* Steve *aka ( Greenboy ) Big Adventure!! [Archive]

ebranties

07-30-2005, 04:54 PM

YOIKS! I just got home, great ride Chris, Rob, and Steve and awesome pics. Best of luck on your trip Steve, may all your experiences be good ones.

Erin

( GREENBOY ) AKA * STEVE * :evilgrin Left Today For A CROSS CANADA
* SOLO * ride to NEWFOUNDLAND!!!!
On the GREEN TRIUMP triple ( AKA, Cop MAGNET ) :roflmao MYSELF and two OTHER'S ( TWINNFAN ) ROB and ( EMBRATIES ) ERIN went with him for a
KIK off RIDE :band * STEVE * will be POSTING picture's and STORIES as He MAKE'S hie TREK Across * CANADA * :thumbup HERE is SOME PICTURE'S of TODAY'S KIK OFF RIDE HAVE a SAFE one * STEVE *

thundergod

07-30-2005, 05:02 PM

Steve, have a fantastick time brother and be safe and as always turn yourself invisible at the first sign of the police hehehehe.C ya when you get back!!!

RiceRocket

07-30-2005, 06:29 PM

Steve, have a great trip! :thumbup Can't wait to hear the stories and see the pics.

brownsugar

07-30-2005, 06:59 PM

Steve we already miss u sooo much, the clique is just not the same without u!! pm us soon, we're waiting to hear from u :spinsmile

Have a safe trip and then tell us about all the quirky things u did such as taking the wrong exit, locking your keys in the passenger seat of your bike.... etc etc..... :roflmao

GhostFlame_zx7r

07-30-2005, 07:19 PM

have a great time steve,,,,,, i wish you well and remember smile at the cops, that way they will be blinded by your smile and not see you drive by lol,,,,,,,

Mutate Now!

07-30-2005, 07:40 PM

Godspeed, my friend. I can't wait to hear all the weird, wacky and colourful play-by-play commentary as your trek continues...

MIDNIGHT_RIDER

07-30-2005, 08:55 PM

steve!!! saaweet!!! good luck!!!!!

arcrz

07-30-2005, 09:15 PM

Thats so cool!!!!!! Have a great ride.

dog44

07-30-2005, 09:41 PM

Steve, this isn't necessary, people here don't really believe that you have a case of the cooties.

Can't wait to hear some stories! Good luck, my friend!
Dog

borealis

07-30-2005, 10:29 PM

hey steve,

hurry back! can't wait to see your new leathers crusty with bug juice (yum!)

we miss you already!

let us know when you're coming back so we can do a "welcome back to BC" ride - meet you somewhere along the loop :thumbup

please ride safe :band

Hogie

07-30-2005, 11:49 PM

I miss riding with Steve.

GTI

07-30-2005, 11:53 PM

Have fun, I hope you brought spare keys :thumbup

JamieJames

07-31-2005, 01:04 AM

Steve, this isn't necessary, people here don't really believe that you have a case of the cooties.

Can't wait to hear some stories! Good luck, my friend!
Dog

it just hit me.. Steve's rep here is so great that he has to go the Newfiland to give away leathers? :evilgrin

Machinist

07-31-2005, 04:25 PM

Uh Chris... you obviously have not know Steve for long enough. He gets lost in Surrey (and he lives there!) :) It's actually quite hilarious. :roflmao

Glad that you guys gave him a good send off. :thumbup

HE HAD a pack of MAP'S with him in PRINCETON!!!!
Hopefully he Knows how to use them :surrender

G-slide

07-31-2005, 04:28 PM

good luck steve, living out my dream brother. ride safe and come home to us.

Thumper 8

07-31-2005, 07:33 PM

it just hit me.. Steve's rep here is so great that he has to go the Newfiland to give away leathers? :evilgrin

:roflmao :roflmao :roflmao

Steve, have a safe trip and take lots of pics. Can't wait to hear the stories. Have fun, and aim generally east and you will be fine. BTW, the sun rises in the east if that helps :)

tackle_me_2

07-31-2005, 08:39 PM

Wow...all the way to Newfieland...cool... Can't wait to read about the things you get to see.

Newfie Girl

07-31-2005, 09:00 PM

I would have joined him If he wanted company..
:imwithstu

borealis

07-31-2005, 10:40 PM

hey steve, it's been two days and you haven't found an internet cafe?!?! waiting for our PMs, or at least post up here! enjoying lake louise that much i guess...

you better start downloading those pics.

Dru

07-31-2005, 11:39 PM

I bet he's too busy in Moose Jaw wondering how to get back to the highway to find an internet cafe. Either that or making sure Bubba doesn't touch him in cell block D.

jeckyll

08-01-2005, 08:01 AM

He'll never make it because he'll get way too lost and end up in the arctic ;)

Steve, can't wait for the stories :D

Bjorn

borealis

08-01-2005, 08:09 AM

Ok guys, just got a call from Steve. he's just about to leave Calgary this morning, will be in Regina by the end of the day.

Rode the Needles road yesterday with two guys from Calgary (one was riding a Gixxer 1000) whom he met along the way. He says it's the best road he's ever been on.

Steve says HELLO to everyone, that he's having a lot of fun and he will find an internet cafe ASAP so he could post up here. Don't expect any pictures though, he totally forgot about his camera yesterday after riding those fantabulous twisties around Vernon.

To be continued...

:band

jeckyll

08-01-2005, 08:10 AM

I'm always amazed the he remembers the bike ;)

borealis

08-01-2005, 08:14 AM

I'm always amazed the he remembers the bike ;)

probably because it was in his mirror for a whole 106 km stretch of twisties (DH2) :evilgrin <----- that's just me guessing

jeckyll

08-01-2005, 08:20 AM

No I mean, I'm amazed he remembers his own bike. I can just see Steve walking down the highway with his gear on going "What am I missing ... " :evilgrin

borealis

08-01-2005, 08:24 AM

ahhh, :roflmao no kidding

greenboy

08-01-2005, 05:40 PM

Holy sh*t!!! What happened?

Thanks all for the comments. And to Chris, Rob and Erin for the send-off. To the couple of you (Liquid, Newfie) who said you would have come along, I would have liked the company but I hobbled this idea together just last Thursday over lunch and then rolled out of Surrey at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday.

No Bjorn I haven't got lost yet but it's still early in the trip. Not sure how to get lost over the Prairies but I'll do my damned best.

Few observations so far:

1. Vernon to Nakusp is one of the best stretches I've ridden, Calgary to Regina is not.

2. I rode in 35 degree plus temperatures today August 1 in full leathers. It was so hot I nearly dozed off from dehydration, boredom (Calgary to Regina) or something. Do not try this at home boys and girls.

