the 690ty, I learned two things: The 690ty is 1.) a unicorn and 2.) it’s very unreliable. I can’t confirm this. My black beauty Чернота proofed the opposite … .

TET HUNGARY 2019-Day 04

“BACK PAIN”

I like the two simple words “Adventure Riding”: “Riding” with a motorcycle is in my opinion the modern incarnation of freedom and the word “Adventure” adds some enjoying small risks into the formula “Adventure Riding”.
This riding day no. 4 showed me well, that sometimes the “Adventure” can be bigger than estimated. In my special case it was a bit too big for my modest riding skills. But fear not, at least I managed the situation …

TET HUNGARY 2019-Day 03-Part 02

“SANDY TRAILS”
Part 2

The third riding day, which led me and my black beauty through Hungarys Puszta Plain, was a great one! Perfect weather, changing trail conditions and interesting things aside the route, made this day a great day of dual-sport-riding. Here is the second part of this days ride report …

TET HUNGARY 2019-Day 03-Part 01

“SANDY TRAILS”
Part 1

Since riding a dualsport motorcycle I haven’t made much experience with sandy riding conditions. My old girl Чернотa and I have been a few times within a sand pit, but there was never a constant closed sand surface for proper practicing. That was one of the reasons why I’ve chosen this part of the TET for this journey. On one hand side it is easy reachable from my hometown, on the other hand side it is providing a very long sand part. Here is the first part about solving my deficit in sand-riding on the third day of our journey along the Hungarian Trans-Trans-Euro-Trail …

TET HUNGARY 2019-Day 02

“SPIDER BIKE”

Riding along the Trans Euro Trail, or generally riding along remote tracks means, that you have to deal sometimes with unexpected happenings. Often the riding conditions turn worse, a breakdown happens, or other things went odd which you haven’t thought about in advance. On day two of this ride, short after the early mornings entrance to Hungarys Trans Euro Trail, my black beauty and I have been confronted with a combination of bad conditions and unexpected happenings, which let us change the plan. It seems that it’s not possible for to ride a planned route in one piece. But hey, that is what makes my little ride outs adventurous …

TET HUNGARY 2019-Day 01-Part 02

“HERE WE GO!”
(Part 02)

Day 01 – Part 2 of 2: The ride report about the journey to the Hungarian Trans-Euro-Trail continues. I went with my black beauty on along the calm hills and flat plains of southern Slovakia and northern Hungary to the far most eastern point of Hungary.

TET HUNGARY 2019-Day 01-Part 01

“HERE WE GO!”
(Part 1)

Day one of this trip to the Hungarian TET was planned quickly: Just a straight line from Vienna to the entrance point of the TET in far most eastern Hungary corner. With Чернотa I followed this line as close as possible on the given gravel tracks. Easy, cheesy, …

TET HUNGARY 2019-Day 00

“OVERVIEW”

It seems like the TET-Virus got me in 2019! After doing the eastern section of the Polish TET in April, I did just two months later the Hungarian TET. Beforehand I can say, that it was a superb ride which brought me with my six-ninety two times on my own limits whilst trying to follow it. What I learned from this ride is the following thing: Never ever overestimate your own skills! Riding about one quarter below the own maximal abilities would be good personal posture for future rides. More about the origin of this inspiration in the incoming reports of that ride.
Let’s start with the plan behind this adventurous undertaking …

DAYRIDE 2019_02

“THE INDUSTRIEVIERTEL RIDE”

Like my last day ride, the “WEINVIERTEL RIDE”, this day rides route is located in the state Lower Austria and went mostly through the “Industrieviertel” (= English: “Industrial Quarter).
I planned a good amount of the route along gravel, which wasn’t that easy, because the Industrieviertel is dense populated. But hey! Чернотa is a Dual-Sport-Motorcycle so its also able to handle some tarmac when necessary. So, here’s the report of this fine day of riding …

TET POLAND 2019-Day 04

“STRUCKING HOME”

