Old, Alone and Answering Viewer's Questions

[@johnnybuoy2450]

I am a ride again 70 plus year old so hugely appreciate your info sharing. When not sailing or skiing, I continue to stay outdoors on the 83 Nighthawk. Thnx

[@bigmike4962]

Congratulations on having a wife who understands your desire to travel on a motorcycle. I am on wife number three and I finally got the right one and a good one and she is the same as yours.

[@Robnord1]

👍 I have a 5 or 6 state tour with UT as the highlight planned for mid September. I am not prepared, neither is the bike, and my business and home are in a state of never caught up. Going anyway. When it's time...a man's gotta ride.

[@bigmike4962]

Hope it went ok for you

[@Robnord1]

@@bigmike4962 It did not bigmike. So many things went wrong in every arena ( health issues, my work, need for repairs on my own properties, and so on), I finally got my message from the Universe and cancelled. The final straw was finding out my riding jacket and pants wouldn't zip because of fat gain over the last year. Now I have 10 months to prepare for the next big one. Thanks for asking.

[@JohnPflug-u5r]

I was in Connecticut touring on my Goldwing sidecar rig; a defective brake caliper was hanging up and I needed to get it home. Called AAA and they dispatched a flatbed, as requested. I have Premier membership for my cars and bikes, which allows for one FREE 200 mile tow per year. My home was over 100 miles away, and it was a hassle free process.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I like your glasses, and I'm a guy who wears glasses as well. Even the weird ones with the snap out lenses. Regarding AAA Motorcycle Towing service. My Ultra Classic broke down 5 hours South of my house, in San Francisco. This happened right where the 1 meets 19th St, the end of the freeway, beginning of town. This was also right at the end of the pandemic, when things were opening up. Called AAA and set up a tow. I called them back after an hour and a half when I hadn't heard anything. They said, "oh yeah, no. one is going to tow you." I was a bit angry at this point and asked "were you gonna let me know. Obviously not." I finally found a guy to make the tow, luckily a dealership knew a guy. This guy was awesome and even took me to a rental car place after the dealership. Low Budget Cycle Towing, in the SF Area.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I know others who have run into the same thing. I was stuck in a remote area and my buddies went to call for the AMA plan (my card), they got through, but did not wait for the "confirmation" call, so no truck was every sent. Luckily I was save by a viewer.

[@clvrswine]

@@LivingOffTheSlab AMA and AAA are two different things.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

​@@clvrswineYes, two different ways to get towing insurance.

[@jeffnelson1661]

Thanks for the video some good insight. Jumping ahead I'm throwing a guess out there for Cost at about $11,000. I figure 50 days fuel $1000.00, New tires and oil change $600, Food $2500.00, Hotels $6800-7200. I could be way off.

[@dadandmari-polishandproud771]

Just got back from a 6000 mile trip. 15 days circle tourMI to MT. to AZ to TX . hotels: $2k, gas $5 hundred, food/groc.$2hund, ed +-, misc. $3 hundred, 15 days. Extrapolate. Planning an AK trip next year 21 to 28 days with AK Marine Hwy from Haines AK to Bellingham, WA and est. double the cost.

[@johnmattman8174]

Just got back from a ride from Anchorage to Portland. While it was only 10 days of riding and 3,000 miles, everything in this video is accurate to a tee!

[@Lt_Tragg]

It always catches my ear when I hear the statement “how can I get my wife to LET me?”

[@pureblood2020]

Shame isn't it. Note to all the sheep out there. Don't ever get married.

[@rvator7291]

I totally winged a 2 week trip to Nova Scotia. Camped and moteled 50/50. I agree there are areas where you want to think ahead and book especially natl parks. I did get caught and stealth camped behind a abandoned building in Lyndonville, vermont on a friday night during the fall once. My trips have never had a destination written in stone and spur of the moment camping/ moteling has always made it more interesting. I find it nicer to end your day when you feel like its time. Maybe the weather sucked and 300 miles is going to be a ordeal. I will admit I could be a little more organized but I could never book a month.

