Day 1 of how many?

It was weird to ride across the Sumas, WA border this time. Weird because I have no clue when I will ever be back in that neck of the woods ever again. I am moving back to the east so when will I come back to BC via my bike? That’s why it was weird. My bike has left Canada for good unless I ride it up to Ontario later to sell.

I left late this morning. Late for me. My house has been having many showings and I keep getting the boot. My last two houses sold in one day. I hate this crap…being asked to leave my own house but it’s part of the deal.

It was cold this morning but not cold enough to use anything else but my regular set up. Heated liner and gloves. But I am prepared if the east coast decides to get nasty with me. I was looking at a USA map. I always do this to myself…when you look at the nation on one map I always overwhelm myself with my grandiose plans for a ride. I am making a huge “U”.

No need to rush I always say to myself…take your time but what is it with riding? At least for me I always feel I need to make a route plan…only day to day, never more than that and feel this need to hit my chosen destination. I mean I love power riding but I was talking to this couple. They only ride X amount, make sure they have plenty of time to set up camp if they are camping, drink a few beers, light a fire and have a nice dinner.

Me? I always arrive right before the sunsets and I feel like I am running around versus relaxing. Tonight was not that bad. I arrived in Forest Grove, OR at a very nice couples home who contacted me through my FB page. They offered to “host” me for the night. Arrived around 1800 hrs, we chatted, Scot and Carol that is, had great green chili, homemade bread for a local bakery and salad. Topped off with some beer.

Scot rides a 1200GS and Carol a 700GS. Neither are huge fans of dirt riding but love riding together. They also enjoy 4 wheeling with their very cool Jeep in their driveway.

Heading through Washington I spent most of the morning looking through fog. I expected this and knew the sun would eventually break through. I am so used to starting a trip in the rain so the cold and fog was not a bother.

I hope to make it to Eureka, California tomorrow but not sure if I will. I know I will stay close to the coast and end up in Southern California in the next 2 days maybe? Head over to Arizona and take it from there. Day by Day. I have a feeling I will not be having to use my heated gear after the wee morning hours soon. Knock on wood, the regional forecast is not that bad south. Doesn’t really feel like total winter even here in Oregon.

Very bad video I made right before I left.

In my head I keep flip flopping…do I move or do I stay. Well, taking my bike to NY and leaving it there I guess makes my decision for me doesn’t it?

Good news I get to take another great ride with really my only time limit being me.

Look how nicely the sun burnt its way through in southern Washington and that was pretty much my ride for the rest of the day. Cool and sunny.

I added a Scottoiler for this trip. Curious about all the good things every says about this gadget. I must have had the setting set well. No spraying effect and the chain looks good.

Added Amber plastic covers to my hi test aux lights and have to say MAN am I seem in the fog with these. Doesn’t really help me see but cars see me for sure.

For day 1 it went pretty well…road about 545 KM’s. Seemed longer but I made it to where I had to.

Not much left for me to see around this area but I did cross a new bridge, the Lewis & Clark bridge…wicked.

and caught a beautiful sunset as I rode into the awaiting garage that was left open for my bike by these fine folks of Oregon.

I will head out as these guys head to work tomorrow. Destination unknown for now but towards California. Here’s to good weather, no snow and a safe and fun trip.