It was really, really long, and I mentioned to Mrs Skoot that I could probably wear just the tank top . . .
Happy Friday !
Friday, February 10, 2012
29in29: Ten
The last couple of days while we were still on vacation in Kona, Hawai'i, we decided to purchase some souveniers. I like to wear Tank Tops. I didn't want anything too flashy but something to remember that we were here.
It was really, really long, and I mentioned to Mrs Skoot that I could probably wear just the tank top . . .
Happy Friday !
It was really, really long, and I mentioned to Mrs Skoot that I could probably wear just the tank top . . .
Happy Friday !
Thursday, February 9, 2012
29in29: Nine
It has not always been possible to commute to work due to the frost. All week I do my frost dance. I check the roof across the lane for tell tale signs of the white stuff. Then when I go outside to pick up my paper, I always look at the windshields of the parked cars. If the windshields have to be scraped then I leave the bike at home. I don't take chances, it's just not worth it.
It was dark when I rolled my bike out of our carport.
The sun won't rise for another half an hour this time of year. It rains off and on as I zig zag my way along surface streets and park along Kingway where I take a quick photo. The skies are getting brighter and there are lots of street lights along this stretch near Metrotown in Burnaby
There are a couple of other riders in our Company, but today I am alone. The rains are giving my V-strom a much needed wash
Rain has a way of waking up your senses, forcing you to be more alert, to be smoother in your motions and in it's own way, makes you feel more alive.
It was refreshing to be back on two wheels
It was dark when I rolled my bike out of our carport.
The sun won't rise for another half an hour this time of year. It rains off and on as I zig zag my way along surface streets and park along Kingway where I take a quick photo. The skies are getting brighter and there are lots of street lights along this stretch near Metrotown in Burnaby
There are a couple of other riders in our Company, but today I am alone. The rains are giving my V-strom a much needed wash
Rain has a way of waking up your senses, forcing you to be more alert, to be smoother in your motions and in it's own way, makes you feel more alive.
It was refreshing to be back on two wheels
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
29in29: Eight
Before Dawn:
Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC
It's about half an hour before sunrise and the light of the sun is approaching the dawn hour
Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC
It's about half an hour before sunrise and the light of the sun is approaching the dawn hour
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
29in29: Seven Today is "D" Day
Dum-da-dum-dum. I always get a queezy stomach when it comes to "D" day, "D" which stands for Dentist. When I think dentist my mind always conjurs up the image of their 3 foot needle. I don't know where they keep it and I always close my eyes when it comes time for me to open my mouth wide. I usually clench the armrest like fingers of steel. But today wasn't the day, it was just a routine cleaning and check-up
My Dentist is the sweetest, most gentle, soft-spoken person you will ever meet and I asked if she would pose for a photo
(Meet Dr Terry)
I was also assigned to the most gentle Dental Hygienist for my cleaning today
(Meet Chelsea)
She is making entries into my dental record and I wasn't sure if she would agree to a photo so I snapped it when she wasn't looking. I also snapped a photo of her "Tools" of the trade
(dental impliments)
They always seem to be upgrading their equipment. I got a chance to try out their new digital X-ray machine which gives nearly instant results on their laptop. It consists of a small digital camera which they place into your mouth
It was a good day until I found out that I have to return early next Monday for a filling. Until then, all I can think about is that gigantic 3 foot needle
My Dentist is the sweetest, most gentle, soft-spoken person you will ever meet and I asked if she would pose for a photo
(Meet Dr Terry)
I was also assigned to the most gentle Dental Hygienist for my cleaning today
(Meet Chelsea)
She is making entries into my dental record and I wasn't sure if she would agree to a photo so I snapped it when she wasn't looking. I also snapped a photo of her "Tools" of the trade
(dental impliments)
They always seem to be upgrading their equipment. I got a chance to try out their new digital X-ray machine which gives nearly instant results on their laptop. It consists of a small digital camera which they place into your mouth
It was a good day until I found out that I have to return early next Monday for a filling. Until then, all I can think about is that gigantic 3 foot needle
Monday, February 6, 2012
Kona, Hawai'i