[@scottdibiasio4694]

Keep up the good content. And keep rocking the glasses

[@davecranston3329]

Live the glasses !!! Great video ….. thanks for sharing

[@robertclark9]

When I go on a trip, my wife acts like she hit the lottery. Only problem is when I come home I can’t find anything. It’s always an opportunity for her to “rearrange” the house with me out of the way. 😂it’s all good. She’s done a few cross country trips with her sister by car, and I’m equally as thrilled when she does….😂 The dogs and I eat steak till we bust. I’m blessed with living in NH, and it is truly a great place to ride. You’re absolutely right brother. You ride what you want, where you want, and how you want! It’s not a popularity contest. 💪🏻👍🏼😎

[@rvator7291]

You live in one of my favorite MC states. Done the Kancamangus 4 times. Nothing beter than to criss cross between NH and Vermont in the fall.

[@dentman67]

More so than anything, this video this video shows how important it is to marry the right woman. My relationship with my wife is much like yours. Neither of need permission to do things. A respectful conversation, of course. 33 years of marriage is proof of how important this is.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Indeed, we are very fortunate.

[@eddie8279]

as its already been said,marring the right woman and the respect and encouragement to live life within our means. so thankful that I have a wife that encourages me to take on adventures! Thanks Craig for another informative video!

[@LTVoyager]

I’m at 41 years and my wife still rides with me. Her health with likely outlast mine so I suspect we will be riding together as long as I am able to ride. Thankful that we can still do this together.

[@bigmike4962]

Same here. Took the 3rd wife to get to the right lady but glad I made it

[@craigschroeder1733]

Thanks again Craig for your video. Very informative. Like the tow rope info.

[@richardadams6853]

Great video! We did the Denali thing on a cruise/land tour...lots of hype but not much seen.

[@mathewhephill8686]

So helpful. Thanks

[@LTVoyager]

We did a Princess cruise to Alaska many years ago up the inside passage and it was great. Taking a ferry and an adventure bike and spending a few days in each of the small towns and do some local riding, that would be a great adventure.

[@edwardmiller6353]

Don't pay any attention to the picky commentators! Love the video. My wife has Parkinsons and has no desire to ride, so we trailer the bike to a destination so she can enjoy the environment, too. We sometimes enjoy the roads in the truck so she can enjoy them, too. Again, great information!!

[@rvator7291]

Your trip also demonstrates the advantages of solo trips. You did it your way. 51 days is a trek.

[@jamiecalvert5906]

Great video! You’re such an inspiration!!

[@fourftr]

Another great video Craig. I’ve gone on two long trips. Wisconsin and Tennessee. It’s nice when you can travel with a close friend, not just companionship but cutting the cost of the hotel rooms is HUGE

[@archuk786]

I always wonder how to find people who like long distance riding especially to Alaska and ride with them

[@robb8773]

can you do a video on how to use a tow rope and what rope works best in your experience?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I will see what I can do. Might be awhile.

[@LTVoyager]

Yes, having kids and now grandkids does make a big difference. Grandkids are now the biggest reason we don’t take trips that run much longer than 4 weeks. It is hard to get a grandmother away from the grandkids for more than a few weeks at a time.

[@impoppa9647]

Love the bit about your glasses! I tend to wear louder bold dress shirts for work and i think i get equal amount of positive comments from both Male & Female. Usually it is from the least likely looking folks who make the most positive comments. I have also in the past worn bolder glasses and i find in general it puts me and others who notice in better moods.

[@scottdibiasio4694]

Craig, whose red bike is that in the background? Great videos. Very inspiring.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

It is an old Kawasaki, turned into yard art.

