Read my ride report from 2019.At some point you are going to have to start heading north to get that third coast! You do have 3 coasts in your thread title.
View attachment 92214
Also:
West coast -> East coast -> West coast.
That's 3.
Coast to Coast to Coast in Canada
- Thread starter jeckyll
- Start date
Also:
West coast -> East coast -> West coast.
That's 3.
Tough weather and poor internet (or none) means updates will be a bit further delayed
They will come though!
I've finally survived my 2nd crossing of Ontario. If I never have to cross that province again it will be too soon
They will come though!
I've finally survived my 2nd crossing of Ontario. If I never have to cross that province again it will be too soon
Trying to get caught up a little bit today... (actual location is Saskatchewan, but we're still in NB for the report )
--
Day 17
"Precious time"
A guy I knew used to hang out at the beach close to where I used to live. One time I commented how he seemed to be there with his friends every weekend in the summer and he said "that's because this is precious time". Well that's how today felt.
We took our time in the morning and then headed over to the beach in Alma. Picked up desert first, and had desert on the beach. Dayna and I wandered around and took some photos while my dad enjoyed his cake and coffee.
Boats leaving the harbour
Neat rocks
Then we went in to the Alma Lobster Shop and enjoyed some excellent seafood (the Lobster roll was amazing).
One the way out I saw a very young moose bull on at the exit of the park, dad saw the same one and we laughed about it after, because both of us thought it was a cow first until we saw the tiny antlers.
After dinner, we went down the road for some delicious ice cream.
What a nice day!
)--
Day 17
"Precious time"
A guy I knew used to hang out at the beach close to where I used to live. One time I commented how he seemed to be there with his friends every weekend in the summer and he said "that's because this is precious time". Well that's how today felt.
We took our time in the morning and then headed over to the beach in Alma. Picked up desert first, and had desert on the beach. Dayna and I wandered around and took some photos while my dad enjoyed his cake and coffee.
Boats leaving the harbour
Neat rocks
Then we went in to the Alma Lobster Shop and enjoyed some excellent seafood (the Lobster roll was amazing).
One the way out I saw a very young moose bull on at the exit of the park, dad saw the same one and we laughed about it after, because both of us thought it was a cow first until we saw the tiny antlers.
After dinner, we went down the road for some delicious ice cream.
What a nice day!
Day 18 PEI
My dad was feeling much better than when I arrived and we decided to meet up in PEI. I wanted to check out PEI anyway and ride the Confederation Bridge (13 km long!)
Newfoundland was out due to timing, so this would be my last Atlantic Province. The ride out wasn't too far and easy navigation. Soon I was on the bridge.
Such a long bridge! 13 km of bridge riding really gets you thinking about how long it is. Luckily not a lot of wind on the way there, but I can just imagine what it's like when it's blowing. Probably not a whole lot of fun on a bike.
I had left earlier and was going to check out Charlottetown and then we would meet up in Victoria and have more seafood.
I wandered around Charlottetown but couldn't do the city thing. It's a weird experience, to see things that you would normally enjoy, but due to the heat and carrying my jacket strapped to my backpack it wasn't super. I did take a few photos and enjoyed what I saw, but there was major work on the one place I wanted to go into to learn more about Confederation was closed due to major renovation. I knew that before heading over.
That's all you could see, but at least the noticeboards were up
Tourist traps
(why is it 2020 on the plaque and 2022 in terms of the actual "piece"?)
Since being there wasn't really working for me I decided to go to Victoria early and ride around a bit, trying to find a spot to take some photos.
Ended up on a two track following my GPS
<splitting due to image limits>
My dad was feeling much better than when I arrived and we decided to meet up in PEI. I wanted to check out PEI anyway and ride the Confederation Bridge (13 km long!)
Newfoundland was out due to timing, so this would be my last Atlantic Province. The ride out wasn't too far and easy navigation. Soon I was on the bridge.
Such a long bridge! 13 km of bridge riding really gets you thinking about how long it is. Luckily not a lot of wind on the way there, but I can just imagine what it's like when it's blowing. Probably not a whole lot of fun on a bike.
I had left earlier and was going to check out Charlottetown and then we would meet up in Victoria and have more seafood.
I wandered around Charlottetown but couldn't do the city thing. It's a weird experience, to see things that you would normally enjoy, but due to the heat and carrying my jacket strapped to my backpack it wasn't super. I did take a few photos and enjoyed what I saw, but there was major work on the one place I wanted to go into to learn more about Confederation was closed due to major renovation. I knew that before heading over.
That's all you could see, but at least the noticeboards were up
Tourist traps
(why is it 2020 on the plaque and 2022 in terms of the actual "piece"?)
Since being there wasn't really working for me I decided to go to Victoria early and ride around a bit, trying to find a spot to take some photos.
Ended up on a two track following my GPS
<splitting due to image limits>
Back in Victoria I got a call an hour before I was expecting, Dad and Dayna were already there. So we went and had a very late lunch (or super early dinner, you decide). More amazing seafood!
Afterwards a bit more walking around and taking photos.
The red sand
Then back to NB. It was time for me to do laundry and prep for my departure! 10 days go really fast.
Afterwards a bit more walking around and taking photos.
The red sand
Then back to NB. It was time for me to do laundry and prep for my departure! 10 days go really fast.
Day 19 - Back to Quebec
Well, it was time to leave. Of course, not an easy thing to do, both leaving my dad and then facing the 9 days back across Canada. I was hopeful that I'd get to stop and see more of the things that I'd been hoping to on the way out.
First though, we sat down for breakfast again
And then I packed the final items and got everything sorted on the bike.
One more photo with dad.
The forecast was not great, some rain and some thunderstorms. Which I really do not like.
Five minutes after getting on the highway it was drizzling.
Luckily there was no great rain until close to Edmonston and then the skies opened up, it was bloody dark and the lightening started hitting the hillside next to the highway.
One biker took shelter under an overpass, but I wanted to get right off the highway. Cars and trucks were driving with the 4 way flashers on, I power past at 130 to get to an offramp.
I missed one due to being in the wrong lane with lots of slow traffic in the right lane, then got off at the next one. They had a Timmies and I walked in, dripping everywhere. People were definitely looking at me but didn't say anything.