After we left Maui we decided to go to Kona for some R&R. We had never been to Maui before so we drove our rental car everywhere to see the sights. When we arrived in Kona it was like coming home. We headed straight for the Costco+ to pick up supplies and headed over to our oceanfront condo where we set up camp
The temperatures were perfect, around the min 80's F and I staked out a place on the beach to watch the waves
This was the first time we stayed here, but we would stay here again in a flash. Our lanai looked right out at the ocean and we could hardly sleep as the waves were crashing all night. It was great
Our condo complex had a lobby which was open to the air, No walls ! And while we intended to utilize the facilities, we were too busy, perhaps next time
while I was laying down at the beach I was looking at what I thought was a rock, but it wasn't
It was a green Sea Turtle. I thought it was dead, but it wasn't
There are signs warning you to leave them alone and keep at least 20 ft away, but since I originally thought it was dead, I got closer than I should have . We did manage to go down to the tourist area to look around
(Ali'i Drive, the main street in Kona)
but decided it felt better to just relax at our condo, enjoy our view, and just relax for a day or so
The following video is a recap of our visit here, to Kona, HI
The temperatures were perfect, around the min 80's F and I staked out a place on the beach to watch the waves
This was the first time we stayed here, but we would stay here again in a flash. Our lanai looked right out at the ocean and we could hardly sleep as the waves were crashing all night. It was great
Our condo complex had a lobby which was open to the air, No walls ! And while we intended to utilize the facilities, we were too busy, perhaps next time
while I was laying down at the beach I was looking at what I thought was a rock, but it wasn't
It was a green Sea Turtle. I thought it was dead, but it wasn't
There are signs warning you to leave them alone and keep at least 20 ft away, but since I originally thought it was dead, I got closer than I should have . We did manage to go down to the tourist area to look around
(Ali'i Drive, the main street in Kona)
but decided it felt better to just relax at our condo, enjoy our view, and just relax for a day or so
The following video is a recap of our visit here, to Kona, HI
29in29: Six
It was a cool, brisk day so instead of making breakfast at home, we decided to go down to the Granville Island Market
We don't come here that often. I usually come here alone on my bike since parking is at a premium and I have more parking options . . . like using the bike rack. Instead of being served at a restaurant, we came to find something at the food area when I spotted the Perogy Sign (photo above). I love perogies and they are so vegetarian. I have always wanted to learn how to make these delicasies myself with potatoes & cheese, smothered with fried onions, butter or sour cream.
I studied the menu options for a bit and decided to look around to see what else was on offer. Then I noticed this Mexican place and I love enchiladas and mexi-fries (also known as tater tots in the USA)
I like everything so deciding was a chore. I also like butter chicken and the other curry stuff they had, but eventually I settled on the Perogies
There are few tables in the food court so we had to find a bench outside in the cold. Mrs Skoot settled on the butter Chicken so I managed to snag a bit or two, so all was good
As we wolfed down our late lunch while sitting on our bench, we were subjected to this view of False Creek and the Burrard Street bridge in the background
If you turned your head to the right, you would see the Granville Street bridge. It was not super busy but lots of people were down here enjoying their Sunday.
It almost feels like Spring is around the corner
We don't come here that often. I usually come here alone on my bike since parking is at a premium and I have more parking options . . . like using the bike rack. Instead of being served at a restaurant, we came to find something at the food area when I spotted the Perogy Sign (photo above). I love perogies and they are so vegetarian. I have always wanted to learn how to make these delicasies myself with potatoes & cheese, smothered with fried onions, butter or sour cream.
I studied the menu options for a bit and decided to look around to see what else was on offer. Then I noticed this Mexican place and I love enchiladas and mexi-fries (also known as tater tots in the USA)
I like everything so deciding was a chore. I also like butter chicken and the other curry stuff they had, but eventually I settled on the Perogies
There are few tables in the food court so we had to find a bench outside in the cold. Mrs Skoot settled on the butter Chicken so I managed to snag a bit or two, so all was good
As we wolfed down our late lunch while sitting on our bench, we were subjected to this view of False Creek and the Burrard Street bridge in the background
If you turned your head to the right, you would see the Granville Street bridge. It was not super busy but lots of people were down here enjoying their Sunday.
