We are off. The trip has started.
Starting Odometer: 12,481km
The goal for day one is simple - off to Windemere for my buddie’s birthday - spend the weekend celebrating and then start of week - on the road for serious.
Tom drops by the house to say good by and share some words of wisdom. He is our group ride leader and has taught me everything I know about motorcycle touring. On those rides, he sweats the details, we get assigned tasks, but generally, our job is to enjoy the ride. We discuss several details, including how we’ll organize a meetup in Tennessee in early October, but his big message is: “This is your ride, do what you set out to do, follow your heart - enjoy it and be safe”.
The bike is packed and ready. I already know that the stuff needs to be repacked to use space better. The load is heavy so I crank the suspension to two riders to level out. It’s top heavy and simply turning the bike around, a few wobbles that took way more effort to correct remind me that this thing can tip easily and it would be a bitch to right. The load will need to be cut back for the final run up the Dempster to survive any gnarly weather.
The ride itself is somewhat boring - early weekend traffic means the roads are very busy but moving. Got the classic cager dorks who think that the left lane is made for those who drive 105 kph and refuse to move to allow others to pass because anyone passing them is speeding, and therefore a criminal in the eyes of their law.
Had several opportunities to use the Clearwater lights to warn cars that were about to, or did cut me off to watch it. Even with five very bright lights to make sure the big fat Bemmer is not invisible, people still cut in front of the bike. I’m sure that 98% just didn’t see me because they were clearly startled when the horn goes off and the Clearwater Lights are rapidly flashing 100% power and it looks like they just got hit by lightning. Many are appologetic, others give the finger - how dare you interrupt my near nap condition!!
The probably didn’t see me (or any other vehicle that would have been close to them because a) they didn’t check their mirror before making the lane change, or b) the never check their mirrors while driving so they have no idea what’s behind them. Our traffic laws are designed to put tax paying individuals on the road to earn money (and pay tax) and buy gas (and pay tax). Competent, safe driving practices are completely absent in both Highway Traffic Act and it’s enforcement. I'll rant about that some other time. If everyone followed the Smith System and European traffic rules, our highways would be significantly safer and more efficient.
Met Julie in the Port Sydney Foodland to get fresh corn for Brian’s birthday dinner (I made Alton Brown’s baby back ribs for dinner). Fully loaded, the bike gets attention and several guys (it’s always guys) come over to inspect and chat.
The weather band that my GPS was warning about deliver’s a full load of rain, just as we turn into Dee Banks road. I start unloading the bike under the car port by the marina, change out of the full gear and relax waiting for the rain to stop so that we can get to Brian’s.
It’s Brian’s birthday tomorrow. We’ve known each other since church youth group and a few close friends are celebrating this milestone - I’ve prepared the birthday meal featuring Alton Brown’s baby back ribs recipe, Thomas Keller’s lime corn and Julie’s bean and spud potatoes. One of his gifts is a massage and the masseuse is there for the afternoon. I am offered an hour of Swedish massage. My wife tells me to get on the table commando style - Uhhh, that’s a first for me. Some might judge me as a goody-two-shoes, but I have never been nekkid in a massage.
Loosing my job, getting ready ready for this trip, starting to look for new work - the last few months have been stressful. That stress starts to flow out as she works on my feet and calfs. The sinuses start getting congested, thinking alergies, and am told that is caused by the increased blood flow and oxygenation. I won’t get into the full details but feet, legs, hands, back, neck and scalp are all happy and relaxed. I can fully attest that a Swedish massage is a great way to start a ride. Before you start snickering, the lady is a grandma and rides a Yamaha.
Birthday Dinner is tomorrow, spend a day relaxing, reorganize the boxes and the ride starts for sure at the start of the week.
Safe travels brother...Gods speed.
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