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  • Wallace to Leicester NS Side by Side Ride

    I hauled up the Side by Side and paid a visit to my buddy Keith up in the Tatamagouche area of Nova Scotia for a ride along the trails.

    If I was going solo, I would have unloaded at Tatamagouche Train Station trailhead, which is a large lot that hosts a trans canada trail kiosk and is generally very popular multi-use trail from here up to Pugwash.

    🚨🚨Check out my Can-am Defender Gear List🚨🚨

    But today, I started at Wallace about 18km from Tatamagouche en route to Oxford where we were planning to find a spot for lunch. So we were not sure how far to head out until we needed to turn around.

    Overall Route Description

    We first crossed over the Wallace train bridge which offres some greats sights and has a rich history from the sandstone quarries and local talent. There are a few unloading spots along this section of trail, but other wise you will find this to be a wooded rail to trail that is well maintained but does not have many turn off to stops or other views.

    Once we approach Oxford, we will ride on the old station rd. You will cross another unloading zone & kiosk. From here we’ll find ourselves parallel the 104 highway where we cross a bridge and go under the overpass. We have a side trail where you can re-fuel either at Irving, Tims or Subway.

    We follow the trail until we hit a logging road and can reach Springhill or go along snowmobile route 104 towards Leicester shelter which is where we opted to stop for lunch and stretched our legs. This was a 100km ride that took about 4 hours to complete.

    I consider this a grade 2 out of 5 in terms if difficulty as we are on rails to trails most of the way and with some elevation with loose rocks or water crossings. Meaning you can do this solo without getting stuck.

  • Can-Am 2022 Defender DPS HD7 4 Month Review

    Can-Am 2022 Defender DPS HD7 4 Month Review

    Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

    When I started shopping for a side by side, I wanted something that I could use everyday either for work or play. And I am not disappointed in my decision. The Can-Am defender helps a lot around the house as we have lots to do in terms of cleanup and landscaping. It also a great trail riding machine.

    I am out on the trail in the Mersey Bowater crown land with my side by side and I stopped for a bit of lunch and to give my 4 month review on the Can-Am 2022 Defender DPS HD7 .

    Since the Can-Am Defender has 19 trim levels, this vehicle can do a lot including getting in the mud. That’s one thing I tend not to do since I usually ride by myself but I’m sure I will get muddy regardless.

    The main feedback I get when I ride with passengers is how comfortable the ride is, allowing them to ride for a few hours and the overall engine noise level which allows you to talk without the need of radios or other.

    Big advantage of the Can-Am Defender are the storage options both inside the cab and in the bed. Depending on your load-out, you can bring a lot for whatever work or play activity. I tend to carry a gear bin which was the gear I kept in the truck for truck camping, so I was able to take most of it for the side by side. I also adding a tool kit, air compressor, tire repair and recovery kit.

    I have not run into any engine issues or other mechanical problems so far and at the time of recording I had about 400kms of riding with a top speed of 82 km/h.

    Things I like About 2022 Can-Am Defender

    • For work and trail
    • Quiet
    • Comfortable
    • Storage Capacity
    • Customization with Accessories based on activity
    • Wide range of trim levels and options

    More Stuff That Might Interest You

    • Garmin GPS Mounting Options For Side By Side Can-Am Defender

      In this video, I’ll go over some Garmin GPS device & monting options when you want to mount a Garmin GPS to a side by side UTV or other. Here I am using a Can-Am defender, but this also applied to similar styled utility rigs such as Polaris Ranger, Honda Pioneer and Yamaha Viking

      In a previous video, I mounted my Garmin Tread using the provided hardware but added a few components from RAM Mounts. I think it is fair to say that RAM or equivalant mounting hardware does the job well and provides you the ability to mount other items not just a Garmin GPS.

      I opted for installing my Garmin GPS at the dash level, just like I would in a car. A couplr of benefits, easy to wire and good location not in way when driving. A good tip is to check your UTV manufacturer for install instructons if they offer a GPS mounting kit. I ended up looking up the Garmin Montana GPS kit from BRP and used it as a Guide to mount my Garmin tread. (Https://instructions.BRP.com)

      Once you have spot for a mount using RAM products, it is easy to use other devices such as a smartphone or tablet instead of a Garmin GPS. But I have optionions about mounting a smartphone on a UTV or side by side.