It almost feels like Spring is around the corner
Sunday, February 5, 2012
29in29: Five, First ride of the new year
It is rare when I don't have a bike insured during the Winter. My insurance expired a couple of months before Christmas and the weather was horrible, so I stalled. Then it rained & rained & rained & rained. Then the frost & ice came, it was dark and I just didn't feel like riding. We booked a short vacation for January and in the few weeks before we planned to leave, I usually stop riding just in case something happens. It would really make me mad to be in the hospital instead of a warm place. It is more prudent to take the car and play safe. My intention was to renew my insurance after our vacation, and today was the day
I am now insured to February, 2013 which includes half of next winter. I decide to head south wondering where to ride and then I impulsively went to visit my mechanic and what do I see . . .
he came over to me like he knew me and maybe he did. Everyone looks the same in a helmet. They were a small group of 4 riders heading somewhere for a Dim-Sum lunch. I wasn't sure what it was so I walked over and he told me that it was a Cafe Racer, using a Honda 750 donor bike. I really liked the paint colours and the solo seat. Must have been because Yellow is my favourite colour.
It really was a stunning bike and I liked it a lot. I have a Columbia Hi-Viz Flourescent Orange riding jacket which I don't wear much even though I purchased it nearly 3 years ago. So here is a rare photo of me modeling it
It was a great day for a first ride to nowhere special
I am now insured to February, 2013 which includes half of next winter. I decide to head south wondering where to ride and then I impulsively went to visit my mechanic and what do I see . . .
he came over to me like he knew me and maybe he did. Everyone looks the same in a helmet. They were a small group of 4 riders heading somewhere for a Dim-Sum lunch. I wasn't sure what it was so I walked over and he told me that it was a Cafe Racer, using a Honda 750 donor bike. I really liked the paint colours and the solo seat. Must have been because Yellow is my favourite colour.
It really was a stunning bike and I liked it a lot. I have a Columbia Hi-Viz Flourescent Orange riding jacket which I don't wear much even though I purchased it nearly 3 years ago. So here is a rare photo of me modeling it
It was a great day for a first ride to nowhere special
Saturday, February 4, 2012
San Josef Bay, Cape Scott National Park
We have travelled many of the backroads of BC, usually in our Jeep YJ or Dakota pick up truck, but this time we used our Sebring Convertible.
(probably winter, 2006)
We purchased the BC Ferries SailPass, unlimited ferry Pass for the northern Gulf Islands and decided to drive onto as many islands as we could. There were some restrictions but basically you flashed your pass and were allowed onto how many ferries you wanted to travel on within 8 days, sort of unlimited if you used it right and managed to read the fine print. It also included the fare from the mainland to Vancouver Island and your pass started counting down the first day it is used.
Our job was to use as many BC Ferries we could. We started at 6am and headed for Horseshoe Bay for the Ferry to the sunshine Coast, Sechelt then another ferry over to Powell River then Ferry to Comox and up to Campbell River to stay for the night. It took the whole of the next day to travel north to Port Hardy, near the tip of Vancouver Island. Of course we stopped everywhere, Telegraph Cove, Beaver Cove, the Cable Cafe at Seward and any side road we could see which included the dirt road to Ripple Rock.
Port Hardy is the southern terminus for the BC Ferries route on the inside passage to Prince Rupert. (We did take that ferry before it sunk, but that is a story for another time). On the nights that the ferry leaves Port Hardy, accommodations are hard to find. We tried all the hotels (not many there) and were out of luck, we didn't know what to do so we purchased a BBQ chicken and headed for the beach to have a simple dinner and ponder what to do. We eventually found a B&B, we were lucky. We drove around and found a sign pointing the way. Remember this was 2004, so no iPhones or WiFi back then. We had to use the paper GPS
The next day we headed to San Josepf Bay on a two hour gravel road to the most beautiful white sand beach we had ever seen. On the trail from the parking lot we had a bear encounter. Being city slickers we didn't know what to do. I came around the corner on the trail and saw a bear sitting in the middle of the trail about 12 feet ahead staring at me. I started to walk backwards talking loud to myself and backed off about a block or so. The bear climbed up a tree and was looking down at us.