3. Saturday July 30 evening I rode squid all evening back and forth from Silver Star to Vernon (long live jeans, t-shirt and running shoes!).

4. I forgot to take pictures while riding yesterday Sunday July 31 (Vernon to Calgary), was having way too much fun with two GSXR1000 and TLR riders from Calgary. We lost the Tiller when he took a wrong turn that would have embarassed even me, but his buddy didn't seem too fazed about it (?). Good company. Rode by two speed traps yesterday one in B.C. and one in Alberta. 90 - 100 km/h through both :cool .

The batteries in my camera ran out (Yvonne!!), but I'll get some tomorrow although not sure what to take pictures of until I get to Quebec. I missed all the good ones in B.C. Also, for all its flatness, Saskatchewan so far is actually quite serene and picturesque, lots of rolling hills and the skies were bright blue with storm clouds off in the distance.

I'll figure out this camera later.

My plan has changed a bit. I don't think I'll make it to Newfoundland, even Nova Scotia is pushing it, which is where I'll probably end up first. Just not enough time. Want to spend a few days in Montreal and Quebec City. If I do this again I'll give myself at least 4 weeks maybe 5.

I'm suffering from Hard Bags Envy. My soft luggage is a pain to put on and take off, and scratches the hell out of my tail section. I look around at all the Goldwings, Beemers and others with hard luggage and I just want to drool.

So who wants to ride with me tomorrow from Regina to Winnipeg?

Later,

Steve :thumbup

Torch

08-01-2005, 07:35 PM

Good to hear from you Steve,

Sorry I missed the send off ride on Saturday, I got called in to work. Also I didn't get the pm from Machinist early enough...gotta remember to check more often.

On the DH2 experience being the best road, absolutely! I enjoy that way more then DH1 (should be a DH5 or 6)

When you ride tomorrow to Winterpeg be careful of the mosquitos, they're known to pick you up and carry you away. Especially big green bugs flying down the highway!

Drive safe and enjoy, I look forward to hearing of your trip. :)

Richard

scooter

08-01-2005, 07:59 PM

Wait I'm confused I thought Steve only does day trips. Sounds like Steve will learn to flip his dirty underwear around.

Have a Safe and Fun trip Green Boy

Scooter

HydeNobuyuki

08-01-2005, 10:16 PM

hey steve,
have a great (and safe) trip...
thanks for not swiping the clock off my bike :P but you're on the praires now.. maybe you can use the sun if you don't feel like looking at your watch :P
take care! get batteries! i wanna see lotsa cool pics =)

cheers,

derek.nobuyuki

r1100s

08-02-2005, 08:52 AM

The batteries in my camera ran out (Yvonne!!), but I'll get some tomorrow although not sure what to take pictures of until I get to Quebec.

Actually, it gets good once you hit northern Ontario. I suggest sticking to HWY 16 from Huntsville to Ottawa, do not head down the 400 to Toronto unless there's a particular reason to do so (CN Tower? Can't think of anything else) as that will also curse you to 4-6 hours of boredom on the 401 to Quebec.

borealis

08-04-2005, 05:27 PM

Got a call from Steve - he's in Sudbury now. Just did about 500 kms of sweepers through northern Ontario, and it's also one of the best scenery that he's ever seen.

He says HI to everyone!

Dru

08-04-2005, 05:49 PM

Hi Steve. :D Tell him to be back by Labour Day Weekend and to come to my party.

greenboy

08-04-2005, 08:25 PM

I entered Ontario via Kenora and then on to Thunder Bay (ugh!). Incredible scenery from Thunder Bay especially just before and well after Nippigon through to Saulte Ste. Marie The roads consist almost entirely of long (and I mean long) sweepers that go on for 600 km's or so. If you like sweepers this is for you. Unfortunately no tight technical turns.

The roads around Kenora are pretty decent too, but again not tight enough and you have to hit them at ludicrous speeds to really enjoy them, which of course I did not do.

I'm starting to really miss a good B.C. road with its unpredictable surface, tighter corners and all that. Hopefully I'll find some soon.

I'm skipping Toronto, been there enough times already and not really looking forward to the traffic. I should be in Montreal and Quebec City soon.

Had nice chats twice today with Ontario police. Social calls only, no tickets. They have those trooper hats just like in the movies!

Today I rode part way with 9 riders from California and Boston, all on proper sport tourers with real fairings and comfy seats. Did just over 1,000 km today Thursday August 4 (Thunder Bay to Sudbury).

Saskatchewan and Manitoba bugs are extra large and disgusting when they explode on impact. Bugs in Ontario so far are almost non-existent in comparison.

Today I saw the aftermath of a brand new full-size pickup truck that hit a moose on its right corner. Unbelieveable ripple dents along whole right side, and amazing the driver and his wife walked away from it. Apparently the moose did not.

Hope all is well in B.C. Everyone ride safe!

Yammer Jammer

08-04-2005, 08:31 PM

Good to hear from you Steve. Keep the updates coming. Glad to hear from you and ride safe.

dog44

08-04-2005, 08:37 PM

Hey Steve, good to hear from you and glad you're doin' fine. Yes, that's right ... bug splatter okay, moose splatter not so much. You're still pointed at the shiny yellow thing in the morning, right? Turn around when it gets wet.

:D

Sandman

08-04-2005, 08:42 PM

Hey Steve good to hear from you! Keep up the good work! Ride safe!!

Hiroki

08-04-2005, 08:45 PM

glad to hear your still alive but where's the pics?

SkipTkt

08-04-2005, 10:18 PM

gunigoogoo

08-05-2005, 01:56 AM

I'm suffering from Hard Bags Envy.

bwahahaaa!!! :roflmao it might just be me, but i got a kick outta that! :rolleyes

sounds like an AWESOME TIME!!! can't wait to see some pics steve!

greenboy

08-05-2005, 05:02 AM

Oh yeah the damned pics! Still have taken almost none and haven't replaced the batteries yet. I think I'll do the photos on the way back. I'll stop more through the Ontario lakes region where the scenery is best.

Leaving Sudbury this a.m. and should be in Montreal by early evening, I'm taking it really easy today. :cool

I am now on a mission to get to Halifax, it's reaching obsessive proportions. MUST ... RIDE .. ... ACROSS COUNTRY ... KEEP MOVING ... MUST SEE OTHER COAST.

ebranties

08-05-2005, 05:14 AM

Steve, good to hear from you......I work in Thunder Bay alot and I can't honestly say that I have "longed" for my motorbike while I was there, LOL. Good to hear that your doing ok on your adventure.

Oh yeah the damned pics! Still have taken almost none and haven't replaced the batteries yet. I think I'll do the photos on the way back. I'll stop more through the Ontario lakes region where the scenery is best.

