Testing my new farkle

On my previous post I mentioned installation of my new Richland Rich Fork Brace for my V-Stom. On my quick exploratory ride around town my 'Strom feels more sure footed, I can take corners with more confidence, but the true test is to check out the wind buffeting on the highway. It is a well known fact that 'stroms suffer from instabilities created by windshield angle, high sprung weight and the huge sails of the protruding saddlebags. I seldom take the superslab but it is something that I will have to do on my tour next month, thus was my reasoning behind this purchase.

I start out taking Hwy 99 south wondering where to go and before you know it I have connected with Hwy 91 over the Alex Fraser Bridge and into the Fraser Valley via Hwy 10. I zig and zag my way down Coast Meridian, I-5 south to Fairhaven and take scenic Chuckanut Drive just south of Bellingham and end up at LA Conner, WA passing through the little communities of Edison and Bayview


(revised map, with backroads route)

I tried to be fancy and drag my route to produce a map but I have failed again. Everytime I drag a line it has a mind of its own and changes everything. It is not a simple operation dragging and dropping these backroads into My Map. I wanted to show you my route but can only show you the destination



LA Conner is a tourist town on a surge channel with restaurants overlooking the water. If you are into Art or crafts or dust catchers then this is the place for you. It can be very busy on a summer's day



This is a view of the main street, looking North. Many bikes are here today, mainly Harleys. I passed many on the backroads leading into LA Conner. I am sort of in between the retail areas but my foot is still not right so I am refraining from walking too much.



It was a warm and sunny T-shirt weather day. I like to grab a table in the sun overlooking the water and have a meal. This is looking south with the Rainbow Bridge in the background. The Native Centre is on the other side of this channel and operate a fish processing facility where you are able to purchase fresh "food from the sea"

I fiddle with the zoom on my camera to make the scene more interesting



Here is a waterfront view facing North. You are able to rent the condos above the restaurants if you want a relaxing getaway



I am always on the lookout for photos for my buddy Jack r . When I noticed the Kona Girl and the "rear" end, my camera went into action. I know he will be very pleased with this result and will gratefully thank me later



I like this place so much I took another shot of the channel. If you have your own yacht you may be able to tie it up on one of these floats. I don't know what it is, but sunshine, water and a day out on my bike . . . feels just wonderful



Nearly forgot to post a photo of my meal. Finely sliced prime sirloin on sourdough bread, lightly toasted, with fries. I know I should have had salad but to compensate, I didn't eat them all



It was a super day and my 'strom ticked like a Beemer. Oh, and the ForkBrace makes a world of difference.


(Historic Edison, WA: Longhorn Saloon)

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Addendum: I am so honoured. I had been following Danielle's Blog for "months". If you read back to last year she sold everything she owned, hopped on her motorcycle and rode across the USA, in a loop and ended up in California. At one point Danielle was crossing paths with Gary France and it was just unlucky that they never bumped into each other. I will have more to say on a future blog entry. She now has a BMW K75 and will soon be riding across Canada to Montreal

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