2017 Overland Expo East

This year, the Overland Expo East, held from Sept. 29–Oct. 1, saw a much-needed revival in the motorcycle segment. Several new features like a centralized Moto Village and training course, after hour activities, contests, and a prize ceremony boosted attendance and encouraged attendees to intermingle, motorcyclists or not. We always look forward to attending the Overland Expo, but 2017’s event has been the best one yet.

For the second year, OX East was hosted at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. If you’ve never been, plan to stay for a while, and bring the kids, because the Biltmore is a 6,950-acre spectacle in itself. Tours of the châteauesque-style mansion, built in the late 1800s, are included with admission to Overland Expo East. Activities such as horseback riding, bicycling, canoeing, and even wine tasting can all be enjoyed throughout the massive estate, making the event fun and entertaining for the whole family.

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OX East isn’t as large as the West Coast version of event, but only in attendance numbers. The Overland Expo crew did a wonderful job coordinating the event, and their hard work shined through happy attendees and an overall smooth-running event. Since the previous East Coast events were spoiled by weather, we’re sure the staff and attendees were relieved to see perfect weather in the forecast—sunny and 75°F during the days, and a comfy 50°F for overnight camping.

Most of our favorite overlanding experts were on hand, including Simon and Lisa Thomas (2RideTheWorld.com), Sam Manicom (Sam-Manicom.com), Daniel Rintz (Open-Explorers.com), and of course the “Godfather” of adventure motorcycling, Ted Simon (JupitersTravellers.org). The role they play in our community and the passing of knowledge to the next generation of overland travelers is essential. Knowledge in the form of books was available at a dedicated authors’ tent where attendees got a chance to be face-to-face with ADV-VIPs. Amongst other things, picking the minds of these experts allows us to gain all kinds of insight for what to expect out there, and you can find them all in one place at Overland Expo.

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Training, seminars, and presentations kept the attendees busy throughout the event, highlighting a wide spectrum of topics—from technical off-road techniques to roleplaying difficult border crossings. Multiple attendance packages were available, but you were really cutting yourself short if you didn’t sign-up for the Overland Experience Package, which gave access to workshops, food, and booze.

Overland Expo remains the undisputed king of events to attend if you’re planning any sort of international overlanding travel. From hikers and bikers to rigs that cost over $750,000, Overland Expo attracts vehicles and travelers across a wide spectrum. First time attendees would be in awe of the vast selection of equipment available to overlanding travelers. Motorcyclists generally try to carry the lightest load possible, but if you’ve got four wheels (or more) and the budget, the options to increase your family’s comfort are limitless.

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Even the best vehicle and gear is worthless if you don’t know how to use them. Motorcycle training was hosted by Bill Dragoo Adventure Rider Training (DART) (BillDragoo.com) and BMW GS Trophy Team Member,Tom Asher (TAARAADV.com). Students were able to learn everything from the basics to advanced techniques throughout the weekend. The ADVMoto booth was on vendor row with a clear view of the training grounds, and we got to witness students clearly progressing each day. The obstacle course was one of the best make-shift set-ups we’ve seen this year, complete with sand, dirt mounds, tight downhill U-turns, rocks, a “bamboo forest,” log hops, and more. Since the training took place in the middle of the venue, access was easy and attendees walking along the vendor row could spectate. For those who wanted to ride outside of the venue, group rides were hosted by Pisgah Moto Adventures (PigahMotoAdventures.com), an expert of the local dual-sporting trails.

As if training, presentations, and group rides weren’t enough, Overland Expo planned other ways to entertain the crowd, like showcasing Daniel Rintz’s, “Somewhere Else Tomorrow,” one of our favorite adventure motorcycling films. Daniel’s movie captivates its audience, and we cannot wait for the second installment that he’s just finished shooting and is now hard at work on. Daniel is currently fundraising to produce this sequel—to lend a hand or find out more visit Open-Explorers.com.