After a coffee and a muffin, I waited until the skies looked better where I was going and got back on the bike, still wet. It was still raining slightly, but the black clouds were behind me.
Off into Quebec. Got some gas which was even more expensive in Quebec than New Brunswick, and then after a short trip on the trans Canada, I turned off in St.Pascal and rode route 230 through some beautiful little towns. It also gives a better view of the St.Lawrence.
I did the same on the other side of the highway, taking route 132. If I'd spoken French it would have been great to spend some time in a cafe or just hang out a bit in one of the little towns, some had a very European flair.
When I got to Montmagny I got a hotel. Luckily the woman at the front desk spoke some English and was very helpful. Then I got some beer, but didn't realize what I got.
7.1% ... hmm, OK.
I bought two, but really, one was enough.
The next day would be tough again, it looked very wet past Quebec City and Montreal. But, what are you going to do?
Some stats:
Total km: 8,937
Daily km: 650
Soakings: 1
Spirits: Decent
Well, it was time to leave. Of course, not an easy thing to do, both leaving my dad and then facing the 9 days back across Canada. I was hopeful that I'd get to stop and see more of the things that I'd been hoping to on the way out.
First though, we sat down for breakfast again
And then I packed the final items and got everything sorted on the bike.
One more photo with dad.
The forecast was not great, some rain and some thunderstorms. Which I really do not like.
Five minutes after getting on the highway it was drizzling.
Luckily there was no great rain until close to Edmonston and then the skies opened up, it was bloody dark and the lightening started hitting the hillside next to the highway.
One biker took shelter under an overpass, but I wanted to get right off the highway. Cars and trucks were driving with the 4 way flashers on, I power past at 130 to get to an offramp.
I missed one due to being in the wrong lane with lots of slow traffic in the right lane, then got off at the next one. They had a Timmies and I walked in, dripping everywhere. People were definitely looking at me but didn't say anything.
After a coffee and a muffin, I waited until the skies looked better where I was going and got back on the bike, still wet. It was still raining slightly, but the black clouds were behind me.
Off into Quebec. Got some gas which was even more expensive in Quebec than New Brunswick, and then after a short trip on the trans Canada, I turned off in St.Pascal and rode route 230 through some beautiful little towns. It also gives a better view of the St.Lawrence.
I did the same on the other side of the highway, taking route 132. If I'd spoken French it would have been great to spend some time in a cafe or just hang out a bit in one of the little towns, some had a very European flair.
When I got to Montmagny I got a hotel. Luckily the woman at the front desk spoke some English and was very helpful. Then I got some beer, but didn't realize what I got.
7.1% ... hmm, OK.
I bought two, but really, one was enough.
The next day would be tough again, it looked very wet past Quebec City and Montreal. But, what are you going to do?
Some stats:
Total km: 8,937
Daily km: 650
Soakings: 1
Spirits: Decent
Cycledude
Well-Known Member
Hey Jeckyll do you know this guy I think you ran into him a few years ago on one of your Alaska trips
Cycledude
Well-Known Member
Yup that’s Dick Tramitz he lives about 10 miles from me, he used to own a Tenere but switched to Honda AFrica Twin DCT last year.
Day 20 - F**king rain!
When I woke up, a bit early due to the hour I gained changing from Atlantic to Eastern time, it wasn't bad out, just some light drizzle and I felt OK for the day ahead.
By the time I got outside with straps and bags, it was raining solid and I put some layers on to not start wet.
Well, once I started riding... it was pouring rain, driving wind and I was sharing the highway with drivers who liked cutting right in front of me and covering me in additional heavy spray on top of the rain that was falling. I'd seen 46 F on the bike thermometer when I started, it 'warmed up' to 50 F (i.e. 10 C) during the ride.
I pushed hard, trying to stretch my tank as far as possible, feeling myself get wetter and wetter. My feet were 'squishing' in the boots, my hands were wet through the 'winter' gloves and all my heated vest was the only thing keeping me from having to pull over and stop riding.
I got past Quebec City, and the forecast had said things were supposed to improve weather wise closer to Montreal.
They lied.
It kept dumping down.
Crossing the last bridge out of Montreal I could see 'white caps' on the river, that's how strong the wind was.
Just about out of Quebec and the dumping continued, I pulled off to get gas and visit a Timmies to get warm, but the Timmies was closed. Drive through only
I was done, close to shivering. So, I decided just to cross into Ontario and find somewhere to stay as soon as possible.
On the way out of Quebec I flipped the 'Leaving Quebec' sign the bird.
But then, within another 5 minutes it stopped raining. And got much lighter towards the horizon!
So I rode on, and stopped at a Tim Horton's in Renfrew to finally get a small bite to eat (I'd not had any real food yet and it was after 2 pm).
And I met Tim (hope I got the name right ). Just when I was really needing to chat with a real rider!
We must have talked for 20 minutes or more, sharing stories of long trips, him telling me about some riding in Ont, comparing stories of riding in the states etc.
Great guy, really good to meet him and share stories.
Note the great motorcycle only parking!
I had a coffee and a muffing and decided to ride to Pembroke where I'd found an affordable Motel. Sure, I was still in soaked boots and socks, but I had fresh (dry!) gloves on and it was sunny and I was feeling much better.
Got a room and the heat wasn't working (it was shut off because normally by this time people need AC, not heat) but I got a little space heater, which was perfect, I pointed it at my boots to help dry them out (I'd also stuffed paper into the toes and set them outside in the wind as soon as I arrived).
Since I was pretty bushed, I walked to the closest food, Little Caesar's, and got a pizza.
Was it good? Well, it tasted great given I was starved and it was warm!
I went to bed early, just taking some minor notes on the computer about the day.
The return trip was off to a helluva start...
Stats:
Total km: Not 100% sure as I didn't take a photo of the GPS that night
Daily km: about 650
Wildlife spotted: 1 wild turkey in a field away from the road. Quebec drivers (many)
Spirits: Decidedly mixed, very low in the morning, improved in the afternoon. But the forecast was not looking very good, I'd be battling more weather based on what I was seeing...
