Robin is travelling from New Mexico to Wisconsin just in time to lead TRO's 777 tour. He's navigating the Santa Fe trail, indulging in junk food and whiskey as he anticipates joining tenured podcast co-host Travis Burleson for a number of rides. His riding preferences have changed over time, embracing life on a Suzuki GSX-8R (https://www.google.com/search?q=suzuki+gsx-8r&tbm=isch), planning trips that stretch his definition of sport touring and managing bike maintenance such as tire wear and suspension adjustments.

Travis Burleson (is here!) juggles responsibilities as a father of twin 5 y/o boys, one of whom recently helped with an oil change. Despite his hectic life and the unpredictable Wisconsin weather, he's excited about the 2025 riding season. He shares experiences with different motorcycles he's owned, throwing in a dash of nostalgia over past rides he and Robin went on together.

Of course the conversation meanders into favorite in-ride playlists. Robin prefers a hard rock groove for super hero riding (The Hives "Hey Little World" and "Talkin' on the Internet" by Spiritual Cramp). Travis enjoys fast-paced punk and alternative sounds, including The Chats and Bad Religion. Both agree music enhances their riding experience, whether cornering in canyons or cruising the super slab.

Robin rambles about recent rides and updates. He's made a few tweaks to TRO's suspension sag calculator, showcasing how correct measurements achieve optimal performance. He's fascinated with the possibility of electronic cruise control for his GSX-8R and may eventually add it for greater touring capability.

Brian offers a detailed perspective on why modern bikes should include standard features like cruise control. Manufacturers essentially have the technology in place. He also shares his experience with TRO's New Mexico tour, emphasizing the logistical puzzle pieces that fell into place despite varying weather conditions.

Joanne shines her expertise on how riders can adapt their gear for changing weather conditions during a trip. She emphasizes selecting equipment based on personal comfort levels against varying temperatures between 30-100 degrees Fahrenheit. Her recommendations focus on layering with heated clothing for colder climates and using waterproof products with proper ventilation in warmer conditions.

Jordan rounds out the discussion by continuing his narrative on George Wyman's transcontinental journey. It's all about facing harrowing trials along rugged terrain and unpredictable weather between Wyoming and Nebraska. Perseverance is key to the story, what with the mud-caked roads and mechanical challenges.

Robin explores plans for a DIY trailer project so he won't be tied to specific sites in New Mexico under storage limitations. He's eyeing sub-$1k options but figures the shipping might cost as much as a mid-range motorcycle itself. In his hunt for budget-friendly ways to store motorcycles and kit, he considers everything from flat-pack plywood structures to local finds before switching gears to ride reports.

Brian chimes in with sage advice about high-quality zip ties. He too is maintaining equipment under a strict budget and brisk conditions (40°F tire changes aren't fun). Between gear restoration, namely resoled boots, he's preparing his FJ-09 for a spring tour with Robin in New Mexico.

Joanne deep dives into fitment solutions for riders of all body types. For those seeking airy protection without risking arm or knee safety, her recommended gear ranges from Klim's generous cuts to Revit's improved Euro fits. She highlights brands that cater specifically to plus sizes alongside custom-fit leathers that prove being geared up stylishly isn't limited by straight-sized manufacturers.

Enter Jordan, who picks back up on George Wyman's trials navigating flooded streams and rocky terrain. He's crossing Wyoming during early American landscape ventures circa 1903. Surrounded by nature's drama club (deep snow rivers meet sunlit warmth meets unkempt towns filled with rowdy politics), it's quite literally what life on two wheels entailed back when.

From frostburn to sunbite, it's all about the rides that have significantly impacted our motorcycle knowledge and experience. Brian, Robin and Joanne deep dive into the machines and journeys that shaped their riding worlds. Brian points to a Suzuki GS850G and the off-road lessons of a KLR while stressing the importance of keeping loose on terrible roads to maintain balance and control.