      Why Smartphones May Not Be Best Option For Off-Road GPS

      1. Cell phone service when you forget to download your maps offline
      2. smartphone and tablets are fragile
      3. How mapping apps use your data

      But to be fair, a lot of people use their smartphone or a used tablet to use for navigation. But I tend to protect my phone and prefer to use standalone devices.

      In my rig, I installed the Garmin Tread as my main GPS device for riding in the Can-Am defender. However you can mount another large screen device such as the Garmin Montana 700 series. The big advantage of the Montana 700 series is that it is multi functional and not a purely automotive device like the Tread. This means that you can do more GPS activities withthe montana other than riding.

      Another option is to use a smaller GPS such as the GPSMAP 66 or inReach Explorer+. The smaller screen is a factor, but long battery life, same maps, multi functional this also allows you to mount on the left side giving you a quick release option if yu get in & out of your UTV. The bigger screen seem better suited on the right side of the steering wheel in my opinion.

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    • How Loud Is Can-Am 2022 Defender HD7 Engine?

      I’ll try to answer a question I’ve been getting on my other Can-AM 2022 Defender HD7 which is how loud is the engine noise? This is one of the things I was surprised by was how quiet it was next to other machines. I find that when operating in the 3200 RPM range you are still able to talk to your passenger in a somewhat louder volume than at idle and at your normal speaking volume.

      To try answering this , I use my Apple Watch Noise app which should give us a decibel level that we can judge. I’ll also do a compare with other loud engines around the house.

      I’ll use a 5500W generator running normally, then I’ll measure against a snowblower while at idle and at normal operating throttle, then finally compare the 2022 Defender engine while at idle, then at 4000 RPM.

      I have measured while riding at 5300 RPM a value of 91db, but I assume wind noise also played a factor as I was travelling over 50 km/h

      From the Apple Watch noise app the following decibel levels can have the following effects to you hearing:

      OK – below 80db, should not affect your hearing
      Loud – above 80db, consider ear protection.

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    • How To Route Plan Your Next Off-Road or ATV Trip with GaiaGPS and Export to Garmin Explore

      I use GaiaGPS and Garmin GPS products to plan new routes or trails to follow in a wilderness area for my off road trips using my Can-Am Defender side by side ATV.

      I’ll be using GaiaGPS, but other mapping programs like Garmin Basecamp or Garmin Explore will yield similar results a but I find that GaiaGPS is more flexible tool for route planning, map layers and exporting the GPX file directly to my device or to Garmin Explore. Also GaiaGPS offers web & smartphone app versions.

      Garmin Explore To Sync Your GPS Devices

      I use Garmin Explore to import/export tracks, waypoints & routes from my compatible Garmin GPS devices (GPSMAP 66, Montana 700, Tread), it allows me to access the data either while on the trail or save it as soon as I’m done my ride (via cellular connectivity in the field)

      Finding Off Road, ATV trails in GaiaGPS

      Depending on the type of riding you want to do, you want to scout out or plan appropriate routes for you to ride. In my situation, I am exploring a new area for me, so I want to be aware of the side by side friendly trails so that I don’t go down more technical trails when I’m riding solo.

      Using Premium Map layers to evaluate the type of route you want to plan for
      In GaiaGPS this means you can leverage the different may layers or map sources. For my region of Canada, I have a few maps I can refer to. Having looked up maps from local trail groups, I can use a combination of maps including satellite imagery to verify trails. I know that most of these are established trails but maybe these are no longer passible. How can I find out?

      Map Overlays

      If you Save data in GaiaGPS, you have the option to make your track public or private. If you choose public, then other users can enable the PUBLIC TRACKS map overlay which displays all public tracks as green tracks on the map. The more tracks for a trail, the darker the line – showing you which trails are popular as you can see when clicking the line which tracks are public. You can certainly copy these tracks for your planning, but this is a good way to see if anybody has gone down a trail recently.

      Creating the Route

      Now’s that you have done your planning, you can create a route in GaiaGPS. A route is a path where it doe not contain many points along the line. Unlike a track where it contains multiple points.

      You can save a route, name it and now it is ready to be viewed on your smartphone in GaiaGPS or you can export it as a GPX file to other apps or email it.