When I woke up, a bit early due to the hour I gained changing from Atlantic to Eastern time, it wasn't bad out, just some light drizzle and I felt OK for the day ahead.
By the time I got outside with straps and bags, it was raining solid and I put some layers on to not start wet.
Well, once I started riding... it was pouring rain, driving wind and I was sharing the highway with drivers who liked cutting right in front of me and covering me in additional heavy spray on top of the rain that was falling. I'd seen 46 F on the bike thermometer when I started, it 'warmed up' to 50 F (i.e. 10 C) during the ride.
I pushed hard, trying to stretch my tank as far as possible, feeling myself get wetter and wetter. My feet were 'squishing' in the boots, my hands were wet through the 'winter' gloves and all my heated vest was the only thing keeping me from having to pull over and stop riding.
I got past Quebec City, and the forecast had said things were supposed to improve weather wise closer to Montreal.
They lied.
It kept dumping down.
Crossing the last bridge out of Montreal I could see 'white caps' on the river, that's how strong the wind was.
Just about out of Quebec and the dumping continued, I pulled off to get gas and visit a Timmies to get warm, but the Timmies was closed. Drive through only
I was done, close to shivering. So, I decided just to cross into Ontario and find somewhere to stay as soon as possible.
On the way out of Quebec I flipped the 'Leaving Quebec' sign the bird.
But then, within another 5 minutes it stopped raining. And got much lighter towards the horizon!
So I rode on, and stopped at a Tim Horton's in Renfrew to finally get a small bite to eat (I'd not had any real food yet and it was after 2 pm).
And I met Tim (hope I got the name right
). Just when I was really needing to chat with a real rider!
We must have talked for 20 minutes or more, sharing stories of long trips, him telling me about some riding in Ont, comparing stories of riding in the states etc.
Great guy, really good to meet him and share stories.
Note the great motorcycle only parking!
I had a coffee and a muffing and decided to ride to Pembroke where I'd found an affordable Motel. Sure, I was still in soaked boots and socks, but I had fresh (dry!) gloves on and it was sunny and I was feeling much better.
Got a room and the heat wasn't working (it was shut off because normally by this time people need AC, not heat) but I got a little space heater, which was perfect, I pointed it at my boots to help dry them out (I'd also stuffed paper into the toes and set them outside in the wind as soon as I arrived).
Since I was pretty bushed, I walked to the closest food, Little Caesar's, and got a pizza.
Was it good? Well, it tasted great given I was starved and it was warm!
I went to bed early, just taking some minor notes on the computer about the day.
The return trip was off to a helluva start...
Stats:
Total km: Not 100% sure as I didn't take a photo of the GPS that night
Daily km: about 650
Wildlife spotted: 1 wild turkey in a field away from the road. Quebec drivers (many)
Spirits: Decidedly mixed, very low in the morning, improved in the afternoon. But the forecast was not looking very good, I'd be battling more weather based on what I was seeing...
Pdrhound
Active Member
Lotsa rain, I feel your pain.
Actually rode through a very wet snow storm a couple weeks ago. Another blowing thunderstorm last week revealed my trusty Grunden rain jacket has finally lost it's waterproofing after 70,000miles. Best $75 I ever spent.
I was just thinking before the last post that the rain on the way out was worth the great weather you had out east. Saskatchewan may change that heading west though?
Actually rode through a very wet snow storm a couple weeks ago. Another blowing thunderstorm last week revealed my trusty Grunden rain jacket has finally lost it's waterproofing after 70,000miles. Best $75 I ever spent.
I was just thinking before the last post that the rain on the way out was worth the great weather you had out east. Saskatchewan may change that heading west though?
Day 21 - 3 weeks on the road
I left Pembroke to a beautiful but not super warm morning. The road was empty for the first part and I enjoyed the ride, though saw 2 deer within the first 30 minutes so was on the lookout. Finally pulled into a Timmy's and met a cyclist (Jim?) who I chatted with for a while, everything from riding (bicycles) to his stays in various provinces during his army tenure, to regional differences across Canada.
Had a great chat. Super nice guy. He took off and once I got going I passed him gave him a big wave and got a big wave back.
Mostly I made 'miles' again. The goal was to get to Sault Ste Marie, or close, so I would have a good jump off point the next day. There was a forecast of afternoon thunder showers and as I got closer I could see the weather slowly get worse and the clouds get darker. Finally pulled over and had a bagel and visited the wash room around 3 pm. Found a place that looked interesting, Bruce Bay Cottages and Lighthouse. They had one room left. Sold!
Rustic cabin right by the water. Wood stove, really a different experience that trying to find affordable motels.
More space than I could possibly use
Seating area to look out at the lake
It wasn't too warm, the only source of heat was the wood burning stove, but there was plenty of wood
Rustic.
I sat out by the lake a bit as well, but there were already some raindrops falling.
There were supposed to be more thunder showers in the morning, and I knew I'd have to see when to head out, maybe a late start if the weather forecast doesn't improve.
Crossed the 10,000 km mark for the trip today
Some stats:
Total km: 10176
Daily km: about 640
Weather: very nice for riding
Spirits: high
Wildlife: 2 deer
I left Pembroke to a beautiful but not super warm morning. The road was empty for the first part and I enjoyed the ride, though saw 2 deer within the first 30 minutes so was on the lookout. Finally pulled into a Timmy's and met a cyclist (Jim?) who I chatted with for a while, everything from riding (bicycles) to his stays in various provinces during his army tenure, to regional differences across Canada.
Had a great chat. Super nice guy. He took off and once I got going I passed him gave him a big wave and got a big wave back.
Mostly I made 'miles' again. The goal was to get to Sault Ste Marie, or close, so I would have a good jump off point the next day. There was a forecast of afternoon thunder showers and as I got closer I could see the weather slowly get worse and the clouds get darker. Finally pulled over and had a bagel and visited the wash room around 3 pm. Found a place that looked interesting, Bruce Bay Cottages and Lighthouse. They had one room left. Sold!
Rustic cabin right by the water. Wood stove, really a different experience that trying to find affordable motels.
More space than I could possibly use
Seating area to look out at the lake
It wasn't too warm, the only source of heat was the wood burning stove, but there was plenty of wood
Rustic.