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If you know ADVMoto, you know we can’t show up to an event without bringing something to the table. Attendees who signed-up for the ADVMoto  After-Hours package got to enjoy a special dinner and booze, followed by a prize ceremony. Thanks to our generous sponsors, we awarded over $8,000 in parts, gear, vouchers, tires, and accessories. The prizes were sponsored by (in alpha order):
• Cardo (CardoSystems.com)
• Continental (ContinentalTire.com)
• Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental (FreedomBikeRental.com)
• Green Chile (GreenChileADV.com)
• Mosko Moto (MoskoMoto.com)
• MotoVermont (MotoVermont.com)
• Racer Gloves (RacerGlovesUSA.com)
• Scorpion (ScorpionUSA.com)
• Sena (Sena.com)
• Smart Turn System (Safter-Turn.com)
• Starbrite (Starbrite.com)
• Touratech (Touratech-USA.com)
• Twisted Throttle (TwistedThrottle.com)
• Vee Rubber (VeeRubberUSA.com)

A few moto-contests took place throughout the event, including a slow race sponsored by Vee Rubber (VeeRubberUSA.com), and a lighting shootout presented by Twisted Throttle (TwistedThrottle.com). We were overjoyed that many attendees dropped by our booth to tell us that ADVMoto’s presence was the highlight of their Overland Expo experience.

At Overland Expo East, there’s so much to do in so little time, the event will have you coming back for more year after year. We’re excited to see what’s in store for 2018! ADVMoto would like to thank our generous sponsors, readers, OX crew, staff at the Biltmore, and the new friends we made at Overland Expo. We hope you had just as much fun as we did and can’t wait to do it all again! OverlandExpo.com

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View the embedded image gallery online at:
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View the embedded image gallery online at:
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This summer, Touratech, and the DirtDaze Adventure Bike Rally are teaming up to knock the panniers off of the adventure motorcycle community with the inaugural Touratech DirtDaze Adventure Rally, August 15-18, 2019 at the Suicide Six recreational area in South Pomfret, VT.

In past years DirtDaze (the biggest ADV event in the Northeast) has taken place alongside Americade in early June and Touratech Rally East has been ridden in Central PA in August. Each of these events has continued to grow and now, by combining the best elements of each and creating the Touratech DirtDaze Adventure Rally, riders from the eastern region are being treated to what is expected to be the biggest and best ADV motorcycle riding experience in the Eastern USA.

“Partnering with Touratech is going to take the rally to the next level. We’re very excited about this, and the riders are going to be blown away by this year’s event.” - Christian Dutcher, DirtDaze

Adventure motorcycle enthusiasts should expect the best of all worlds at the Touratech DirtDaze Adventure Rally: We’ll feature amazing rides for all skill levels through breathtaking landscapes on dirt, gravel and pavement, incredible presentations, onsite education and challenges, moto-vendors, factory demos, outdoor fun and the great amenities available at the Suicide Six venue.

“When we had the opportunity to join forces with the DirtDaze team, we jumped on it. We want to provide adventure riders the best experiences on each coast and Touratech DirtDaze was a no-brainer. Riders shouldn’t miss it.” – Matt Lewis, Touratech USA

Registration for the Touratech DirtDaze Rally opens in April. Learn more at DirtDazeRally.com!

ADVMoto's Event Report of the DirtDaze Rally

ADVMoto's Event Report of Touratech Rally East

Hugo Moto is proud to announce the addition of a 750cc + Scrambler class to the last round of the Kenda Full Gas Sprint Enduro to be held October 20th and 21st in Glen Daniel, West Virginia. Racers will have the opportunity to ride 6 timed sections per day, alternating between grass track and woods sections. Competitors must be at least 18 years of age on a street-legal 750cc or larger machine with DOT-approved tires.



“Hugo Moto measures performance in smiles per hour and we can’t think of anything much more fun than ripping around a golf course on scramblers,” said Jason Smith, Hugo Moto President. “The Kenda Full Gas Sprint Enduro format is a perfect fit for scrambler racing. We love the fact that riders get to run their own pace against the clock on some amazing terrain. Not having to worry about who’s lined up next to you and getting to run shorter, timed segments really makes it approachable for everyone.”