[@motorcyclemartin]

In Canada, the "AAA" is "CAA", which has different provincial organizations. AMA in Alberta, and BCAA in BC. My BCAA coverage covers me for any vehicle I am riding in or riding on - whether I own it, declare it to them, or not. Also, the Garmin InReach is a fantastic product. Best of all the satellite products IMO, and much sturdier than your phone. I'm also an advocate of carrying your phone on your person, not your handlebars - it will stay with you in a crash.

[@alainmichaud6747]

Triple A would work in Canada , but there is distance limited depending of your plan . I would like to travel in Bc go to Tofino , around the Vancouver island coast road ( this one I did but in a car) I am looking at trailering into bc and then ride that area. thank you for answering the question very entertaining and useful.

[@randyhanlon4746]

I like the yard art in the background.

[@user-cv9my1jq2r]

You could almost book a fishing trip and stay at theyre lodging even if you don’t fish. What do you think of that ? I actually did book a fishing trip and fished. It’s been many years ago also.

[@eugeniocara8059]

Hey…greats videos and comments,congrats…to whom is not from USA but has been from Brazil up to Ushuaia via all Patagonia area in Argentina and Chile in 41 days trip, almost 14K kilometers ,of corse in a motorcycle ,I would like to learn from you ,if is possible ,to have the MAP view of the places you have mentioned .The idea is to go up to Arctic Circle in the near future from Brazil . By the way ,all classes are super cool ! Many Tks .

[@milolabrett6549]

AAA membership covers you in Canada through Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). I agree coastal towns are very nice in Alaska and British Columbia.

[@NedRochford]

Craig, thanks to you and viewers who asked great questions! Lucky for me, my wife also rides ('17 Spyder F3S) so no problems on the home front, whether we are tripping together or I roll without her. Had a charging system failure on a former cycle. Luckily it was just out of town because I found out the 'free towing' with Progressive Ins. is only good for 15 miles. Yikes! Do you have a special towline or is it just 25' of rope? Very curious. Ned in SC

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I have tow rope from Green Chilli Adventure Gear. It has an elastic section to keep the line taunt.

[@NedRochford]

Thank you for the info. Now I need to look into both the Aerostitch 'lobster claws' and this towline. Money, money, moneyyyy! Ned

[@jefflink4671]

Ran into you in Wall Drug, we talked briefly. We were on our way to Yellowstone, you were headed back to Maine. Good informative video.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Hi, I remember, you were waiting on your wives, if I recall. Hope you had great trip!

[@redhorsegarage]

Looking forward to your cost break-down.. . . but, if you think the tire replacement was fun ;-) Agreed on hotel costs ... they are out of whack for sure. I am watching this from LoLo Pass this morning as I get ready to head to Glacier NP. You have challenged me to consider doing a de-brief when I get home (less the cost summary ;-0 )

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I know, I am always hesitant to talk about costs because it brings out all of the true believers...but I can handle it.

[@robm3357]

I tend to go for a long ride and then just wish I was home already. I love to ride but hate to have to plan where to stop. You never know what you find and if you want to stay in that location longer. So I don’t like to plan things out. But hats off to you. I like listening to your adventure and like your choice of bike.

[@ricklewis9564]

Ride EUROPA…you been to Alaska twice-now got to the Alps!

[@MinnowMoto]

I've been riding a long time, and had no idea tow ropes were a real thing. I that when that happened it was an adhoc type of thing.

[@cyclenut9992]

I think your glasses are a cool choice, I think some clear ones with same frame design would be cool too. Glasses are a personal choice, what you feel most comfortable in is the right ones. One question, do you think you could have done the same trip on a sports touring bike like a Suzuki gsx-gt? How rough are the roads and did you experience a lot of gravel roads?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks! Yes, you could do this ride on any bike, it is mostly paved. You will will run into dirt and gravel sections that are under construction, but you can get through them easily.

[@khrome13]

I'm a new subscriber. Enjoy your videos and your thought process, mine is much the same. One question that I had, @livingofftheslab is what mount do you use, on your bike, for the Insta 360? I have traditionally (like you) used a GoPro for many years and ready to switch I believe.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

First, thanks! I have a RAM ball on my handlebars and use the clamp and invisible stick with to the 360 motorcycle kit.