I sat out by the lake a bit as well, but there were already some raindrops falling.
There were supposed to be more thunder showers in the morning, and I knew I'd have to see when to head out, maybe a late start if the weather forecast doesn't improve.
Crossed the 10,000 km mark for the trip today
Some stats:
Total km: 10176
Daily km: about 640
Weather: very nice for riding
Spirits: high
Wildlife: 2 deer
Day 22 - Brutal thunderstorm
I had a very bad sleep, not sure what it was but something didn't agree with me. So pretty tired in the morning. Heavy rain was moving through and it sounded horrid out. The rain was hitting so hard it was making 'bubbles' on the lake.
Then the thunder started, and at one point there was only about 1/2 second between the lightning strike and the thunder, so it was bloody close. I unplugged all my electronics in case there was a power spike. I decided to delay my departure as long as possible. There was supposed to be a tiny weather window in Sault Ste. Marie around 11:30 am. Checkout was at 11 am.
But man, waiting and wondering how bad it's going to be, those suck.
I tried to read, but it was hard not to be thinking about how bad the day would be, lack of sleep always makes it harder to be positive.
To ensure I wouldn't be soaked immediately, I put on all my rain gear and my helmet to load up the bike. 10:45 am rolled around and it was time to head out. Not looking forward to it, but there hadn't been any lightening or thunder in 15 minutes or so, time to go for it.
It was of course wet and I used a truck to 'pace' myself. In Sault Ste. Marie I ensured I filled up. Wet but not soaked, I pushed on. The weather definitely improved a bit once I got further north, the forecast had been correct and I left the thundershowers behind.
Wawa was all fogged in (so was Old Woman Bay where I'd planned to stop) so I had a quick snack and kept going. My goal now was to make it to Nipigon, I wanted to get out Ontario the next day and knew that from there I could.
The temperature changes were nutty, from 15 C (60 F) to 27 C (80 F) in just a few minutes. Definitely some 'lake climate' I was dipping into and out of.
I only stopped for gas and one time to take off some layers. This could be 'anywhere in Northern Ontario'
Got back to the Beaver Motel, and they had one room left, a larger one, but made me a deal. Sold.
I stripped off my 'rain enhancement booties' (i.e. plastic bags)
Then off to Timmies for some dinner where I met two young guys from Quebec who are cycling across the country from East to West (i.e. into the prevailing winds). We chatted a bit and one had a flat so I hung out until they were ready to use my compressor to save some time and effort pumping up the tire.
Nice guys
While on the phone with Michelle I checked the weather. Thunder showers for Thunder Bay in the morning. Will this stuff never end?
Some stats:
Total km: 10,843
Daily km: plenty
Number of times hit by lightning: 0
Number of times worried about getting hit by lightning: too many
Wildlife: None (was disappointed not to see a single moose, I looked)
I had a very bad sleep, not sure what it was but something didn't agree with me. So pretty tired in the morning. Heavy rain was moving through and it sounded horrid out. The rain was hitting so hard it was making 'bubbles' on the lake.
Then the thunder started, and at one point there was only about 1/2 second between the lightning strike and the thunder, so it was bloody close. I unplugged all my electronics in case there was a power spike. I decided to delay my departure as long as possible. There was supposed to be a tiny weather window in Sault Ste. Marie around 11:30 am. Checkout was at 11 am.
But man, waiting and wondering how bad it's going to be, those suck.
I tried to read, but it was hard not to be thinking about how bad the day would be, lack of sleep always makes it harder to be positive.
To ensure I wouldn't be soaked immediately, I put on all my rain gear and my helmet to load up the bike. 10:45 am rolled around and it was time to head out. Not looking forward to it, but there hadn't been any lightening or thunder in 15 minutes or so, time to go for it.
It was of course wet and I used a truck to 'pace' myself. In Sault Ste. Marie I ensured I filled up. Wet but not soaked, I pushed on. The weather definitely improved a bit once I got further north, the forecast had been correct and I left the thundershowers behind.
Wawa was all fogged in (so was Old Woman Bay where I'd planned to stop) so I had a quick snack and kept going. My goal now was to make it to Nipigon, I wanted to get out Ontario the next day and knew that from there I could.
The temperature changes were nutty, from 15 C (60 F) to 27 C (80 F) in just a few minutes. Definitely some 'lake climate' I was dipping into and out of.
I only stopped for gas and one time to take off some layers. This could be 'anywhere in Northern Ontario'
Got back to the Beaver Motel, and they had one room left, a larger one, but made me a deal. Sold.
I stripped off my 'rain enhancement booties' (i.e. plastic bags)
Then off to Timmies for some dinner where I met two young guys from Quebec who are cycling across the country from East to West (i.e. into the prevailing winds). We chatted a bit and one had a flat so I hung out until they were ready to use my compressor to save some time and effort pumping up the tire.
Nice guys
While on the phone with Michelle I checked the weather. Thunder showers for Thunder Bay in the morning. Will this stuff never end?
Some stats:
Total km: 10,843
Daily km: plenty
Number of times hit by lightning: 0
Number of times worried about getting hit by lightning: too many
Wildlife: None (was disappointed not to see a single moose, I looked)
Day 24 - 720 km
Another day in the prairies
At breakfast I met a couple on a Goldwing, with trailer, who were heading east. We chatted a bit about roads and how shitty they are around Winnipeg, the wind and how much it sucks and some riding in Quebec. I dropped them a note after breakfast with some recommendations based my little detour and they seemed very pleased.
Leaving Steinbach I took 52 as it seemed to be a smaller and not necessarily longer route. I was debating staying on smaller roads today, but once I got going I didn't really see anything interesting so I hopped back on Hwy 1. My goal was to continue to look for a place where I could get an oil change, or better yet, do it myself. In addition, the wind was supposed to get bad again in the afternoons, so my original plan to head south from Brandon and take the scenic route would have me spend more time riding with a strong cross wind on smaller highways.
Of course, you don't necessarily see much riding at speed on a large divided highway. So every pit stop I checked around, but never found anything that seemed a god option.