Leaving Sudbury this a.m. and should be in Montreal by early evening, I'm taking it really easy today. :cool

I am now on a mission to get to Halifax, it's reaching obsessive proportions. MUST ... RIDE .. ... ACROSS COUNTRY ... KEEP MOVING ... MUST SEE OTHER COAST.

SpideRider

08-05-2005, 08:43 AM

Good luck, greenboy!!

P.S. Chris, with all due respect, could you PLEASE stop alternating between upper and lowercase words in all of your posts? It makes it really hard to read! :thumbup

CoolDaddyGroove

08-05-2005, 09:48 AM

On your way back stop in Winnipge for some burgers at either VJ's on Main and Broadway, Mrs. Mikes (Dairy King) on Tache, or Juniors (various locations).

dothedr3w

08-05-2005, 10:53 AM

just dont come back with one of those rediculous accents...and i mean it

RiceRocket

08-05-2005, 10:59 AM

On your way back stop in Winnipge for some burgers at either VJ's on Main and Broadway, Mrs. Mikes (Dairy King) on Tache, or Juniors (various locations).
Yeah Steve, please do. I wanna hear an unbiased report as to why these Winterpeg burgers are so good. Maybe it's made from road kill like moose.

tigerass

08-05-2005, 03:46 PM

When you ride tomorrow to Winterpeg be careful of the mosquitos, they're known to pick you up and carry you away. Especially big green bugs flying down the highway!
I can vouch for this...it happened to me! :roflmao

On your way back stop in Winnipge for some burgers at either VJ's on Main and Broadway, Mrs. Mikes (Dairy King) on Tache, or Juniors (various locations).
Steve-PM me before you get to Winnipeg-I'll take you to VJ's! Although i don't have a bike yet so I can't ride with you, I can meet up with you somewhere in my tibby. :thumbup

Yeah Steve, please do. I wanna hear an unbiased report as to why these Winterpeg burgers are so good. Maybe it's made from road kill like moose.
Nah...we only use the finest road kill over here ...some like to call it skunk...we say it adds flavor!

VictorEric

08-05-2005, 03:53 PM

Good god Stevie, I don't check the posts for awhile and this is what happens! Have yerself a good one and wrap your tail section with electrical tape to protect from the scuffs.

Will check in on your adventure soon.

dog44

08-05-2005, 04:01 PM

Good god Stevie, I don't check the posts for awhile and this is what happens!No kidding. I suggested an overnight trip to him but he said he did "day rides only". Ya know Steve, if ya don't wanna ride with me, just say so!
;)

greenboy

08-06-2005, 04:22 AM

Wayne: Of course I`ll ride with you. This trip was just thrown together on the back of a napkin at lunch one day when I realized I had four weeks clear and hadn`t booked a damned thing. I had originally planned to go to Laos and Cambodia but then the bird flu thing arose again in neighbouring Viet Nam and I got spooked.

Frank, Tiger Ass thanks for the tips where to eat in Winnipeg. I was there on Tuesday last and will be stopping there on my way back. Tiger Ass I don`t remember where I stayed in Winnipeg but it wasn`t very good. Let me know where are the better hotels in Winnipeg. I`ll PM you closer to then.

Eric, too late my tailpiece is scratched to hell and the bike is now permanently filthy and will never be the same as before I left. My Poser Sticker fell off a long time ago somewhere along the Prairies. The bugs ate it for lunch. Whatever, the bike was meant to be ridden. My new Alpinestars leathers are similarly disgusting now, though much of the Dog Barfed On Me appearance has diminished.

I finally got lost in Montreal but it was something that could happen to anyone. I have been blasting into and out of small town after small town between hundreds of kms of open highway, and Montreal is huge and dense in comparison. The roads and highway systems are complicated and frantic to the uninitiated, and the traffic equally intimidating. I got frustrated and just kept going on the 40 east.

As a result last night I arrived in Trois Rivieres, Quebec, a jewel of a city IMO with lots of old world charm. I don`t party much anymore partly because I am too tired, but if that`s your thing then this place is highly recommended especially the Rue des Forges area on Friday night. The closed off area is pretty close to what you might see in parts of Madrid (Sol) or Berlin (Kreuzberg), on a much smaller scale but with the same vibe. OK, maybe not quite the same but still not like anything Vancouver has to offer. I`m staying at the Delta Hotel which is right in the thick of it, and trying to stay another night if another room comes available. So far this is the best hotel in the best town, so if I can I`m going to cool it here for another day. Otherwise, I`m off to Fredericton.

Later.

RiceRocket

08-06-2005, 04:54 AM

avsagain

08-06-2005, 06:13 AM

i'm shocked at how fast you are getting across the country, especially with the "cleaning of the bike disorder" you carry with you :spinsmile

rscudiver

08-06-2005, 06:21 AM

Go Steve go! What do think about the aggressive Quebec drivers?

Thumper 8

08-06-2005, 09:03 AM

i'm shocked at how fast you are getting across the country, especially with the "cleaning of the bike disorder" you carry with you :spinsmile

:roflmao

If you like Trois Riviere, you'll love Quebec City - my favorite city in the area. Have fun and ride safe... and Dave is right about the drivers there, they are similar to BC drivers but they have that certian French flair as the cut you off!

greenboy

08-06-2005, 09:38 AM

i'm shocked at how fast you are getting across the country, especially with the "cleaning of the bike disorder" you carry with you :spinsmile

The disorder is being kept in check. If the hotels knew what I was doing with their plush towels I`d be banned permanently across the nation. I almost gave up after the Prairies Bugfest, but slowly I have been attacking the bug goo and I think I see a Speed Triple buried under there somewhere. The Green Bug is covered in bugs. I went to a dollar store today and bought Windex and towels to finish off the engine cleaning. By the time I`m finished you won`t even know I`ve travelled 5,500 km, heh.

The bike has permanent scratches on the rear tail section from the luggage including one small rubbing point that went through the paint, finish and right down to the white ABS plastic. It`s a memento of this trip and I`m leaving it. But hey Eric, thanks for the tip, I bought some electric tape today too.

I am two days travel from Halifax. For the record, the trip from Surrey to Halifax is do-able in 9 days at 700 to 1,000 km per day, but I`m taking 10.

Today is my first day off. "On the seventh day, God saw what He had created and and was satisfied and declared a day of rest. On the eight day, Steve finally stopped riding and ended up in Trois Rivieres to give his bike a proper cleaning". :roflmao

One of the main reasons I am resting is fatigue, which I am learning is brought on by any combination of: too little sleep; boredom in the long straightaways; heat and hydration; and nutrition. Each of these is equally dangerous as the next, don`t ever kid yourself.

