SonjaM: 1st day with her "new to her" F650GS

It's been a long week in anticipation of physically seeing SonjaM's "new to her" GS. I am sure also a week of anticipation of waiting for her as well as the plan was to pick it up the previous Saturday . The previous owner didn't surrender it in time for it to be detailed, refuelled and new front tire to be installed. I asked permission to offer her moral support and perhaps a short ride somewhere to get used to the new wheels. As it happened Mrs SonjM (Roland, for short) was on hand


(Left: SonjaM Right: Mrs SonjaM (Roland, for short)

I know all of you like to see photos of our meals, esp Gary France (Mr H-D from the UK) as was recently requested via one of his recent comments. Many of you already know that rides always begin or end with food, and often we stop during rides for food.



Amazingly, both SonjaM & myself devoured our meals to the last crumb, but Mrs SonjaM (aka: Roland) couldn't finish his meal.

After the salesman finished with describing all the controls, how to start the bike, and how to balance, SonjaM was finally ready to go "solo" . She mounted her GS and we were off for the day.



It was a strange feeling asking Mrs SonjaM (aka: Roland) to go home and wait for us to return but I think I did ask for his permission to take SonjaM out for the day.

We left the dealership around 11am and not to put SonjaM under too much stress by taking the freeway, we navigated the urban mess of Vancouver on slower routes so that she could get used to shifting & balancing in our heavy traffic (I am led to believe that our traffic is much worse than Chicago)

We finally make our way to Surrey where we board a small ferry which crosses the Fraser River. The ferry has a steel deck, impregnated with layers of slippery oil and it was a challenge to turn the bikes around. This ferry only has one ramp and cars have to either drive on and back off, or back on and drive off. Bikes have to load first and turn around to ready for unloading.



You probably didn't notice how close our bikes are. I think they are growing an attachment to each other

There is only one road on Barnston Island which circumnavigates the island, and a smaller road half way around which cuts the island in half. I think the main road is only around 8km long, so we stop for a photo & rest break.


(Golden Ears toll bridge)

This island which is a speck in the middle of the Fraser River is a popular place for bicyclists as there are few cars and no facilities for non-residents. There is no charge for using the ferry

SonjaM was reluctant to take the lead but I told her that as there was only ONE road on the island she shouldn't worry about getting lost. The road would eventually wind its way back to the ferry dock and we could just meet there. As I was in the rear and noticed a flock of cows, I just had to stop and see if I could locate "108" (<-- link) . I stopped and SonjaM kept pushing on and soon she was out of view. I couldn't help but notice this sad cow staring at me



It was soon time to head back to the mainland and reboard the ferry



This particular ferry is like a barge with a moveable ramp and propelled by a boat tied to the side. Not unlike a 1 wheel drive pusher wheel on a Hack (aka: bike with sidecar)

From Ft Langley we try to stay away from congested areas and take secondary roads through farmlands all the way to Tsawwassen where we head to Boundary Bay for some sand and beach action. It's a hot day (not KW hot, but Cdn Hot) so we rid ourselves of our riding boots and frolic around barefoot in the sand, when I suddenly notice SonjaM lustfully eyeing my cherished PINK crocs



She mentioned how she wants to purchase either a pair of PINK ones, or YELLOW to match the colour of her "new to her" GS

Today (the day after our ride, which was yesterday), I happened to be downtown on Robson Street and entered the official CROC store and noticed



Yes, CROCS in all colours. Pink, Orange, Mauve, Red, Green and also Yellow

We head down to the First Nations Land over some slightly gravel roads



We are running out of day and we decide to part our ways at Queensboro Landing, which is about half way between us



Riding is thirsty business so we decide to have "one for the road"



Coke for SonjaM, and Root beer for me, in ice-cold frosted mugs. It was a great day, riding, enjoying the scenery & stopping to smell the roses. I hope that Mrs SonjaM (aka: Roland) had a good day too.