As it was supposed to get hot in the afternoon, I had put on my lightweight riding pants with my 'proper' Firstgear pants over top. This works OK, but is pretty rough around the knees. Still, I was glad to strip the suit pants off when I stopped for coffee and a muffin before lunch. It was getting hot. I wonder what the folks at Tim Hortons thought when I started to unzip my fly in the dining area
Finally, just past where I stayed in Emerald SK I saw a sign for "Yamaha" next to the highway. Decided to pull in.
40 minutes later my oilchange was done!
The service guy was a bit of a character, but man, they got me in and out of there with no real delay and I felt better about not having to push all the way through to Mike's in Calgary.
One big item to take off the list.
The wind was ... significant... when I got back on the highway and the ring road around Regina had some entertaining features, like overpasses.
Finally in Moose Jaw I was done, got a hotel with a pub right next door. Sold. I'd been on reserve pulling into Moose Jaw, riding head on at 20 over the speed limit (I was following another bike that was setting a decent speed ) had used gas at a much faster rate than anticipated.
Frankly, I'd hoped for some micro brews, but it was not to be. I ended up walking over to Superstore to buy a couple more beer for later.
Now I was just a day from Mike's place, another from Vincent's and then home. This was to scheduled to be the last hotel
Stats
Total km: 12,378
Daily km: about 720
Oil changes; 1 (YES!)
Days remaining in hotel rooms: 0
Upcoming weather: Yes, storms going into Calgary (at this point, it's not a surprise is it? Every day must have some serious weather it seems on the ride back... )
Another day in the prairies
At breakfast I met a couple on a Goldwing, with trailer, who were heading east. We chatted a bit about roads and how shitty they are around Winnipeg, the wind and how much it sucks and some riding in Quebec. I dropped them a note after breakfast with some recommendations based my little detour and they seemed very pleased.
Leaving Steinbach I took 52 as it seemed to be a smaller and not necessarily longer route. I was debating staying on smaller roads today, but once I got going I didn't really see anything interesting so I hopped back on Hwy 1. My goal was to continue to look for a place where I could get an oil change, or better yet, do it myself. In addition, the wind was supposed to get bad again in the afternoons, so my original plan to head south from Brandon and take the scenic route would have me spend more time riding with a strong cross wind on smaller highways.
Of course, you don't necessarily see much riding at speed on a large divided highway. So every pit stop I checked around, but never found anything that seemed a god option.
As it was supposed to get hot in the afternoon, I had put on my lightweight riding pants with my 'proper' Firstgear pants over top. This works OK, but is pretty rough around the knees. Still, I was glad to strip the suit pants off when I stopped for coffee and a muffin before lunch. It was getting hot. I wonder what the folks at Tim Hortons thought when I started to unzip my fly in the dining area
Finally, just past where I stayed in Emerald SK I saw a sign for "Yamaha" next to the highway. Decided to pull in.
40 minutes later my oilchange was done!
The service guy was a bit of a character, but man, they got me in and out of there with no real delay and I felt better about not having to push all the way through to Mike's in Calgary.
One big item to take off the list.
The wind was ... significant... when I got back on the highway and the ring road around Regina had some entertaining features, like overpasses.
Finally in Moose Jaw I was done, got a hotel with a pub right next door. Sold. I'd been on reserve pulling into Moose Jaw, riding head on at 20 over the speed limit (I was following another bike that was setting a decent speed
) had used gas at a much faster rate than anticipated.
Frankly, I'd hoped for some micro brews, but it was not to be. I ended up walking over to Superstore to buy a couple more beer for later.
Now I was just a day from Mike's place, another from Vincent's and then home. This was to scheduled to be the last hotel
Stats
Total km: 12,378
Daily km: about 720
Oil changes; 1 (YES!)
Days remaining in hotel rooms: 0
Upcoming weather: Yes, storms going into Calgary (at this point, it's not a surprise is it? Every day must have some serious weather it seems on the ride back... )
Bill_C
Well-Known Member
I've really enjoyed reading your reports and seeing Canada through your eyes.
One thing that stands out is your ability to meet people and strike up conversations. I'm pretty introverted which means I have next to zero friends, but you seem to make them everywhere you go. That's pretty cool.
Sent from my SM-S906U using Tapatalk
One thing that stands out is your ability to meet people and strike up conversations. I'm pretty introverted which means I have next to zero friends, but you seem to make them everywhere you go. That's pretty cool.
Sent from my SM-S906U using Tapatalk
Thanks for your comments.
Some background that maybe relevant: Meeting people is a conscious decision that I made in 2016. I rode down to the Redwoods and Bodie (somewhere there's a ride report, not sure if it's here, but it definitely is on ADV) and decided that I would be more engaging with folks. I used to find that it annoyed me when people would come over to talk to me, which I decided was dumb on my part. Most folks are decent and just want to connect because they used to ride, or for just a moment they want to live vicariously through you as you're on a trip they may never be able to take.
So I started with just smiling and asking them if they ride. Often they'll be happy to tell you that they do / used to / wish they did and it gives you something to start from.
I generally wait to ask if I can take their photo. Actually I make sure I give them my name and tell them that I like to have a photo to remember our conversation by, because otherwise everything blurs together. I can't recall a time when folks weren't willing to have their picture taken.
Maybe some of this will help you talk to some more folks on the road (if you want
).Day 25 - Moose Jaw to Calgary
It was quite a nice morning in Moose Jaw.
Since breakfast was included, I took advantage.
I packed up and as I got down to the parking lot met a couple of gents on cruisers from Ontario. They'd been to BC and also battled the weather. We chatted for a bit about the issues they had in the west, and the ones I had in the east, and then they rode off. I didn't get a photo as we were all busy packing bikes and getting ready to roll.
The SuperT was all gassed up and ready to go, so I set off for Swift Current, then it would be a northern turn in Medicine Hat and Calgary as the destination for the day.
In Swift Current I was ready to get some gas and it was time for a second cup of coffee and a snack. Sitting down I asked the old gent sitting alone in the booth behind me "You're not going to steel my stuff are you?" He had a good chuckle at that.
Pulling into Swift Current the temperature had dropped and some darker clouds had appeared. I was a bit concerned about how early the rain would hit today. When I stepped back outside the Timmies, the clouds were gone. And I'd only been inside about 20 minutes. So, given that I could see the sky for what seemed like forever, where did they go?
