Crossed Up Podcast

010 – Ozarks road trip

ADMIN — Sat, 21 May 2022 13:05:12 +0000

In July 2021 We took a trip to the Ozarks in Arkansas with our motorcycle Club. this is a collection of recordings of our experiences on that trip. Bryan’s bike breaks down, Derek Gets an injury, and we visit a road side attraction that sounds like it was created by 4th graders.

The trip did not go to plan.

Correction: two others from the club rode but not with us.

Blog post written by Derek

Day 1

Day one started strong. we left Western NY headed for Terre Haute Indiana where we stayed at one of the worst hotels on the trip, having stayed here on a previous trip I knew it would be bad, but the beds were soft and the sheets were clean.

This Is a picture of us at the Jelly Belly store in Erie PA. this store was infamous for selling not only candy, but also fireworks, knives, swords, stun-guns, brass knuckles Bows and other weapons. A very unique business that has shut down due to Covid.

The Roadside Repair

Bryan on the side of of the highway removing the bulk of the strap that got stuck in his wheel, this stuff got everywhere, Hub, Axel, Brake rotor, and pads.

Bryan on the side of of the highway removing the bulk of the strap that got stuck in his wheel

This felt like a real Roadkill moment, fixing a broken vehicle in an auto parts store. Here Bryan is removing his bags and exhaust.

Bryan removing a hot exhaust from his VFR800, you can see what I mean when i said that the wheel assembly is similar to a car.

Exhausts are hot, Bryan can be seen here starting to pick up the pace, as he heads to a safe place to put down the exhaust.

Here Bryan is holding a piece of melted strap, this is also a good illustration of how Derek balanced the VFR against his legs and kickstand.

Here is an artsy picture of some of the material that was in the hub, brakes, and axel of the VFR

Day 2

Our Second day brought heavy rain and other challenges. My right riding boot broke and began to scoop water into my boot. Bryan also had Foot Moisture issues to a lesser extent.

After riding nonstop for about 5 hours we started seeing signs for Uranus, I wanted to press on but Bryan insisted that we stop. After almost an hour and a half of passing billboards I gave in and we stoped to have a look.

One of the weirdest things about the state of Missouri is how gas stations have slot machines and liquor. as New Yorkers this threw us through a loop a bit.

Day 3

On day 3 we took a break, I tried to fix my Sena which was partially successful. We had lunch at a local restaurant, grabbed supplies at Walmart and took a dip in the pool.

I could not miss this opportunity to bring his disc golf disks and play on a beautiful local course.

after a long day in the sun we retired early and did not join our crew for that evenings group ride.

Day 4

Day Four was fantastic and the roads were getting beter and better, I had some close encounters with some wildlife but Arkansas was beautiful.

I was the designated leader for our group and I encouraged everyone to ride their own ride at the paces they enjoyed, we waited at the end of roads untill everyone caught up. so that we didn’t loose anyone.

Day 5 & 6

Day five was rough for me, I had to bail on our group due to an issue with my bike The idle air control valve had failed and i was unable to shift my automatic bike due to high RPMs.

Day Six Bryan was feeling the hurt and the region was expecting intense thunderstorms. knowing that we still had almost 5 days left riding we opted to go to Branson Missouri, it was the last day for the majority of the club so they opted to risk it. Branson was interesting but really just felt like an outdoor mall. we did hit the storms on the way back which were intense.

Day 7 & 8

Day seven we headed to Alcoa Tennessee. Bryan and I split up, bryan got on the highway and i took a route suggested by our friend Mike G that would allow me to take some of the best twisty roads from the trip and Peel Ferry, one of the last highway ferries in the US. i got on the highway a bit behind Bryan, we ended up catching up at lunch.

At the end of the day we got to the worst hotel of the trip, a La Quinta Alcoa near the airport. our room was hot and humid, the chair and desk had mold. and the shower had no pressure but we didnt really mind because tomorrow was going to be epic.

Day seven was fantastic we rode some of the most fantastic roads in the country as we made our way across Deals Gap. this is a region I am Very familiar with, having been there 5 times. previously.

Deals Gap

This photo was taken shortly after Derek ruined his kick stand. yellow cones were placed to prevent this from happening to someone else. the VFR and Africa Twin are also pictured here. as well as Killboy's shop.

