AM in R3 & AK

Discussion in 'Trips & Events' started by A.M, Mar 1, 2017.

  1. A.M

    A.M Moderator Staff Member

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    Riding
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    Ocean
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    Museums
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    Art
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    Architecture
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    From walking 20 miles a day (so doable after 18!!!) to laying in the yellow/white/pink flowers on a grassy cliff near the sea to read my latest book with the sun on my skin, wind in my hair, and ocean in my ears to having amazing food to eat...There's just no place I'd rather be...
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  2. A.M

    A.M Moderator Staff Member

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    Cali has it and I'd be sooo close to many friends!!
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    I'm like a kid who has finally found treasure that I had been searching for forever and ever...hidden away...and I feel my heart just burst with love and light. [​IMG]

    Can't wait to post a thread someday:

    AM Moves to CA
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  3. A.M

    A.M Moderator Staff Member

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    Previous post with additions and photos:

    Yous guys are funny!!

    Cali was amazing...here are some more things:


    Time to start leaving California for the north. Stuka escorted sad me north for a while. We had an amazing ride he posted about!

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    We also stopped for a lovely picnic in the hugest trees I've ever seen in my life!! We finished lunch and took time for more photos.
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    After leaving Stuka in a mope and all alone after days of having company, I rode north towards the Oregon coast.
    Just like that I was in some more Cali coast though...which is amazing and cheered me...
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    Oregon!! New state!!
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    The coast was breathtaking...
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    I ran inland a bit and stopped for camping in Coos Bay. The ride was smooth and beautiful! Me jumping off ledges after photos...not so much.
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    Complete with the hugest Apple I've replaced my hands on. I was feeling lonely but happy to have arrived at camp before dark.
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    Woke up Friday morning to head to Olympia. More breathtaking Oregon coast and cheese and jerky factory...SCORE!!
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  4. A.M

    A.M Moderator Staff Member

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    Heading higher up the coast brought me to the beautiful city of Astoria!! Had a kids meal lunch that was HUGE, climbed the column before doc could tell me no, drove through residential areas, then drive to immediate care.
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    I think all that ledge jumping gave myself too much stress in my right leg...as in stress fracture. I had been in so much pain all day Friday that I knew something wasn't right. I hate going to docs and I am pretty stubborn, but in I went to learn how to deal with it so I can continue the trip.

    While I was sitting in the medical office, I felt something on the nape of my neck. First thought was tick, but thought naaaaah...prolly a tree seed. When I left, I put on gloves to pull the thing out. It was a friggin' tick! The bastage tried to bury into my glove. Good thing I anticipated a possible tick...i make sure to use my nails to pinch my skin hard to get the head out if it was a tick.
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    Then I was off. No pics of immediate care...I elected to take pics of the beautiful flowering plants that were everywhere there.
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    So...my leg...

    Rest, ice, meds, medical device. NOPE! How am I to ride? Got travel ice holder, wraps, my riding boot is stiff enough, Yes? Ibuprofen doc settled on...that I can do.

    Sooo...after a few hours in Astoria, I left for Olympia. Amazing ride into Washington, spectacular view of Mt. St. Helen with sunset lighting up her peak.

    When I got off the bridge, I went down to the port for sunset photos.
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    Last edited: Jul 11, 2017
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  5. A.M

    A.M Moderator Staff Member

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    Now I was on the way to Olympia and RVFR...

    (No new statevof Washington sign photo since I crossed over on bridge and could not stop)

    But made it to Olympia late and he and his wife iced me, we had tea, and I passed out quick with their awesome kitty, Spencer.

    The next morning, we rested and more ice. See? I can follow some doctor orders...teeheehee

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    Laundry, moto tinkering, and seeing the sights made for an amazing Day!

    RVFR even gave moto some special attentions!
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    The capitol is beautiful!!
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    The city is gorgeous too!!
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    His special tree and gardens are amazing!!
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    I left Olympia in the afternoon, happy to continue the move north but really hurting.
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    I was thankful to not have to set up camp with my leg all gimped up. This Saturday night I had a short ride to near Everett, Washington to stay with another friend. The ride was very painful, but made it to ice and rest. Beautiful on the lake!
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  6. A.M

    A.M Moderator Staff Member

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    Sunday morning: my Canada Day!!!!

    Loaded up and heading out to spectacular riding!!

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    Ate at my first Jack in the Box!
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    Then couldn't even imagine what I was to see next...

    Cascade Highway 20 East which was AMAZING!! I never knew how beautiful this area was!!