I didn't care. It was quite a bit warmer, I got gas, put on some music and headed back out on the road.
At one point the music switched and I thought that I only added a couple of songs of this album, but when I looked at the trip meter, I'd gone 75 km. So, I guess the album finished. You have so much time to think, and at this point I'd been riding for so many days, that thoughts come and go and time loses a bit of meaning at times.
Measurements change, from 'that's 30 minutes' to, "well that's only 50 km", or "I'm still 1 tank away from finding a hotel". Especially in the Prairies, where riding requires attention only when something 'special' is going on. Like strong winds, or other weather. I'd not experienced this as strongly in previous trips. But, I guess this one was different.
One more tank of gas after Medicine Hat (if there wasn't too much headwind) and I'd be at Mike's.
75 km after, I was passing the first large storm cell on my left. Then, the wind switched suddenly and the next storm cell was on my right. The temperature also dropped by almost 10 degrees C.
I had to stop and add a layer. Looks nice out, right?
Except, I had to try hard to find a place where I could pull the bike over. Because the wind was so strong that I was afraid it'd push the bike over. Also, I just got past this:
It doesn't look nearly as intimidating in the photo as it did in real life (does it ever?).
Onwards, and then as I got close to Strathmore it got so dark ahead that I thought it would be best if I got a quick bite to eat, made a pitstop and maybe gassed up again.
Still not looking bad in the photos (shot from inside the McDonald's)
I sat next to a group of older guys an they watched my stuff. We joked around a lot (there must have been about 7 or 8 of them) and they asked some questions about the trip.
Eventually all but one left and I chatted with Jim a bit more. As we talked about where he came from (Manitoba) and how long he'd been in Strathmore (since the 1970's) eventually we talked about Ontario and the Terry Fox memorial. He'd also been there, and mentioned that he'd taken his mother as it "was special". It turns out he's related to Terry Fox. IIRC, he's the cousin to Terry Fox's grandfather? Anyway, amazing to meet him. Thanks for the chat Jim, it was a real pleasure!
He finally managed to get up (it took some effort) and head out and I watched the skies through the window. Waiting for things to move through.
Now it was starting to rain
Eventually the shower moved through I got gas and then found my written instructions on how to get to Mike's house were all wrong.
I missed my turnoff well before Strathmore and ended up much too far north. But, eventually and after multiple somewhat 'sketchy' riding maneuvers to get me back on the right path, I arrived.
Did I take photo of hanging out with Mike, his wife and son? Or the tasty pizza or beer we drank? Or the place I slept?
No. I forgot, as we caught up on old times, and started to make some riding plans for next year.
Some Stats:
Total km: 13,119
Storms dodged: 3 or 4
Wind battled: 2 - 3 hours
Soakings: 2 good ones, but short
Friends caught up with: 1
Hotels stayed in: 0
Forecast for tomorrow: Wet in the morning and ... wait for it ... Windy! Who'd have guessed the weather would suck yet again?
It was quite a nice morning in Moose Jaw.
Since breakfast was included, I took advantage.
I packed up and as I got down to the parking lot met a couple of gents on cruisers from Ontario. They'd been to BC and also battled the weather. We chatted for a bit about the issues they had in the west, and the ones I had in the east, and then they rode off. I didn't get a photo as we were all busy packing bikes and getting ready to roll.
The SuperT was all gassed up and ready to go, so I set off for Swift Current, then it would be a northern turn in Medicine Hat and Calgary as the destination for the day.
In Swift Current I was ready to get some gas and it was time for a second cup of coffee and a snack. Sitting down I asked the old gent sitting alone in the booth behind me "You're not going to steel my stuff are you?" He had a good chuckle at that.
Pulling into Swift Current the temperature had dropped and some darker clouds had appeared. I was a bit concerned about how early the rain would hit today. When I stepped back outside the Timmies, the clouds were gone. And I'd only been inside about 20 minutes. So, given that I could see the sky for what seemed like forever, where did they go?
I didn't care. It was quite a bit warmer, I got gas, put on some music and headed back out on the road.
At one point the music switched and I thought that I only added a couple of songs of this album, but when I looked at the trip meter, I'd gone 75 km. So, I guess the album finished. You have so much time to think, and at this point I'd been riding for so many days, that thoughts come and go and time loses a bit of meaning at times.
Measurements change, from 'that's 30 minutes' to, "well that's only 50 km", or "I'm still 1 tank away from finding a hotel". Especially in the Prairies, where riding requires attention only when something 'special' is going on. Like strong winds, or other weather. I'd not experienced this as strongly in previous trips. But, I guess this one was different.
One more tank of gas after Medicine Hat (if there wasn't too much headwind) and I'd be at Mike's.
75 km after, I was passing the first large storm cell on my left. Then, the wind switched suddenly and the next storm cell was on my right. The temperature also dropped by almost 10 degrees C.
I had to stop and add a layer. Looks nice out, right?
Except, I had to try hard to find a place where I could pull the bike over. Because the wind was so strong that I was afraid it'd push the bike over. Also, I just got past this:
It doesn't look nearly as intimidating in the photo as it did in real life (does it ever?).
Onwards, and then as I got close to Strathmore it got so dark ahead that I thought it would be best if I got a quick bite to eat, made a pitstop and maybe gassed up again.
Still not looking bad in the photos (shot from inside the McDonald's)
I sat next to a group of older guys an they watched my stuff. We joked around a lot (there must have been about 7 or 8 of them) and they asked some questions about the trip.
Eventually all but one left and I chatted with Jim a bit more. As we talked about where he came from (Manitoba) and how long he'd been in Strathmore (since the 1970's) eventually we talked about Ontario and the Terry Fox memorial. He'd also been there, and mentioned that he'd taken his mother as it "was special". It turns out he's related to Terry Fox. IIRC, he's the cousin to Terry Fox's grandfather? Anyway, amazing to meet him. Thanks for the chat Jim, it was a real pleasure!
He finally managed to get up (it took some effort) and head out and I watched the skies through the window. Waiting for things to move through.
Now it was starting to rain
Eventually the shower moved through I got gas and then found my written instructions on how to get to Mike's house were all wrong.
