This is a very local story, and a very cool one.
Steve Sapers ordered his Ural Gear Up back in 2022.
It turned out his bike was on one of the shipments held up in port of Hamburg in early March of 2022, days after the war in Ukraine broke out.
Looking back, we didn't know what to expect in those days but we quickly learnt that almost all the customers kept their orders and waited patiently for their bikes to arrive. Steve was one of them and because his work is in Redmond, few minutes from our office, he reached out and asked to stop by. That's how we met then and had a chance to chat in person.
Steve picked up his Gear Up in October of 2022, and this is the text he sent this past September, after the birthday camping trip together with his wife Clair:
“... wanted to pass along some pics from my birthday trip. Took me near a year but we finally did a camping trip, all in, and it was great. The Ural handled the Mountain Loop with panache, including all sideroads. It was just perfect in every way. I already use most days to commute all year long, and it has done ferries and islands and this was the last box I needed checking. I am so happy I did this and appreciate what you guys do. Cheers.”
As most passengers do, Claire had her own experience about this new way to travel, which she was also happy to share with us:
“Once you get used to not having a seat belt, which seems odd at first since you are more like a car passenger, it’s a very pleasant riding experience. Of course, it’s highly weather dependent, but if dressed appropriately it’s super comfy. Love the sensation of wind. Great visibility, much better than sitting behind the driver. “.”
“It’s nice to be an active participant with the leaning rather than a passive passenger. Wind so far never an issue, but I could see how under certain circumstances could be annoying over a long trip. Need to hang tight to loose items like gloves in the box and, as Edna Mode would say “No capes (or long scarves)”