[@shawnfloyd6542]

Word !

[@Robnord1]

My wife encourages me to solo travel, and actually acts as my travel agent calling ahead booking reservations every day. Like you Craig, permission is never needed. I feel sorry for men who are so whipped they need approval for a trip, spending, or most anything for that matter. It's the way of the feminist, and un-natural.

[@robertclark9]

Amen to that. My wife also travels without me. It’s healthy to get away from each other sometimes. That old saying “familiarity breeds contempt” is 100% true. Safe travels!

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I don't think it is natural for anyone, man or women to try and control each other. We have chosen to go through this life together and that means allowing each other to be how they are.

[@Shaun-o1l]

Well said. Feminists, fighting and all that BS, it's not for me. I like women with more brains than that.

[@smudgemo]

My daily planning is similar except I go based on ride time as opposed to miles. Typically when I'm solo, my wife will locate a place to stay each day and book me a room based on where I think I can reach next. My buddy prefers to know where we're staying and books each day before we start the trip. When you don't need to book in advance for any reason, I prefer to just take things day by day and see what happens.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

More than one way to skin a cat.

[@bjrnhjjakobsen2174]

I am 60 and when I travel I do my research but I never make a schedule of where and when a part from start and finish date and a route. Any further details are part of the adventure it self and to some extend the weather. I have nothing to prove and I am not into breaking any records and I always travel on my own and bring my own whisky and cigars😂.

[@jomes67]

That cigar looks good. lol I can almost smell it. What brand is it? Do you take any on your trips.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

That was a Camacho Scorpion Sun Grown. I bought a bundle of Fumas. It is a nice cigar, but the roll quality is not as good as the premium brand.

[@timothytapio4252]

Your GPS ebook guide says you used Rever for planning trips...is that no longer the case and now using the MRA instead?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I use both. MRA for creating the routes, it is a much better tool. Rever is good because it comes with the Butler maps overlay and is good for researching roads. That is why I maintain a subscription.

[@timothytapio4252]

@@LivingOffTheSlab works for me...

[@kendavidson5805]

I think I heard you say the wind rider cover for the GS will work on the 1200? Is that true? What year should I order?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I don't know the year. I sent in the measurements of my seat.

[@antoinekhoury2126]

Thank you as usual, i agree with all the answers u gave. I am in the same age group as you but still work8ng but have lots of motorcycle trips that i like to do. The only question nobody asked was, were u able or do you smoke cigars on these trips, i like cigars too so one of the questions that i should have asked earlier.... thanks for sharing and always enjoy ur videos...

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Yes, had three out four over the course of the trip. I did not bring them with me, but was able to find a few on the road. Town Pump Stations carry some Partagus and Cohiba. Not their premium, but they work for a treat. Sometimes there are smoke shops as well.

[@antoinekhoury2126]

@@LivingOffTheSlab thank you music to my ears

[@igor1467]

Thank you for your videos and inspiration! You don’t look old, maybe mid 60-es (old I guess is a relative term). I was wondering if having satellite capable phone (like staring with iPhone 14 and up) makes the “inreach” obsolete?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Possibly, I don't have an iPhone but would worth looking into.

[@osimnod]

Looks like you're sporting a double Gordo in a Connecticut wrapper? Nice debrief on the ride. Hey, even your glasses are patriotic!

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Yeah, 6/60 Scorpion sun grown.

[@NoNameMotoTV]

What’s the red bike in the background?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

A KZ400 that could not be saved. At thest not for a lot of money.

[@DJPTEXAS]

Have you ever thought of flying in closer to a start point and renting a bike to complete the trip ? Give you more time or do you enjoy the ride from the East Coast as well ? (and on your own bike )

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I have thought about. So far part of the fun is leaving from and returning to my home. That may change.