It was bucketing the whole night. In the very early morning also some distant lightning started and I woke up. A look at the weather forecast was predicting heavy showers all the day in southeastern Poland-the area I was currently riding. With the less knobby back tire such heavy mud like yesterday along Poland’s TET wouldn’t be a pleasure to ride, …

TET POLAND 2019-Day 03

“WET & DIRTY“

Already at the end of first day of this ride to Eastern Poland, I had an apprehensive look at the weather forecast. It announced for the third day of my ride incoming heavy showers in the area, which I was going to ride through. Often these forecasts are not reliable, but I knew from the Late Spring Ride 2018 and the Iron Curtain Ride 2018, that I’m not the luckiest guy, when it comes to the factor weather.
Also, on this riding day number three along Polands-Trans-Euro-Trail, the weather was a real pain in the ass …

TET POLAND 2019-Day 02

“HOGS AND SAND”

Like the first night of the “Iron Side Ride 2018”, I was disturbed during these trips first camping night. Around midnight, I woke up because of a pack of wild hogs, which was rummaging around in the dry leafs around my tent.
The noises they’ve made like: grunting, sniffing and loud breathing had been very frightening to me! I haven’t had any experiences with these animals before. Horror stories of big teethed boars ripping my tent into pieces came up in my mind …

TET POLAND 2019-Day 01

“RIDE THE LINE”

My plan for this trip was to make plenty of miles on the first and on the last day. Therefore, I created a route from Vienna to the Polands northeastern corner, which was as straight and short as possible. The sooner we would reach the TET, the better it would be! Because I haven’t planned any sights along this route, I was curious what this first day ride along many small and big roads and also some gravel tracks would bring …

TET POLAND 2019-Day 00

“THE DRAWING”

In the year 2018 I tried with a buddy of mine to ride parts of the Slovenian TET. Due to an accident of my riding buddy and bad weather conditions I was forced to abort this plan. A year later I gave the superb TET Project (Trans Euro Trail) a new chance and planned this ride to the eastern section of Polands TET-Trail. Here’s the simple plan behind this adventure …

DAYRIDE 2019_01

“THE WEINVIERTEL RIDE”

With the beginning of 2019 I found out, that I was slowly running out of gravel roads in my closer surrounding. Most of them I had already ridden. Hence, I made the plan to conquer new territories and had a closer look to the maps. The Austrian state “Lower Austria” is divided in four quarters, what seems to be a good idea to start with. One quarter is the “Weinviertel”, where I decided to make a gravel focused dual-sport riding day. Here you will find the report about this nice dual-sport-day-ride, which I call “The Weinviertel Ride” …

THE IRON SIDE RIDE 2018-Day 03

“WEATHER”

Being alone on an adventure trip is sometimes a risky thing. You have to overthink some decisions twice before making a final choice. Hence, your choice should be a good one, because you have to deal with the consequences on your own.
Most of the time such decisions are related to simple tasks like where to go back on road for the next stop for fuelling up or to buy some food. Often also an estimation is needed regarding if a track is ride able without taking too much peril (slope, dense vegetation, road damage …) for you and your bike.
But none of these listed points is so difficult to calculate in advance like the dynamic factor weather is. On this last riding day of the Iron Side Ride 2018 this unknown factor in the adventure-riding-formula was steadily growing during this day’s riding progress …

THE IRON SIDE RIDE 2018-Day 02-Part 2

“FORMER LINES”
Part 2

The day ride report of the second day continues! More adventurous sights, bunkers, old castles, nice landscapes and deeper insights into the madness of the Cold War was given. Enjoy …

THE IRON SIDE RIDE 2018-Day 02-Part 1

“FORMER LINES”
Part 1

*Scratch*, *scratch*, *scratch*, …, …, *plonnng* *crinkle* *crinkle*
… that are just a few noises which you can hear while lying in a tent, trying to sleep. Often fine needles, leaves or branches from a tree falling down onto the tent sheet, or some insects are rummaging around make this noises.
During the first camping night from the Iron Curtain Ride a mouse or something similar “big” found its way underneath the groundsheet of my tent and caused an uncommon annoying noise. Normally I’m not the person which is paying attention to these noises, but this time that thing had stamina and came back again a few times during the first camping night of this ride. Sadly I wasn’t able to get this little disturber. -_-

