The perfect hundred

One hundred kilometres seems the perfect distance for a quick afternoon ride.


Panasonic LUMIX GF1 @ ƒ5.6

Damp vocation

Rain on the screen? Of course.

Rest stop

Taking in a mountain lake with a bit of lunch warmed on the camp stove.


Panasonic GF1 @ ƒ3.5

All curves ahead

Pointing up one of BC's spectacular mountain roads.


Panasonic GF1 @ ƒ4.5

Yin & Yang

Parking at roadside to find a good spot for lunch. Dark clouds roll in from behind while the bike stays pointed to the fairer weather.



Panasonic GF1 @ ƒ7.1

Alternate transport

Toe-to-toe with a relic of forresting past


Canon EOS 5D @ ƒ5.6

Another day on the coast

Waiting at a ferry lineup in the rain with the BC Ferry coming in to dock. At least the bikes get the front of the line!



Canon EOS 5D @ ƒ4.5

Wet Luck

On a twisty northwest road two riders stop mid-hill to break out the rain gear. Again.


Lumix GF1 @ ƒ3.5

Mr. Baker

Where do you find snow in August on the west coast? On Mount Baker! I was on the way into Washington State for some non-moto activities when, looking at the map, I thought I would be able to make the slight (250km) detour and make a run up the mountain before my afternoon events. Up early and headed over to an easterly border crossing I was suddenly met by a very confused border guard that didn't understand why someone from Vancouver was taking such an out of the way crossing. Logically, I was doing myself a disfavour. He seemed sure i was working in the US and trying to game the system by taking the smaller crossing. My argument seemed to hold just enough water to get me through. "Right, you're taking the long way there..." Car people never seem to understand the joys of long hours on the road.


Panasonic Lumix GF1 @ ƒ7.1

Reprieve

Taking a minute to enjoy a beverage at the side of the road in a rather sketchy small town in Washington state. Not wanting to leave the bike too long I reclined in the grass behind it and enjoyed a coffee before continuing the next 200km of interstate home. I liked the way the traffic blurred by as my attention faded in and out.



Panasonic Lumix GF1 @ ƒ22

Gold River

Throwing a dart at a map and going to the closest place with a curvy road and cool name. Can't do better than Gold River, BC.


Canon EOS 5D @ ƒ8

Motorcycle Preference

Got to love your own spot at the front of the line.


Canon EOS 5D @ ƒ11

Twins

What are the chances - I ran into another black BMW R1200R! Filling up with fuel the twin actually recognized my bike from the blog (shout-out Zedman!) which was fun. With Ewan selling all these BMW GSes and mileage warriors going for the RT the lowly R with its naked fairing and raw good looks doesn't get much love. Always fun to see another on the road! Could be another 3-4 months before the next R sighting.


Panasonic GF1 @ ƒ2.8
Hope, BC. May '10

In the gates

It's a tight spot when even the cycle won't fit.

25mph Beach

Taking a rural road I come across a sign that says 'beach access'. Continuing on the road turns from pavement, to gravel, to sand. It just spills out onto the beach perfect for all your sand driving needs. I'd never before wanted paddle tires but but now it's all I can think of. Please note this is a 25mph beach so don't exceed that.

Skeptical of Cows

I've always had a love/hate relationship with cows. In one way, they always seem rather dignified as they walk around without a care in the world and chew chew chew. On the other hand they are huge beasts and can run quick when given the need to chase or flee (not that they ever invoke this skill very often). I'm nervous around them. But i think the most distressing thing of all is how they cluster into packs, heads down, chewing... but never take their eyes off of you. They are conspiring, and it's something so grand they have yet to reveal their plans for the world. Until then I'll always stop and watch the cows.


Lumix GF1 ƒ5



more cows!

Stormy Twilight

I think I had an audience setting up camp this night. Rolling into the campsite the sky was dark but no sign of rain. Taking my time, i searched for the perfect site to give me a twilight view of the ocean and nighttime soundtrack of the crashing surf. The wind stirring the huge waves was also blowing around the skies and soon a dark cloud was upon us. Hail and rain. Jumping to action I think i had the tent up in 90 seconds and turned to a crowd of encouraging onlookers huddled under umbrellas. I could just see the thought clouds above their heads saying "we don't have to do with with our RV!" and I couldn't argue with that. Eventually the rain subsided and a violent stirring of black and blue filled the sky for the next few hours until well past sunset.


Lumix GF-1 ƒ4

Break in the clouds

Stopping to admire the light as I search for a campground. Two riders on the Port Townsend ferry had recommended I try Kalaloch (map) and so I was.

Brrrr

This is the west coast... and it's the end of February... it's supposed to be warmer than this! Hopefully the spring flowers aren't killed off. Update: the Rev 'it Alaska gloves are finally meeting their match for keeping the hands warm; numb fingers result.

Daily Shuffle

Pausing at a light everyone else rushes by quickly.


Canon IXY 910 @ ƒ2.8