Sunshine Coast: Hwy 101 North

We had a few sunny days, without fog, and the cool northern air returned. Frosty mornings and today a bit of Snow in some areas of Vancouver, and nothing in others, which makes for dicey riding. Our colleague down in KW, FL often makes fun of us Northerners who have to endure these frigid temperatures to which he is not accustomed. He mocks us on nearly every post with his la-di-da T-shirt and Short pants weather. (his blog is here) As if our temperatures don't reach as high as 14C several times during the year.
As if he didn't know that Vancouver, BC is the Key West of Canada where it seldom snows and temperatures seldom go below Zero, but this year has been an exception. We have had the worst weather in nearly 40 years. And while we would be riding our Motorcycles and scooters all year round, this winter they have been parked longer than normal. Over the years we have built friendships with other riders and I remember a ride we took a year or so ago in the Fall


(scooters enroute on a BC Ferries headed for Gibsons, BC)

One brisk day in October a few of us decided to take a ride over to the Sunshine Coast. I say brisk since it was a cool, cloudy day and the temps were expected to reach around 16C later in the afternoon. We met early and took the lower level road (Marine Drive) to Horseshoe Bay. Pay our fares and hop onto a BC Ferries over to Gibsons, BC. We continued northward up Hwy 101 to Sechelt and decided to take Porpoise Bay Road (North east) until we reached a small cove.


(one of many bed and breakfasts along the Sunshine Coast)

This area is fairly secluded and your rooms look out over the ocean. There is little traffic on this stretch and there are other private cabins. It sure would be nice to own a hideaway up here.



This private road winds its way along the water and we found this peaceful cove where we stopped for some photo opps


(our five scoots lined up in formation)

We headed back to Sechelt where we found a small oceanview pub to have lunch and warm up.



Here is a group shot of the five of us waiting for our meal


(Mark, Robert, Emelia, Yvonne & Myself, not shown)

After lunch we gathered along the pier and took a few more pictures


(Government Pier, Sechelt, BC)

After lunch we headed north on Hwy 101 up to Halfmoon Bay. This is a small community approx half way between Gibsons and Earl's Cove, a short stop to stretch our legs and visit the local store for a snack


(Halfmoon Bay general store)


(some where along the coast south of Halfmoon Bay, BC)

This is an essential part of any ride


(washroom break)

Yes, it was a great day for a ride. Beautiful water views all day, sort of like KW except the roads aren't straight. Lots of twisties to challenge your abilities, and traffic was light. The Sunshine Coast is only accessible by Ferries from both directions as you cannot drive there due to the geographical locations of the mountains and the water. From the beginning of the day until we arrived home was nearly 12 hours. The Ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay to Gibsons is nearly 1 hour each way, plus waiting times. At this time of year the ferries leave every 2 hours and there were lots of vehicular traffic but we were lucky as scooters and motorcycles get assured loading with the BC Ferries Corporation. You get to pass all the Cagers and ride to "the front of the line" to load on the "next sailing" .
Your 2 wheeled machine is first on and first off without having to make any reservations.


(our Group, Government Pier, Sechelt, BC)

Another great day, with friends and doing what we like to do. Spring is just around the corner and a new year of riding and memories will begin. We can't wait . . .