But now enough of this, here’s the first part of the ride report of the second day of the Iron Side Ride 2018 …

THE IRON SIDE RIDE 2018-Day 01

“LEAVING HOME”

After a long time of planning this ride along the former Iron Curtain, Чернотa and I finally started our trip. Now the route, which was planned on the PC with open source tools, will show if it stands the test …

THE IRON SIDE RIDE 2018-Day 00

“THE UNDERTAKING”

During one of my day rides in 2017 I was following a short part of the Iron Curtain in eastern Austria. There I got the idea that it would be interesting to plan a ride along this former border, which found its end 1989, when the USSR began to fall apart.
So the plan for the Iron Side Ride 2018 was made, which followed the remnants of this former, continent dividing and human made continental breach. Here’s the story behind this undertaking …

PICTURES MAINTENANCE 80000KM

MILEAGE: 80083km or 49700mi

Date: 25th October 2019

October 2019 – After doing more than 20000km last motorcycle season with my black beauty the ODO showed 80000km or 49700mi. So it was time for a big maintenance check …

HISTORY AND PLANS

Hey Peps!
After doing a full relaunch of the site dualadventure.com in December 2019, here you will find more detailed information about the site and my future plans for it …

THE PACKING LIST

When I started my first adventure trip to the north cape back ago in the year 2012 my former bike was looking like a low loader.

It was packed to the top like a fully equipped, so called nowadays “Adventure-Bike”, right out of a Bavarian advertising catalogue, with loads of stuff, which hasn’t been used once during three weeks of travelling. After a second-long distance trip (with even larger alloy side boxes) I was fed up with heaving around such a mass of weight through the mountains of Greece, Montenegro and Albania …

THE LATE SPRING RIDE 2018-Day 04

“BACK”

Plans are always good, but most of the time they didn’t work. This ride showed me that fact well. First the accident of my riding and support buddy, second: due to the heavy winter remaining and route blocking snow in Friuli’s heights and here on the last day of the ride: the real bad weather. But hey! No reason for wailing around –> When things go wrong the adventure starts and each step out of the comfort zone is gaining the riders abilities.

THE LATE SPRING RIDE 2018-Day 03

“RIDE ON”

Despite some things went awry and the loss of about one whole riding day I continued my trip through Slovenia and Italys Alps alone, because my riding buddy had to abort the tour due to his wrist injury.

THE LATE SPRING RIDE 2018-Day 02/2

“THE INCIDENT”
Part 2

As you know from my last report about the first half of the second day of the Late Spring Ride 2018, my buddy had an accident.
Now the story continues … .

THE LATE SPRING RIDE 2018-Day 02/1

“THE INCIDENT”
Part 1

The plan was to ride with a buddy some Slovenian Gravel, the Mangart Pass Road, two Italian high alpine connection trails and parts of the Slovenian Trans Euro Trail aka TET. The thing with plans is that sometimes they aren’t working as estimated.
The Late Spring Ride 2018 showed me well that sometimes a whole plan can go awry … .

THE LATE SPRING RIDE 2018-Day 01

“LATE START”

Normally I start my tours in the early morning and ride the whole day from short after dusk til nearly dawn.
Due to a big birthday party of a family member, a friend of mine and I started this tour just in the late afternoon this day.
So lets start with the ride report no.1 of this short adventure …

THE LATE SPRING RIDE 2018-Day 00

“THE IDEA”

This is the ride report of another short adventure, which a good friend of mine and I undertook in the late spring of the year 2018 with our 690tys.
With the beginning of 2018 I started to plan a new short adventure with its focus within the alpine areas around north-eastern Italy and western Slovenia. Especially the part in Slovenia was interesting due to some parts of the Trans European Trail have been included in this plan. Here’s a short overview of the planned route …

