SPOTWALLA TRACKING CLICK HERE – Going to head out on another 2 night trip today. While it’s below freezing outside and some might say I am a little nuts for going out…I am hoping that the weather folks are correct when they report COLD yet beautiful days over the weekend.
I am not sure I will follow this exact route but will try to get through the mountain passes that apparently all ready have had snow safely. I will follow the sun and while I am riding on this trip I will also be thinking about my transition back to the USA from Canada.
All my trips lately have been for one reason or another. They all seem to have their own special theme. Not one that I plan ahead, one that develops in my head as I ride. 2014 has been to be honest the suckiest year ever for me. People say bad things happen to make one stronger. My resolve is still being tested, my ability to handle change and stress is being stretched to its limits. I wonder to myself what in hell did I do to have such a year? A year that will go down in my record books as full of losses, some gains but mostly highlighted life and career changes.
I have been living in Canada for almost 18 years now. A country I have called home. Moving back to States makes sense to me. Be closer to my family and some old friends but saying good-bye to my job here and the friends/colleagues who I have grown to love will be very difficult. Including my house I built-in 2004. So, once again I will ride to clear my head or make sense of all this ruminating. I will also dream about riding in the northeast of the USA. Not sure where I will land, not sure where I will get my new job but I am aiming for the New England/New York area.
Anyone who reads this blog knows how much I love my bike. I might sell her to make the import of just my car easier. What does that mean? I would sell as close to the date I would move. Ideally I would live near a BMW dealer in the USA and I can only dream that my next bike will be just as good to me as this one. So, what could be my next bike? Another F800 perhaps but something that has been really catching my eye lately is the 2015 R1200GS.
This one to be exact. Just love the colour and I have been told once I test ride it I won’t want to give it back. Over the last almost 11 months it’s been none stop. I have not had the chance to really grieve the loss of my marriage, my beagle Cruizer who suddenly died at age 10 June 10th when I was on my X Country trip. I have not had more than a day or so without worry of some sort. I can though see a little light at the end of the tunnel. So, I will keep looking forward, try to embrace my move back to my home country as exciting, starting fresh, being closer to family and continue with my riding and “new” life.
Back to what really makes me smile is BIKES. The new 2015 has a BMW’s Keyless Ride system is also new to the GS and GSA as an ex-works option. A built-in transponder allows a rider to start the engine, engage or disengage the steering lock and open the fuel filler without having to pull out the key. I am not one to shy away from technology. I am also aware as I get older a bike like this seems to be the logical move. I have never been an off-road technical rider. I LOVE having a bike that can handle deviating from the pavement where I can hide in the back country away from cars and people. Two track and pavement. That about sums up my riding interests.
What’s interesting about this new 1200 is that with the stock suspension, not lowered, with the seat on the low position, my short 30.5 in seam fits this bike a bit better than my F800. Meaning my feet are closer to the ground.
So, my SPOT will be on as always, My heated gear is all lined up for a guarantee usage this time around. Let’s hope I don’t see a whole lot of this….
and I see the sun and some beautiful snow-covered mountains and clear roads. I hope also for this trip I get a chance to breathe. I need some “down” time, I need to catch my breath and try to make some sense out of this year. Don’t get me wrong, I am more optimistic at times and every trip I get to do means a lot to me and it also means when on the bike, listening to music or a book I feel lighter, free from “problems” and solutions. That is why I ride….to liberate me. 😉
As always I will be posting the millions of pictures I take. I swear even when I go out for a day I still manage to take so many pictures and write a post. I love this blog, love all the comments and I am grateful how many actually read my adventures. The best part though? Is whenever I head out, someone will come across my path who may read my Facebook page or this blog and the virtual world becomes that much more real. I hope I meet someone new on this trip from that world. I look forward to meeting anyone that shares my passion for riding and who can understand even though it’s freezing out why I would feel the need to get out-of-town.
I’m curious as to where I will go this weekend but as I also say, never over plan just enjoy your adventure. Leslie
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Advgrrl Motorcycle Adventures & More 
Just a suggestion, instead of crossing South at Osoyoos, cross at the tiny little Nighthawk border station West of Osoyoos where Hwy 3 dips the farthest South. This is the start of the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route (WABDR). The Loomis Oroville road south is paved and a fantastic ride. Enjoy your trip and stay safe.
Terry
I will see what I can do thanks for the tip
Wish I was over there to ride with you, but Aus is a bit far. Have a good one Leslie. Cheers.
It is cold here lol
This year is almost over 🙂 Hope the next is better for you.
Me too
Enjoy your ride and wish I didn’t have to work this weekend or I would ride up state and go on a trip with you, like you I ride to be alone with my thoughts in the helmet and people think I’m nuts for riding in the below freezing temps I say Bah Humbug to them and clear my head, by the way life gets easier after divorce I’ve been through it myself after 18 years of marriage but it does take time and this is when I was able to get back into riding, at this point I’m thinking I got the better end of the trade 🙂
would have been nice to have some company. I was the only bike on the road until I hit the Seattle area
It sounds like it would have been fun, but in my line of work when the weather gets bad I work more to keep the lights on, I’m a lineman by trade and folks like to have electricity. Maybe next time your going to be in the area (half state away or so) we can make those cagers look at us like we are the ones that are nuts 🙂 (yea right)
I LOVE the new GS Wethead too! I’m short (5’04”) but I have ridden my 2010 1200 GS 60,000 miles in the 4 years I have owned it. Although it is lowered by the factory, I cannot come close to flat-footing it. Nevertheless, I feel one with my bike as if it was made just for me! Someday, I’ll need to replace it and the wet head GS has my attention. I feel as if I know you from reading your blog for years. I’m convinced you would be enchanted with the bike as well.
Motopippi
No doubt intrugued