Jason Hooper, Founder and Promoter of the Kenda Full Gas Sprint Enduro Series, stated, “We’ve watched the scrambler scene blow up over the last several years so we were excited when Hugo Moto approached us about adding a new class.They work closely with our title sponsor, Kenda, on scrambler tire development, so it’s a perfect fit. If the interest is strong, we’ll add it to selected events next year.”

About Hugo Moto:
Hugo Moto creates motorcycle accessories that empower average Janes and Joes to build exceptional bikes. Current focus: Making Harley-Davidson Sportsters great again with high-performance, bolt-on scrambler conversion kits. For more information visit https://hugomoto.com/ .

About The Kenda Full Gas Sprint Enduro Series:
The Kenda Full Gas Sprint Enduro is a nine-round AMA Championship Off-Road Racing Series. Each two-day event consists of six European-style “special test” timed sections per day, alternating between grass track and enduro tests. For more information visit http://www.sprintenduro.com/schedule/round-8-hidden-valley-golf/.

There’s nothing better than trading stories around a campfire after a long day’s ride. Weekend warrior or world traveler, we all enjoy the comradery and excitement that dual-sport and ADV events have to offer. One of our goals is to share these grass-roots experiences with as many people as possible.



Whether you’re a first-time event organizer, or a developed establishment, ADVMoto wants to help promote your event! Our outlets can help you attract more attendees, find volunteers, or share the message of a charity that’s important to you.

ADVMotoEvents Promotion Includes:

1) Event posting on ADVMotoEvents.com map (this includes occasional information updates, before and after event)
2) Social media promotion on ADVMotoEvents and ADVMotoMag Facebook pages
3) A short follow up post (press release or event report) of content provided by event organizer with link to your event site.
4) (Optional) ADVMotoEvents Sponsorship

"MotoVermont has greatly benefited from working with ADVMoto over the past several years. ADVMoto is a top-notch publication with an incredible presence at adventure related events all over North America. You would be hard pressed to find an adventure motorcyclist that does not follow ADVMoto" -- Eric Milano, MotoVermont

ADVMotoEvents Promotion costs just $100 (paid via PayPal invoice after Event Form is Submitted), and FREE for non-profit organizations.

Thanks for working with us! Your event will reach thousands of riders who love ADV! Contact us HERE if you have any general questions, or questions regarding the event submission process.

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With over 750 riders in attendance, March Moto Madness 2019 was arguably one of the largest, if not THE largest, ADV rallies ever held in the USA. 2020 looked promising and along came a global pandemic and slapped us all in the face. The MMM organizers were forced to make the hard choice and cancel the event.

Without a crystal ball, and the obvious lack of any precognition, there is no way of knowing what the Covid 19 pandemic, guidelines and restrictions will be for MMM 2021. What we do know is that they’re all ready to get back to the Madness. So, with no way of knowing what will come, 2021 dates have been planned with full knowledge that a cancellation is still a very real possibility.

Barring any new lock downs, quarantines or limits on outdoor gatherings, here is the plan.

• MMM Mother Rally

• March 25 - 28, 2021
• Tellico Plains, TN
• Registration will be limited to 300 attendees
• NO ON SITE REGISTRATION

There is no firm date to open registration yet but we are looking at the first or second week in January. Please don’t send emails asking when registration will open. MMM will send an email to their mailing list prior to opening so everyone has the opportunity to register for the available spots. Having a later registration opening will give time to hopefully have a clearer vision of what the future may bring as the Madness approaches.

Whatever happens for 2021, a large number of folks chose to roll their 2020 registration to 2021. Those registrations, and RV site reservations, are still valid and will be counted toward the 300 limit. In the event that MMM 2021 is not held, we will honor your registrations and roll it to the next MMM, unless there is a runaway meteor, super caldera explosion, alien invasion or some inter-dimensional gateway opening.

Let's hope the worst is behind us and we can move forward with a renewed zeal for life and adventure.   

• March Moto Madness wants to hear from prior attendees!

