Troubadour was scheduled for motorcycle training on Saturday so he had to leave before 6:30 am to get "the range" ready
I had always wanted to attend their Saturday morning coffee gatherings and I managed to schedule my time to make it happen. We had two hours before we had to leave so while Trobairitz was tending to errands I was packing my bike
Soon it was time to gear up and ride over to Coffee Culture, but not before we had time to compare sandal tans
For the past nearly 6 weeks I have been on tour and confined to riding boots so I think that my tan is a bit faded but now that I am home, I will have a chance to work on it
I turn my bike around and soon we are ready for the short ride for coffee . I couldn't help but notice how clean that Gladius was
We arrive a bit early but we were not the first ones there. More would arrive shortly
There was also a nice selection of vintage bikes
Before we left the house, Trobairitz handed me my very own lunch bag. There is nothing so satisfying as a home-made sandwich and other delights. I particularly liked the trail mix with the chocolate chips, and the home-made banana bread with chocolate chips, and the chocolate cookie snacks and the apple, and the . . .
We stayed at coffee until the end and around Noon I finally had to be on my way home. I fuelled up a couple of times then when I got the hunger pangs I stopped at the next rest area
And unwrapped the contents of my lunch bag. It's nice to know that I am having healthy food for a change instead of fast food
The fresh air feels soo good
I'm not in any rush today. I am just going to ride until I get home and take my time
I eventually crossed the Cdn/USA border and arrived into Canada. The regular border lanes are up to 80 minutes wait, but with my Nexus card it took 2 minutes. It was my turn before I could even drag out my documents
The sun is nearly setting as I snapped this photo while riding on my final stretch. I arrived home safe and sound around 8pm.
Congratulations on arriving home safely! I was following your journey the entire time and I am glad you did not have any major mishaps.
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to have fresh food prepared for us. Somehow, a bag lunch does not taste as good unless someone else has kindly prepared it especially for you.
Dave:
DeleteHope your ride south went without incident too. Too bad we missed meeting for lunch in Perth.
Food tastes better when it prepared with Love
Hate to see it end, but I'm glad you're safely home. I hope you have another road trip next summer.
ReplyDeleteJohn:
DeleteI was thinking of you as I passed but I didn't want to divert again. I am thinking that the next long trip will be Spring 2015 when I have to cover the southern states
good to be home, but also good to be away.
What a wonderful ending to a great trip. Still wondering if you decided to keep the Beemer or keep looking.
ReplyDeleteThe sack lunch is a great demonstration of what your lunches could've been during the trip. Easy to prepare the evening before each day though you probably wouldn't need to put your name on the sack. (Though that was a nice touch!)
Nice sidecar rig.
Richard:
DeletePart of the problem with making your own is lack of refrigeration at campsites, and some hotels do not have a fridge. Most of these small towns do not have deli's and all you get is packaged meats.
I did manage to buy some grapes and apples but had no room for the cluster of bananas
I like the Beemer and have nearly gotten used to the signal lights
Banana bread-yum yum
ReplyDeleteNikos:
DeleteYum, Banana bread. it was moist and delicious. easy to eat too fast. Trobairitz is a great baker and cook. I would sample her cooking anytime
I just made some today following your inspiration
DeleteHi Bob, I've been following your marvellous adventure from far away Australia. I think these longer trips are the essence of what motorcycling is all about. Planning the trip and then coping with all the unexpected events which crop up all add to the sense of achievement at the end. Congratulations on a trip you'll never forget. Theo
ReplyDeleteTheo:
DeleteThere was not much planning involved. Even during the last couple of weeks I was only looking at maps the night before and looking at them again after lunch to determine a suitable home for the night. Notice I changed direction a few times and just meandering
I would love to do another of these unplanned vacations. I had nothing booked ahead of time so I didn't have to be anywhere except for the couple of arranged blogger meetups
Wow, it looks like you've found a great place to get lunch and it's only a wee 8 hour ride away! Very cool!
ReplyDeleteAndrew:
DeleteI was lucky that Trobairitz suggested having something at home, rather than going out. After being on the road a home-cooked meal was something to be desired. Also gave us a chance to chat the night away
Bob, it was an amazing adventure to be sure and it was truly a blessing to have shared some miles, smiles, laughs, and meals with you. I hope that other occasions for similar mayhem will come our way.
ReplyDeleteDavid:
DeleteI didn't want this trip to end. If I didn't have to get back to work you would have to evict me from that room. Only wished you had time to continue with us for another week.
You need to park a GTS in Vancouver. Lots of riding out here
Bob, glad you arrived safe and sound. What a wonderful end of the trip. And some of the karma that you have been paying forward by being a great host in the past have been returned in your favor. I am happy for you!
ReplyDeleteThe contents of the lunchbox make me want to book the next flight to Oregon... it wont' get much healthier than this.
Sonja:
Deletethis trip was more about meeting people than seeing the sights. Of course I also got to see part of America and some of the highlights. Hard to believe that I made it to the Atlantic Coast and I couldn't have done it without my gracious hosts along the way who gave me lodging and food. It erases the boredom of being alone and you look forward to a friendly face every few days.
I may keep the brown paper bag and bring it back for "refills"
A most excellent adventure ... (I knew by the smile on your face Brandy had fed you well!)
ReplyDeleteHis sandwich was a Tofurky, avocado, spinach and vegan cheese sandwich on Dave's Killer Seed Bread - let's wait and see if he tells us if he enjoyed it or not.
DeleteKaren:
DeleteBeing there in Corvallis with both of them makes me feel like I am home. It felt good to know that I was eating healthy food for a change. I wasn't sure what was inside the sandwich but it was tasty and I had the Banana bread for dessert
mmmm.... that sandwich must have been divine :)
DeleteBeen great fun following along, hoping to see and hear any other trip observations, BMW commentary, etc.