Eventually we made our way to the beach area. Back then I was a novice at doing video and the only editing was just cutting and trimming with a VCR using the PLAY & RECORD buttons. I tried to enhance the video a bit by adding some text, so here it is in glorious miniDV splendour
Ferries took us to: Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island, Malcolm Island, Alert Bay, Quadra Island, Denman Island, Hornby Island and back to the Mainland
(probably winter, 2006)
We purchased the BC Ferries SailPass, unlimited ferry Pass for the northern Gulf Islands and decided to drive onto as many islands as we could. There were some restrictions but basically you flashed your pass and were allowed onto how many ferries you wanted to travel on within 8 days, sort of unlimited if you used it right and managed to read the fine print. It also included the fare from the mainland to Vancouver Island and your pass started counting down the first day it is used.
Our job was to use as many BC Ferries we could. We started at 6am and headed for Horseshoe Bay for the Ferry to the sunshine Coast, Sechelt then another ferry over to Powell River then Ferry to Comox and up to Campbell River to stay for the night. It took the whole of the next day to travel north to Port Hardy, near the tip of Vancouver Island. Of course we stopped everywhere, Telegraph Cove, Beaver Cove, the Cable Cafe at Seward and any side road we could see which included the dirt road to Ripple Rock.
Port Hardy is the southern terminus for the BC Ferries route on the inside passage to Prince Rupert. (We did take that ferry before it sunk, but that is a story for another time). On the nights that the ferry leaves Port Hardy, accommodations are hard to find. We tried all the hotels (not many there) and were out of luck, we didn't know what to do so we purchased a BBQ chicken and headed for the beach to have a simple dinner and ponder what to do. We eventually found a B&B, we were lucky. We drove around and found a sign pointing the way. Remember this was 2004, so no iPhones or WiFi back then. We had to use the paper GPS
The next day we headed to San Josepf Bay on a two hour gravel road to the most beautiful white sand beach we had ever seen. On the trail from the parking lot we had a bear encounter. Being city slickers we didn't know what to do. I came around the corner on the trail and saw a bear sitting in the middle of the trail about 12 feet ahead staring at me. I started to walk backwards talking loud to myself and backed off about a block or so. The bear climbed up a tree and was looking down at us.
Eventually we made our way to the beach area. Back then I was a novice at doing video and the only editing was just cutting and trimming with a VCR using the PLAY & RECORD buttons. I tried to enhance the video a bit by adding some text, so here it is in glorious miniDV splendour
Ferries took us to: Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island, Malcolm Island, Alert Bay, Quadra Island, Denman Island, Hornby Island and back to the Mainland
29in29: Four
While I had been away from motorcycles for many years I got the urge to ride again. It was more about the fun rather than the cost savings benefits. I really wanted a motorcycle but I used the muse of getting scooters so we could ride over to the Gulf Islands. I already had my motorcycle endorsement but Mrs Skoot didn't so we went looking for a 49cc something. My plan was to get her the scooter, then I would show up with the motorcycle. We went to all the dealers, got fitted for size, then she said that the Yamaha BWS felt perfect. So shortly thereafter we ended up with a brand new 2003 scooter.
We got it home and all seemed well. I was dreaming about motorcycles. I got hold of the Buy & Sell and was scanning the ads for my new-to-me dream pre-owned bike. Ah, what to buy, what to buy. Even though I used to have a Suzuki GS1100L monster bike I thought that I should start small as I had not ridden for a while and then I would upgrade after a year or so.
What-to-buy, what-to-buy . . . then it happened ! My world collapsed . . . Mrs Skoot said that the Yamaha BWS was a bit higher than she would like. She could not touch the ground and had to jump off at every stop to reach the ground. So I thought that safety overides desires and we started to look for smaller scooters and ended up with a nearly new Yamaha Vino 49cc which was over a year old but only had 30 kms on it. It seemed that the owner bought it for his girlfriend, but one ride around the neighbourhood and she didn't wish to ride it again, and so we ended up with a nearly new scooter at a good price.
So here is a very rare photo of Mrs Skoot actually riding her scooter. She only rode it on the hottest of days in the middle of summer and put around 1,700 kms on it before I started riding it everywhere.
Most of our rides consisted of riding to the park and other places around town. She didn't really ride much and I think only because she didn't wish to be left out when I went on my merry, solo way.
