Shakedown Ride #1

Anticipating the up and coming winter riding season, it’s always prudent to put several hundred miles on the odometer. The upcoming trip to Anza Borrego, CA. and the ADV Rally will be true testing grounds for myself and ZED.

One of my favorite backyard rides is north, into the Rio Grande Gorge National Monument, NM.

The view during the ride up to the West Mesa never disappoints.

Then of course, there’s the always popular tourist destination on the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. If you traveling this road always keep an eye out for our friendly neighbors, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep.

Ride Safe

If so inclined, peruse my No Rules Adventure Images.

The Road Ahead

Motorcycle Adventure Riding is a worldwide endeavor. This dual-sport image was taken while crossing the Navajo Reservation of Arizona. With Navajo Sandstone being the dominate rock formation of the area, the color can be dazzling.

ZED ~ 1992 BMW R100GS

The Road Ahead is one of the more popular images. It can be viewed here.

Ride Safe

Stripped Valve Cover Bolt

When winter adventure riding the Desert Southwest a handful of problems can arise. Anything from broken bones to engine breakdown. Luckily there were no bone fractures.

Baboquivari Peak Wilderness is a 2,065-acre wilderness area in the U.S. state of Arizona

While doing the morning inspection of ZED (1992 R100GS) it was noticed that the right side center valve cover bolt was protruding out more than it should. Reaching down, I easily pulled it all the way out. My initial reaction was despair. Now what?

Luckily I had cell service a quickly logged into Adventure Rider (see post here) and got a quick reply. The upshot of what followed was “no worries”.

Here’s the center stud with the stripped threads of the aluminum head.

Luckily this is a thru-hole, a tent stake demonstrates that fact.

First you must have the proper tools for inserting a Helicoil.

Then enlarge the hole to accept the tap for cutting new threads. For me this was the scary part. The enlarged hole must be straight and is best done on a drill press.

Tapping the threads.

Inserting the Helicoil.

And so the problem is solved and it’s back to riding.

Thanks for clicking in.

If you’re so inclined visit Britt Runyon Images and peruse.

No Rules Digital Images

Riding Baja and the Whales

We left Ojo Caliente, New Mexico on BMW motorcycles, one 1992 R 100 GS and a 2006 F 650 GS, bound for San Ignasio Lagoon of Baja del Sur to do a bit of whale watching. Knowing full well it’s not the destination, it’s the journey.

Adventure Riding Baja & The Whales from Britt Runyon on Vimeo.

Saguaro Scars

Saguaro Scars ~ With a life span of 150 to 200 years, their life in the Desert Southwest is displayed on the surface. brittrunyonimages.com

No Rules Digital Images

Barbs and Rust

From the Woolsey Peak Wilderness, Arizona. A simple barbed wire fence and post against a old rusty water tank. #takeacloserlook brittrunyonimages.com

Urban Image

I don’t often go to town but when I do……
Santa Fe, New Mexico, off Rodeo Road.
brittrunyonimages.com

Urban Image

Snack Stroll

Hiking the trails of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument you sometimes encounter some local residents. This healthy coyote appeared to be on a snack stroll. #coyote#NaturePhotographyhttp://brittrunyon.com

Rio Grande

The Butterfly Visits

As I sat on the porch a friend stopped by for a quick visit. As the owner of New Wave Rafting, I look like a walking billboard. lol

Bud Light Cap

Bud Lite is still the King of Trash. And Anheuser Busch, now AB InBev following a 2008 merger with a Belgium-based firm, still dominates the litter market. #budlighttrash