2017-THE LONG WEEKEND RIDE IN THE ALPS-DAY 04

“HOMEWARDS”

Each trip finally find its end. And so did the “Long Weekend Trip in the Alps” on the riding day number four.
Staying the last night in my homeland was nice. It started with the first views of the familiar surrounding, then the parental home, the good food and last but not least the most important point: The great sleep. I don’t know why but nearly nowhere else I sleep that well. Strange. So the last day of this ride began quite well rested …

2017-THE LONG WEEKEND RIDE IN THE ALPS-DAY 03

“TIROL”

During my rides I often try to implement something special. On day number three of “The Long Weekend Ride in the Alps” my black beauty and I aimed for the highest point of this trip – another cable car peak station in Tirol, which is known from one of the latest James Bond movies. Besides an old construction track there is no official road leading up to this station, but that shouldn’t be a problem with a proper dual-sport-adventure-motorcycle. Here’s the story about the whole day and climbing with a motorcycle to one of the highest vehicle-reachable points in the Austrian Alps.

2017-THE LONG WEEKEND RIDE IN THE ALPS-DAY 02/2

“UPWARDS”
Part 2

This ride report here is the second part of the second day of “The Long Weekend Ride in the Alps”!
For those of you which already know the first part: Continue reading here on this page.
For all other people: The first part of this ride report you’ll find at …

2017-THE LONG WEEKEND RIDE IN THE ALPS-DAY 02/1

“UPWARDS”
Part 1

“Overwhelming!”

There is not much more to say about this idea.
The second day of the “The Long Weekend Ride in the Alps” was a real eye opener. It showed pretty well what is possible in over regulated Austria apart from well known tourism sights and often dense crowded tourism areas.

Have a look …

TOOLS AND SPARES

Being out in remote areas always contains the possibility of a motorcycle breakdown without the possibility of getting Quick foreign help. Therefore, it is recommended to have an assorted set of tools and spare parts stowed in the luggage to help yourself.

2017-THE LONG WEEKEND RIDE IN THE ALPS-DAY 01

“START”

For a little breakout of the everyday life I like it to go for a ride. Sometimes smaller ones – mostly for a whole day – but sometimes also for bigger ones – like this ride here.
The most important thing for me about such rides is to leave behind the usual annoying stuff and do something exiting, challenging and uncertain. In my opinion that is what makes life worth living. This ride is such a little escape from my daily routine …

2017-THE LONG WEEKEND RIDE IN THE ALPS-DAY 00

“THE PLAN“

In May/June 2017 I’ve done a big dual-adventure-ride along the Carpathian and Balkan Region for ten days and nearly 5000km or 3100mi. Only two months later the desire for another little adventure was again itching.
It wasn’t long before the next ride was planned. On a long weekend at the end of August 2017 I took the opportunity and went with my trusty black beauty Чернотa right into the Austrian- and a short piece of the Northern Italian-Alps.

DAY RIDE 2018_06

“THE ZILLERTALER SCENIC ROAD”

September 2018: I was a few days for Holiday in Austria’s most beautiful state Salzburg. There are many opinions about that but for me surely Salzburg is the prettiest one out of nine states in total.
Being in the most western county of Salzburg called “Pinzgau” I had time for a short ride.
So I made a decision and I went off with my black beauty to visit the Zillertaler-Scenic-Road in the neighbor state Tirol. This is a panorama track leading around the top of a mountain near the village “Zell am Ziller” and it provides a few nice views to the northern Alps …

2017-PROJECT CARPATHIAN BALKAN-Day 10

“HOME”

The last day of the Project Carpathian Balkan was a short one. To my hometown Vienna only a few km have been left over.
On one hand side I was happy that the trip found on this day its end. I was pushing hard each day of this tour to make some mileage and was a bit exhausted because of that; on the other hand I was looking forward to coming back to my beloved ones. As often in life there are two sides on the same coin. If I hadn’t pushed so hard the last days, I won’t be now so close at home … . Interesting thoughts! But hey, I’m not the homesick guy! Believe me! ^_^

