Several weeks ago, I posted on pashnit, my home motorcycle forum a query for taking a summer ride up to Canada with the intention of riding some roads that I hadn’t previously ridden. I got a few thoughts and ideas but one forum buddy living in Scotland, jumped on and had an absolute wiki of information including places to see, where to eat, roads to ride and much much more. We exchanged thoughts and details for a few weeks before I simply said, why don’t you fly over and do this ride with me. After some deliberation, about 5 minutes worth, he wrote saying the game was on!
Now most of you know me as a solo rider, one who is not anxious to join up with others, however, I am getting my head around this concept, having ridden to Montana last year with a forum buddy, Kluts and this year to the SW with Dave, an old friend from Alaska. Both times, I had a wonderful experience, strengthening friendships, and having the added advantage of a dining/drinking partner when we arrived in some destination. My husband, Gary and I have had a couple of awesome journeys, but sadly he has way less time to do this sort of touring yet couldn’t be more supportive of my wandering. He contributes much to my trips, routes my GPS, bails me when I am lost, finds me wifi motels, and in general travels with me vicariously. He is a very special individual and the perfect SO for me.
Me and Gary on a moto-tour of NorCal
So…meanwhile last fall, Bill my friend from Scotland was here touring and we tried to meet during my September tour of the Southwest and his Great Western Tour. Somehow we succeeded only in criss-crossing each others paths, but were never able to connect. We are about to make up for that!
Meet Bill (pictured with his friend Janie)
Bill’s Bikes in Scotland
Bill, an artistic gentleman has routed a true riding masterpiece.
Sacramento to Banff, Alberta, Canada
Banff to Portland, OR
Portland to Sacramento
We are taking off on 11 July returning 1 August and riding 5500 miles together. I have a feeling this is not only going to be the highlight ride of the year, but pave the way for a tour of Scotland, with an excellent new friend.
Man, I LOVE this sport and the amazing Motorcycle “circle of trust”.
I will be posting more highlights of this journey as the time draws more near. If anyone has suggestions of “not to be missed” sights along the route, please shout out!