Itching for Spring - I got -20 C Cold and Snow

Hello Everyone

I have been lurking for 2 years. Finally got the nerve to post. Rode bikes forever and last year my son and I both purchased bikes. I purchased a low kilometre 2005 VFR800 and my son got his 2012 650 Ninja. It is fantastic to get out and ride with my son, we both have similar riding styles, interest and enjoy the same twisty roads.



We live near each other and most rides are out into the mountains. Last year I got my baptism on a 4500 km ride across the Canadian Prairies into Ontario's northern lake regions. Experienced the usual, dumped my bike while enjoying a rest on the side of the road, rain, more rain and sleet, more rain... Wore out a tire and a shock. attempted a long day - my sore ass told me when to stop.

This year sees the bike getting a new Penske shock, Michelin PR3, sprockets and chain, new fork valves and springs ..... oh yes a new rain suit and heated grips.

Two trips planned this year - the lone trip is Calgary to Vancouver Island in June taking the long way. The long trip is Calgary south in September with my son to LA via Pacific Coast highway then inland to Vegas, Scotsdale and backup through the Midwest to home.

I park the Silverado truck in the spring and ride the bike daily till late fall. Last year put on 17K and loved every minute of it. This year aiming for 30K+

Thank you to everyone for your help and guidance. I gleaned every source of info on this site from completing my first oil change to installing the new rear shock, replacing chain and sprockets and ....... Everyone of your "how to" was worth a fortune to me - thanks again.

Tried to post pics of my bike, a picture with my son and the type of roads we ride - no luck. Will work on that next post.

Again thanks for the help, information and .......

 

Your only a soft days ride from me, my wife has family I calgary too. Cant plan too far ahead due to work but an island trip sounds like something id be interested in, I have family in ladysmith.
When you know your route post it and see if others want/can go. I know my wife would love to see the island since she never has

 

My daughter and her family live in Crofton, near Duncan. The trip is wide open for me - I have lots of holiday time and no real pressure on when I go but 7 days is my trip length. Lived in near Saskatoon for years - really love the Prairies but the mountain roads are my drug of choice. Two VFR on a trip to the coast.... sounds like a blast.

 

I grew up in vancouver and squamish with lots of trips to duncan, port albernie and also spent a lot of time in enderby and area. BC is home but I cant afford to live there so im out in the bottom end of the prairies. I did the northerner thing, found my wife up there though we met in edmonton, go figure.

Watch the group rides, had a blast in 2010 doing a kootney tour, some of the places we were I hadnt been to in years. If another kootney tour ever comes up I have 3 riders that will go without too much convincing.

Im taking some time in may to go to reg's R3 7.0 ride. Been meaning to do that one for years, but life in the north isnt conducive to going anywhere.