Day 2: Riding the Black Canyon // Speed Twin Goes West

How much awesome stuff is there to see in Colorado? How good is the Triumph Speed Twin for touring? Why does it take me almost twice as long as it should to get anywhere on a motorcycle? All these questions and more will be answered on this five-day road trip through western Colorado aboard my '19 Speedy. I'll be putting out one video for each day of the trip, so stay tuned.
I'm already back in DC, trying to catch up on editing Colorado videos. Stay up-to-date with my bike happenings by following me on Instagram: / van_blamm
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CAMERA GEAR
Mirrorless camera: Sony Alpha a6300 (amzn.to/3hPS1SU)
Current model: amzn.to/2GemcVS
Long lens for a6300: Sony 55-210mm E-Mount lens (amzn.to/31PGOfy)
Prime lens for a6300: Meike MK 25mm E-Mount lens (amzn.to/31N33mn)
Helmet camera: GoPro Hero7 Black (amzn.to/3hKNt07)
Helmet camera mount: RideTechMoto GoPro mount for Shoei RF1200 (rb.gy/zh2fgx)
GoPro 3.5mm mic adapter (amzn.to/3ilsS2V)
Housing for GoPro & mic adapter combo (amzn.to/3lUT9at)
Handlebar camera: GoPro Hero5 Session (amzn.to/2DlGgVn)
ND filters: Neewer Filter Kit for GoPro 5/6/7 (amzn.to/34RaATe)
Drone: DJI Mavic Air (amzn.to/2YX9VMi)
Current model: amzn.to/2F1ngf2
Audio recorder: H1 Zoom (amzn.to/3hX9KIk)
Mini shotgun mic: Rode VideoMicro (amzn.to/2EEXaPv)
Vlogging tripod: Joby GorillaPod (amzn.to/3lJsNb5)
Compact tripod: YoTilon Travel Tripod (amzn.to/34YSrmi)
Camera slider: Zeapon Micro 2 (amzn.to/3hPllZG)
MOTORCYCLE GEAR
Note: I am 5’8” (173cm), 160lb (72kg)
Yellow helmet: Shoei RF1200, L (amzn.to/3lImCnB)
Leather jacket: Rev’It! Flatbush, 48 (discontinued)
Mesh jacket: Rev’It! Eclipse, M (rb.gy/j7josc)
Cold/wet weather jacket: Rev’It! Nautilus, 48 (discontinued)
Olive armored riding pants: Speed & Strength Dogs of War, 32x30 (discontinued)
Blue kevlar riding jeans: Draggin’ Jeans Slim Fit, 32x30 (rb.gy/wuezi3)
Waterproof riding boots: Tourmaster Solution WP Air, 10 (amzn.to/3bj8IDE)
Breathable gloves: Scorpion EXO SGS MKII, M (amzn.to/2ERzLdv)
Cold/wet weather gloves: Rev’It! Boxxer H2O, M (rb.gy/htlfxo)
Current model: rb.gy/vieady
Bluetooth communicator: Sena SMH10R (amzn.to/2QSs0Gx)

[@son12509]

Amazing views. Dat dam

[@markeisenschenk9446]

These on board camera angles, plus a few drone shots of the scenery are everything I dream of. Love the videos

[@luisribeiro4267]

Hiting LIKE even without seeing it first... you just know it’s going to be SWEET ! 💪🏼🤙🏼✌🏼

[@nihar77p]

I feel you are the Steven Spielberg of You Tube Vlogging . Quality Content . Seeing your videos makes me regret my decision to trade in my Speed Twin (Black) . Might resort back to it . Keep posting !!! Subbed ....

[@garyglasser6478]

Those of us who ride often (Peak to Peak Highways is another AMAZING scenic ride and closer to the Denver Metro area) know very well about the crusty (gravel) corners and no guardrails.

[@craigsallas83]

Thanks for taking us along “for the ride.”

[@farko2122]

I am a simple guy, i saw Triumph (Speed Twin) content, i subscribed xD

[@deb11rishi]

I keep re-watching this video and it never gets old

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you!

[@kenhaun9042]

As to the opening with drone: it was worth the effort. Very nice...

[@recondmv6342]

Outstanding videos. An incredible amount of work in getting the raw footage and editing. I really enjoy your videos. Please keep making great content. I am binging on your touring vids. Ride safe and have fun.

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you!!

[@jessepowell4435]

These videos are hitting me in so many different ways. I grew up in Durango, and spent the last 10 years in the Denver area. I’ve been all over that state and recognize every road you’ve traveled. I also own a Speed Twin. I live in SC now, and I have to tell you, my homesickness has never been so intense. Thank you so much for this content. Also, Ouray is pronounced “U-ray.” Just FYI. 😉

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks! You're very lucky to get to call that place home. I knew there was no way I was saying Ouray correctly haha

[@MatthewMcMaster82]

Great video, thanks for sharing your adventures!

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you!

[@WatermarquePaul]

New subscriber to your channel from the UK, watching your films in an ad-hoc order but enjoying your commentry, scenery and tips. I think the bike drone shot was good and well worth the effort. Loving the Triumph too, their HQ is very near to where I live and have added to my shortlist next bike. Colorada looks amazing, I'm a skier so have only seen it in the winter, your video's make me want to put that right. Keep up the great work!