Sleep, heat and hydration are obvious.

Boredom is a little more nefarious, but when there is nothing happening in terms of turns, changes in volume of traffic or scenery, it hits you when you do not at all expect it and your mind wanders onto something else other than the road. There have been times when I was riding when I know I should not have been.

Nutrition is interesting. Eat a McDonald`s breakfast and you`ll feel it digesting (or refusing to) as you ride, plus you get tired faster. Eat fruit and water and stay away from the grease and you`ll last longer. Makes me want to eat healthier all the time, frankly speaking, it`s worth it just to keep the energy and alertness levels up in everyday life. Fun little experiments along the way.

I`m doing laundry now at a coffee-Internet-laundry joint. Can you tell I have time on my hands? There is some sort of Gran Prix Formula Whatever racing going on in town today. I could walk there but the effort is just too much. That explains the huge crowds last night, and the usurious hotel rates where I`m staying.

Steve

greenboy

08-06-2005, 09:43 AM

Go Steve go! What do think about the aggressive Quebec drivers?

Hey Bernie: It was too much for me around Montreal, not just the traffic itself, but the maze of highways and roads going in eleventy-seven directions at once. I had planned to stop in Montreal, but after an hour of aimlessly riding in hexagonal eclipses I said f*ck it and went on towards Quebec City, then found Trois Rivieres instead - a little slice of heaven IMO, I love it here.

Tony, I`ll probably stop in Quebec City on the way back. Thanks for the tip. I love these towns, why don`t we have them like this in B.C.? Usually I have to fly to Europe to find neighborhoods like this.

greenboy

08-06-2005, 09:53 AM

Sounds like you're having quite the adventure. I wish I could take 4 weeks off and go riding. So who are you going to donate your leathers to when you come back?

I didn't see any mentions of pics. Make sure you take pics. :thumbup

I`m trying to upload from my camera. I plugged in the USB and then the computer gave me some messages in French I don`t understand. :rtfm The girl who works here barely speaks English (and I speak even less French), plus she`s busy with customers.

greenboy

08-06-2005, 10:04 AM

Wow, Steve, you're makin' good time ;) . When you get to the maritimes send me a PM and I'll send you directions to the best roads. Or you can ride w/ my dad and his crew if ya still have the steam to rip it up :D . They don't get lost... much. Even when they do, they're all retired ...time means nuthin' and they don't give a f*ck. :rolleyes

We envy you!
:rider

Thanks Charles. Where would that be in the Maritimes? I am a complete ignoramus about that part of this country, and think I will just go to Halifax after which time the clock will be ticking to get back home.

Erin, the only thing I longed for in Thunder Bay was uhhh ... the moment I could leave. I guess the rocks must be pretty interesting there though. :rolleyes My apologies to any of you from Thunder Bay. I stayed at the Travelodge there which was a dump (surprising compared to the Travelodge in Regina which was quite nice). The front was done up nicely but the rest of the place was just your typical Stinky Mattress Roadside Special. I`m a hotel freak and the places I stay can make or break a trip for me.

RiceRocket

08-06-2005, 10:10 AM

I`m trying to upload from my camera. I plugged in the USB and then the computer gave me some messages in French I don`t understand. :rtfm The girl who works here barely speaks English (and I speak even less French), plus she`s busy with customers.

If you need help then say, "Voulez vous couchez avec moi?" It means, can you please offer some assistance. If she gives you a wierd look just say, "S'il vous plait".

greenboy

08-06-2005, 10:27 AM

If you need help then say, "Voulez vous couchez avec moi?" It means, can you please offer some assistance. If she gives you a wierd look just say, "S'il vous plait".

I thought that meant, "Which way to the tourist office"?

avsagain

08-06-2005, 11:18 AM

Quebec City is a blast. Stop by Le Colisee for me would ya?

tigerass

08-06-2005, 12:25 PM

Frank, Tiger Ass thanks for the tips where to eat in Winnipeg. I was there on Tuesday last and will be stopping there on my way back. Tiger Ass I don`t remember where I stayed in Winnipeg but it wasn`t very good. Let me know where are the better hotels in Winnipeg. I`ll PM you closer to then.
You prob. stayed somewhere downtown...not a good idea unless you wanna get jumped or stabbed. My advise is any hotel around the airport. If I still had my own pad I would offer my place for you to crash...make sure to PM me and we'll go to VJ's! You might need a couple of hours to let the grease settle before you start riding tho.

bboylanky

08-07-2005, 01:46 AM

sounds like an awesome trip... wish i could take time off for some good adventure

greenboy

08-07-2005, 04:57 PM

Greetings from the Delta Hotel in Fredericton! Tomorrow I will reach Halifax, my final destination, cool my heels again for two nights and then start the trek back home. There's a Triumph dealer in Halifax and I need an oil change, after less than two weeks since the last one. I will have clocked about 7,000 km by tomorrow (? - too lazy to go to the parking lot to check the odometer).

Pretty uneventful day, travelled about 700 km from Trois Rivieres.

I would have liked to visit PEI and Newfoundland, but time's running out. I'll make some inquiries about shipping the bike from Halifax to Vancouver and flying home but something tells me it's more expensive than it's worth. The advantage is it would give me a full week to play in the Maritimes.

Machinist

08-07-2005, 08:04 PM

Glad to hear that thing's are GOING well APART from the BUG'S :ban AND the FATIGUE :alien I was thinking today that it was only 7 day's ago that we left you at the CHEVRON in PRINCETON , You Have Made Prety good time Going across the COUNTRY. Time to KIK back and RELAX for a few DAY'S.
HAVE FUN :band

Thumper 8

08-07-2005, 08:13 PM

I'll make some inquiries about shipping the bike from Halifax to Vancouver and flying home but something tells me it's more expensive than it's worth. The advantage is it would give me a full week to play in the Maritimes.

You have made awesome time and I think I saw something on the news about the bugs in the prairies not being too bad this year - you must have killed a lotta bugs my friend!

I have driven by car to Toronto and back and the return trip was kinda boring. If you ride back, swing through the northern states for some variety - I think the distance may actually be a little shorter but it may be more expensive. But I don't think anyone would blame you if you ship the bike back and relax and enjoy the maritime hospitality - you have deserved the R & R.

greenboy

08-11-2005, 02:54 PM

Quebec City is a blast. Stop by Le Colisee for me would ya?

I`m in Quebec City today, arrived in the early afternoon and wandered around Grand Allee, and the old section (No Motorcycles Allowed). I`ll go back there tonight. I am definitely coming back in the future, by air. A combined trip with a car rental to properly visit Montreal (won`t see it this time around), Trois Rivieres and Quebec City is in order. Just too tired to do anything right now, I`ve been riding 700 - 1,000 km days. Lots of head- and cross-winds from Halifax to Fredericton to Quebec City, really beats you up especially on the naked Triple.