    There was a huge greem river and dams!!
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    Snow!!
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    Mountains and valleys!!!!
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  7. A.M

    A.M Moderator Staff Member

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    After leaving the Cascades, I had an interesting detour...that wasn't marked...

    There were road closed signs bit no detour signs up do I had to check it out myself. After passing a few barricades, I finally had to give up.
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    I couldn't for and didn't feel like doing any stunts, so no worries I just turned around and went about 45 minutes out of the way to get on 97 North to Canada. I was just chilling at the bit now...the border was soooo close...


    Made it to the border around 3:30pm with friends waiting for me on the other side...Viffers!!!!

    They let me in under 2 minutes and I just took one quick photo because I was too freaking out to ride up the road to see my friends!!!!
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    Hello zoom-zoom and Phil!!
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    And a friend and moto that helped me get that far...I lovers you, TC!!
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    We had a beautiful and spirited ride into Kelowna. Sushi, ice wine, beautifully hand-crafted picture gift, visiting, and laffs was the evening. Love this family and I can't believe it was just a year ago o was there. As fast as it came, it was gone...
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    Monday morning brought more travel. But not before some zoom-zoom Timmies, feeling proud to make it down steepest driveway in the universe, riding Westside road, and snapping a few photos.
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    Sad to leave, but excited for one of my most favorite rides: into the Canadian Rockies!!

    But not before resting in Revelstoke for eats. I rode through there at the right time. As of today, Highway 1 an hour west of Revelstoke was closed due to slide.
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    The weather was perfect and the ride amazing!!
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    The Wild Rose has returned... <3
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  8. A.M

    A.M Moderator Staff Member

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    I made it to my favorite lake in the world that brings me to tears: Moraine

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    Last year when I was at the same spot. So different in appearance yet both so gorgeous!! <3 <3
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    After having my fill at Moraine Lake and picnic dinner, I rode into Calgary at sunset to meet my Alaskan riding partner: VF1000fe

    Sunset on the Rockies:
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  9. A.M

    A.M Moderator Staff Member

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    Got settled for the night and woke in the morning to a day full of moto maintenance from an amazing team of computer...now moto...engineers. heates grips finally too!! They worked so long and I cannot thank them enough!!

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    Just under 13,000 miles on these tires with more life on them...but not enough for Alaska.
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    Worked into the night Tuesday until we were both ready to go and loaded up up for the Wednesday morning departure from Calgary.
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    Hope my zipper repair job holds up! It was the last chore I did before falling asleep.
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    Lots of miles from Wichita to Calgary! Just shy of 6,000!!
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    My leg was in severe pain all day after climbing the Moraine rock piles. I could barely walk. He had crutches here his wife had bought before so I used those. A friend have me an air cast which relieved my pain tremendously.

    It's only my braking leg I keep saying. It's just 1 down, and there are always more ups...5!

    I knew I would leave for Alaska in the morning despite the worry from friends, but I promise all of you I'll stop if I have to. I can tolerate a lot of shizz and a lot if pain for what I want to experience, bit I also know my limits. For now I'm more north (Terrace, BC), plan to keep on, and will continue with updates when I can.

    I absolutely believe it was worth it to climb the Moraine rock pile...

    In life there is adversity, but the reward for perseverance is priceless.
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  10. A.M

    A.M Moderator Staff Member

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    Alaska!!

    Up early on Wednesday to meet John and away we flew to Banff, Icefields Parkway, Jasper, then to camp at Mount Robson!

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    Spectacular riding all day long and even a replica photo of me and moto in front of the huge Icefields valley from when I was there last year!!

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    That morning's ride continued to be just as beautiful the rest of the day...see next post!

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  11. A.M

    A.M Moderator Staff Member

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    After resting for lunch at Lake Louise, we continued up the Icefields Parkway.

    Throughout the day, we encountered bear jams and other wildlife including many bears and a grizzly hanging out at Mount Robson.

    First, here are the replica photos. Tried to get it close!

    Last year:
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    This Wednesday:
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    We saw Athabasca Falls, stopped at Maligne Lake to rest, buried my finally broken seat cowl and continued to camp...

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    I LOVE Jasper...!!
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    RIP
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    Giant Samsquantch be friendly and snapped a photo of our campsite for us!!
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    Overall the day was amazing, went smooth, and we all had an amazing day. This was a blessing before what was to come on Thursday...

    Injury still in extreme pain, but prudent perseverance continues...

