For the 22nd time, Jæren MC threw a party for all bikers in the Stavanger region on May 1st when the traditional and possibly largest motorcycle gathering in Norway took place. Blessed with the best weather one could possibly wish for, somewhere between 2000 and 2500 bikers are believed to have taken part in the event.

Equipped with both my Canon EOS 7D and the GoPro HD Hero 2, I was well equipped to document the ride, however, due to my technical dumbness, I was not able to capture any video this time, only still photos. Below are some samples – please make sure you visit the Photos page for all of the pictures from Vårsleppet!

Vårsleppet 2012 - Ready to start from Jæren MC

Vårsleppet 2012 - Ready to start from Jæren MC

Vårsleppet 2012 - A short pit-stop in Egersund

Vårsleppet 2012 - A short pit-stop in Egersund

Vårsleppet 2012 - Perfect conditions for a motorcycle ride

Vårsleppet 2012 - Perfect conditions for a motorcycle ride

With the nice weather we have had for the last few days, today’s short motorcycle ride felt like a 2012 season opening. I was definitely not the only one who had brushed winter dust of the bike and taken it out for a ride. What a splendid day!

2012 Season Opening - A short stop for lunch

2012 Season Opening - A short stop for lunch

2012 Season Opening - A short stop for lunch

2012 Season Opening - A short stop for lunch

2012 Season Opening - A short stop for lunch

2012 Season Opening - A short stop for lunch

This is a short video I put together after taking my bike for a spin on a beautiful and sunny Sunday. Check out the Video page for more videos.

The video was shot using the GoPro HD HERO2 action camera mounted on the left side of the bike and on top of the top box on the back of the bike.

A quick wash was obviously required after riding the bike during winter

A quick wash was obviously required after riding the bike during winter

Time for a pit-stop to enjoy the view

Time for a pit-stop to enjoy the view

 

While visiting Bikerstreet, the largest motorbike dealership in Norway,  on Saturday 12th November, I came across a GS Adventure bike that was in for service which had  a brilliant, small aluminum accessory case I had not seen before. It fit the bike perfectly, looked great and seemed quite convenient, so I decided I had to get one myself.

I snapped a photo of the logo on the case, and after visiting the BMW GS Emotion website, I contacted Lorenzo from Firence, Italy. He received my e-mail inquiry, and promptly responded with instructions on how to proceed. After a quick PayPay money transfer, the goods were swiftly shipped home to me in Norway. Dealing with Lorenzo and BMW GS Emotion was a great experience, and I can highly recommend both the aluminum case and doing business with Lorenzo! Please check out BMW GS Emotion on Facebook!

The package sent from Lorenzo at BMW GS Emotion in Italy

The package sent from Lorenzo at BMW GS Emotion in Italy

 

The case came with a nice thank-you letter, installation guidelines, BMW GS Emotion business cards and stickers

The case came with a nice thank-you letter, installation guidelines, BMW GS Emotion business cards and stickers

 

The BMW GS Emotion aluminum case and mounting parts

The BMW GS Emotion aluminum case and mounting parts

 

The BMW GS Emotion aluminum case mounted on my bike

The BMW GS Emotion aluminum case mounted on my bike

 

Fits perfectly, looks great, and boosts excellent build quality

Fits perfectly, looks great, and boosts excellent build quality

 

Build quality and fit is perfect and really tight. This is the top mount

Build quality and fit is perfect and really tight. This is the top mount

 

Front mount

Front mount

 

The case seen from a different angle

The case seen from a different angle

 

It definitely looks like an original BMW Motorrad accessory

It definitely looks like an original BMW Motorrad accessory

 

In order to tighten the locking nuts inside, I had to "build" this tool

In order to tighten the locking nuts inside, I had to "build" this tool

 

Since buying the GoPro HD HERO action cam this summer, I’ve become an addicted fan. This camera has also revitalized my former interest in video editing. The one and only drawback I can possibly think of about the GoPro HD HERO camera, is that it was recently replaced by the twice as impressive GoPro HD HERO2. I got mine today after ordering from Komplett.no. The main reason for my upgrade was the inclusion of the 3.5mm audio jack – it is now possible to connect an external monitor. Mind you, a range of other upgrades are also making the upgrade worth while. See a comparison on the GoPro website: http://gopro.com/product-comparison-hd-hero2-hd-hero-cameras/

It was pitch dark when I got home from work today, so an actual test of the camera’s capabilities – and comparison to the HD HERO (1) – will have to wait a bit. To cater for your curiosity, however, here are some pictures from the unboxing.

The new GoPro HD HERO2

The new GoPro HD HERO2

 

Even the package boost quality

Even the package boost quality

 

The GoPro HD HERO2 camera is out in the open

The GoPro HD HERO2 camera is out in the open

 

I can't wait to do a comparison against the original GoPro HD HERO

I can't wait to do a comparison against the original GoPro HD HERO

 

The battery and the rest of the accessories for the GoPro HD HERO2

The battery and the rest of the accessories for the GoPro HD HERO2

 

As with the GoPro HD HERO, I got the Motorsports bundle

As with the GoPro HD HERO, I got the Motorsports bundle

 

I can't wait to go to bed and study the GoPro HD HERO2 user manual

I can't wait to go to bed and study the GoPro HD HERO2 user manual

 

One of the main reasons for my upgrade - the 3.5mm audio jack

One of the main reasons for my upgrade - the 3.5mm audio jack

 

 

The unboxing of the GoPro HD HERO2 is completed - sweet!

The unboxing of the GoPro HD HERO2 is completed - sweet!