DAY RIDE 2018_05

“THE AFTERNOON GRAVEL RIDE”

In August 2018 I tried a new track in my closer surrounding. The track itself was planned via open source material available online. As always I have to say that the online map material is in the meanwhile grown to a really mighty routing tool set.
With it it’s a pleasure to plan such tracks which is finally also working in the field. You will see it in the great impressions below which I’d taken on this afternoon ride …

2017-PROJECT CARPATHIAN BALKAN-Day 09

“NORTHWARDS”

Only two riding days are left until this trip – “The Project Carpathian Balkan” – is over. Two days earlier than planned. Memo to me: Next time ride and hurry less! But I know myself and I don’t think that I will take a slower pace in the future. That’s not related to my being, which wants to use the given time properly.
So my exhausting riding style, with a high amount of mileage each day will likely stay with me. I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing. Overall I really like to see the landscape passing by, sitting on the back of my trusty black beauty. The time is flying away …

DAY RIDE 2018_04

“THE APRIL RIDE”

April 2018:
In Austria we have a saying which means in English something like: “The month April is doing what he will!” That saying is based on the weather in this time of the year. Most of the time it is changing very often in short time. From Sun, rain and snow everything can happen within a few KM of riding. This ride out is a good example for showing how alternating the weather in the month April in Austria could be. So if you plan a trip to Austria, be aware of rude weather conditions until begin/middle of may!
Now, here’s the day ride report:

2017-PROJECT CARPATHIAN BALKAN-Day 08

“THE ADRIATIC COAST”

Spending a few days out only equipped with a tent and the stuff which is stow-able on a dual sport motorcycle always make me wondering about how less gear is needed for a trip like this. We are living in a world of things. In this world we are often defining our self through these things, which seems somehow stupid. Isn’t it? Whatever: After a long ride on the day before through the enduro paradise Albania, this day was a relaxing ride along nice coastal scenery.

DAY RIDE 2018_03

“FIRST SIGNS OF SPRING”

A Sunday in April 2018 – The days are longer now and spring is quickly incoming. The fields slowly turned into a fresh looking green and in the mountains was still a good amount of snow left over.
This day ride was a nice spring / winter mix along one of my favorite tarmac house routes. Please feel free to have a look at the attached pictures down below …

2017-PROJECT CARPATHIAN BALKAN-Day 07

“ALBANIA”

Albania is a great country. Especially for little adventure riders like me, which were trying to find the small adventure with their motorcycle out there. But no planned remote trips at this journey for me and Чернотa.

Because I’ve already done parts of Macedonia and Albania a few years before, I used both countries on this trip just for transit. Few people would now think that’s sad, but I don’t think that it is. Due to the usage of mostly back country roads also a transit ride through Albania has its highlights. Trust me, you will find them further down below … ^_^

DAY RIDE 2018_02

“THE SNOW RIDE”

As mentioned in my last day ride report, despite the calm temperatures the winter wasn’t over in eastern Austria. At the beginning of February 2018 the cold came back and left a bit of snow behind.
Despite that there was a big desire to take my black beauty Чернотa out for a ride. “Let´s give it a try!”, was my thought, and so we did.
Retrospectively it was really exhausting to ride the 690ty with 50/50 tires under these conditions. But overall it also was a great fun and it sharpened the reflexes of the rider. Here are a few impressions which have been taken before the numb fingers refused taking any photos more. ^^

2017-PROJECT CARPATHIAN BALKAN-Day 06

“BULGARIA”

Memo to me: Don’t use a Swiss knife with a foldable blade (and no mechanical catch) for drilling holes into the sturdy fabric of a soft luggage bag. While doing this the day before to repair the bag, I put too much pressure on the knife to get a hole in it. Due to a bad move while drilling, the knife collapsed while my hand was tightly closed around it’s handle. So my right index finger got cut between the collapsing blade and the handle. Instantly I’ve stretched quick the instantly heavily bleeding finger above my head. In this position I ran to the motorcycle for the first aid kit. With it, some additional plasters from the luggage and some electrical tape I made a working pressure bandage for the incoming night …

PICTURES MAINTENANCE 60000KM

MILEAGE: 60320km or 37481mi

Date: 10th March 2019

It’s march: The temperatures are gaining and the odo shows in the meanwhile 60320km or 37481mi. So another big maintenance work was necessary. On last Sunday I used my spare time for a big check of Чернотa.

