Two rides in one

It was another summer day in the city. I had finished breakfast with the gang at our favourite motorcycle cafe in Kitsilano and fiddled around with stuff at home for a couple of hours then went out for a ride



No where particular but I ended up in Richmond and stopped to enjoy the view at a local marina .

I was very close to the Yamaha dealer and most recently I have been tormented by George who recently took possession of his Raven Super Tenere, and has been blogging about it. He has many photos of his new "lady", videos, and he is in love with his new found acquisition. Needless to say that I had nearly wiped all recollection of this beautiful bike out of my mind, until now. I sat on one at our recent motorcycle show back in January and it fit perfectly. I was thinking perhaps that due to a cancelled pre-order that one may have been available to purchase. While I was just around the corner from the "candy store" , my stomach gave me a jab and I ended up miles away



at a fast food Mexican place to have a quick lunch , while my faithful V-strom



waited patiently outside. While I was having my meal, thoughts of indiscretion were bouncing around in my mind. I mean, my bike was reliable, it was set up more or less the way I like it, and the gas range is phenomenal and the additional power is a non-issue but I do like the shaft drive. Do I go, do I not go and eventually curiosity won and I ended up



at the Yamaha dealer to see what was available. Nope, nothing of interest except for the new FZ8 so I went across the parking lot where they are also a BMW and Triumph dealer

I was greeted right away and asked some questions about the R1200RT



It looks so large and imposing, too large in fact when I should be downsizing the size and weight, but right next to it was this beauty


(BMW R1200R)

I swung my leg over this stunning machine and just loved it. It seemed so naked without a windscreen and fairings but the size was perfect. I also glanced at the Triumph Bonnevilles and Street Triple on the other side of the room and left for home shortly thereafter

where I quickly got my other steed ready for a longer ride to downtown Vancouver


(Self Portrait)

We have numerous bicycle lanes within the city criss-crossing North and South . Here we are riding on a tree-lined street with virtually non-existant vehicle traffic



by now I have reached a retail section of Broadway and lock my bike to one of many bicycle racks supplied by the city to encourage eco travel



This was a sports consignment store where I was going to purchase some accessories until I discovered that I had left all my identification & money at home. Now I felt really naked without my wallet . Sometimes I purchase a beverage but luckily today I had my water bottle.

Travelling at a slower pace you notice more photo opps and I saw a blue table



with matching blue chairs. Due to the harsh sunlight and low sun angle it didn't turn out the way I had envisioned . If you look closely at their sign



you will notice that it is indeed a Nice Cafe . About a mile or so further North you come to the Grand Central Station



This is the terminus for the Canadian Pacific Railway which travels across Canada. It houses the main bus depot for Vancouver and it would appear that there are funds to spruce up the building to its original splendor. It had been neglected for many years being in this less than desirable part of town

Everytime I notice trains or railway tracks I think of my pal Jack in West Chester PA
so I take a moment to snap a "rail porn" photo for him



In Canada's poorest Postal Code on Vancouver's downtown Eastside you will be surprised what you can find when you travel in the lanes



There are many Native Artists in the area. Actually I bumped into a Carver who was looking for a "donation" which I would have gladly given, had I had my wallet with me. He showed me some artwork which he said would be a pattern for a wood carving.

This reminds me of a time many years ago where I was offered a wood carving for a nominal amount and I passed it up. Later I found out that this Native Artist was well known but down on his luck. His pieces now command big dollars as he has since passed away.

In preparation for the darker days of fall, I purchased some LED lighting, front and rear, just in case I have to ride home after sunset. For now sunset is still around 8;30pm but days are getting shorter. I particular notice this in the mornings since it is now dark when my alarms signals the time to wake up



Cycling clears stress and clears your mind as you are merely concentrating on being able to ride up the next hill . Vancouver has a lot of hills and while it may seem easy to go Downtown, it is nearly uphill all the way home. If I had a choice between Engine, or muscle power, it would be engine and throttle everytime.

Right now, I am puckered out . . .