The Touring Rider

Michelin Atlases are famous because they are filled with details for route planning not found elsewhere. Both these and the Rand McNally Road Atlas provide a tactile feel and overview you just don’t get on a GPS or mobile navigation app.

Whether folding pages into a map pocket for on the fly navigation, or sitting down after that days ride to flip through pages and plan the next route, no digital replicant can quite compare to the look and feel of a printed map.

Maps of every U.S. state and Canadian province, an overview map of Mexico, and detailed inset maps of over 350 cities and 20 U.S. national parks. Road construction projects and updates highlighted for every state and conveniently located above the maps. Mileage chart shows distances between 90 North American cities and national parks along with a driving times. Includes useful listing of roadside websites and phone numbers, handy for route planning or a roadside emergency contact. Softbound. 10.8"×15.4", 144 pp., color illus.

Additional Information/Resources:

All RAM systems use a 1" ball and socket system. This super strong rubber ball and socket system provides mounting flexibility and protects electronics from damage due to vibration. All components are interchangeable so you can switch attachments at either end of the clamping stalk for maximum versatility.

A mounting ball that attaches to your bike's handlebar clutch/brake perch, left or right side. Also accepts an Extra Ball to make it a double mount.

Sure your high-tech, app-infested mobile do-everything phone thingy will show an up-to-the-minute-radar map-in-motion and allow you to find out what the weather is going to be anywhere, a week from some Tuesday….but even if you are off the cell service grid, this compact pocket radio easily tunes in your local weather forecasts on AM, FM and all seven NOAA Weather Alert frequencies. Features include a built-in speaker, headphones with 4' cord and 3.5mm jack, clock, removable belt clip, auto channel seek, 19 memory presets, battery power indicator, external plug-in antennae, 90 minute auto shut off option and PLL synthesized tuning system. Uses two AA batteries (not included). 4"×2.5"×.75".

Versatile waterproof protection with big storage capacity. Fill up the voluminous 20 Liter cavity with your laptop, lunch and daily paperwork for the everyday commute, or stuff in a shaving kit, change of clothes and a few snacks for a long-distance adventure. Zip open top opens wide for easy access and features a clear pocket on top to easily see and house a map, tablet or phone. Universal mount strap system with quick-release buckles. Rubber insert handle and padded shoulder strap make it a cinch to carry off the bike too. Side zip pockets are great for toll booth change, or anything you want quick access to. Waterproof fabric, zippers and high-frequency reinforced seams keep your stuff dry every ride. Pass through port allows connecting electronics to charge inside the bag while riding. 20 Liters. 13.8”x9.8”x8.3”.

Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest. Like this pair completely waterproof throw-over soft saddlebags: they are made of the same heavy-duty polyurethane materials and use the same welded seam system found on heavy-duty dry bags. The easy loading top entry design rolls over and clips at both ends for a completely waterproof seal. Each bag’s lower leading end is cut away for generous passenger leg clearance. The bikeside has a full width Thermo-molded pad to protect paint and bodywork. All webbing and hardware is top grade. Inside are several carefully designed polypropylene stiffener panels as well as a handy organizer pocket, and at the rear of each bag is a Scotchlite™ reflective area. Each bag has an integrated handle and compression straps with quick-release buckles.

Dry Bag Saddlebags are short enough to fit ahead of the rear turn signals on all motorcycles and are ideal for use on dual sport or sport machines. You won’t find frivolous details here, just intelligent and functional bags that won’t stick out too far yet will easily hold enough for a weekend camping trip. Totally waterproof. Easy to install and quick to put on or remove. For installation, allow 4 inches between exhaust and bags. Heat shield recommended. Black. 15"×13"×8" each (26 liters), with 3173 cu. in. combined volume.

This is a simple, functional piece of rider’s clothing. The Face Fairing has a hook & loop closure tab that adjustably fits most neck sizes. It can be worn in two positions: like a cowboy outrider, draped low around the neck to warm and protect the chest; or drawn over the nose and mouth when protection from the elements is needed. We now make them with a softer and more comfortable windproof/water resistant WINDSTOPPER® fabric. Hypotenuse 24", Base 16". (XL version hypotenuse is 26".) Black or red.

Additional Information/Resources:

It’s hard to beat the allure and practicality of titanium construction. Around two inches long with a screw-type connector.

Nice and hefty for jumping a motorcycle or other light vehicles. Durable clamps grab battery posts with authority. Made of 10 gauge polar/solar wire that stays flexible. May be just the thing to save that ride. 6'. Includes storage bag.

So your buddy pulls over in a cloud of smoke with a broken chain piled up in front of his engine sprocket and a busted crankcase. Or he throws his new scoot up the street in a cacophony of sparks and shredded parts. Whattya do? Look uncomfortably at your feet? Cringe with empathy? Hell no. You whip out Mr. Happy and lighten the mood with chirpy platitudes such as “Gee Bill, I’m sure we can find a guy to replicate that casting for big bucks.” Or “That’s OK, that bike was kind of ugly anyway, don’t you think?” Chances are that after the rider in question chases you half a mile down the road and pummels you about the head and shoulders he’ll feel MUCH better.

Be ready with a kind word and light pantomime for any downer occasion. Mr. Happy wants to help. Fits readily in most tankbags. Also good for cheering up rain-sodden rally campsites or bolstering spirits during multi-day bad weather scenarios that have eaten up most of a given vacation or ride.

(Share your Mr. Happy experiences or just see what he’s been up to by visiting his website at: www.mrhappytravels.com or follow the antics of MrHappyPuppet on Twitter.)