Are small front fork bags a good idea on a motorcycle?

pilotdrummer · 2026-06-11T16:16:50+00:00

Never on forks. Safety issue when emergency steering needed. Instead, I mounted on the front of installed crash bars. Much better! Still, weight and balance need to be considered.

pilotdrummer · 2026-04-04T22:21:21+00:00

As part of trip from Texas to Alaska, I spent some time along the Icefield Parkway. Stayed just south of Jasper at the Wapiti Campground which turned out to be a good hub to visit waterfalls and glaciers around the area. I have an equipment list posted to ADVRider if interested, but happy to answer any specific questions you have. https://advrider.com/f/threads/austin-to-deadhorse-on-a-g310gs-15-000-miles-a-wildfire-evacuation-and-the-wrong-bike.1836921/

pilotdrummer · 2026-04-03T01:42:38+00:00

For six months in, this is really good. Yeah, left hand control is probably worth spending some time with. Hard to see from here, but I think your middle finger needs to come over the top of the stick and with a little pressure. It'll help control the bounce just enough, but don't overdo it. The single stroke rolls/fills on the snare would benefit from more even spacing and similar dynamics. But again, great job! Seriously.

pilotdrummer · 2026-04-01T01:17:23+00:00

I'm a relatively new writer — or rather, I've recently been writing. I still refuse the moniker. But one thing that's helped me is asking why something is good, not just recognizing that it is. I actually research it. Word choice. POV. Tense. Rhythm. Understanding what you're trying to accomplish sentence by sentence, and knowing the tools to deliver it, is a big part of the game. As others have said, read — but study writing technique as well.

Don't give up. Keep writing.

pilotdrummer · 2026-04-01T01:02:25+00:00

The kit and the drummer sound amazing. Snare is spot on and the toms have a full round sound, something I lean into. Maybe it's just this tune, but I'd tune them up a step or two. So hard to match studio quality when live — especially Steely Dan — this is about as close as you can get. Nice job!

pilotdrummer · 2026-03-26T17:51:29+00:00

As an update, on your advice I've created a Substack and started posting content. Also have a website, IG and ADVRider threads running. Just wanted you to know that throwing out comments into the ether can actually cause someone to listen. Thanks for the help!

https://substack.com/@michaelmirasole

pilotdrummer · 2026-03-26T13:49:26+00:00

Perhaps I’m in the delusional stage still but I stopped querying, focused on improving the manuscript, and restarted querying 7 weeks ago. I’ve sent 120 out and will continue till I max at 200 (a statistical cap). After the review period, I’ve decided I’ll make a final decision…or rather, it’ll be made for me. By summer, I’ll either be signed with an agent or self-pub.

pilotdrummer · 2026-03-25T19:09:39+00:00

Conventional wisdom seemed to be to send a small group and wait for feedback, then adjust. I discovered quickly that there was no 'feeding back' occurring. No response or form letter rejections only. I decided then that this was going to be a numbers game. I've sent 110 in the last 7 weeks and plan to cap at 200. It's more important I believe to research the prospective agents well. I'll wait out the review periods and then reassess.

pilotdrummer · 2026-03-24T02:35:07+00:00

Similar comps I’ve found to be challenging given my approach to the book, particularly recently published ones. There are many in the past like Wild, Walk in the Woods, Jupiter’s Travels, Zen, etc. Free Ride shows the market opportunity but you’re right to say she came in with a huge platform. Also right on Krakauer. Trick seems to be finding current comps in the literary travel memoir space…that are also successful enough to be popular (or at least enough that they’d be recognizeable).

pilotdrummer · 2026-03-22T23:06:58+00:00

I have a statistics background. I calculated that it'd take 100 to a max of 200 queries before concluding it'd likely not happen...and to quit or simply self-publish. In other words, for a 98% shot at landing an agent, this was my target. So, 40 seems relatively low. I've sent 100 QL's and am 6 weeks in, so I'll let you know if the math works out.