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  12. A.M

    A.M Moderator Staff Member

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    Thursday morning we woke up after I wonderful night sleep and we were feeling great. Except for the fact that vf1000fe noticed the ole '84 had a small radiator leak.

    We packed up camp to meet John for breakfast and discuss repair options. Solution was to make it to Prince George to get leak stop.

    My fingers and skin are starting to crack and peel so I applies my treatment:
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    We finished breakfast and headed out under a cloudy but pleasant morning.

    We took rests here and there then pulled over after seeing potential rain. We geared up to get wet and met another northern traveler.
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    Rain never came though! By time we got to Prince George it was 80°F...lster to climb to 88!!!! We were dying of heat in all outlet gear. We were so ready to get to Canadian Tire for supplies and to strip down.
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    Then...

    The ole 84 went down at a stop lighy. After we cleared the road, we stripped down and assessed damage. Minor damages thank goodness. And the main thing is Rich was not injured.
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    On to Canadian Tire...
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    My favorite store in Canada!!
    I picked out some important things.
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    After we got supplies, we gassed up to make it to Terrace. But Rich's load was bouncy so we pulled over to see what the heck. Luggage rack broke. They assessed it while I assessed the beautiful loons on the Lake. <3 <3 Well, on to Terrace to fix rack there.
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    Riding break.
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    Then hearing thunder.
    Hmmmm, we can beat this cell...

    NOPE!!

    Rich pressed on, but John and I put on rain gear after a bit.

    Suck ride to small town. Now 50°F, wind, rain, power outage in whole town.
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    We pressed on to Houston where we were approaching hypothermic states.

    John decided to go on to Terrace and his hotel reservation. Rich and I decided to get hotel on Houston and the owner was kind enough to let us use the dryers to tend to our gear...and my buns.
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    Stalled weather system:
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    We had a good night sleep, warmed up, and ride the rest of the way to Terrace on Friday.
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    We stopped at a neat diner thst had cute tea!
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  13. A.M

    A.M Moderator Staff Member

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    We made it to Terrace. I camped in a room of his friend's house...after mybown heart. Snacked, showered, napped and rested leg in cast while Rich and John worked on ole 84. Everything was finished by late evening.

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    We relaxed at dinner. The town is super cute!! Polar bear can't get this gimp!

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    We finished the night by prepping for today's ride up the Cassiar!! I could not sleep all night...obviously...I'm so frickin excited!!

    But sleep will come tonight...
    Better weather I hope for today. No matter what it is though, I'm going north.

    NORTH!!!!

    I'm so ecstatic I can't contain myself...

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  14. A.M

    A.M Moderator Staff Member

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    Okeee, just updated this thread a TON.

    Go way back to see updates if you want to!

    I'm not sure when I'll have service or where, but I will be taking photos and posting when I can.

    Thinking of you friends here.
    You all make smile and I hope you are finding smiles for yourself. :) Happy weekend!!

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  15. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Wonderful write up AM. I recognize many of your phots. I have a photo Viennese took of me sitting a the foot of that lion at the gates to Chinatown in SF with some guy giving me the look over. The falls on the Bow in Banff. And a few others. RVFR also took me on a tour while I was there a few years back and remember the decommissioned hydro plant. He and his wife were definitely the great hosts. And zoom zoom is a staple stop when I go through Kelowna which I seem to do far less these days since my sister moved back to Saskatoon from Vernon.

    Astoria was a spot we camped one year and my "Rat Pak" group has ridden through there a couple times. Don't know where we will be going this September. We will have to drink some IPA and work that out pretty soon I guess .

    Sorry we missed. Ride safe. Ride wise. Look after that foot.
     
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  16. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    Ride on Jen---what an amazing trip


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  17. A.M

    A.M Moderator Staff Member

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    Quick Update:

    Made it to Hyder!!!!
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    Rich headed south aftet Hyder which is for best because of 'ole 84 throwing some fits.

    I headed North on Saturday on my own. Cheated death big time. Major scare. I still can't believe I'm not dead.

    Found amazing camp near lake.
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    Made it to Yukon yesterday!!
    Whitehorse as well and camped there.
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    Heading into Alaska today!!
    I'll write a more comprehensive post laters. Hope you all have a super Monday!! <3 <3

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  18. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    Well look at you! Looks like you're having a good time and you'll have to expand on your near death experience but not until you get home safe and sound!
     
  19. Marrib

    Marrib Insider

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    Wow! Anchorage next.
     
  20. Glenngt750

    Glenngt750 New Member

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