I missed my turnoff well before Strathmore and ended up much too far north. But, eventually and after multiple somewhat 'sketchy' riding maneuvers to get me back on the right path, I arrived.
Did I take photo of hanging out with Mike, his wife and son? Or the tasty pizza or beer we drank? Or the place I slept?
No. I forgot, as we caught up on old times, and started to make some riding plans for next year.
Some Stats:
Total km: 13,119
Storms dodged: 3 or 4
Wind battled: 2 - 3 hours
Soakings: 2 good ones, but short
Friends caught up with: 1
Hotels stayed in: 0
Forecast for tomorrow: Wet in the morning and ... wait for it ... Windy! Who'd have guessed the weather would suck yet again?
SuckSqueezeBangBlow
Well-Known Member
I have been enjoying your write up and pictures! Must have been mixed feelings seeing your dad again but at least you were able to make it out, brave the elements and go for a nice long ride all mixed into one. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Day 26 - Calgary to Kelowna
Well, what can you say about air-mattresses that leak. No fun. I should know to used my own setup, totally my fault, but either way my sleep was not great and I got up early to a wet and windy morning in Calgary.
At 7 am the weather for Lake Lousie showed rain mixed with snow and 2 C. Great, coldest weather of the trip, and another wet day.
The good news was that once I escaped Alberta, things were set to improve. BC was going to be dry and eventually quite warm. But I had to get there first.
So I got out and was riding by 8 am, trying to push through the first part, most of the wind was going to be between Calgary and Lake Louise. At first things weren't too bad, but as I got closer to Canmore the skies darkened, then opened up. I had all my rain gear on, heated gear running but I was miserable by the time I reached Canmore and found a McDonalds to have a coffee and a bite to eat as I got out of Calgary without even having a cup of coffee.
There was a cruiser in the parking lot, the only bikes on the road apparently. It was 6 C (43 F) and riding was unpleasant, well really it was worse than that.
I sat across from Al, the guy on the Harley, and we chatted a bit. For some reason I had my timing wrong and thought I still had 2 hours before Lake Louise and another hour to get to Golden, BC (where the sun was going to shine!) but Al corrected me. 1 hour and 50 minutes to Golden. My spirits improved significantly!
He'd waited until I had my food to watch my stuff (great guy) and then headed out, saying that he wasn't going to dry out anyway and might as well get through it. Good attitude, so after finishing my food and coffee I gassed up so that I could get to BC without having to stop again, and got back 'into the s**t'.
One more rainshower and things started to look up a bit, with just spray coming off the road but no more heavy rain. Then the sun peeked through! And it warmed all the way to 8 C (47 F)! Freakin Glorious!
There were some slow stretches, but I pushed on, taking the bloody rain gear off in Golden where I gassed. The highways were getting twistier, there were only a few clouds in the sky and I started having fun riding again.
Michelle messaged me to congratulate me on getting back into BC and I told her it felt amazing to be back.
Had one close call with a pickup that passed while I was about to pull out to pass, then got my head down and made sure I got ahead of pretty much every car ahead of me
Soon enough I was going through Rogers Pass. Love that stretch, the scenery is amazing.
I pulled in at the main stop as well, and ran into a couple from Quebec on a GS and a Super T (new model)
We chatted a bit about riding across Canada, weather, Quebec and then they were off. Great folks (Gill and ... of course I forgot her name ... )
As I pulled out I saw a cruiser coming, and eventually he rode behind me for a long stretch going into Revelstoke where I pulled over to take a bunch of layers off. Then back onto some highways that seemed glorious compared to what I'd been riding for the previous 7 days, there were actual corners at 100 km/h speed limits.
Eventually I passed a cruiser (same one from before it turned out) and it was Al! We gave each other a big thumbs up.
In Sicamous I pulled into a Timmy's for some lunch, and a cruiser was just up the road. It was Al and he pulled in so we could chat. We hung out, I had some lunch, and eventually Al's brother rolled in. He was riding up from Abbotsford while Al was coming over from Calgary so they could ride together for a bit.
Eventually I headed south while they went back to Revelstoke.
I pushed on south, stopping to switch socks as it had gotten way to warm for marino wool
And then it was time to meet up with Vincent who had invited me to stay in his guest room (really more of a suite) with the most amazing views (photos in the next days post).
After getting the neighbourhood tour, we went and had some dinner.
And then had another drink before I finally collapsed into bed. It had been an exhausting 48 hours.
Stats:
Total KM: 13,740
Trucks I got hit by: 0 (very good stat!)
Enjoyable turns: YES, many
Lowest to highest temp: 6 C (43F) to 31 C (88 F), quite a range
Provinces left to 'commute' through: 0
Rain left in the forecast before home: 0
Nights left before sleeping in my own bed again: 1
Well, what can you say about air-mattresses that leak. No fun. I should know to used my own setup, totally my fault, but either way my sleep was not great and I got up early to a wet and windy morning in Calgary.
At 7 am the weather for Lake Lousie showed rain mixed with snow and 2 C. Great, coldest weather of the trip, and another wet day.
The good news was that once I escaped Alberta, things were set to improve. BC was going to be dry and eventually quite warm. But I had to get there first.
So I got out and was riding by 8 am, trying to push through the first part, most of the wind was going to be between Calgary and Lake Louise. At first things weren't too bad, but as I got closer to Canmore the skies darkened, then opened up. I had all my rain gear on, heated gear running but I was miserable by the time I reached Canmore and found a McDonalds to have a coffee and a bite to eat as I got out of Calgary without even having a cup of coffee.
There was a cruiser in the parking lot, the only bikes on the road apparently. It was 6 C (43 F) and riding was unpleasant, well really it was worse than that.
I sat across from Al, the guy on the Harley, and we chatted a bit. For some reason I had my timing wrong and thought I still had 2 hours before Lake Louise and another hour to get to Golden, BC (where the sun was going to shine!) but Al corrected me. 1 hour and 50 minutes to Golden. My spirits improved significantly!
He'd waited until I had my food to watch my stuff (great guy) and then headed out, saying that he wasn't going to dry out anyway and might as well get through it. Good attitude, so after finishing my food and coffee I gassed up so that I could get to BC without having to stop again, and got back 'into the s**t'.