[@DJPTEXAS]

@@LivingOffTheSlab Thanks !

[@paullee6663]

@@DJPTEXAS To my mind that's not a motorcycle tour, it's a 'holiday' and would completely change the dynamic for me. (Which is perfectly fine if that's what you are looking for)

[@DJPTEXAS]

@@paullee6663 I hear ya ....

[@almikelipscomb]

I was wondering if you ever tried Bunk A Bunker?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I have not. Looked into it a few times, but never works out where I want to be.

[@jameslee5428]

The Man, the Myth, the Legend! As always, more great input that you provide to all of us, adventure riders out here. Question for you. When you finally hang up your boots, put the keys to your bike in a lock box. IS A book coming so we All out here in motorcycle land can kick back and read all about your adventures🤔😎

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I don't about that, but you never know.

[@timetohunt1]

about how many miles do you avg per day? Thanks for sharing. never mind you answered it later in the Vid.

[@stever5359]

Dude, you can wear any kind of glasses you like. The last time I bought new glasses my wife went with me and I ended up buying blue frames. When I sat down with the fitter he mentioned that they were women’s frames. Not anymore I replied.

[@johnwoodworth4204]

Knowing your past history with BMW and your current history with Triumph would you stay with this brand or switch for a newer bike, when the time comes, for similar trips?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

This bike is running great so I have no reason to switch. I will keep it as long as it continues to do the job.

[@tangowiskey4740]

You could pay 20 a month for Zolio and have texting to AAA or other tow insurance have used Zolio in haiti and around the world .

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Looks to be the same as in Garmin inReach or Spot devices.

[@WilliamMurphy-ih4eh]

What was the red bike over your right shoulder in the video?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Kawasaki KZ440

[@My17A]

That is one Big Ass cigar!

[@edbolton2897]

Your glasses are fine. Any glasses are, as long as they help you see. Without being TOO specific, where in Massachusetts are you? I'm on the NH seacoast. I ride a 2014 Tiger Explorer. My wife has a 2017 Tiger 800, but she hasn't ridden it lately. Hoping to get her back on the bike soon. I'm planning a few big trips myself over the next few years.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

South of Boston

[@centralcoastcruiser2084]

What was your destination, how far north did you ride?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Went to Fairbanks and down to Denali. I did not go to Deadhorse.

[@centralcoastcruiser2084]

@@LivingOffTheSlab Nice, My sister and brother in law both about our age just got back from Prudhoe Bay. They too talked about the rough road around Tok. I've been to Skagway and would love to ride in that coastal area. Thanks for sharing your trip

[@LTVoyager]

I am not cost concerned either. I used to plan for $200/day for my wife and I for purely travel expenses plus any site visit costs for museums, etc. This was generally $100 for hotel, $70 for meals and $30 for gas. This worked well prior to Bidenflation. I think our trip to California from PA this past May was closer to $300/day. Hotels averaged probably $150, gas was $50 and meals close to $100.

[@janetdempsey2304]

Danger...like the trampoline? 😂

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Yes... exactly!!

[@cathyripleygreene6327]

Bounce bounce bounce

[@pfoster7467]

Did you wear any type of hearing protection while riding or ear buds?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I have Ear Peace ear plugs

[@tswelbaumsr]

Ok, my friend ... fellow Triumph Tiger GT rider ... what was your budget?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Working on it

[@richardmourdock2719]

Alaska has two seasons. Winter and construction. But it is all part of it. And the costs are clearly extraordinary, unfortunately.

[@g2bold174]

My wife’s asks “are you going fishing this weekend” if I say no she says “why not” in her annoyed tone of voice

[@I_am_archie]

That bike off your right shoulder?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

It is an old Kawasaki that became yard art.

[@ulrichholl364]

Worst things in life are the wrong wife and the wrong job! No trouble anymore about bikes with my second wife, enjoying our retirement after moving from germany to bulgaria. Looking out for a midsize ATV to travel the balkan.