[@michaelmclarney1994]

Great upload again, just loving your journey in amazing motorcycle country.👍

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks! I just completed another trip like this one. The videos should start appearing later this summer.

[@michaelmclarney1994]

@@VanBlamm great, I look forward to them, you present really well too. It's so vast compared to England and the UK.

[@tomcr1125]

Wow.it's really beautiful there.

[@adrianheffernan102]

What an inspiring trip, Thanks for taking me along. Can't wait to get out on my bike now!

[@beaumondeconcept5120]

great video as always !

[@armandomorales5857]

I´m glad I discovered your channel, I've been eyeing the speed twin for some time, one question I had was about its ability to tour, no doubt it can be done :)

[@VanBlamm]

It sure can! The biggest limitation is seat comfort

[@aderitojunior118]

Awesome!

[@radiumdial57]

Brilliant travelogue of my uniquely beautiful state! Although you mentioned the time required to accomplish the drone shots, I must say it was well worth it for me to see those fabulous roads I have traveled so many times from that perspective. Epic work. Come back anytime. Triumph 675 Street Triple R.

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you! You're very lucky to get to live there, fires be damned

[@johnridesadv2512]

Awesome stuff as usual! Godddamn, I need to get to Colorado... and get myself a Speed Twin. If you haven't thought of it already, do a video review of the bike post-trip and let us know what you thought of it for this type of riding. This bike is currently at the top of my shopping list and you're channel is probably going to result in a trip to the local Triumph dealer.

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks! The fifth and final video of this little road trip is when I'll talk about how it fared for this type of touring (spoiler alert: it's pretty damned good)

[@TheMcCoon]

Might as well ride Moab. It’s not terribly far from CO. Let me know if you do and I’ll meet you there on my Speed Twin.

[@VanBlamm]

I almost went to Moab the day after this was filmed, but I opted to take 141 through Gateway instead and was not disappointed. I'm thinking about doing a whole big trip to Utah sometime next year.

[@turboponies]

Very well done. You're not without talent.

[@greggronzo9286]

Did you ever do a review of your bike trailer?

[@VanBlamm]

I did one video that was more of a long-winded explanation of how I ended up with it, plus my early experiences. kzbin.info/www/bejne/npS9dYSiZ5aGo9E It turned out to be a great trailer, got me all over the country without any issues other than one of the taillight units falling off, and it being almost impossible to reverse around a bend. It was great being able to do everything by myself. I recently sold it because I don't see myself taking another trip like that for a few years.

[@greggronzo9286]

@@VanBlamm thanks for the response. I’ve been lookin at them for when we go with the family to lake George. Would be nice to have a bike with me

[@SoulofMachine]

🤘🏻👌🏻

[@edwsec]

Hi! How many km by day you doing travel when you use your speed twin?

[@VanBlamm]

Usually 300-500km

[@edwsec]

@@VanBlamm ​@@VanBlamm Awesome! I also have a Speed Twin and I am 1.85m but I can't do more than 250km without pain. I have 5 questions: How do you manage to avoid pain in the neck from the wind? And in the knees when being in that position for so long? And in the butt? How often or how many kilometers do you make stops? How long are those stops?

[@VanBlamm]

Hmm I am 1.75m and have never had an issue with my knees or with wind blast on this bike. I had one of the Dart screens for my old Street Twin and thought it made no difference, but a lot of people find them very helpful. My butt does get really sore though, starting at about 250km. I might get a Corbin seat someday. I am very easily distracted by scenery and usually stop at least once every 60-90 minutes to play with cameras. This can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes. I do think these breaks help me stay comfortable longer. I once rode the Speed Twin for 250km of motorway without stopping, and it was extremely painful for my butt, although still fine for my neck & knees. Hope this helps!

[@edwsec]

@@VanBlamm Try with biker gel shorts for men. I use it!

[@DanRaabecoach2014]

Which luggage works best on this bike?

[@VanBlamm]

I use the SW-Motech Blaze saddlebags. I've been very happy with them over the course of a few years, but I did just buy a rear cargo rack so I can add a tail pack or camping gear.

[@canwe02]

quick question so im looking to purchase a speed twin and i was wondering what is the winding noise?

[@VanBlamm]

I believe that's the fuel pump. My microphone picks it up very clearly whenever I apply the throttle; it's not as noticeable in real life. My old Street Twin made the same noise.

[@canwe02]

@@VanBlamm man thanks for getting back to me so you recommend the speed twin then. I plan on getting one and taking a nice road trip myself back to Indiana what do ya think?

[@VanBlamm]

I absolutely recommend it! It's good for touring if you do about 200-300 miles a day.

[@canwe02]

@@VanBlamm okay thanks will keep that in mind

[@DanRaabecoach2014]

Which side of the black canyon?

[@VanBlamm]

The north side

[@henkbokhove]

what's the price of the gas these days?

[@VanBlamm]

About $2.20 to $2.50 for regular. A little more expensive at higher altitudes.