      Exporting the Route as a GPX and Import it into Garmin Explore

      Exporting the route as a GPX gives you the ability to save it as a file, email it, copy it onto a micro SD card or import it into other mapping applications like Garmin Basecamp or Garmin Explore.

      For this example, I’m importing into Garmin Explore as I use the Garmin Tread for my off-road ATV riding, so it will be easier to get the route onto that device via the Explore Library. I can also access this route on my other compatible Garmin devices that sync to Garmin Explore.

      Further Reading

    • ZOLEO Improves SOS With Step By Step Updates

      It’s spring and that means an update from ZOLEO is on its way. I got alerted across all my social channels this week on the news of the new Progressive SOS feature along with a system update for the ZOLEO device.

      ZOLEO Progressive SOS Updates

      The new Progressive SOS feature provides ongoing status updates when a SOS is triggered from a ZOLEO device.

      Upon activating an SOS alert, ZOLEO users receive ongoing status updates throughout the incident via the free ZOLEO app and can exchange messages with the emergency response coordination center. This enhanced SOS experience offers ZOLEO users added peace of mind by providing:

      Confirmation the SOS alert has been received by the 24/7 emergency response coordination service.

      Verification the device users’ GPS coordinates have been sent.

      One-touch access to chat with the emergency response coordination service.

      A detailed log of events via the app.

      Easy cancellation of the SOS alert should it no longer be needed, and confirmation the cancellation has been received.

      ZOLEO Press release

      Next time you spark up the ZOLEO and update the ZOLEO messaging app on your smartphone and tablet, you will be prompted to update the device firmware. After 10-15 min your device and smartphone should be ready to go if you ever need to use this new feature.

      What To Expect In ZOLEO Messaging App?

      For this specific feature we see some minor tweaks after updating the ZOLEO messaging app firmware update.

      First thing you will see is that the SOS message group is now a deeper shade of RED and renamed ”Response Agent” instead of ”SOS”. Once you click into this message group, you’ll see a few more UI tweaks. Here you see the test SOS I ran last year with GEOS as I was working on the SOS video for ZOLEO which you can see below.

      But what I like the most update this update is the new instructions / training screens that allows the user to know in more detail how to use the ZOLEO and what happens when they trigger a SOS or when the schedule a test with GEOS.

      More About ZOLEO

    • How To Install Garmin Tread On 2022 BRP Can-Am Defender HD7

      I decided it was time to install the mounting hardware so that I can start using my Garmin Tread while riding trails on my 2022 BRP Can-Am Defender HD7.

      The Garmin tread comes with all the hardware you need to mount and wire the device to your PowerSport machine such as a side-by-side, UTV or ATV. Based on your machine build or installed accessories like a full windshield, you may need to get additional parts such as it was in my case.

      Not All Parts Would Fit

      That’s because the Garmin Tread provides a pipe clamp with a 1 inch RAM ball mount. This leads you to want to mount the device either on the left driver side or top roll bar. However, on the Can-Am Defender or other utility side-by-sides, you may not have a pipe or if you have an accessory such as a full windshield – then the provided clamp does no good. It will fit perfectly on the back roll bar for an action camera. That meant that I needed to adapt my install accordingly.

      I ended up buying additional parts to complete the installation:

      1. Ram AMPS mount plate for 1-inch ball
      2. 4 3/4″ self-tapping screws
      3. 2 M6 screws

      Then I looked up the instructions for Can-Am GPS mount kit which you can follow via http://instructions.BRP.com and with the part number (715003325), you can view or print the instructions as a guide.

      This installation will wire your Garmin Tread to the keyed power bus bar located behind the switch panel inside the cab so that you won’t be draining your battery if the device is still mounted.

      The overall steps I followed to complete this install was fairly straightforward, simply take your time as you will be cutting and playing with the electrical.

      Overall Steps

      1. Peel off the safety sticker on the dash to reveal the 4 dimples where you need to drill pilot holes for the RAM ball AMPS mount
      2. Pull off the front switch panel to reveal the front bus bar where you can hook up your power leads instead of fishing the wires to the front.
      3. Remove the 2 screws on your shifter cover so that you can fish your cable
      4. Cut a notch to accommodate the power cable on the shifter cover
      5. Terminate the leads of the provided power cable and leads
      6. Snap everything back together on the dash switch panel and screw in the shifter cover
      7. Start up your machine and verify that your GPS is powered.

