Robin has a disco ball. He has yet to decide where on his ride he wishes to put it. Until a decision is reached, he can stash it pretty much anywhere in he and his wife’s Carbon 337 toy hauler as they’re traveling the United States.

Tim has seen a good bit of camping as well. He and his gal rented a small travel trailer to rest in while he attended a distant dirt gathering. The event was a lot of fun as group members from all over got together, shared tips and told stories.

Travis’s grandmother passed away. He chose to celebrate her life with a late season journey on his NC700X, crossing Lake Michigan before looping back over the top. He insists that our next trip as a trio should be primarily dirt, with camping gear, on mini-bikes.

Tim Clarke took on a big trip this season, covering just over eight thousand miles from the Midwest to Pacific coast. Starting in Madison, Wisconsin, he meandered to California where the Pacific Coast Highway welcomed him. A robustly packed Honda Africa Twin covered the journey flawlessly.

Well, by flawlessly, we have to ignore the early flat tire. Also, Tim’s love of deep sand and un-scouted dirt routes. The pictures and videos speak volumes.

But to sit with Tim and his girlfriend Sylvia (who met him north of Cali and joined the effort two-up) and actually discuss the various events that transpired … that’s what this episode is all about. There are no sidebar topics, interviews or collective year/make/model details. Today, it’s just Tim and Sylvia, feeding our imaginations with all they conquered.

Travis enjoyed our 9-day iteration of a 7-day tour in overly-technical form. Somewhere along the way he picked up a bizarre hunk of metal in his tire. Said metal is since removed, replaced by a plug-patch and Race Tech gold valves (because gold valves).

Tim installed crash bars on his Honda Africa Twin. He then enjoyed a shakedown run at the Soldiers Grove BMW rally complete with camping gear and other long distance riding products. Stay tuned for details regarding his 7500+ mile west coast tour!

Robin bought a 33′ toy hauler and a 2015 Ford F350 to tow it. He also attended a MotoVid track day and is writing a review of the experience. He then immediately packed up shop and headed to Soldiers Grove to meet up with Tim and friends.

Travis is revisiting his packing strategy for an upcoming motorcycle trip. Practice makes perfect. Also, his windscreen and top case mods aim to minimize buffeting and better secure whatever cargo he brings with.

Tim got out for a two-up ride with his girlfriend (a first), covering 135 miles of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area. They fast learned that the Africa Twin’s automatic transmission equates to less helmet knocking. During this ride, they saw between 150-200 deer!

Robin attempted his first iron butt challenge between Chicagoland and Daytona Beach. His return home allowed for some meandering along the Cherohala Skyway, Tail of the Dragon, Foothills Parkway, part of our 777 tour and a bit of improvised curvy roads (Garmin). He was then immediately kicked in the brain while coaching his first MSF course of the season.

Travis tackles a gasket change to address an oil leak at the transmission. His Honda NC700 is finally ready for riding now that the weather is warming up. New Handlebars, braided brake line and auxiliary fog lights are it’s newest add-ons.

Tim got out on his Honda Africa Twin for the “Madison Mule”, a group ride that’s similar to the “Frozen Snot” run. It was the first time he’s ridden dirt since his injury late last season. His latest kit covers non-industry DIY solutions, namely the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Day Pack.

Robin is enjoying his new Beemer during this warm front, however brief. His learning of the owner’s manual continues in concert. He’s installed a few protective mods: crash bars, frame & swing arm sliders, bolt covers, tank pads, mud guards for the front & rear and a not-yet-arrived carbon fiber Fenda Extenda.

It’s that time of year again! With great anticipation, T.R.O. authors Robin Dean, Travis Burleson and Tim Clarke plow through February’s slush to attend the annual International Motorcycle Show, sponsored by Progressive Insurance. This event is definitely one for the books.

Robin was enamored by and immediately fell in love with Energica Motorcycles for their electric catalog. Travis took note of Honda’s CB1000 and Kawasaki’s KLX250, among others. Tim brought out the big guns with his camera lenses, visually documenting in hi-res.

So listen in as we discuss the 2018 IMS in all of its dizzying, open-spaced glory. The good, bad and ugly are all brought to light in this 1.5 hour podcast. Should you have any motorcycle-pertinent questions you’d like answered, ask them via our contact form or by calling (224) 358-3010.

Robin is excited about his new BMW R1200RS. Of course, this means he’ll have to sell his beloved Bandit 1200 to finance his new steed’s protection package (frame sliders, plugs and crash bars). Meanwhile, his Hawk GT feels like a new machine.

Travis keeps receiving moped parts in Victoria’s Secret clad boxes. Any lingerie that heavy is certain to invite strange looks on delivery. He’s managed to finish most of the tinker toy’s paint work while considering the option of a big bore kit.

Tim hosted his first garage night at the new house. The turnout was solid and a seat was rebuilt. A few days later, he celebrated with a mid-winter ride on his new-to-him Honda Africa Twin.

It’s pronounced “Christ-ma-hana-kwanzi-ka” but when Robin says it, you’ll hear Mikalika-Hi-Mekka-Hiney-Ho. Señor Dean’s slush puppy Hawk GT is almost road worthy, needing only a bit of mounting hardware so that the exhaust doesn’t break off at the head … again. Big changes are being unveiled in the site’s navigation and our editor in chief has the details.

Travis is taking on multiple Moto GP moped projects. He wants the world to know that cogs work with other cogs and sprockets work with chains. Also, for whatever reason, there’s a surplus of fiberglass all over his garage.

Tim is the proud owner of a raucous Africa Twin. He knows it’s raucous because, despite having a broken foot, he found a way to climb onto his new steed before conjuring it’s growl. Getting back off the bike … that’s a tale to be savored.

Robin’s reading Dreaming of Jupiter by Ted Simon, a man who once travelled around the world on a 70’s Triumph. He’s also managed to make space for his trailer in the garage. Ah … the garage (Bandit needs some wrenchin’ love).

Travis’s Pinto moped project continues. He’s rebuilding the forks (Moped forks are weird) and front wheel all while disassembling the exhaust. A ride that rocks as intensely as this demands a custom paint scheme.

Tim got his foot fixed. The cast remains. He’s shopping for completely unnecessary noise in the meantime courtesy of his new friend oxycontin.

Norman Hogeveen is a Chicagoland native who’s known for his deep love of all things Yamaha. Called “Mr. Yamaha” by anyone who knows him, he’s also a favorite tire tech for motorcycle enthusiasts from these parts. Newly announced field correspondent Margaret Dean chats him up.

Robin’s winterizing one ride that also needs minor work done in an effort to mod and winter-rock his Hawk GT. Travis got a tattoo that really just … it just warms the heart. Tim is having titanium installed and once finished, he’ll be able to run at speeds up to 45 miles per hour.

A lot is changing with The Riding Obsession podcast. It’s time to have a listen. Make it happen!