If I had to live in another province, Quebec would be it for me.

I arrived in Halifax a few days ago and stayed two nights. There was a busker`s festival going on in town, and I rode a bit around the coast to Peggy`s Cove and beyond. The cove roads are the first set of twisties I`ve seen since B.C. but too bad too much traffic. Picked up a nail in my rear tire along the way which I Canadian Tire patched, then got it properly mushroom-patched in Windsor, Nova Scotia 50 km away the next day. Hats off to Bro`s Cycle in Windsor, for fast and first rate service twice. I dropped in both times (oil, nail) unannounced when they were busy and short a mechanic. :bowdown

People along the way seem fascinated that someone would ride across the country. I just wake up every morning wondering what day it is, where I should go now, and how the hell did I end up here??

It seems like such a long way off but I`m looking forward to being back on familiar B.C. twisties. :thumbup Nova Scotia definitely has some decent roads, but on the route I`ve travelled there has been nothing in between. Maybe I just chose the wrong route, but no regrets. It`s funny looking at sportbikes` chicken strips from Alberta to New Brunswick, and you know how well we have it in B.C.

Cheers all, and ride safe.

Steve

borealis

08-11-2005, 03:02 PM

Good to hear from you again Steve. Check your PMs.

dog44

08-11-2005, 04:18 PM

first set of twisties I`ve seen since B.C. :eek
Too harsh!

Lots of headAttaboy! :thumbup

Triplepete

08-11-2005, 04:55 PM

Holy cow! How did I miss the start of this thread? Anyway, awesome trip dude, good on ya! And you got the balls to do it on a Brit bike too :ROFLMAO

I want to do a cross Canada trip too, but it seems you beat me to it. You know, if you wanna keep riding the Maritimes, try finding a shop that will store your bike for you. You can fly back home and continue with the ride, even further, another day. I know it's getting late in the year, but it's something to think about.

When I was in Mexico I met an Italian couple that did that. They went from NY to Alaska and Seattle in one ride. Then they stored the bike in Seattle and went home for 3 months before coming back to ride south to Mexico.

Anyway, I hope you find more time to ride, quit your job if you can and complete the ride home. btw, if you come back thru the USA, you can save a bit on gas.

God Speed!

greenboy

08-12-2005, 06:22 PM

Today really sucked. I rode 950 kms from Quebec City to Sudbury, the Ontario part entirely in the rain. Quebec was sunny and beautiful but everything went to shit once I crossed into Ontario.

Really slow going too, my cruising speed was down substantially because of the weather plus lots happening on the roads.

I think I spent 9 hours in the rain. The rain flaps on my luggage failed and all my clothes were damp so now they're being laundered just to dry it all out. Next time I get hard luggage, no if's and's or but's. And my bike is filthy as hell. I saw the aftermath of two head-on collisions in Ontario, not pretty. Lots of construction too. Riding mile upon mile of grooved pavement in the rain I went variously through stages of caution, white knuckle, amusement, and then indifference and total submission to the situation.

Riding in the rain isn't so bad after about 3 hours of being soaked to the bone (how does rain get through a rainsuit, inside your leathers, and then leave marks down your back on each side of the spine protector?). I actually found myself more alert in the rain and less likely to zone out or fall into a trance as compared to riding in the hot humid conditions.

Can't really complain though. This is my 14th day of riding and this is the first time I've been rained on. I have been outrunning storm clouds for too long and it was just a matter of time. There have been severe thunderstorms across Canada from the Prairies to the Maritimes, and I have so far carefully evaded them all, sometimes by only a few hours or a couple of hundred km's. There were two occasions when I arrived in town dry, only to be woken by brutal thunderstorms at night, but then all dry and sunny again in the morning as I set out again.

Until now that is. Everyone gets it, and I got mine today. :rolleyes

Squire

08-12-2005, 06:46 PM

Hey Steve - sorry to hear about the rain situation. It looks like it's going to rain next week in BC and ruin my plans to ride to the Okanagan and then to the Kootenays for another jaunt around those awesome roads. Here's crossing my fingers that the weather man is wrong as he so often is.

Hopefully we'll get to meet in the Kootenays and ride back to Vancouver together! :thumbup

Triplepete

08-12-2005, 07:21 PM

Ahhh, rookie mistake LOL... Alway plastic bag your clothes in any type of luggage. Can't be perfect every day, especially on such a long ride. Glad you are still chugging along.. :thumbup

silverD

08-12-2005, 07:31 PM

Haha, yeah, green garbage bags are your friends..

Thumper 8

08-12-2005, 08:05 PM

how does rain get through a rainsuit, inside your leathers, and then leave marks down your back on each side of the spine protector?

Aw, Steve - I should have lent you my rainsuit (haven't needed it here since you left :evilgrin - sorry for the low blow!). Would have fitted a little large but you would be dry as a bone. If you see a cheap Technics 2 pc for sale (mine was under $100) pick one up - lots of reflective striping for night riding too.

And garbage bags and Ziploc bags are you friends in the rain for sure.

Driving near Kenora and near Wawa I saw a couple of brutal head-ons involving trucks - be careful and safe and as visible as possible. The 'juiced' long distance haulers may not be expecting a sport bike flying by.

I admire you, you crazy bastard :thumbup See you soon.

waypastfast

08-12-2005, 08:47 PM

Good Luck Steve, Hope it is a wonderful trip

Scott

tigerass

08-12-2005, 11:10 PM

Can't really complain though. This is my 14th day of riding and this is the first time I've been rained on. I have been outrunning storm clouds for too long and it was just a matter of time. There have been severe thunderstorms across Canada from the Prairies to the Maritimes, and I have so far carefully evaded them all, sometimes by only a few hours or a couple of hundred km's. There were two occasions when I arrived in town dry, only to be woken by brutal thunderstorms at night, but then all dry and sunny again in the morning as I set out again.

Until now that is. Everyone gets it, and I got mine today. :rolleyes
Welcome to the Prairies my friend!! Looks like we might actually get some nice weather this weekend...can't wait to take you out for some good ol' greasy burgers! Found another joint I can take you to! :evilgrin

tigerass

08-14-2005, 09:28 PM

So I finally had the honour of meeting Steve tonight...after several attempts of phone tag. Funny-I was actually on my way out of town to a party...and I get a phone call from Steve letting me know he just got into the city. So here I am on the highway...making a U-ie at 140kms. He tells me he's at the Timmys/Wendys that I just passed about 5 mins ago. I make a mad dash back towards it not wanting to keep him waiting too long. Anyways-long story short we meet up and I took him around town...ended up going to VJ's for some burgers. Went down to Corydon (little Italy) for some Gelati afterwards. Had an awsome night!!! I don't have a digital camera so I had to take pics on my Palm Pilot. Sorry the pictures didn't turn out too well. Steve I hope the indigestion doesn't keep you up too late tonight...we still have another night of greasy burgers to go! :thumbup I don't think you can see the kitchen in the last pic but let me tell you..this place was a dump but the food was pretty good!