One more rainshower and things started to look up a bit, with just spray coming off the road but no more heavy rain. Then the sun peeked through! And it warmed all the way to 8 C (47 F)! Freakin Glorious!
There were some slow stretches, but I pushed on, taking the bloody rain gear off in Golden where I gassed. The highways were getting twistier, there were only a few clouds in the sky and I started having fun riding again.
Michelle messaged me to congratulate me on getting back into BC and I told her it felt amazing to be back.
Had one close call with a pickup that passed while I was about to pull out to pass, then got my head down and made sure I got ahead of pretty much every car ahead of me
Soon enough I was going through Rogers Pass. Love that stretch, the scenery is amazing.
I pulled in at the main stop as well, and ran into a couple from Quebec on a GS and a Super T (new model)
We chatted a bit about riding across Canada, weather, Quebec and then they were off. Great folks (Gill and ... of course I forgot her name ... )
As I pulled out I saw a cruiser coming, and eventually he rode behind me for a long stretch going into Revelstoke where I pulled over to take a bunch of layers off. Then back onto some highways that seemed glorious compared to what I'd been riding for the previous 7 days, there were actual corners at 100 km/h speed limits.
Eventually I passed a cruiser (same one from before it turned out) and it was Al! We gave each other a big thumbs up.
In Sicamous I pulled into a Timmy's for some lunch, and a cruiser was just up the road. It was Al and he pulled in so we could chat. We hung out, I had some lunch, and eventually Al's brother rolled in. He was riding up from Abbotsford while Al was coming over from Calgary so they could ride together for a bit.
Eventually I headed south while they went back to Revelstoke.
I pushed on south, stopping to switch socks as it had gotten way to warm for marino wool
And then it was time to meet up with Vincent who had invited me to stay in his guest room (really more of a suite) with the most amazing views (photos in the next days post).
After getting the neighbourhood tour, we went and had some dinner.
And then had another drink before I finally collapsed into bed. It had been an exhausting 48 hours.
Stats:
Total KM: 13,740
Trucks I got hit by: 0 (very good stat!)
Enjoyable turns: YES, many
Lowest to highest temp: 6 C (43F) to 31 C (88 F), quite a range
Provinces left to 'commute' through: 0
Rain left in the forecast before home: 0
Nights left before sleeping in my own bed again: 1
Last edited:
Day 27 Kelowna to Home!
Slept OK, but the 4 hour time change I went through in the last 8 days hasn't been easy. I woke up early again, like most days once I got past Ontario
The views were amazing from the bedroom
I heard Vincent had gotten up and we sat down for breakfast outside, enjoying the view and chatting.
We ended up chatting for 3 hours while just taking it easy and enjoying the morning, catching up on various topics.
Finally, it was time for me to finish packing and head out. But first, a photo with Vincent
Thanks again Vincent for a very enjoyable stay in Kelowna
I headed out and fought through the West Kelowna traffic, then headed up Hwy97C over the mountains.
A quick fill up in Merritt and I was on the Coquihalla, cruising at 130 km/h (speed limit is 120, so this wasn't even quick). But going through the corners, loading up suspension and tires and passing traffic while cornering was so enjoyable.
Of course it couldn't last and soon I was in the construction zone which goes on for 75 km into Hope as they're still fixing the highway after last fall's crazy storm.
Being on a mission to get home, I didn't stop except for the one time in Merritt for gas and went straight home. It felt amazing to pull up after 4 weeks on the road.
She did well
Total km: 14,188
1 very flat spotted tire
I took another photo several days later when I washed the SuperT
Back inside with the other bikes, unloaded and parked for a few days
Then I spent a several days just relaxing, not riding. Walking around and trying to figure out how I feel about this trip. Getting back into 'work mode' and working on getting the next gig.
The trip was not exactly what I had planned. The slow progress across the lonely prairie roads didn't happen, mostly due to the weather. The key parts though, seeing my dad, riding the Cabot Trail, exploring the Atlantic provinces, those were good.
The middle bits, well, they were just commuting. 7 days worth of commuting across the country each way. Of course, I met some interesting people along the way and tried to show that here. Most of the time, I needed to meet people right when I did.
There maybe another post to sum up, but for now, this is it. For those who made it all the way to this final post, thank you for playing along!
Bjorn
Slept OK, but the 4 hour time change I went through in the last 8 days hasn't been easy. I woke up early again, like most days once I got past Ontario
The views were amazing from the bedroom
I heard Vincent had gotten up and we sat down for breakfast outside, enjoying the view and chatting.
We ended up chatting for 3 hours while just taking it easy and enjoying the morning, catching up on various topics.
Finally, it was time for me to finish packing and head out. But first, a photo with Vincent
Thanks again Vincent for a very enjoyable stay in Kelowna
I headed out and fought through the West Kelowna traffic, then headed up Hwy97C over the mountains.
A quick fill up in Merritt and I was on the Coquihalla, cruising at 130 km/h (speed limit is 120, so this wasn't even quick). But going through the corners, loading up suspension and tires and passing traffic while cornering was so enjoyable.
Of course it couldn't last and soon I was in the construction zone which goes on for 75 km into Hope as they're still fixing the highway after last fall's crazy storm.
Being on a mission to get home, I didn't stop except for the one time in Merritt for gas and went straight home. It felt amazing to pull up after 4 weeks on the road.
She did well
Total km: 14,188
1 very flat spotted tire
I took another photo several days later when I washed the SuperT
Back inside with the other bikes, unloaded and parked for a few days
Then I spent a several days just relaxing, not riding. Walking around and trying to figure out how I feel about this trip. Getting back into 'work mode' and working on getting the next gig.
The trip was not exactly what I had planned. The slow progress across the lonely prairie roads didn't happen, mostly due to the weather. The key parts though, seeing my dad, riding the Cabot Trail, exploring the Atlantic provinces, those were good.
The middle bits, well, they were just commuting. 7 days worth of commuting across the country each way. Of course, I met some interesting people along the way and tried to show that here. Most of the time, I needed to meet people right when I did.
There maybe another post to sum up, but for now, this is it. For those who made it all the way to this final post, thank you for playing along!
Bjorn