A week ago, I arrived in Rapid City, South Dakota. Michelle Lamphere—author of The Butterfly Route, organizer of Black Hills Film Moto Festival, and part-founder of Rev Sisters—graciously picked me up at the airport. Michelle owns the Chalet Motel in Custer and had invited me to spend almost three weeks there on a self-imposed writer’s retreat, working on…
New Overland Gear at Expo West 2021
There was a huge selection of new overland gear at Overland Expo West 2021 in Flagstaff, Arizona. Here are some highlights from the show. iKamper Disco Series Cooking Outfit iKamper makes a strong entry to the cooking game with this modular setup, complete with burner, adjustable legs, and more. What makes this cooking outfit unique?…
2021 Overland Expo West :: Day 2
In addition to an incredible visitor turnout, day two of Overland Expo brought plenty of sunshine, a lot more gear, and the opportunity to visit with some more vendors. Join Scott as he chats with the folks at onX, Skinny Guy Campers, Big Country, Protector Gear, iKamper, Shower Pouch, and Staples in Tents!
Cross Egypt Challenge—October 7-16, 2021
Cross Egypt Challenge was first organized in 2011 as an initiative to promote tourism to Egypt—a stunning country on the Mediterranean and Red seas filled with temples, pyramids, and other millennia-old monuments. The rally offers a breathtaking experience for both riders and spectators, routing from Alexandria, near the Mediterranean shores in the north to Egypt’s…
Suzuki Announces Fall 2022 ADV/Dual-Sport Lineup
Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like with the recent success (like it or not) of Harley’s PanAmerica, ADV and dual-sport motorcycle manufacturers the world over seem to have stepped up their game. Suzuki’s 2022 lineup for these bikes is impressive: make room in your next bike choice for the V-Strom 650 and 650XT,…
Overland News of the Week
Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace XL Snow Peak has just released the XL version of their popular stainless steel folding Pack & Carry fireplace. The new XL is 170 percent bigger than the size large, ensuring that you have plenty of warmth and ambience for the entire camp. Because the Fold & Carry packs…
Coming to America—the All-new Royal Enfield Classic 350
One hundred and twenty years ago, Royal Enfield began building timeless motorcycles. The Classic 350 is one such legend, reborn from the age-old company dedicated to releasing attractive midsize bikes for all experience levels. All these years later, the Classic still catches the eye and pleases crowds, and it’s coming to America in 2022, promising…
Olabisi Ajala’s Round-the-world Trip on a Lambretta Scooter
Photography courtesy of An African Abroad by Olabisi Ajala Arriving at the Mandelbaum Gate border post between Israel and Jordan’s Jerusalem, Nigerian journalist Olabisi Ajala spotted a sign on his right that read: “This is Jordan. Beyond is no-man’s-land. Only U.N. officials allowed.” Guards and soldiers from both nations watched from high towers, bombed-out buildings,…
Overland News of the Week at Expo Mountain West
Having just returned from my first Overland Expo, I’m a bit overwhelmed. I’ve never seen so many kitted-out vehicles and overland gear in the same place. I found myself being drawn in five different directions at the same time. Woah! Check out these bumpers…and, oh wow! Is that the Acela Monterra? It was like being…
Teasing Test Shots of the New Triumph Tiger
Lighter, agile, transformed—this is some of the wording used to describe the new Triumph Tiger 1200, now in prototype testing. Many ADV bikes have been updated for 2021 like BMW’s 1250 GS, KTM’s 1290 Super Adventure S, Ducati’s Multistrada V4, and of course, Harley’s PanAmerica. Triumph’s Tiger hasn’t come out with an update model for…
Cake Drops the Perfect Scooter for Your Overland Camper
Cake impressed the outdoor world with the launch of their first electric motorcycle, a dirt bike with an elegant and austere design. Now, they address the opposite end of the spectrum with a utility-minded model designed to be lightweight, multi-functional, and easy to ride. The Makka electric moped touts the ability to haul surfboards, mount…
International Overland Vehicles of Expo Mountain West 2021
Photography by Richard Giordano Immediately upon entering the gates of any Overland Expo event, I quickly pass by the shiny things, gadgets, gizmos, whatsits, and thingamabobs and head to the Showcase and DIY Vehicle Area. This place feels like home. It’s where creativity comes to life, where travel tales are shared over cans of beer…
Overland Expo Reveals Ultimate Motorcycle Overland Build for Africa Twin
Overland Expo is the world’s premier overlanding event series. This year it has revealed an Ultimate Overland Build for a Honda Africa Twin given a workover by Overland Expo’s Adventure Motorcycle Ambassador, Eva Rupert. Nice work, Eva! Unedited Press release—Loveland, CO Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT “What an absolute pleasure it has been…
Field Tested: Micro-Start—The World’s Smallest Jump Starter
Created by Antigravity Batteries, known for high-end lithium batteries, the Micro-start is the first, original mini jump starter. These days, we rely on electronic devices more than ever—even in the middle of nowhere—which is what makes the Micro-start an essential item whenever I walk, drive, or ride two wheels off into an adventure. This pocket-sized…
Lindeco Genuine Powersports—venturing into the US market and partnering with Enduristan Luggage
Though there is heated debate over what’s better—soft bags or hard cases—the moto industry is seeing more companies producing soft bags than ever before. Enduristan, for example, is known for “tough, durable, and truly 100% waterproof luggage” for ADV bikes—their bags are now being sold exclusively through Lindeco Genuine Powersports (LGP), a US distributor. “Enduristan…
Overland News of the Week
Forge 15 Hitch-mounted BBQ Take your barbeque game up a few notches with Hitchfire’s Forge 15. This hitch-mounted gas grill is a solution for cooking outdoors that will get you up and off of the ground. The grill’s 18- by 22-inch cooking surface is large enough to cook for up to 10 people, and the…
12 Tips for Packing Light on an Extended Motorcycle Trip
What I’ve learned over the past seven years of moto camping and long-distance riding is that you pretty much pack the same amount of gear for three days as for three months: tools, camping stuff, rain gear, off-bike clothing, first aid kit, camera, etc. As for food, you can only fit a few days’ worth…
Black Hills Moto Film Festival—Aug. 13-15
From August 13-15, Rev Sisters will present the Black Hills Motorcycle Film Festival, featuring independent filmmakers. And yes, you read it right, the Weekend Festival Pass is free from these generous organizers. If you’re reading this too late, don’t worry; you can still access all the films for $10 here—a small price to pay for…
Video of the Week: Field Tested Nemo Helio Shower Kit
Just because we enjoy going off-grid, and spending extended periods without the conveniences of home, doesn’t mean that we enjoy being dirty. Long days on the trail are taxing, and having a quick way to rinse off the sweat and sunscreen at the end of the day is often a luxury worth making room for…
Rev’It Invests in Travel Startup Motourismo
I’ve enjoyed using Rev’It riding gear for more than half a decade now, so I’m always excited to hear about news and products from the company. This one threw me off a little, only because I didn’t immediately see the connection between a leading apparel brand partnering with an online motorcycle travel company. But, as…