    • 2022 BRP Can-Am Defender Base & DPS Accessories You Should Get

      2022 BRP Can-Am Defender Base & DPS Accessories You Should Get

      When shopping for a side by side ATV, there are plenty of options on the market. It certainly took me a few months to figure out which brand/model to go for after spending a lot of time on my needs. I settled on the 2022 BRP Can-Am Defender DPS HD7 to be an all-round utility and recreation. Also our family is composed of three members, so that immediately steered us towards this type of machines.

      Enclosed Cab or Not?

      Pretty much first question I needed to answer, as the trend for these side by sides is going towards fully enclosed cabs with heat and air conditoning. However, I felt that it was a ”nice to have” and with the accessory market out there, I could most likely slowly upgrade my machine.

      Power Steering or Not?

      With the enclosed cab question out of the way, I really only had two options for the Defender: Base or DPS model. The only difference between the two was an accessory, differencial lock switch and digital power steering. I figured for snow clearing the ease of steering while pushing snow would be very useful.

      Can-Am Defender DPS Accessory Included

      Like I said above, the DPS trim level only includes a single accessory and that is the passenger side storage bin located on the dash. Small enought to hold the operators manual and winch remote cable. I don’t find it it will fit more than snacks or a tire repair kit.

      Dealer Installed Accessories ”Must Haves”

      When ordering the Can-Am Defender DPS, I also added a few accessories to be installed by the dealer, as these are almost the first two you will be buying as I don’t think I’ve seen a Defender that doesn’t have these items:

      • Roof
      • Winch

      These two accessories are ”must have” in my opinion as if you will be adding doors or pushing snow with a blade or getting yourself out of the mud while on trail, these need to be added to your budget.

      Can-AM Defender Accessories That You Will Want After Your First Ride

      My next door neighbour offered to guide me around some trails outside our sub-division after he saw me unload the side by side (he has a 2021 Yamaha Viking). It was a windy January day, and while we were dressed for the weather- I immediately added a bunch of accessories in my shopping cart before the next ride.

      Storage For Your Recovery Kit And Other Tie Downs

      I opted for the open storage container that is located under the driver seat to hold all my ropes, straps and everything else I need for my recovery kit. Unlike the midle or passenger storage containers, This bin doesn’t have a cover so easy to access.

      Visiblity Behind You

      Next Up was Mirrors. It is surprising how often I was looking behind me during the run, backing up the machine, looking what was bedind me before I did a left turn, etc… I opted for the panormaic center mirror as I couldn’t decide on side mirror. But this was probably the better option for cost and east of installation.

      More Storage Around The Dashboard

      I don’t why BRP doesn’t add this 30$ accessory as a default but you have alots of storage under the dashboard. But while riding everything will drop out. You need compartment nets to hold everything in.

      Accessory For The Rear Of Can-AM Defender

      Next up is a bit of protection behind our heads. I debated a lot whether or not to get a simple wind screen or a soft vinyl or hard polycarbonate windshield. Iopted for the windscreen as it still allows some air flow, but keep the back of your neck off the off or wind when stopped.

      Accessory For the Front Of Can-Am Defender

      Last accessory was a full front windshield. I opted for a full polycarbonate windshield, I wasn’t interested at this point in the glass or the glass with wiper option or the half windshield. What I wanted was something to keep the branches out of the cab. This ended up being a big game changer as obviiously it protects you from the wind while driving at higher speeds, it also bounces your sounds back into the cab making it easier to hear passengers talk.

      Can-AM Defender Accessories For Next Season

      My shopping cart isn’t empty, but these accessories are on my radar for next season as I slowly will build out my ride:

    • Garmin Updates Instinct 2 To Bring In-Line with Fitness Watches

      Garmin published an update to the Instinct 2 series and a Instinct 2 dezl version for professional truck drivers. Priced between $449.99 – $649.99CAD, this updated version is slightly less than the original but packs more features and variety that will give an excuse for those who wanted a more tactical looking watch on their wrist rather than a running or fitness watch for specific feature omitted from the original version.

      The updated adventure watch now comes in two sizes: 40mm or 45mm bezel with many Color options such as Electric Lime, Poppy and Neo-Tropic as opposed to the limited and tactical focused Color’s introduced in the original version.

