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Yes that is a rear rim strapped to the back.
My trip started in calgary on the 28th of June. My first day i was only going as far as Kelowna, to meet up with Wallybanger. The rim is his and he was going to the Vancouver area as well. So i headed out on the Crowsnest Pass. It runs close to the Can. US border through B.C. Many twists and turns, not many cops that I saw. Covering a little over 1000 Kms the first day is pretty respectible in my books.
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Crowsnest pass above the snow level.
The next morning I met up with Wallybanger at his place. We headed for breakfast and got to know each other. We talked about the two different routes we could take. Continue on the No.3 or take the Coquihalla by-pass. Depending on time the No.3 is much better for a bike trip. The whole purpose of my trip was to go to my daughters grade 12 grad in Vancouver, 6:30 on the 29th. Nothing could make me miss it. Or would mother nature? She would try.
We did our running around after we ate, met back at Wallybangers place and he packed his bike.
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Look at what he has on the back of his, too funny!
With the time getting on into late morning we decided to go for the by-pass, just to be safe. Without a doubt the good choice. We would hit spots of rain and get soaked. The rain would stop, we'd dry out, and you bet, it would rain yet again. Just an endless cycle. We had stopped for fuel in Merrit,BC when a gentlemen had informed him that there was a mudslide on the No.1 highway.
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Two lanes wide, each direction, re-routed though a small secondary highway one lane each that passes through small towns. thousands of cars backed up to a stand still. Perfect. At least it wasn't raining. Oh of course it was, it's BC. The first small town we got to had a McChoke'n'pukes, so we stopped for a coffee. We had talked about riding down the shoulder of the road and lane splitting even though it is not legal anywhere in Canada. Once back on the road the rain continued and traffic moved very slow. I kept looking at my watch and it was getting later all the time. Fianlly I turned to Wally and he gave me a nod. down the shoulder I go, Wally right behind me. That pissed off a lot of people. Some honked at us, others yelled, some even pulled their cars out to block us. we even rode right down the center line. It was great until I spotted some lights on top of a car ahead of us. Not a cop but a peace officer. They are a little downfrom cop but can still give traffic violations. We sat behind a SUV for a while looking at him. He kept looking in his mirror at me. He knew what we we doing. Finally, still looking at me he signal for me to pull up to his car. Damn it! Once I pull up, he turns his head toward me and say, "Be careful".
Looking at him I said, " You are seriously going to let us?"
His reply was simple. "That's not what I said, I said be careful."
Turning to Wallybanger, I signal for him to follow again and off we go. Thousands of cars passed. Hours saved. Great ride. I got to my daughters with minutes to spare. No time for a shower or shave. Changed my clothes and off to the grad.
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Wallybanger, it was a pleasure to meet and ride with you. Looking forward to next time! Anyone who has a chance to meet him, do it. Stand up guy.
More to come...........