ReplyDeleteWelcome home!
Coop:
DeleteSo sorry we missed. I was pushing the miles to get to Holmen to meet up with Dom and Family. If only you had sent a message and we could have had dinner somewhere.
I purposely headed East on I-80 to meet up with another "friend" so I was too far south and also not to ride I-90 both ways. Will have to catch you the next time you come out West
With our long commute and late arrival from work, it was going to be too late without a bigger notice. Had I known you'd be headed for LaCrosse, I'd have tried to work something out. Based on Spot, I'd guessed you were going to stop around Rochester.
DeleteToo many assumptions :)
Congrats on finishing your trip! It must be good to be home again. :)
ReplyDeleteLucky:
DeleteI was trying to be extra careful on my last few days as most incidents occur close to home. Funny how you look forward to being away, and then when you are away you look forward to being home. Routine has already set in and soon my trip will just be a memory
Hooray for making it home safe and sound.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you enjoyed your sack lunch. I had to put your name on it as I thought it might make you smile. And I thought you needed to smile when you were riding by yourself all day.
Thank you for staying the night and going to coffee. It was nice not to have to ride solo while Brad was teaching.
Was it me or did you have that GoPro on during the ride there?
Trobairitz:
DeleteI am so lucky to have friends like you to take care of me and to make sure I get the nourishment I need to ride home. You make it hard to leave . . .
Since Brad was busy on Saturday that's why I arrived Friday instead so we could spend the time together. I always enjoy our chats.
Yes, my GoPro was "on" but I need time to sort out my videos.
thank you again for making me lunch
great ride bob! you've been riding for so long, now what are you going to do? lots to catch up on? :)
ReplyDeleteMs M:
DeleteI thought about meeting you for dinner but my time was running out and I had to head north towards home. So I headed to Susanville instead of Sacramento. You know you are having a good time when you don't know what day it is
I still have lots of video to edit and perhaps delve into more detail on certain days. I was Internet challenged most of the time so I cut my posts shorter than normal. It was always my intention to post daily, but this was not possible
Ed:
ReplyDeleteCan't thank You and Diane enough for putting up with me. It was great to be able to relax a few days and also meet Rodney. It does make a difference when you are alone in a strange city to be able to find a familiar face. Can't say when my next trip will be, perhaps Spring 2015. Perhaps we can "meet in the middle" . . .
Glad your last day on the road went so well Bob! I don't know about painting your toenails pink though....just saying. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the photo of the Vincent with sidecar, beautiful rig!!!
dom
Dom:
DeleteIt was a very nice Vincent and the owner also has a Beemer. When I arrived they all thought it was you but then I told them this was my first time there
It was a bit sad that my tour was over and I also went to work today. I was thinking of you this morning too
Glad to hear you made it home safe...it was good meeting you. I've been working till 7 and 8, not much time for blogging.
ReplyDeleteBB:
DeleteI've been holding back on our Lunch Post waiting for your update . . .
no pressure, when you have time. Working is good, at least they appreciate you where you are. I wished I had time to ride to that rock. You should post some photos
Glad to have you back in Vancouver.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed travelling vicariously with you and look forward to the next adventure in 2015. South sounds like an excellent idea but think spring or fall needs to be the game plan. The heat across the midwest can be challenging at times, but it doesn't compare with a heatwave across the south.
Keep looking up & pressing forward!
Robert:
DeleteCan't always be Spring or Fall when your riding buddies only get July or August off. I was in 100°F heat all week. You just need a hydration vest. It is more expensive to travel across Canada but perhaps this may be what I will do. Lots of time for thinking and planning . . .
This has been great to follow you around. I'm a little sad it all has to end, but I am sure you will start planning a new trip and look forward to that excursion too :) Welcome Home.
ReplyDeleteKathy:
DeleteI wished I could have left a few days earlier so I could have gone to Hollister and see all of you again, esp Dave and Becky before they move. I hope I can get their address from you later.
Yes, a new trip is being planned . . .
Bob: That nail polish looks a pretty close match in colour to your crocs. A future fashion statement? Glad you made it home safe and sound. It was great to meet up with you in Perth and follow your adventure online. And I just had cause to use that battery pack on my trip this week - thanks again!
ReplyDeleteCanajun:
DeleteGlad that USB charger is working out. Makes things easier to know you won't be running out of phone power.
THAT NAIL POLISH isn't mine, but I could try out some colours if you want. Luckily I rode some of those backroads on the way to Perth. We also rode into Prince Edward County but we only touched the surface. So much more to see. Will have to save it for next time
I was thinking of shipping my bike to that Dealer across from the bus station in Ottawa and start from there . . . I'm still thinking and planning my next trip perhaps to finish NS and NL
Welcome home Bob. I have been dipping into your journey every now and again and you seem to have certainly caught the long ride bug. Isn't it a great way of spending time on the road? You have so much time and so little pressure it just allows you to enjoy the time so much more. Great to hear about the potential southern states tour in 2015. Cheers, Gary.
ReplyDeleteGary:
DeleteThis was the first time where I could go with the flow and purposely not plan my days until the night before. I changed direction a few times until I had to head home. I think I need to make my next trip a bit longer. I am thankful for my blogging friends for giving me a home whilst on the road and time to relax and see a friendly face
Congrats on making it home. Nothing feels better than home! It was fun reading about your trip!
ReplyDeleteSteve:
DeleteAs I have mentioned before, it is nice to be away but it is also nice to come home. You are so lucky to have a riding partner. This was my first long trip taken mostly by myself. Thank goodness for being able to meet people "on the road"
My biggest challenge was trying to find a home at the end of each day but near the end, I started to develop a plan which seemed to work out