Last year, after a couple of years using Phanfare to host my family photos, I closed my account and moved it all to Smugmug. I actually opened two accounts at Smugmug, one for my family media and one for this, my personal hobby site.

From the beginning, Phanfare was a great photo hosting site. Although there were some limitations, they absolutely nailed family photo hosting. Gorgeous web galleries, uncluttered by corporate branding. Comprehensive slideshow features. Clean, implicit timeline-based organization. And a cross-platform desktop client, making managing the site painless and streamlined. This is an all-important feature, because if it’s not easy, I simply don’t have time to do it.

So why the switch?

Got a letter yesterday from AT&T, indicating that we need to start looking for another phone provider, as their CallVantage VoIP service is being shut down at some point this year.

My K12S came with a beautiful Hepco & Becker tail rack installed. After a little research into the brand, I found that they have some topcases designed to mount to the rack. I found precious little info or pics on the web specific to the K1200S, so I thought I'd post this.

The rack itself it is extremely sturdy, and mounts to the subframe, replacing the OEM grab handles. It's shaped so that IMHO it looks really good on the bike, not out of place at all. I can't comment on ease of installation, since the previous owner did it.

MRA makes a "spoilerscreen" windshield for the K1200S, but I couldn't find any good pics of it other than the one stock photo at twisted throttle. I went ahead and ordered one, and thought I'd post something for the next person looking for info on it.

I recently installed HyperLites LED brake lights on my BMW R1150RS. I feel that any way I can become more conspicuous out there, the better, and one of my greatest fears is not being noticed by a car coming up behind me, particularly if I'm slowing or stopped.