1st day of Summer 2014

was last Saturday and I had plans to ride my bike all day.  Since we have a lot of hills in Vancouver I was also scanning Craigslist ads for a bike carrier so I could explore different areas.  I started riding around our area but since we are at the top of the hill in every direction I couldn't bring myself into pedalling very far and returned home to try to contact some bike carrier vendors

There were two possible candidates but I settled on the farthest one which took nearly 45 minutes by freeway to the Newton area.  Of course I had to drive my car to make sure it fit

On the way home I stopped at the local Triumph dealer as they were having a demo day, and a BBQ

Not much of a line and I noticed that some burgers were ready

So here's my complimentary lunch.   Things always taste better when you are hungry and don't have to pay.  I also opted for a diet beverage as I am watching my weight.    I have been 180 or less for the past week and for the past few days I have reached a low of 178

Not many demo riders.  Today you would have had a good chance to try out the Triumph of your choice

some customer bikes parked in the lot

here's the sign up table.  I think slots are available but I didn't bring any riding gear.

some demo bikes just waiting to be ridden .   I also chatted with Trevor who rode his R1150R from Tofino where he lives

He was looking for another bike and had his eye on an R1200GS.   I arrived home and double checked the bike rack to make sure it was firmly attached

I stopped at a local  Home Depot  (No Lowes around where we live)  and bought some pipe insulation so I could put them on the arms of the rack.  I just taped the two ends and hope they stay in place

I then brought out my bike to see how I could secure it.    I used a few bungie cords to hold it down and checked the security of the rack, one arm of which rests on the rear bumper which seems to absorb most of the bike's weight

Fast forward to last Wednesday.   My car gave me a service warning last week for an A3 service.  This means that in addition to the regular oil/filter change, I also needed a transmission flush.   For expensive stuff like this I tend to avoid the Honda dealership and prefer to use my long time mechanic, who are Honda specialists who also spend their time racing . . .

They used to race Hondas, but have since changed over to Porsche.  Much of their equipment is racing related and is for their own use.   They have a Honda computer, just like the dealer which was used on their Honda race vehicles.   They also have a 4 wheel laser alignment machine and high speed balancer.  When I bought my Honda it was upon their recommendations . . .

In the front of their shop I noticed this beautiful Beemer with collector plactes

and beside the Beemer was this nice 3 cyclinder 2-stroke 500cc Kawasaki

I dropped off my car Wednesday after work and then I started walking . . .

I had planned to just walk home but I tire more easily now and had to rest a few times

I guess age is catching up to me so I decide to walk to the bus stop instead and take the bus home

They have lower fares for seniors and the Government issues Gold care cards which confirm your age and discount status.   This card can also be used for discounted ferry fares, lower driver license fees and other Government services.   I thought that since I didn't appear to look that old I would flash my Gold CareCard when I paid my discounted bus fare.   The bus driver said "Lucky you . . ."

There were still some vacant seats on the bus but I opted to be manly and just stand in the isle and hold onto the overhead straps.  After a few miles the girl which was seated next to me offered me her seat.   I thanked her and said NO but then I countered with "do I look that old ?"    Of course she said "not really"

I got off the bus and walked the short distance home.

The plan was to come back Thursday after work to pick up the keys to my car,  ride my Vstrom home and then ride my bicycle back to get my car .   I got home and changed into my cycling gear; which are shorts and my cycling sandals

and took one of our many bike lanes heading towards downtown.   I happened to pass this house

and noticed this old tractor parked on the front lawn.   I have no idea where you would be able to use a tractor in the middle of the city where the lots are small

I eventually get to my car and take my New to Me bike rack from the trunk

and soon I have my bike mounted and ready for my trip home.   In addition to my oil & filter change, they also flushed my brake system (new fluid), changed the fluid in my clutch system, and of course changed the transmission fluid as well as rotate the tires as they had to remove the wheels in order to flush the brake fluid

I am loving the versatility of having a bike rack . . .