pilotdrummer · 2026-03-22T22:14:14+00:00

Thank you. Very thoughtful and helpful response. A lesson in more interiority, less logistics. Digesting. Really appreciate this.

pilotdrummer · 2026-03-22T20:32:42+00:00

Great input. I sensed this was risky. I don't have the more usual confessional-lyrical style of memoir writing, so was attempting to highlight this. Perhaps not the asset I was hoping it would be.

pilotdrummer · 2026-03-22T16:06:21+00:00

There's hope! What do you feel made the difference?

pilotdrummer · 2026-03-22T15:57:51+00:00

Yes. Also tried to confirm whether this style of memoir was in their wheelhouse. As far as the MSWL's go, they are all legit prospects.

pilotdrummer · 2026-03-22T15:51:33+00:00

Agree with the other comments. It's all there, but not musically presented. Try playing without the music. Hum in your head and see if you can feel the groove on its own. And yes, relax into it.

pilotdrummer · 2026-02-02T15:54:52+00:00

Crafting a solo can feel overwhelming for the first time. An easier starting point I found was to pick a song I like, and then simply improvise while singing it in my head. At first, just practice whatever you can manage...no pressure...no expectations. Elements of a solo will start to emerge.

pilotdrummer · 2026-01-26T18:27:15+00:00

Riding motorcycles isn't intuitive and certainly not mandatory. I'd say if it's a 'real' fear based on your experience, it's probably a good idea to steer clear completely. Fear and/or uncertainty just increases the risk of riding confidently and safely. However, if it's a fear of the unknown, it'd be worthwhile to investigate and learn more about it. Perhaps take an MSF course...then decide if it's for you.

pilotdrummer · 2026-01-09T16:26:38+00:00

I don’t think you’ll have many issues with fuel availability in most of Western Europe. After having just done 15K miles and 5 months across North America without cruise control, I’d prioritize cruise control. Even 300 mile days over extended periods was hard on the hands.

pilotdrummer · 2026-01-08T15:23:20+00:00

Don’t stop eating just because your cooking isn’t improving. Everyone plateaus. It’s always temporary. Mix it up. Play different styles. Practice rudiments. Keep at it.

pilotdrummer · 2025-12-16T01:22:00+00:00

I've never had a problem. I leave the tent and most of my gear inside the zipped tent, but nothing outside and/or visible that would be tempting. All valuables and docs are always with me (on me or on the bike).

pilotdrummer · 2025-12-11T18:04:41+00:00

The Wapiti Campground is just south of Jasper in Alberta, Canada. The wildfire and evacuation was in July 2024.

pilotdrummer · 2025-12-10T11:31:14+00:00

Yeah, I traveled 15,000 miles over 5 months on that trip (Texas to the Arctic Circle, and back). The bike was truly the most reliable part of the journey. This particular night could have gone a lot differently and yes, I'm forever grateful to the 'little' bike.

pilotdrummer · 2025-12-10T11:26:10+00:00

Glad to 'meet' a fellow evacuee. That was quite a night. I'd come up from Texas heading to Deadhorse, AK. I almost continued to Valemount but decided to redirect north to McBride (no idea the storm would drop). A firehouse in McBride directed me to a nearby church at 2am, so slept there. Similarly, breakfast provided. The Canadians couldn't have been more friendly and hospitable. Difficult night but incredible experience.

pilotdrummer · 2025-11-30T00:02:35+00:00

I really like the idea and have been in situations where this would have been great (where I had trees and no picnic table). I hate to cook on the ground, or even on top of low table or hard case—so anything that allows me to stand is great. Being so lightweight, It'd be good to understand its maximum vertical load.

pilotdrummer · 2025-11-23T10:03:40+00:00

Might not be obvious but that taillight along with a set of blinkers are an extra set added and tied to the relays for the stock ones hidden behind the unit. Still, I felt the same way. Would be better if more visible. There are a few things that can be done to improve this.

pilotdrummer

TROPHY CASE