We did manage one longer trip to the Sunshine Coast to Half Moon Bay north of Sechelt, BC with a few members of our vancouverscootering.com group. It was her longest ride
circa: October, 2008
at that time I had a Kymco BW250 scooter
We got it home and all seemed well. I was dreaming about motorcycles. I got hold of the Buy & Sell and was scanning the ads for my new-to-me dream pre-owned bike. Ah, what to buy, what to buy. Even though I used to have a Suzuki GS1100L monster bike I thought that I should start small as I had not ridden for a while and then I would upgrade after a year or so.
What-to-buy, what-to-buy . . . then it happened ! My world collapsed . . . Mrs Skoot said that the Yamaha BWS was a bit higher than she would like. She could not touch the ground and had to jump off at every stop to reach the ground. So I thought that safety overides desires and we started to look for smaller scooters and ended up with a nearly new Yamaha Vino 49cc which was over a year old but only had 30 kms on it. It seemed that the owner bought it for his girlfriend, but one ride around the neighbourhood and she didn't wish to ride it again, and so we ended up with a nearly new scooter at a good price.
So here is a very rare photo of Mrs Skoot actually riding her scooter. She only rode it on the hottest of days in the middle of summer and put around 1,700 kms on it before I started riding it everywhere.
Most of our rides consisted of riding to the park and other places around town. She didn't really ride much and I think only because she didn't wish to be left out when I went on my merry, solo way.
We did manage one longer trip to the Sunshine Coast to Half Moon Bay north of Sechelt, BC with a few members of our vancouverscootering.com group. It was her longest ride
circa: October, 2008
at that time I had a Kymco BW250 scooter
Friday, February 3, 2012
29/29: Three
I re-entered the riding world around 2003 having been absent from 2 wheeled vehicles for many years. I didn't know anyone else who rode but eventually I started to see scooterists, mainly on Classic Vespas, riding around town and I started to join them on group rides. It's funny how it works. You don't notice scooters until you buy one. Of course I had a reliable Japanese model and I thought I could imbed myself deeper into the scooter scene so I purchased a Vintage Lambretta SIL GP200. It was a manual shift 4 speed, 2-stroke. It had already been refurbished by a company that specialized in rebuilding scooters and shipped to Canada. Even though I really wanted a Vespa P200, most were in sad condition and you had to be a mechanic to keep it running. I never knew anything about scooter rallies but then I found out about one of the longest running scooter rallies in North America which is held in Victoria, BC on the Victoria Day long weekend, every year. ( info HERE )
In May, 2006 I rode my NEW Lambretta GP200 SIL to Victoria for the weekend
I thought it was great to belong to a group and I think there were over 150 scooters there all belching out 2-stroke smoke, and sounded like a gaggle of Wasps due to their loud exhausts. There is nothing like riding a manual shifting scooter. The clutch is on the left lever, front brake on the right lever and the rear brake is a foot pedal. Changing gears is by rotating the left handgrip.
My Lambretta was very happy to pose on the causeway opposite the Empress Hotel. The show & shine is usually held on Saturday, around noonish "scooter-time" . There is always lots to do at a rally. Long ride, scenic ride, lunch, dinner, club scene or just hanging out at the motel chatting and schmoozing with others
Over the years I have met many people and I always look forward to going to Victoria to meet up again. There is a very active group in Victoria and they meet up every Sunday for coffee. ( info HERE ) You may have to log into your Yahoo account to visit their webpages
We managed to take a group photo on the scenic drive which continues along Dallas Road . I am sure Dar will know where this is
Left-Right: Andrew (Vespa GTS0, Carol (Vino 125), Myself, and John (V-strom DL1000)
Andrew and Carol both live in Victoria. John was my riding buddy that weekend who was riding his Aprilia SR50F, the orange one in the background
In May, 2006 I rode my NEW Lambretta GP200 SIL to Victoria for the weekend
I thought it was great to belong to a group and I think there were over 150 scooters there all belching out 2-stroke smoke, and sounded like a gaggle of Wasps due to their loud exhausts. There is nothing like riding a manual shifting scooter. The clutch is on the left lever, front brake on the right lever and the rear brake is a foot pedal. Changing gears is by rotating the left handgrip.
