Additional comments from the present (Oct. 8, 2019): This entry will take us to day 1 of the ‘real trip’, where I cross into Canada, and leave rest days behind – kind of.
June 22, 2019 (originally on Facebook)
Some random images from a day spent on the water. Seattle is great. Taking some extra time on my northward journey. Just enjoying the things.
June 22, 2019 (Personal Journal)
Oh yeah, forgot to mention that an exploded water [bottle] flooded my top case yesterday, so that is off & everything is drying out. Hope my pump isn’t ruined.
June 23, 2019 (originally on Facebook)
Day… 11, I believe.
If it has a motor I’m into it, obviously. So, today involved Series Land Rovering, and a supercharged VIVIO (leeeeeetle Subaru from 90’s Japan). The Rover is just plain cool, and the VIVIO is just plain hilarious.
Also hit up REI for bear spray & other supplies. Wandered through an estate sale with a ton of lab-type equipment. Some really cool stuff. There was a laser for sale that would have been tempting if I didn’t need to haul it around.
Got to see Brandon for the first time in ages, which was awesome.
Packed the bike for my departure tomorrow, rearranged a bunch of stuff. Should probably wash a few things tonight.
Whistler tomorrow. I suppose that’s the “real” trip start.
June 23, 2019 (Personal Journal Excerpts)
…Did an REI run for some supplies. Needed a beanie, some food, shovel… totally lame stuff I should have remembered. Oh, bear spray. I also bought bear spray.
Tried to visit a BMW dealer, but it was closed in spite of their listed hours online. It is Sunday, so I didn’t really think they’d be open, but I was hopeful. I’ll pick up an air filter somewhere north. Not a huge deal.
…Got everything repacked to set off tomorrow. had to put the bike in the garage. Nice to have that option with the rain.
Whistler tomorrow. I guess that is the real trip start. Nobody to visit, just miles to log, and sights to see.
June 24, 2019
About to head over the border for some French fries and gravy, eh.
Day 12? I’m losing track.
Left Bothell, WA today heading for Whistler. Rather than just go up 5 I went 9 north to cross the border at Sumas. Was a bit busier than expected, but the ride getting there was way better.
After entering Canada as gently as possible I skirted Vancouver proper to avoid traffic. There’s quite a lot of roadworks, but not bad overall.
Canada is so beautiful. 99, which is the road to Whistler is insane scenery. It winds along the Strait of Georgia, rivers, waterfalls, Daisy Lake, and Alta Lake. Up and down in elevation. Impossible scenery. I love this part of the world.
The riding is pretty great, also. Winding roads that flow nicely. You can float along at a rhythm of your choosing with little effort.
The speed limits are stupid, though. Most highways have a max (MAX) of 90kph. 90!!! That is 55mph. On a major highway. At least post it as 100! Come on Canada, get it together.
In Whistler wandering around for a while before dinner. Didn’t eat lunch so a snack is in order.
My room nearly had a full kitchen, and the bath tub is next to the bed. Pretty funny.
Realized I haven’t been stretching well. Back is a bit angry. Have to fix that later. But I’m gonna get that snack first.
Wahoo!
June 24, 2019 (Personal Journal)
This morning was overcast, but at least it was dry. Quite cold, however. Cold enough that I zipped everything up at my first gas stop.
Left Bothell heading up 9 instead of 5. Much nicer ride with much nicer sights. It also allowed me to cross at Sumas, which is way less crowded than the main crossing. Still a small wait, but not bad.
The ride to the border was pretty, yet uneventful. Not a bad thing at all.
Riding into Canada I decided to skirt Vancouver to avoid traffic. Great decision, I think, as I didn’t hit any congestion – even moved quickly past an accident.
Canada is beautiful, and once you turn up 99 it gets even more so. Known as the Sea to Sky highway it does not disappoint. I wound along the Strait of Georgia, rivers, waterfalls, Daisy Lake, and Alta Lake. Up and down in elevation. Impossible scenery. Such an awesome part of the world.
The riding was also great. The roads flow, allowing you to find a rhythm, sort of dancing along. Brilliant.
I will say this though – the speed limits here are stupid. 90kph maxes everywhere… that’s like 55mph. So slow. Painfully slow.
The arrival into Whistler is also beautiful. Mountains rise on either side of the village, providing some of the most epic views. It’s also a huge mecca for mountain biking. Whistler hosted the winter olympics in… 2010?
I didn’t have lunch so wandered the village for a snack. Plus a beer. Really cool place. Not as crowded as I’d assumed it would be, but still healthy crowds.
Met a couple from Australia on an Africa Twin. Really cool! A few other bikes, but not as many as I might have expected. My room is weirdly large, and came with tub right next to the bed… yeah. Also a kitchenette – not bad.
Whistler is certainly not cheap. Still a favorable exchange rate, but barely with prices here.
Bumming around tomorrow before setting off for a week of riding daily. Gotta get moving.
Odo Start: 16,131
Odo End: 16,357
Daily Miles: 226
Cum. Miles: 1,794
June 25, 2019
Whistler is beautiful. Spent the day alternating between walking around the village, and napping. It was pretty nice.
Big rain drops are falling outside now. Thunder is sounding in the distance. A storm is rolling in.
Tomorrow isn’t gonna be fun I suspect, but it’s time to go.
Ryan Cavalier 