Without good feedback from the riders it's hard to get a feel for what the best, and worst, parts of the rally are. The organizers have created a short survey to help blaze the trail forward for the future of MMM and the Mother Rally. This has always been a for riders, by riders, rally and getting riders input is invaluable when it comes to putting together a rally that's enjoyable for all, including those doing all the work behind the curtains.

Please take a couple minutes to give your opinion. MMM can take it. Good or bad.

SURVEY LINK

MarchMotoMadness.com 

The 4th Annual Stolen Pig Rally will be held April 25-28, 2019 in McCarr Ky. The rally is for street-legal adventure enduro bikes. The SPR19 will be held at The McCoy Pig Farm semi-primitive campground, located in McCarr, KY just two miles from Matewan WV. The event is hosted by Donald and Kathy McCoy.

A highlight of this year's SPR19 will be the women's intermediate rides. The McCoy’s have invited special guest, Erin Solano Cox, founder of Women's Off Road Moto (WOMO). Erin will be riding daily and guiding women on great intermediate routes thru the Real McCoy Trails.



WOMO is committed to dirt, adventure, and dual sport motorcycles, while supporting each other and serving their community. Their goal is to be a safe place for women to learn to ride, ask questions, hear about events, riding opportunities and other info about the riding community. Erin is a self-proclaimed moto enthusiast who began riding nine years ago, and though her WOMOgroup is only a little over a year old, they have already been represented at a variety of riding trips and rallies.

Erin is honored and humbled to be leading several rides during the Stolen Pig Rally with fellow WOMOleader, Kerri Ankenman, as sweeper. We encourage women who are looking for a great place to ride and meet new friends in the moto community to join us at the Stolen Pig Rally. We assure you will have a great time.



For all size dual-sport and adventure bikes, there are endless miles of riding on The Real McCoy Trails. For street riding there's not a single quarter mile section of straight road in the region and plenty to see and do. Intermediate, medium & advanced routes are available from 60 -150 miles including The Feud Loop for history buffs. There will be rides available that include some awesome backwoods, single-lane, twisty blacktop as well as some dirt and gravel roads and all located within 10 - 25 miles of Base Camp at McCarr, KY.

Imagine riding and exploring within the 2nd lowest valley within the Appalachian Mountains and within the borders of 3 states loaded with awesome mountains, valleys and streams. The views are spectacular. Discover for yourself the blue grass of Kentucky, why West Virginia is Wild and Wonderful, Virginia is for Lovers and why the Hatfields and McCoys feuded over this land. To register and to learn more, check out the Stolen Pig Rally website at TheRealMcCoyTrails.com.

Learn more about Women's Off Road Moto Group.

Do you like seeing the latest and greatest motorcycle models and innovative products? If so, then make sure you don’t miss the Progressive International Motorcycle Show next year! It just took place in Long Beach, CA, November 16 - 18, 2018 and it's the biggest motorcycle show to take place in Southern California on an annual basis.



The hall floor was packed at this iconic show with families, couples and kids to see and EXPERIENCE new model motorcycles (yes, TEST RIDES) including our favorite lightweight dual sport and adventure bikes. With over 200 exhibitors, it is the place you want to be to learn about the latest and greatest in ADV tech, tips and solutions. With that said, let’s get into the five top products we found at the International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, CA this weekend!

1. Ultimate MX Hauler

The first innovative product we found at IMS was the Ultimate MX Hauler. This bike hauler is not your typical hitch carrier and has the ability to support up to 375lbs according to Sales Director, Alex Persinger. This is the latest generation of the Ultimate MX Hauler and comes in at only 57lbs. It's currently the most compact carrier on the market. The beauty of this product is that the bike platform lowers to 3 inches below your hitch making getting the bike on and off the hauler very simple. Now you can eliminate that trailer and hit the fast lane while having your bike secure on the back of your car, truck or SUV.