Listener questions touch on handling unexpected throttle issues, Brian offering technical insights into potential causes such as position sensor glitches. Joanne joins the discussion to window shop new rides, namely CFMoto's Ibex and Royal Enfield's Himalayan. Both have specs that cater to her riding needs.

The tale of George Wyman's arduous journey peels back time through Nevada's old railroad towns, applying motor oil as a frostbite solution before a sunburn in Utah's desert expanse. But first, he's opportunistically overbilled for gasolEne ... a tapestry of self-discovery through two-wheeled exploits across challenging terrain.

The team zeroes in on prep tips for your first sport touring ride. Start small, keep it simple and plan that first overnight escape without complication. You don't wanna wrestle gear instead of feelin' the breeze.

Juggling their favorite caffeination concentration (no mushroom coffee here), the gang cracks open a bottle of listener questions: LED lights yay or nay, biker bells summoning mysterious powers and oil blackening paranoia. Nice to have someone who knows their Rizomas from regular lighting (Joanne). We've got opinions, strong ones ... but each may as well be a pebble skipping over water.

Jordan continues telling the tale of George Wyman's epic 1903 motorcycle journey across America. Riding mostly along railroad tracks, Wyman faced deep sand, lousy water, frustrating setbacks and lonely stretches of empty Nevada desert. With creativity and determination, he overcame each challenge, capturing an unforgettable snapshot of history along the way.

Robin and Brian swap stories about the latest in bike modifications and the quirks that come with mixing gear from different brands. Robin wrestles with transforming his GSX-8R (https://www.google.com/search?q=gsx-8r&tbm=isch) into a sport-touring machine due to compatibility issues between luggage systems. Brian's escape to Cycle Gear's first bike night of the year offers a taste of two-wheeled community.

Our first segment welcomes college swimmer Joe Wilson to discuss seasonal workout prep for avid riders. Look to walking, yoga and paint buckets as weightlifting equipment. His analogies balance cardiovascular stamina alongside strength training.

Joanne enters by expounding the base layer theory that is Lycra-y silkiness. Jordan's exploration of George Wyman's 1905 coast to coast journey is in full motion, arriving at snow sheds, trestle bridges and the need for a complete engine overhaul. They just don't make riders the way they used to ... or do they?

Brian and Robin look at what it takes to rediscover riding skills after you've been away from the bike for a bit. When re-entry riders return, it's crucial to reevaluate the dusty gear of yesteryear. Joanne enlightens us on how clinging to old helmets and boots from 2005 might prove risky.

Banter diverts to tire talk, with mention of Michelin rebates and cost-effective rubber. Warmer weather is coaxing us back onto two wheels, so it's time to ditch worn-out tires for ... traction. Sifting through tire choices, we've updated the road rubba rankings page.

Jordan gets into more detail about hazards along the George Wyman route before Brian explores rental options for TRO's Truth/Consequences tour. From Stelvio or Africa Twin to Triumphs and Beemers, it's all about finding what suits your riding style. With a bit of laughter in the mix, any motorcyclist can merge back onto the open road with confidence.

Robin acquires a Suzuki GSX-8R and details a planned luggage kit. There are plenty of (incorrect) shoutouts to the supportive staff at Kelly's Kawasaki in Mesa, Arizona. Brian takes on a suspension upgrade for his KLR, noting improvements in ride performance even in icy conditions.

Joanne offers tips on finding budget-friendly gear without sacrificing quality. Priority one is to know your fit/sizing before hunting online (eBay, Facebook, etc). She also stresses the importance of supporting local dealerships as they can order discontinued items at a reasonable cost.

Jordan takes listeners on a historical ride through George Wyman's pioneering coast-to-coast journey in the early 1900s. He vividly recounts Wyman's mechanical trials with early motorbike technology as he ventures into uncharted territory (by pedal power where necessary). The gang closes with riding techniques, seat changes and future gear enhancement daydreams.