DAY RIDE 2018_01

“JUST RIDING AROUND”

The cold is not over now. Winter will surely take another four or six weeks until it’s finally gone here in eastern Austria.
But as you know that’s no reason for staying at home where the fight against the winter depressions is still ongoing. Not for me!
For this day ride I had no special plan. I just put some warm clothes on, a bottle of water was stowed into the tank bag and I took the camera with me for making some nice photos on the way.
The route itself was a mix up from well known gravel tracks and a few new shortcuts which I’ve chosen randomly along the way.

2017-PROJECT CARPATHIAN BALKAN-Day 05

“STRATEGICA“

While planning the Project-Carpathian-Balkan-Tour I wasn’t sure how much gravel tracks I should do per day. So I set the focus on some for me important points along the planned route and tried to make a well-balanced mix of on- and off-road riding per day.
This day my personal highlight was surely the “Strategica”. When I first read about it on the internet, this about 50km or 30mi long hilly off road track amazed me. So it was instantly added to my plan for the PCB-route.
Finally, on this riding day I put the so called “Strategica” to the test …

DAY RIDE 2017_04

“THE COLD IRON CURTAIN RIDE”

Most of the people don’t ride in the winter. They are afraid of the cold, the salt, the snow, etcetera. I try to ignore this dislikes.
Surely, when the whole countryside is covered under much snow I also stay at home. But once the temperatures are reaching 5°C I take the chance and fight against the winter blues … . This day ride report is one of these “Winter rides”. And no: I don’t ride with heat grips or a heated jacket. Good clothing gear does this job well enough.

2017-PROJECT CARPATHIAN BALKAN-Day 04

“ROMANIA”

Due to the little odyssey the day before (closed border, big detour, corrupt police) I was a bit behind my schedule. But day four has been an easy on, less gravel, surprisingly good asphalt and many good views were offered.
The last time before this trip I was in the year 2013 in Romania. Now, 4 years later I have to say the streets overall got better. It also looked for me like the people have more money. Not comparable with the wealthy west but the progress was clearly noticeable. Keep it up!
Now, enough of this blabla! Let’s start into this beauty of a riding day:

DAY RIDE 2017_03

“THE NORTH-EAST RIDE”

Finding good day rides near Vienna isn’t easy, when you want to ride way off the paved roads.
At the end of November 2017 I did a extensive planning via satellite footage along the Austria’s eastern border, trying to find some seldom used tracks.
Finally, I had success and this little day ride showed me, that there are loads of gravel tracks out there in Austria´s eastern no man’s land , which are waiting to get ridden.
The following ride report will give you an idea about what I mean.

PICTURES MAINTENANCE 40000KM

MILEAGE: 39755km or 24702mi

Date: 17th September 2017

With nearly 40000km or 24800mi I did a big maintenance check to Чернотa. I was really curious about it due to the sparks plugs. They have been used for the double recommended mileage!