      The Instinct 2 also comes with a solar edition which will extend the battery life of the watch what Garmin described as “unlimited battery life”. The non-solar version of the Instinct has improved battery life up to four weeks and 14 days of normal usage. 

      The New Features That Are Big Deals

      The biggest improved in the Garmin Instinct 2 is the addition of the Garmin Connect IQ store. This will allow you to download watch faces, apps, data fields and other customized apps.

      Fitness apps found on the Vivoactive and Forerunner watches can now be found on the Garmin Instinct 2. This bring the watch closer inline with the features and function as the other smartwatches offered by Garmin.

      The Garmin Instinct 2 is also available in specific purpose-build editions with dedicated features: 

      • Surf Edition – dedicated apps for surf, windsurfing , kiteboarding and tide times. Only available as non-solar
      • Tactical Edition – dedicated features like Kill Switch, Stealth mode, Nigh vision goggles, dual format coordinates and jump master activity mode.
      • Camp Edition – graphite or mist camo patterns.

      First Impression Of the Garmin Instinct 2

      This is a huge update for the Instinct series. I personally felt odd that when I had the original version, the limitations it had made it a less flashed out watch as compared to the Vivoactive 3, Forerunners and Apple Watches at the time. With the addition of all of the fitness/health features, the Connect IQ store and multiple variations; Garmin has an option for those who like the tactical look of the Instinct but wants all the functions you’d expect from Garmin other smartwatches in this price point for those who do not want or don’t want to spend for the pricer fenix offering.

    • Garmin Releases inReach mini 2 For Satellite Communication

      Garmin announced the updated version of the inReach mini 2 for satellite communication and emergency SOS response. 

      The price of the updated mini 2 is now USD 399.99 while the previous version was USD 349.99.

      Other differences with the previous inReach mini are:

      • Improved display 176×176 pixels vs 128 x 128 pixels
      • Vastly improved battery life up to 14 days at 10-minute interval tracking; up to 4 days with moderate tree cover
      • USB-C connection port
      • Waypoints: 1000 vs 500
      • Courses: 100
      • Activities: 200
      • Satellite networks support: Galileo, QZSS
      • electronic compass
      • Garmin Explore & Pilot app compatible
      • Trackback navigation

      Apart from those new features and functions, you still have the same features as in the current inReach mini such as weather, point-to-point navigation, interactive SOS with GEOS, sending text & email messages and mapshare sharing.

      Battery Life and the Different modes

      The biggest draw with the inReach mini is the now power options which will keep it up with their main competitor ZOLEO. By adjusting the interval tracking interval you can extend tracking between 14 and 30 days based on your view of the sky. This certainly will fit some who like me, have their satellite communicator in their vehicle or pack for extended periods. When I remember to plug in the USB port for charging, it still keeps a charge for multiple days. This is a benefit for those who get diverted off their path or unable to proceed knowing that help either via messaging or SOS can take a while by the remote location. IN all this is a plus.

      Situational Awareness

      This feature to me looks like when the original inReach Explorer came out where it added an electronic compass and second track log; the detailed log. This track log acted more like your traditional GPS track recording while the interval tracking was mainly to send your location to mapshare. The main feature here is the tracBack where it will give you the return path back to start. This was a useful feature and glad to see it crammed into the mini. Keep in mind though that you don’t get maps on the device. You’ll be operating the track like GPS from 2005.

      The End of Earthmate

      Not surprising is seeing that the device only supports Garmin Explore and not the legacy Erathmate. Will we see in 2022 the first back update for the Garmin Explore portal since the Delorme acquisition? I hope so. With support for Basecamp ending, we will see the push to get comfortable working with Garmin Explore. But first, they need to greatly improve the user experience. Garmin Explore is still very limited beyond the storage of your device data either inReach or compatible GPS devices. 

      However as seen on the Tread app, there are many new features on the smartphone app to allow you to do a lot of route planning and map viewing.

      GEOS aka IERCC

      You may have missed this news at the end of 2020 but Garmin acquired the satellite monitoring service GEOS. Now inReach SOS messages will go to the Garmin International Emergency Response Coordination Center. There should not be any difference, the main question is what about all the other satellite devices that used GEOS?

      Service Plans

      I’ll be updating my Service Plan pricing table from my main ZOLEO article, this will give a good comparison with the devices.