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ADV Lite Motorcycle Build Series: Kawasaki KLX300
The Kawasaki KLX300 is the base for this build series of the ADV Lite motorcycle. This stock dual sport will be transformed into a comfortable and capable "lite" touring motorcycle for exploring backroads and extended ADV tours.

Randy Reek, The Great Out There
3 hours ago4 min read


GPS Kevin Arkansas Backways Adventure Trail (ARBAT) – Backcountry Riding in Arkansas
The GPS Kevin "Arkansas Backways Adventure Trail (ARBAT) is a five-day motorcycle route through the scenic mountains of Northwest Arkansas. This is the ride report from October 2025.

Randy Reek, The Great Out There
24 hours ago11 min read


Review: Mercier Kilo GRX Gravel Touring Bike
The Mercier Kilo GRX gravel bike is my choice for rural area roads and Rail Trail riding. It is also perfect for light and fast bikepacking. Read the review and the modifications to ready this gravel bike for varied adventures.

Randy Reek, The Great Out There
Oct 146 min read


UPDATE: the Hybrid Gravel Bike Goes #Bikepacking!
My riding styles require a hybrid bike for gravel roads and lite bikepacking. This article details the process of building this versatile bike for the varied conditions and the few updates after a year of varied riding.

Randy Reek, The Great Out There
Oct 83 min read


Review and Update of the NEW Harbor Freight 5’ x 10’ Utility Trailer
The new Harbor Freight flat bed utility trailer is my choice for ALL my hauling needs. It combines the BEST value and features - now with the addition of the optional side rails!

Randy Reek, The Great Out There
Oct 66 min read


Review: BEST Value ADV Motorcycle Panniers | Bulletproof Soft Panniers for LESS than Half Price!
I found the BEST soft panniers for ADV riding - BUT they required a simple modification ($10.00 and 15 minutes) to make them bulletproof! Learn full details!

Randy Reek, The Great Out There
Sep 135 min read


DON'T Eat Gravel! Substitute FREEZE-DRIED Meat: Beef, Pork, or Chicken!
Freeze-dried meat (beef, chicken, and pork) are superior to dehydrated meats - both in flavor and storage stability. Learn how to enjoy more flavorful meals AND save money!

Randy Reek, The Great Out There
Sep 95 min read


Bikepacking Gravel Roads: Minocqua to Marshfield (Overnight Hammock Camping!)
My idea of FUN is #bikepacking on lightly traveled gravel roads, away from the tourist traffic, through scenic northern and central Wisconsin! Learn about the gravel bike, my preparation, and hammock camping overnight on this adventure!

Randy Reek, The Great Out There
Sep 45 min read


Kayak Hammock Camping | Upper Wisconsin River Float Trip with PEDAL Kayak!
A camping river float trip in a pedal fishing kayak? YES - and there are MANY advantages over canoes and sit-inside kayaks. Learn about my choice of kayaks and the modifications for extended camping trips.

Randy Reek, The Great Out There
Aug 188 min read


FIVE Improvements to the Haven Tent
The Haven Tent is a versatile hammock sleeping system. But I made FIVE improvements for pitching, comfort, and versatility. Learn more in this FREE article.

Randy Reek, The Great Out There
Aug 87 min read


Learning MINIMALIST Cold-Soaked STOVELESS Camping Meals from a Thru Hiker!
Stoveless cold soaked meals are a staple of thru hikers who are weight-conscious. But there are many other benefits of stoveless "cooking" for other backcountry campers.

Randy Reek, The Great Out There
Aug 112 min read


Best Value Adventure Motorcycle: Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is the clear, BEST Value Adventure Motorcycle. Examine ALL the features and compare to its closest competitor, the Honda CRF300L Rally.

Randy Reek, The Great Out There
Jul 247 min read


Boondock Camper and 4x4 Suspension Modifications
Off grid or boondock camping requires a TOUGH tow vehicle and trailer! I upgraded the suspension on BOTH with Sumo Springs - polymer bump stops!

Randy Reek, The Great Out There
Jul 236 min read


How to Gently Break In the Liquid-Cooled Himalayan 450 Motorcycle
The first 300 miles are crucial to break in a new motorcycle. Here's how I gently break in the liquid-cooled RE Himalayan 450 motorcycle.

Randy Reek, The Great Out There
Jul 146 min read


How and Where to Buy A Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
Shopping for a new motorcycle? Are you curious about Royal Enfield models? There is a RIGHT way to buy, and my preferred RE dealer! Take a road trip to Iowa!

Randy Reek, The Great Out There
Jul 105 min read


Building the Affordable Adventure Motorcycle! | Lifan KPX250 Budget ADV
The Lifan KPX250 is my choice for the Budget Adventure Motorcycle - with features NOT found in models selling for TWICE the price! Learn about the specs of the base cycle and the added accessories to create the budget ADV bike!

Randy Reek, The Great Out There
Jul 710 min read


The 2025 Scooter Cannonball is on NOW. Help support this event!
The Scooter Cannonball is a competitive, multiday, point-to-point touring rally for street-legal vintage and modern scooters. You can buy a set of collector decals to support this event!

Randy Reek, The Great Out There
Jun 262 min read


Building the Honda Grom Cafe Racer!
The Grom Cafe Racer is the COOLEST city commuter and minimalist touring motorcycle! Read about the transformation from plain to Super COOL!

Randy Reek, The Great Out There
Jun 216 min read


Mandatory FIX to the Perception Showdown Kayak Rudder
The Perception Showdown is a stable pedal-drive fishing kayak. BUT - it is completely non-functional if a TINY screw falls out! Learn the EASY modification to prevent the rudder from falling OFF!

Randy Reek, The Great Out There
Jun 194 min read


Building the Hybrid Bikepacking Gravel Bike | Motobecane Elite Adventure PRO
My riding styles require a hybrid bike for gravel roads and lite bikepacking. This article details the process of building this versatile bike for the varied conditions, day rides, and extended bikepacking tours.

Randy Reek, The Great Out There
Jun 174 min read
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