On our way to Elkford, BC.
This was to be my third trip to the Nelson area, the first being in 2007 when I made my epic solo journey covering seven states and two provinces. I had only been riding for three years and was excited to take such a long and adventerous journey. I had a forum friend from MCusa and basically invited myself to visit him and his wife while I was there. This is my friend, Geoff, and I would see him on this journey as well., but sadly his wife Laura, way traveling in China! I’m always amazed by the friendships we acquire while celebrating this sport we all love!
Geoff in 07
Why I keep returning to the Nelson area!
This year I was also visiting my new riding buddies that I had met on last years journey to the north country, with my riding buddy, Notorian. When Tyler suggested this trip, I was thrilled at the prospect of seeing friends once again and with that we added Elkford to our itinerary. My friend Dave and his wife Liz live there and we spend a rollicking evening in their home visiting them and friends. After a couple of glasses of well-needed vino we retired to be fresh for a morning ride to Castlegar.
The beauty of meeting locals is that they ALWAYS know of the fun roads. Our ride into Castlegar was rife with fun side roads and along the way we picked up Jim and Geoff and it made for a great group.
I could follow this Ducati every day!
We met up with Jim in Fernie, I believe it was called.
Dave and Jim awaiting our photog Tyler’s arrival.
Looks like someone’s party had stopped. 😉
Geoff and his Buell awaiting the Balfor Ferry.
The most honest face of the day!
No way to lose Dave in that jacket!
My next motorcycle…Uh hon…
I tried it on for size and it fit perfectly! 😉 Go figure…
My touring buddies…always the clowns.
As we neared Castlegar our party thinned. I notice Jim had dropped off and after talking to him later it was due to a car nearly t-boning him at a light. I was enough riders ahead to not even notice for which I felt terrible. I was releived his quick wits kept him from being hit! Geoff dropped off at Cresent Valley and Dave led us into our motel in Castlegar before he himself split off.
What a wonderful day of riding with friends!
The rest of the evening was spent getting settled in at the FJR NAFO. I met so many people I remember but a few. The following day group rides were planned, but I, being me, left early to ride the roads solo.
My favorite ride or I should say one of them is the ride from Castlegar to New Denver then over the pass to Kaslo. It’s a beautiful road, very scenic and fun on a motorcycle. I hear it can be full of other riders, but I have yet to encounter but a few single riders on it, unless I was simply traveling too fast to notice. ;). It’s one of those roads that will bite you if you are lax in regard to some of the corners. It’s not like Hwy 4 Ebbetts Pass in CA but has a bit of that feel to it. Now Ebbetts, that’s a story of its own!
I like to stop in New Denver for coffee.
This day like so many others on this trip was overcast making a decent photo nearly impossible. This was one of those days, I was wishing I had a better camera.
My favorite roads are those that follow rivers!!
The Lupin all along the roadside was unbelievably lovely!
My ol’ Bandit looks pretty pleased framed by nature’s offering.
When I arrived at Ainsworth Hot Springs, the destination for the day, I encountered another Suzuki rider. This lad had a damned fine ol’ Suzuki. I believe he told me it was a ’78. He had it solidly packed with camping gear and other items and was embarking on a several day journey. He lived in Creston and was just out and about. He was very nice and we ended up conversing from the comfort of the soaking pools of Ainsworth. We were but two in a sea of FJR riders!
This was shot in 2010, but I thought i’d share it since Ainsworth looks so lovely in the evening!
My friend Geoff joined just as I was getting ready to depart. He decided to ride his 250 dual sport and teased me about being able to keep up with him. You have to realize Geoff’s skills to know it wouldn’t matter what I rode, I’d not keep up.
It was a wonderfully brisk ride back to Castlegar and the evenings festivities, a banquet for the FJR riders.
I have few worthy photos of the banquet, but I did enjoy this one! It seems that everyone wanted to give Tyler a hand.
Up Next: Back to the States!