Willy's Bar-B-Que Closed a few weeks later. This was Derek's favorite barbecue spot in Deals gap. The food was pretty good, but its also surrounded by some amazing roads. Willy's will be missed.

Derek (right) Bryan (left) standing in front of Willy's Bar-B-Que

Derek on the Tail of the Dragon.

Derek on the tail of the dragon.

Bryan on the Tail of the Dragon

Derek killing it on the tail of the dragon.

Day 9

Our last day, it was sad to know it was our last day but I think we were ready to head home too. We had not realized how close we were to the back of the dragon and had to add it to our route the next morning.

the next morning we headed home and enjoyed our little section of twisty roads before hitting the slab (highway) all the way back to home.

Back of the Dragon

Taken from a lookout near the north end of the Back of the Dragon. What a beautiful place.

Derek and Bryan on the Back of the Dragon coffee shop.

Derek and Bryan on the Back of the Dragon.

009 – BONUS: A Twist of the Wrist

ADMIN — Mon, 16 May 2022 19:04:56 +0000

This week we watched A Twist of the Wrist 2, a fantastic instructional video from Keith Code. This film covers not only riding fundamentals but also the mechanical principles of how motorcycles function. Listen along as we make jokes and add our own opinions.

If you have not watched this film before, please watch it without our commentary first.

Rent/Buy on Amazon: (Best quality & support the Keith Code) https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.eeb94f76-50ed-336d-bad5-d4e16413afdf?ref_=imdbref_tt_wbr_pvt_aiv&tag=imdbtag_tt_wbr_pvt_aiv-20

Youtube (inferior quality):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp6gxdGrv5E

009 – Were Back!

ADMIN — Thu, 12 May 2022 14:29:18 +0000

This week Byran & Derek discuss Our fantasy MotoGP, Some past and future adventures, and what to do when you have your first crash!

008 – Is 660cc the next big thing?

Derek — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 01:33:31 +0000

This week on Crossed Up Podcast, MotoGP is heating up, We talk about some gear to keep your fingers warm, and you’ve heard of 650s what about 660s?

007 – Halloween Special

Derek — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 02:43:11 +0000

Its The Halloween Special!

Alex Marquez is killing it in Motogp, We tell some spooky motorcycle stories, and Long Way Up could use a little more juice. This is Crossed Up Podcast!

006 – The Danger Zone

Derek — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 02:14:34 +0000

Derek and Bryan Talk about riding in groups, cold weather riding, Getting in the zone, and will Rossi Crashes on the first lap in France. This is Crossed Up Podcast!

Derek's Getting in the Zone Playlists

005 – SPECIAL: Long Way Up & Mural Tour

Derek — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 00:36:14 +0000

Derek and Bryan discuss their mural tour and some interesting art pieces. followed by an hour and a half breakdown of Long Way Up. If you haven’t seen the show yet SPOILER ALERT.

Enjoy this special unedited episode!

Bears "Hugging"

Derek and Bryan Birds

aggressive wall art

Dl650 Carrying all of the equipment for a subway tunnel video shoot.

004 – Lets Get Comfortable

Derek — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 00:01:00 +0000

Will Rossi Ever get his 200th podium? How to Get More Comfortable on your bike, and one stupid trick Iron Butt Riders Don’t want you to know This is Crossedup Podcast!

Show Notes: https://crosseduppodcast.com/podcast/004

Derek’s Lean Experince: https://crosseduppodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/image0-1024×768.jpg

Iron Butt Association: https://www.ironbutt.org/

003 – The Trip Episode

Derek — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 00:01:32 +0000

MotoGP is at Misano, We plan a trip to Circuit of the Americas and we talk about some things you should know before your next trip.

Unfortunately the Map Maker is no longer in business

We will try to include some pictures of maps next time.

002 – The Gear Episode

Derek — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 00:00:05 +0000

Brian and Derek discuss different kinds of gear, important features, and what to look for in a helmet. We also talk about the gear we wear, MotoGP and safety accessories. This is Crossed up podcast!

Helmet image: http://pages.uncc.edu/visualrhetoric/wp-content/uploads/sites/651/2014/04/helmet-impact-300×132.jpg