Any winter riding I’ve done pales in comparison to British rider Ed March. He’s ridden his C90 Honda all over the world, by himself, without backup. That’s adventure. The video is definitely worth watching.
You have to consider March’s riding extreme by any measure. The fact that he rides a small machine earns him some dismissive reactions from those that think adventure is the realm of bigger bikes. I suspect it led to his production of “Hitler Finds Out Ed March is Riding to the Arctic Circle”, one of dozens of parodies of all types built around clips from the film “Downfall“, a chilling portrait of the last days of Adolf Hitler played masterfully by Bruno Ganz. Be warned if you are a big adventure bike rider, especially of the BMW variety, you are in for some not so subtle ribbing. The description of BMW’s wiring and electronics crack me up.
Again, worth a look.
Raindog says
Wow. Wow. Wow. Simply unbelievable. And some gorgeous footage as well. I thought that two stroke scooters demanded respect… Mr. Ed March, I am SOOO not worthy.
As for the gentle ribbing of BMWs, that’s funny stuff. I ride an F800GS, and I’m not the least bit offended… I ride a motorcycle–I don’t ride a brand. In fact, I’m a bit jealous: It’s certainly a hell of a lot easier to pick up a fallen C90 than a fallen F800GS, especially when it’s burdened with gear.
Steve Williams says
It is pretty amazing. Not only that he did that trip in the Arctic winter, but that he took the time to shoot all the video. That’s rough work in the cold.
I’ve been toying with the idea of getting a second machine and have been looking at some 1980s vintage BMW airheads. But now I’m thinking I want a C90! They are easier to pick up.
Jim+Zeiser says
Here you go Steve.
http://www.superiorpowersports.com/110cc_motorcycle_p/bms110sc-bimetro.htm
Before you scoff, I own a Chinese made bike with the 50cc version of this engine and have had zero problems with it. It’s been in my garage for over 5 years now and has been as reliable as the Honda Rebel beside it. I know a 70 year old woman with one and she loves it.
Steve Williams says
That’s an amazing price for that little motorcycle and it looks almost exactly like the Symba. I am nervous about anything where I can’t find a nearby dealer though. I know a couple people who purchased scooters from Pep Boys and when they broke down Pep Boys couldn’t fix them or get parts and they really had to struggle to find parts.
I really wish Honda would import the Passport.
Fred says
And don’t forget the SYM Symba either.
http://www.alliancepowersports.com/models/symba.html
I’ve been considering one ever since they first came out some years ago.
(And yes, I’ve ridden large displacement motorcycles through 37 states, so far.)
Steve Williams says
I like the looks of the Symba and the seemingly bigger dealer network. I’ve also been looking at Honda C90 trailbikes on EBay. Lot’s of options. And of course I love the Honda Ruckus. For some reason I keep looking smaller. Someone told me the natural progression was to bigger machines…
Will says
Steve, thanks so much for posting these videos, made my morning!
The spirit of adventure crosses all lines we humans impose and shows us just what fun life can be if lived with passion…and a little zaniness.
Steve Williams says
There is definitely some zaniness in those two videos. It’s good to have some of that around to keep us paying attention to life!
RichardM says
Great videos, both of them! I like the studs in the tires, I don’t think that I could get away with that on the roads but probably very effective in the packed snow. 90cc and 7hp is enough. Have you been following Mike Saunders trip from Key West to Deadhorse? An R1150GS rider who opted for a 49cc Ruckus. http://lostwithmike.weebly.com/ruckus-blog
Steve Williams says
I love following Mike’s trip around North America on a Honda Ruckus. That kind of trip is far more adventurous than the same done on a big bike with lots of money in your pocket. Don’t know how Mike does it. My first reaction is always, “Doesn’t he have a job?”.
RichardM says
Savings and minimal expenses while on the road. When Mike was in Fairbanks he mentioned that thus far he’d spent only $4 on lodging.
Steve Williams says
How is that possible? He left from DC months earlier. And I could have sworn some of his pix were made in hotel rooms. Did he get people to donate all that stuff?
RichardM says
Couch surfing and primitive camping.
Steve Williams says
I’m definitely in the couch surfing mode at the moment. Not sure I want to ride in Ed March’s tracks.
dom says
Thanks for the video links Steve! I should have had a C90 as a “lifeboat” on Valencia during the ride to AK! 😉
dom
Steve Williams says
You could have easily strapped one on the spare tire!
Steve Williams says
Or maybe a Honda Mini Trail bike would have been better yet. Could strap it to the side of the sidecar.
Canajun says
Great videos. Now I’ll have to follow his adventures to see what else he gets up to. Thanks for sharing.
Steve Williams says
I’m always impressed by the little adventures some people undertake.
Bryce Lee says
Watched an interview with Bruno Ganz and his comment was that although he resembled Herr Hitler in the movie, he considered himself “just an actor employed to do a job.” I can understand this, with appropriate makeup and staging he did an admirable recreation of the now deceased leader. Mind having been hatched in very early 1946 never saw the man in person, but then how many did except in newsreels and photographs?
Now as to the C90, have friends who still have their o wn machines, and yes use them in the winter because they are cheap and fun. Often thought bolting two C90’s together would create an interesting winter beater machine. The original 49cc engine in the C50 is still produced in places today. Like the 90, dead simple to repair or yes, destroy. No lubricant oil…dummy!
Seeing our fearless expeditionist doing his thing makes me wonder if our blog owner would ever consider to do so likewise on a Vespa and perhaps chase a certain black Belgian sheepdox across the fields???
Steve Williams says
Ganz has done a number of fine films including “Wings of Desire” and “Faraway So Close” by Wim Wenders. His work in Downfall was chilling.
You won’t see this blog owner riding to the Arctic anytime soon unless you could riding to Dairy Queen for a Blizzard something like the Arctic. And I’d never chase my poor black dog!
Dave+(fledermaus) says
Thanks for posting these, Steve. First video was pretty amazing, and I laughed myself silly on the second, much to my wife’s consternation. Going to have to see more of this guy.
And here I thought some of those lunatics riding their Vespas in the snow were pretty far out there. ;o)
Steve Williams says
Snow riding on Vespa scooters is purely whitetoast adeventuring!
Steve Williams says
There are a ton of Hitler videos on Youtube. One of my early favorites was when his BMW was stolen: HITLER’S BMW STOLEN.
Very weird how culture has transformed this ultimate monster into a focus of ongoing jokes.
Dave says
Strange indeed. Perhaps a form of belated vengeance?
Used to love Monty Python’s treatment. Oh, wait, that was Mr. Hilter. ;o)