BMW Triumphant: Meet Ed & Dianne

I'm still a bit behind with stories from my long distant ride last summer where I rode my BMW R1200R across the Continent to PEI and back. I wanted to thank those that hosted me along the way. When I first budgeted for this trip I allowed sufficient funds to be able to hotel it all the way and back. I am also on the threshold of Retirement and I wasn't sure how much touring I would be able to do when my paycheque stopped, so last year I thought that I would buy some camping equipment and learn how to live with less. It was a daunting thought to think that I had to travel 8 days and 3,000 miles before I would meet up with my two riding buddies in State College, PA

I made a determined effort to "Camp" for the first few days until I reached bad weather in Belle Fourche, SD where I had planned to camp at Wyatts Hideaway but it was not to be. It was not easy for me to ride by myself for so many miles and soon I was getting starved for Company. It just happened that Dom was going to be in Holmen, WI so he invited me there for the night (read here) A big thank you to Sue and Fred for the cool room (air conditioned) and free, fast internet. I really appreciated seeing familiar faces

We motelled it for a few days and when we reached Portland, Maine, Mike and BRW opened up their home to us. I wrote about it here .

We were also hosted in Shediac, NB (read here) and on the way back through Montreal, David also offered a warm place to stay for a few days. There are several posts back in my archives and also here and here

So far I have posted more hyperlinks than photos but I am trying to bring you up to date in chronological order. After Montreal I spent a couple of days in Kingston with V*Star Lady more here


August 6th, 2013:    I left Kingston early in the morning and headed for Toronto. I got lost as they changed the freeway. I remembered that there was an exit at Jane but it was no longer there and I overshot past Islington and I had to backtrack as I had an important errand to do before I arrived at my home for the night.   I spent one summer in the Weston/Shepard area and things looked different after all these years

     Ed & Dianne

Eventually I arrived with my Hosts anxiously waiting outside for me.  Ed and Rodney were keeping track of my GPS Spot tracker.   It was a hot day and after I got out of my riding gear and cooling down in air conditioned comfort I was treated to these delicious cup cakes

Dianne knows the way to my heart.  She made these specially for my arrival

I wanted to grab one out of the container but she made me wait and put some on a plate.  They were both so kind to me.    And after a most excellent dinner

we soon settled into a most decadent dessert

You probably realized by now that she is a most excellent cook with lots of supplies on hand.  As was arranged ahead of time I was going to spend the next day just relaxing with Ed.  It was to be one of the few non-riding days of my trip.   He was in the middle of constructing his Theatre Room  (read here) .  His friend Rodney was the contractor and we were sent out to get parts.  In fact, Rodney also rides and a couple of years ago Ed & Rodney rode to Vancouver Island to visit a friend

I had another reason for taking a non-riding day as I wanted to spend a few hours with my Aunt and Uncle who live in St Catherines and whom I had not seen for a long time.  Ed & Dianne volunteered to spend the day with me and drive me there.   I am so grateful for their generosity and for going out of their way to welcome me as part of their family  (well, maybe not go that far) .   It turned out that my Uncle has a condition and had a Doctor's appointment close to a nearby mall where we arranged to meet in the mall near the Starbucks.  We were going to visit for an hour or so at the Mall but then Dianne thought that it would be better if she just invited them to their home for a home cooked dinner, and we would have a private place to just talk and get to know each other after so many years.   As I think back,  I can't thank them enough for opening up their home for me and my extended family

Soon it was time for my Aunt and Uncle to leave.  They prefer to drive during the daylight hours.  To Ed & Dianne, I can't thank you enough for all you have done to make me feel like I was home.  You have gone far above and beyond what I would have ever expected.  I am humbled

Recently Ed completed his 2nd reno project.   (read here) .    He had remodelled the washroom in the room I was using during my visit.   It appears that he did an excellent job except he forgot to insert the "before" photos which I conveniently have

 
Here is what it looked like before he ripped it all out.   I mean it looked good to me.   I can't wait to see the real thing (the new remodel)

and here is the rest of the Guest Room.   This was my home for two nights and it was very comfortable .   He wrote about my visit  here  and   here 

After the 2nd morning it was time for me to start heading home and Ed wanted to follow me to London, Ontario so he could return a pair of boots at the Motorcycle Superstore

Ed hadn't been riding much during the past year but this was his first ride since his Doctor gave him the green light.  I followed while Ed led the way onto the freeway

Yep,  that's him in the lead.   Here's a short video of our ride together



Ed & Dianne.    I can't thank you enough for all your hospitality.  It warms my heart to know that I have friends in  Toronto  (actually  Mississauga)     Till we meet again . . .