Trying Solo among other things . . .

I've always been a social person. Not a social climber but one who likes to meet other people with common interests and talk the night away on whatever topic comes up (politics & religion excluded) . Most of my riding is usually done in group situations with group meals and I prefer to ride Shotgun (or sweep). My function is to protect the group from anxious cagers behind and keep the group together so we may all arrive safely at our chosen destination.



Today was different. After breakfast I mounted my Suzuki Sv650 and headed to south Surrey. It takes around 45 minutes to escape the urban mess of Vancouver and I finally arrive on a little travelled road in a farming community



This is unlike most of my weekends when I am busy arranging to meet others. I just wanted to be by myself for a change. I could stop when I wanted and take pictures where I wanted. Often while in a group I spot that elusive once in a lifetime photo opportunity but am forced to ride by. The sun was warm and I had no one else to look out for. It is quiet in the country and I stop to see the horses grazing in their pasture.



I suppose that riding a motorcycle is sort of what it was like to ride a horse 100 years ago. You and your steed transversing the country side in search of contentment, changing scenery & looking for fortune over the next mountain.



These horses have it good. Eat, sleep, wake up the next day and do it over again. Not like humans who must work in confined spaces all week just to be able to enjoy a couple of days of relaxation, or work all year for a week or two of contentment in a far away place for a 2 week visit.



I park my bike in the middle of the road and just enjoy the solitude of being by myself and enjoying the sun. Me and my bike on a days adventure, meandering where the road takes us. Left, right, stop whatever . . . on a whim we turn, or stop. So many choices in life



I think at one time there was a railway stop here. The sign indicates Colebrook Station, but there is nothing here now except for this sign. No buildings, nothing to remind us of the historic past of this area. We are travelling on Colebrook Road.



A few vehicles of the 2 wheeled variety pass as I stop for another photo and here comes another Solo Rider going where I have just been. Just cruising along enjoying being alive and the onset of summer.



While not long, this road is a peaceful retreat from the congestion that I endure on a daily basis while commuting to work. I am thinking of a nice farm shot with the fields as a backdrop



I know my mirrors are not matched. I have the original one for the right side but the factory mirrors are useless unless you like to see your arm and elbows. Last year I purchase a set of bar end mirrors for both sides, but only installed the right one to see how I like it. They work very well and you get a good rear view, but if I install the one for the left, then the bike will be too wide to push my bike through the side gate. I am just saving wear on my auto garage door opener.

I eventually end up at White Rock, BC, which is a little seaside community where the locals come to escape big city life. There numerous restaurants here and during the summer it is very difficult to obtain a parking space. While still early in the season, there are lots of people walking on the beach, flying kites and generally just enjoying their day in the sunshine



As you come over the hill, you are greeted with a little bit of paradise, Canadian Style. Sort of like Key West, but without coconut palms or palm trees




Flat Tire Update: ----------------------------------



It still frightens me to think that this could have resulted in serious consequences. My tire was actually devoid of all air and had come separated from the rim. It was making a loud whirring sound and I was trying to reduce my speed and pull over. Near the end, the rim was actually rolling on the asphalt.


Happy 40th Anniversary to us: -----------------------

Last Friday (yesterday) we were meeting a few people for hamburgers at a local drive in. Yvonne (Mrs skoot) purchased this anniversary cake from her favourite bakery and brought it along for dessert to share.



As it is our 40th Wedding Anniversary I decided to take a week off and go on another driving adventure to places not yet decided. We will go where the winds blow and turn when we feel like turning and stop when we feel like stopping. Perhaps to the Palouse or Oregon. It's a little know secret that most folks won't tell you but . . . Oregon has the best roads. See you all in a week and will try to post a picture or two if we get a chance