RiceRocket

08-14-2005, 09:40 PM

OK Steve, once you've finished downing the Pepto-Bismol, we want the burger report?

tigerass

08-14-2005, 10:18 PM

I'm sorry Steve-I had the Pepto in my purse ready for you and I forgot to offer you some. Hope you'll be ok?!

dothedr3w

08-14-2005, 10:46 PM

LOLOL, theres no way it was greasier than mcdanks!

carson

08-15-2005, 01:15 AM

Hey, thats not VJ's drive in by the GRAPES on MAIN (near the forks) is it Tigerass??

sure do miss Corydon Ave's Gelati....better still Bridges Drive In !! YUMMY!!!

tigerass

08-15-2005, 05:20 AM

Hey, thats not VJ's drive in by the GRAPES on MAIN (near the forks) is it Tigerass??

sure do miss Corydon Ave's Gelati....better still Bridges Drive In !! YUMMY!!!

Yes that's the one we went to...although Grapes is now closed. We drove up to it and Steve and I get out of my car..and he looks at VJ's and says to me "this is it?!!?" the expression on his face was priceless! I turn to him and say...'I know it looks like a dump but they say it's supposed to be good' Takes the cook 2 mins to make Steve's burger and I think to myself "i hope he doesn't get E-coli from this burger'! We went to Nucci's Gelati (I prefer it over GG's)-wanted to take him to BDI but we're both lactose intolerant so we decided it was prob best if we didn't go there. Maybe tonight after my riding practice. Are you from Winnipeg?

greenboy

08-15-2005, 07:18 AM

Ahhh, rookie mistake LOL... Alway plastic bag your clothes in any type of luggage. Can't be perfect every day, especially on such a long ride. Glad you are still chugging along.. :thumbup

Yeah live and learn. Everything is bagged now.

Anyone ever see a slasher flick in the 1980's called Motel Hell? Well I think I stayed there outside Thunder Bay a few nights ago, complete with blinking sign, 24 hour truck stop restaurant across the street, and woods in the back facing my ground floor room. And the most priceless part was the sliding window that didn't lock. I was half expecting a bunch of murderous maniacs to come burtsing into the room and hack me to bits. There was no alternative, because all of Thunder Bay was sold out (???), and the roads were pitch black in all directions, plus some dirt roads thrown in for good mesaure. And I was tired and nearly falling off the bike after riding 13 plus hours, 1000 km's. Fun stuff.

RiceRocket

08-15-2005, 07:20 AM

Yeah live and learn. Everything is bagged now.

Anyone ever see a slasher flick in the 1980's called Motel Hell? Well I think I stayed there outside Thunder Bay a few nights ago, complete with blinking sign, 24 hour truck stop restaurant across the street, and woods in the back facing my ground floor room. And the most priceless part was the sliding window that didn't lock. I was half expecting a bunch of murderous maniacs to come burtsing into the room and hack me to bits. There was no alternative, because all of Thunder Bay was sold out (???), and the roads were pitch black in all directions, plus some dirt roads thrown in for good mesaure. And I was tired and nearly falling off the bike after riding 13 plus hours, 1000 km's. Fun stuff.
Stop bitching and whining about the motels. Inquiring minds want to know...how was the burger? Was there enough grease to lube your chain? :evilgrin

greenboy

08-15-2005, 07:33 AM

OK Steve, once you've finished downing the Pepto-Bismol, we want the burger report?

Wow, that was pretty good burger but I ended up wearing part of it down my arm. With each bite I needed a new napkin. If you're looking for cardiac arrest this is your place. The special burger is stuffed with near quarter pickles and lots of other good stuff, not all recognizable. VJ's is a stand/kiosk with outdoor park benches for tables. Yeah, you have to try it but leave the black tie and coat-tails at home.

I don't feel sick at all.

So I learned that part of Manitoba's bug situation is man-made. Apparently extra large engineered dragonflies were released to reduce the mosquito population. If I am correct, that would explain the near dinosaurs that splattered all over me when I was eastbound. Can't wait for the next stretch. Today's Winnipeg Free Press says there will be 5,000 brown beetles released aroung Winnipeg to reduce a weed problem (purple loosestrife). The city also "fogs" areas by basically dusting neighbourhoods with pesticide.

Winnipeg, the city of bugs, weeds and greasy burgers. Pretty cool place actually, they have a Bears on Broadway display of polar bears doing all kinds of activities throughout one part of the city. Similar to the whale thing in Vancouver a few years back, but the bears are more fun and less politically striped.

Tiger Ass, thanks for the hospitality. This girl is learning to ride on an RZ350, now that's impressive. I'm going to watch her ride this afternoon, and will try to keep up on my lowly Triple. :thumbup

greenboy

08-15-2005, 07:37 AM

Haha, yeah, green garbage bags are your friends..

You boys been maintaining the diplomatic relations with WA state troopers recently?

I can't wait to get back. I now have a confirmed flat planed spot in the centre of both tires. I can practically park the bike without a kickstand. :roflmao

carson

08-15-2005, 07:51 AM

Yes that's the one we went to...although Grapes is now closed. We drove up to it and Steve and I get out of my car..and he looks at VJ's and says to me "this is it?!!?" the expression on his face was priceless! I turn to him and say...'I know it looks like a dump but they say it's supposed to be good' Are you from Winnipeg?

Hahahaha, Yup... its a rat hole thats for sure. Ya, i used to live in Lindenwoods and River Hieghts. Dont miss the mosquitos and -40c winters. I do miss the happy hours and the super cheap niteclubs!

Remember Boogie Nights? (changed names by now) that place was my fav!! Used to work at Moxies & Braningans in St. Vital mall...Ahhh, those were the days!planning a road trip out there next year... I guess my twisty fix will be riding the Perimeter Hwy a few times!! LOL!

Should be snowing there in a few weeks....too bad!

dog44

08-15-2005, 08:17 AM

You boys been maintaining the diplomatic relations with WA state troopers recently?2 tickets since you've been gone. Please hurry back, I need your magnetic presence to drag these damn Mounties off me!