My Lambretta was very happy to pose on the causeway opposite the Empress Hotel. The show & shine is usually held on Saturday, around noonish "scooter-time" . There is always lots to do at a rally. Long ride, scenic ride, lunch, dinner, club scene or just hanging out at the motel chatting and schmoozing with others
Over the years I have met many people and I always look forward to going to Victoria to meet up again. There is a very active group in Victoria and they meet up every Sunday for coffee. ( info HERE ) You may have to log into your Yahoo account to visit their webpages
We managed to take a group photo on the scenic drive which continues along Dallas Road . I am sure Dar will know where this is
Left-Right: Andrew (Vespa GTS0, Carol (Vino 125), Myself, and John (V-strom DL1000)
Andrew and Carol both live in Victoria. John was my riding buddy that weekend who was riding his Aprilia SR50F, the orange one in the background
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Photo #2: of 29in29
There was an interesting discussion going on in the comments section of David Masse's blog
Quote by David Masse:
" . . . I think you are right. Blogs are not so much about things, or hobbies, or the subject that prompted the blogger to take up the blog. The very best blogs are about people living their lives and letting us peak in. This is what the bravest bloggers do. Each of you who have commented on this post have shared your ups, and your downs, for all to see. It really is inspiring. As I said in another context, we are all better off for that risk-taking "
When I started Blogging I was very secretive about "things". Over the years I have found other bloggers with similar interests, not all necessarily about riding. Many are also into photography so you may have noticed that I have let my guard down and let you inside of my life, sort of boring really. I have taken you on vacation with me and I have often opened up my thoughts. This blog was never intended to be purely motorcycling. I have never deviated from my original Mission Statement, and I always carry a camera by my side.
It is not an easy task to take a photo of yourself while riding. At the time I didn't realize that this existed. I was too busy trying not to fall off as I slowly maneuvered myself out of the Bike Night BBQ. I think this was taken around late summer 2008 as I was riding my Suzuki SV650nK3, which I traded in for my current Suzuki V-strom DL650aK9
(courtesy: BCsportBikes.com photo by: CHIA/Darren)
Quote by David Masse:
" . . . I think you are right. Blogs are not so much about things, or hobbies, or the subject that prompted the blogger to take up the blog. The very best blogs are about people living their lives and letting us peak in. This is what the bravest bloggers do. Each of you who have commented on this post have shared your ups, and your downs, for all to see. It really is inspiring. As I said in another context, we are all better off for that risk-taking "
When I started Blogging I was very secretive about "things". Over the years I have found other bloggers with similar interests, not all necessarily about riding. Many are also into photography so you may have noticed that I have let my guard down and let you inside of my life, sort of boring really. I have taken you on vacation with me and I have often opened up my thoughts. This blog was never intended to be purely motorcycling. I have never deviated from my original Mission Statement, and I always carry a camera by my side.
It is not an easy task to take a photo of yourself while riding. At the time I didn't realize that this existed. I was too busy trying not to fall off as I slowly maneuvered myself out of the Bike Night BBQ. I think this was taken around late summer 2008 as I was riding my Suzuki SV650nK3, which I traded in for my current Suzuki V-strom DL650aK9
(courtesy: BCsportBikes.com photo by: CHIA/Darren)
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
I don't think I could
do a post a day for 29 days, as challenged by Fuzzygalore so I'll do what Troubadour is doing. He's not commiting to a photo a day but he did post the first one.
"There are no rules other than, take pictures and post at least 1 each day on your blog in the month of February. Too many rules make things annoying so, that’s it. Picture – Post – Yay."
So while I hum and haw trying to decide, the clock is ticking and when the big hand hits the Twelve at the same time as the little hand, then I would have been defeated before I started.
I saw this beautiful custom bike at our recent Motorcycle Show and immediately thought "Gary France". It is similar to his custom "Tradewinds", long, low and sleek, just his style
"There are no rules other than, take pictures and post at least 1 each day on your blog in the month of February. Too many rules make things annoying so, that’s it. Picture – Post – Yay."
So while I hum and haw trying to decide, the clock is ticking and when the big hand hits the Twelve at the same time as the little hand, then I would have been defeated before I started.
I saw this beautiful custom bike at our recent Motorcycle Show and immediately thought "Gary France". It is similar to his custom "Tradewinds", long, low and sleek, just his style
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