2017-PROJECT CARPATHIAN BALKAN-Day 03

“UKRAINE”

Memo to me and all the other wild campers out there: When crawling plastered into the tent, don´t forget to snap off grass stems which could get in contact with the tent. Because of that I was held awake surely for about 30 minutes.
The wind was gently pushing grass stems to the outer hull of the tent. The noise in the tent sounded like a animal which was rummaging around in the close surrounding. It took some time until I was able to find out that the grass stems are the source of the noise. Besides that, I slept well, which was necessary: The incoming day in the Ukraine was a lot more exciting than expected …

2017-PROJECT CARPATHIAN BALKAN-Day 02

“EASTWARDS”

Somewhere in Slovakia – it´s short before midnight:
I am wrapped in my sleeping bag and was awoken by the sound of a distant engine noise. It seemed to get louder. Suddenly I see light beams touching the tent!!! o_O
At latest now I am alerted. The engine noise is coming closer. The light beam is now permanently pointing at the tent. The noise is now so close to the tent that the vibrations of the big diesel engine where clearly noticeable. Probably a big off road vehicle, I am not sure. I thinking to myself: “WTF is happening now here in the middle of Slovakia’s nowhere?” I slowly open the zip of the tent door and look directly into the bright light of a flash light …

PICTURES MAINTENANCE 27000KM

MILEAGE: 27.559km or 17124mi

Date: 25 May 2017

With 27500km or 17100mi on the clock i did this maintenance just before the Project Carpathian Balkan trip. Due to my own clumsiness, I nearly had to postpone the trip … .

DAY RIDE 2017_02

“1st WINTER RIDE 2017”

You have some spare time? Why don’t you go for a ride and explore your surrounding?
That is my motto. Austria is offering so many interesting places for riding a motorcycle adventurous. When being out with Чернотa, I try to find new, for me unknown tracks and places. Closely around Austria’s capitol Vienna it’s hard to find such small adventures, but with a whole day of time, I am able to ride far enough to find easily more tracks and gravel as I can ride within a day. This day ride report is a good example, what is possible with just a day of riding time … .

NAVIGATION SETUP

In the real cold winter time 2017/18 I was bored and thought about my current way of navigation DURING my RIDES. For about 2 years (+30000km or 18600mi) I was using a Garmin Montana 650T rugged outdoor navigation device for doing my off road adventures. It worked ok – NOT more or less. Its old hardware, THE sometimes buggy software, the bad display, processing time, etc. made the decision easy for me to get rid of it. In my opinion this device is antiquated compared to the features a smartphone offers. A look to other current / actual new motorcycle navigation systems showed the same. They are far behind in many properties a smartphone offers for off road navigation.

So the decision was made: In future I will use a Android smartphone for navigation!

2017-PROJECT CARPATHIAN BALKAN-Day 01

“LET’S START!”

As always before such a trip, I was a bit nervous the night before. I was thinking about answers to questions, which i can´t know before i finished the planned trip. Will everything go well? Where would I stay over the night? Is the planned route doable alone? Do you have packed all the things which are necessary? So why I think about it again and again and destroy therefore the refreshing night rest before the incoming adventure? I don´t know … .
The only thing I know is that there will be some nights during the trip, where I surely will sleep like a stone, due to the exciting incoming adventures out there. So let´s start!

2017-PROJECT CARPATHIAN BALKAN-Day 00

“THE IDEA”

In the winter time from 2016 to 17 I was thinking about a longer journey with Чернотa. In the summer 2016 I already did a nice trip to the 5 highest legal ridable points of the Alps (Col de Sommeiler, Col de la Bonette, Col de Ilseran, Stelvio and Col de Agnel). That trip was about 3500km / 2200mi long mostly on well built streets. Loads of curves, nice wild camping, but a less amount of gravel is a short summary of this trip. In 2017 I intended to do some more challenging. After a few glances at the terrain maps the next adventure quickly was found. Start and ending in Austria with a few assorted off road passages:

DAY RIDE 2017_01

“THE AUTUMN RIDE“

That’s my first documented day ride here on dualadventure.com. The ride was taken in the year 2017. Its start was located in Vienna and it followed some well known biker streets in Lower Austria and Styria. Via the rural roads Чернотa (my black beauty) and I passed Haselrast, Kalte Kuchl, Mariazell and Wildalpen til we reached the famous Iron Mountain where we finally turned back.
We also did a few side trips which offered some interesting and astounding places like a abandoned building or a real beauty of a mountain lake. Enjoy …