Phibber

08-15-2005, 10:04 AM

Hey Steve, sounds like a blast.....did the trip last summer from Ontario to here and it was great , youre gunna love it! Safe riding, see you when you get back. Cheers, Kevin.

Squire

08-15-2005, 08:01 PM

Steve, don't worry too much about missing the VJ's burgers. Sounds like they're very similar to Wally's Burgers in Burnaby. We will do a ride there one night.

tigerass

08-16-2005, 08:51 AM

Steve-I'm really sorry I couldn't give you a proper send off this morning. Looks like you lucked out with the weather-I didn't see a cloud in the sky when I woke up. With everything happening so quickly the past couple of days I wasn't able to give you a proper "Vuu" hug-lucky for you!!! I've been kicking myself all day about the Forks and not taking you a full tour-I really wished you had mentioned something because as you can tell it's not often I have guests in town. :banghead Hope you have a great ride to Regina-remember to bag the next Dragon Fly you see! I'll post those pics tonight when I get home. :thumbup

greenboy

08-16-2005, 01:34 PM

2 tickets since you've been gone. Please hurry back, I need your magnetic presence to drag these damn Mounties off me!

Wayne:

The force field on the Green Magnet has so far been very effective, especially through Ontario where the OPP stormtroopers were particularly aggressive. Luckily, the OPP patterns of roaming and enforcement were collected and successfully analyzed by the onboard Magnet Computer, thereby maintaining interprovincial diplomatic relations between B.C. and Ontario. I still however have to make it through Saskatchewan, Alberta and of course stay in good stead with our own homegrown B.C. force.

Three days counting and I'll be back in good old Surrey.

Surrey's reputation precedes itself all the way to Halifax. People would ask where in B.C. I was from and I usually said "Surrey, it's just outside of Vancouver". I would get responses from people in all places, including from U.S. tourists, to the effect "Oh you live in that city full of crime". Shheesh! One old guy with few front teeth in Ignace, Ontario even said, "I heer ye hav a lotta problems der". Ignace is a small town and the guy looked liked he'd never been outside of it, yet he knew about Surrey. WTF? Pretty good laugh though. :rolleyes

This has been a great trip.

Winnipeg was an unexpected surprise. I had a great time there thanks to Tiger Ass - only regret is not staying there longer. :bowdown

dog44

08-16-2005, 02:33 PM

I had a great time there thanks to Tiger AssOkay, who wants to field this one?
;)

tigerass

08-16-2005, 02:58 PM

Dont miss the mosquitos and -40c winters. I guess my twisty fix will be riding the Perimeter Hwy a few times!! LOL!

I was telling Steve that it actually got down to -50c for a weeks stretch last winter-he didn't believe me tho. He says that I won't have to use my block heater when I get out there! :thumbup and about the mosquito problem..our GREAT tree hugging entomologist guy (Taz) decided to release minnows and dragon flies to solve this problem..however they didn't expect the wet spring so ended up fogging the city anyways...which left the dragon flies hungry..needless to say the dragon flies are now attacking people!! Oh the great Perimeter...you might have to ride it a couple of hundred times to get a twisty fix my friend!

Winnipeg was an unexpected surprise. I had a great time there thanks to Tiger Ass - only regret is not staying there longer.Aww thanks Steve that's really sweet of you to say...but next time please don't confuse the waitress!! I swear I was standing there for at least 20mins while she was trying to figure out how to do that transaction :banghead Nici and Troy prob thought I had severe indigestion problems or something haha. *BIG HUG* It was great meeting ya! I definately need to get with the times and get a digital camera!

tigerass

08-18-2005, 10:47 AM

Steve-where abouts are you now??! better yet..what did you leave behind this time...? :roflmao
No I mean, I'm amazed he remembers his own bike. I can just see Steve walking down the highway with his gear on going "What am I missing ... " :evilgrin

greenboy

08-18-2005, 09:50 PM

Steve-where abouts are you now??! better yet..what did you leave behind this time...? :roflmao

Wow, back in B.C. today, from Lethbridge, AB. Yesterday got rained on all day from Regina to Lethbridge, but a couple of bright spots: the mechanic in Saskatchewan who gave me coffee and let me hang out in his frozen-in-the-1960's shop out of the rain (more farm tractor fanbelts hanging from the ceiling than you can shake a stick at); and retrieving my jacket from a Lethbridge restaurant with all contents still intact.

Today was dry all day. I rode north from Creston to Nakusp then on to Vernon. There's nothing like it, twisties 'til you puke and then more twisties. Plus lots of wildlife and cattle standing in the middle and sides of the road trying to decide whether to step in front of me. There were about a dozen or so riders at the Needles Ferry and I was the only sport bike rider. They made me go first (? rabbit food, I suppose).

Staying in Vernon tonight, will be home by tomorrow p.m. just in time for a good old fashioned Surrey B&E and auto theft.

I will have logged about 14,000 km's on this trip. One oil change in Halifax (due for another now), one nail in rear tire, the new tires I put on three weeks ago are toast, two lightbulbs burnt out, one missing screw cap, a half dozen scatches, a dangling now taped-on turn signal, 478 gallons of water/mud/bug splatter, and one gouge in the tail section later ... I've almost got the Triple home. :cool

RiceRocket

08-18-2005, 10:03 PM

Steve, let's do Duffy Lake loop this weekend?

greenboy

08-18-2005, 10:18 PM

Steve, let's do Duffy Lake loop this weekend?

Fine. I'll follow you in my car.

I just might have to take this weekend off riding ... :alien

CoolDaddyGroove

08-19-2005, 04:13 AM

dog44

08-19-2005, 06:40 AM

:flip WELCOME HOME, STEVE! :flip

Thumper 8

08-19-2005, 07:26 AM

will be home by tomorrow p.m. just in time for a good old fashioned Surrey B&E and auto theft.

Homesick, eh?

Welcome home... I see lots of bike cleaning in your future :thumbup

Machinist

08-19-2005, 07:44 AM

Fine. I'll follow you in my car.

I just might have to take this weekend off riding ... :alien

** STEVE ** Next SATURDAY ** NORTH CASCADES , NICK will be Back as well :thumbup WATCH for the POST :evilgrin

tigerass

08-19-2005, 03:16 PM

Well I'm glad you at least made it to VJ's in Winnipeg. And I'm sure you will agree they are nothing like what you get here. Too bad you missed BDI, Mmmm..........nothing like a "Goog" upside down shake to top off a cardiac burger.

MMM..heartburn followed by indigestion, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea..hey pepto bismol! Steve-we can be the new spokespeople for Pepto! :roflmao We can make our own dance and post it on the Pepto dance machine site!