Ultimate MX Hauler also offers its Ultimate MC Ramp for middleweight adventure bikes coming in at 450lbs or less. MSRP: Ultimate MX Hauler $449.29 | Ultimate MC Hauler $649.90 UltimateMXHauler.com

2. TrailTech Voyager Pro

TrailTech has been a leading name in the motorcycle and powersports industry for quite some time now. Founded in 2001 they specialize in designing, manufacturing and marketing of digital instrumentation, lighting, power solutions and other accessories for the powersports industry. This year they made a huge innovation with the all new Voyager Pro GPS, which ADVMoto reported on in April. This is not your typical ADV GPS. It does much more than monitor location but also shows speed, RPMS, engine temp, run time, bluetooth connection, etc. with a huge advancement being a vivid color screen and the buddy tracking feature. The buddy tracking feature tracks your buddies who also have a Voyager Pro right on your screen using long range radio frequency to connect multiple riders. Stay tuned to ADVMoto for a full review! MSRP: Voyager Pro $599.95 TrailTech.net

3. AntiGravity Batteries

AntiGravity Batteries was founded in 2009 and is most famous for their innovative Lithium-Ion MICROSTART jump starters and personal power banks. However, their latest innovation in the motorcycle and powersports industry is their new RE-START technology. Their RE-START technology is integrated into their extremely light weight lithium-ion batteries (about 80% lighter than most stock batteries). The RE-START technology is so revolutionary because it essentially eliminates the possibility of a dead battery out on the trail. If the main cells in the battery become discharged and have an insufficient charge to electronically turn over the engine you now have an option by engaging the restart feature by a push of a button on the battery itself. That activates a circuit and allows you to crank over your bike and get back to the fun. MSRP: $129.99 AntigravityBatteries.com

4. Cardo Pack Talk Bold

Cardo is a helmet communication company who specializes in helmet communicators for motorcyclists. Believe it or not they actually started off with Bluetooth communicators for cell phones back in 2003 called “Scala.” Then in 2004 Scala Rider was born when the idea was made to integrate their wind suppressing technology into a moto helmet communicator.



They were also the very first to come up with Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC). DMC is different from Bluetooth communication because it bridges all riders no matter what position in line you’re in. With bluetooth, you must be in the position that was originally set when pairing and if that position changes when on the ride it limits range which can ultimately cause connection issues. With a potential total range of 5 miles with multiple riders I, would consider the Cardo Packtalk Bold one of the top communicators out on the market today. Did I mention it is also waterproof? MSRP: Single $329.95 | Pair $579.95 CardoSystems.com

5. CSC RX4

CSC Motorcycles is an exclusive importer of innovative and affordable motorcycles in North America. They've have been in business for the past 30 years and they aim to please the budget minded rider. CSC imports a range of bikes including dual sport and adventure motorcycles with the most recent release, the RX4 - a 450cc single cylinder adventure motorcycle that is completely kitted for adventure from the factory. It includes crash bars, luggage, and more, so that you are able to literally ride it off the showroom floor and head out for your next adventure. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to get into adventure riding and don’t mind a little extra weight this would be the bike I would recommend to test the waters. Could this be the bike that replaces the now extinct KLR650? Maybe. MSRP: $5895 CSCMotorcycles.com

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View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://advmotoevents.com/tag/event#sigProId4e4523f8cd

Overall, there were many great innovative motorcycles and products displayed at IMS however these were some of the most interesting and innovative that I was able to seek out. The dual sport industry and adventure riding community will continue to advance and grow with innovation so I would like to thank all the exhibitors and sponsors of the event for helping to push our sport and pastime into the future. I can’t wait to see what next year brings and hopefully I will see you there! Ride safe, ride fast and continue to ADVMoto!

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Garrett Ortiz is a 29-year-old motorcycle enthusiast with a beautiful wife and a four year old son. He enjoys ADV riding whenever he can find the time. Garrett is not your typical adventure motorcyclist, however, as he prefers lightweight dual-sport adventuring. As the Founder and Chief Editor of ADVLite, Garrett is helping to expand one of the fastest growing communities of lightweight dual sport adventure riders. Follow ADVLite on Facebook and Instagram - to join a group for people with small bikes, but like BIG adventures.