CDG-past couple of times I've been to BDI I was nearly eaten alive by all the wasps..didn't really enjoy myself. Thought the crowds down Corydon would have been a lil more interesting. Plus the gelati was perfect for showing Steve my ice-cream licking techniques :evilgrin I'm just playin.

Good to hear you made it back to BC in one piece! :thumbup
BTW Nici might be selling me her bike-she's looking at getting a '84 RZ to match Troys! Whoohoo

RiceRocket

08-19-2005, 03:45 PM

...Plus the gelati was perfect for showing Steve my ice-cream licking techniques :evilgrin ....
I had a great time there thanks to Tiger Ass
1+1=2
Wonder if Steve's got pics. Somebody's gonna have to help Steve upload his pics.

Dog44, nice avatar. I still can't stop laughing. :roflmao :roflmao :roflmao

tigerass

08-19-2005, 03:56 PM

1+1=2
Wonder if Steve's got pics. Somebody's gonna have to help Steve upload his pics.

Sorry Steve..guess I got the rumor mill going!? :attention :evilgrin

Dog44, nice avatar. I still can't stop laughing. :roflmao :roflmao :roflmao

Dido! :laughing that's just too funny!

borealis

08-19-2005, 04:28 PM

Mission accomplished! Now you can sit back and relax.... :band

borealis

08-19-2005, 04:34 PM

Steve you better be ready for an interrogation session by Yvonne and myself. Let's go to that gelato place on Venables for a demo on the new techniques... :evilgrin

RiceRocket

08-19-2005, 04:42 PM

I hope you were paying attention to the road signs in Winnipeg.

borealis

08-19-2005, 04:43 PM

I hope you were paying attention to the road signs in Winnipeg.

Stan, that's HILARIOUS!!! :roflmao :roflmao :roflmao

RiceRocket

08-19-2005, 04:49 PM

Steve you better be ready for an interrogation session by Yvonne and myself. Let's go to that gelato place on Venables for a demo on the new techniques... :evilgrin
Can I come? Just for the gelato, not the technique. :flashy

Thumper 8

08-19-2005, 04:50 PM

Stan, that's HILARIOUS!!! :roflmao :roflmao :roflmao

Nice one :thumbup - but now we will never see the rest of his pictures!

tigerass

08-19-2005, 04:51 PM

I hope you were paying attention to the road signs in Winnipeg.

Stan-you're a genius! Just about pissed myself laughing :roflmao :roflmao :roflmao

borealis

08-19-2005, 04:52 PM

Can I come? Just for the gelato, not the technique. :flashy

Sure, make sure you bring the lie detector :evilgrin

borealis

08-19-2005, 04:57 PM

Steve, please stop cleaning your bike now and post up here! We can't wait to hear about the last stretch of your trip!

btw, check out my photo gallery - the first pic

GTI

08-19-2005, 05:00 PM

Steve gonna do the loop this weekend? :laughing

RiceRocket

08-19-2005, 05:04 PM

Steve gonna do the loop this weekend? :laughing
Yup, he's gonna drive the support vehicle.
Fine. I'll follow you in my car.

Squire

08-20-2005, 12:34 AM

Great to have you back Steve. Looks like from the picture that Aurora put up you're going to be the next "January boy" in the WMRC calendar. :thumbup

I second the avatar Wayne - nice one! :roflmao

greenboy

08-20-2005, 05:50 AM

It's good to be home and in one piece. No incidents and not even a solitary ticket for the Green Magnet! I was paranoid yesterday riding fom Vernon to home, thinking I'll get a ticket on the very last day right here at home. Nope, clear sailing all the way.

This is the longest trip I have ever taken, and the first one over a full day. Previously, 800 km was a typical long-ish ride for me. I had no particular preparation for this trip, basically just got up and left on a few days notice. Originally I thought 1,000 - 1,200 km days would be the norm, but not so for me on a naked sportbike. 700 - 1,000 km was more like it after being beat up by wind blast every day. Days off every so often were the order of the day for proper rest and sanity, catch a few sights and hang out with great people.

In the last three weeks I've gone through various stages of loving riding, cursing it (straight roads, cold, rain, mud), and loving it again. The best part was returning to B.C. and immediately hitting two days of twisties en route home. I can't say I explored the entire country, but from my limited travels it is so good here I wouldn't have it any other way. Also some great towns (esp. Trois Rivieres and Quebec City) and peeps (Tiger Ass).

Things I would have done differently include: sport tourer such as ZX12R, Sprint or ST1300; 6 weeks instead of 3; heated vest. Still I wouldn't trade this trip for anything.

Thanks to those of you who were concerned about me. I travelled a lot of solo miles and often thought what if ... what if ... I get pulled over. :evilgrin

Stan, that's f**king funny. :roflmao

Wayne, your avtar gives me the creeps. I know that guy.

My ZX6R and Thruxton looked pretty pissed off when I pulled into the garage yesterday. They were staring at me and the Triple, saying "Where the hell were you two??!?" Maybe I'll fire them up this weekend for a short ride.

Cheers, all. :thumbup

Steve

JamieJames

08-20-2005, 07:28 AM

Glad to have you back in 1 piece and ticket free, buddy boy!!

dog44

08-23-2005, 09:27 AM

Steve, have you cleaned the bugs off those exceptionally good-looking leathers yet? ;) What did you use? I rode to Nakusp on Saturday and got buried in bugs, my leathers STINK!

RiceRocket

08-23-2005, 09:44 AM

Steve, have you cleaned the bugs off those exceptionally good-looking leathers yet? ;) What did you use? I rode to Nakusp on Saturday and got buried in bugs, my leathers STINK!
He doesn't clean them. He just gives them away.

Dru

08-23-2005, 05:27 PM

Clean leathers? Why bother. They'll get dirty again. Same with the bike. Just wrap in saran wrap and peel the layers off.

Steve: Welcome back. Never said it. Your adventure is something I've gotta do someday. Maybe I'll PM you about it and you can be my guide.

greenboy

08-23-2005, 08:55 PM

The new skins I picked up about a month before leaving don't appear very new anymore. Courtesy of Bug City, rain, and hot & humid days. I never clean my leathers anyway, just the bike. Call me a nature freak, but I like a jacket full of squashed bugs, the more colourful the better. I like the big yellow and red splatters especially.

Dru, there's no magic to the route. Go east until you basically run out of road. I believe the trip coast to coast can be done reasonably comfortably (one-way) in 8 - 9 days based on one-night stopovers only. I'm not sure when I will do this again, but would like to. The experience and new sights and discoveries were priceless. I have lived in Canada pretty much exclusively in B.C. since 1971 and have never really explored the country before by any mode of transportation.

Finally, I'd recommend 6 weeks if you can swing it that long.

Steve