Vancouver Island - Part 4, Port Renfrew to Victoria

Vancouver Island – Part 4, Port Renfrew to Victoria


View Port Renfrew to Victoria in a larger map

Highway 14, also known as West Coast Road is one of the most popular roads for motorcyclists on Vancouver Island.  On a sunny day you’ll encounter motorcycles of all types making their way from Victoria to Port Renfrew and back.  The scenery is spectacular as it follows the southwest coast of Vancouver Island.  Along with the scenery, the road is filled with corners and elevations changes.  Perfect for a day trip or as part of the Pacific Marine Circle Route.  The road is narrow in places and there are many places where the pavement has “heaved”, which can make for a rough ride so take care.

The ride form Port Renfrew to Jordan River is the best part of the ride, with tight corners, rapid elevations changes and spectacular views.  A stop by the beach in Jordan River is a must.

Jordan River, BC

After Jordan River the road will become busier and likely slower in pace.  A few kilometers south of French Beach Provincial Park you’ll need to look for a small “A” frame building that houses the Shirley Delicious Café.  The proprietors are very friendly and the coffee, pies and other pastries are reason enough to take this ride.  It’s on the ocean side of the road.

Shirley Delicious Cafe

After enjoying the treats at the café, you’ll find that the roads and the area will become more populated and busy as you near Victoria.  The next area of size is Sooke, BC.  Sooke use to be a quiet coastal village, however it’s grown as Victoria has grown, still keeping many of it’s small town charm.  If you’re looking for a great place to spend the night outside of the busy Victoria area, consider the Best Western Prestige Oceanfront Resort.  It’s quiet and the location is first class.

 Best Western Prestige Oceanfront Resort

Sooke Waterfront

 From Sooke it’s a short ride to Victoria, Vancouver Island’s largest and best-known city.  However, on the way out of Sooke, stop at the historic 17 Mile House Pub for food and refreshment.

17 Mile House Pub

 Once you're in Victoria, stop and enjoy a little taste of Britian and the charms of British Columbia's capital.

Victoria, BC

Gerald Trees

Vancouver Island - Part 3, Duncan, BC to Port Renfrew, BC

Vancouver Island – Part 3, Duncan, BC to Port Renfrew, BC


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--> There is a driving route known as the Pacific Marine Circle Route that covers between 290 km (180 Miles) and 330 km (205 Miles) depending on which roads are taken.  While most start this route in Victoria, we’ll begin this journey in Duncan, BC and finish this section of the route in Port Renfrew, 87 km (54 Miles) away.

Our journey begins at the junction of Highway 18 and the Trans-Canada Highway a few kilometers north of Duncan, BC, where we’ll ride toward the town of Lake Cowichan, 27 km (17 Miles) away.  This portion of our journey is beautiful stretch of pavement that is wide and pleasant to ride.  You’ll be passing through farmland and forest, with views of the coastal mountains as you descend into Lake Cowichan.

Lake Cowichan, BC

 

Nearing Lake Cowichan, you’ll turn left onto South Shore Road, which will take you into town and the east end of the lake.  One of the best places to stop is the Kaatza Station Museum, which has preserved the regions logging history.  The park next to the museum is restful and offers a fantastic view of Lake Cowichan. 

There are a number of small places to have a coffee or get food in Lake Cowichan so take you’re time and enjoy what this community has to offer.

Leaving Lake Cowichan heading west on South Shore Road, you’ll be turning left onto Pacific Marine Road.  This road is paved, sort of.  I’ve seen every type of motorcycle on this section of road, however if you’re on a cruiser, sport touring or sport bike, take your time as the road is narrow, has gravel in places and is loaded with pot holes and heaves in the tarmac.  If you’re into corners, you’ll have a great time on this road.

Corners!

 The scenery along Pacific Marine Road is a mixture of forest and logged areas.  Keep in mind that this is an active logging area and you may encounter a truck or two.

On of the best places to stop along this route is along the Harris Creek, where a tall Sitka Spruce stands.  It’s a short and easy hike to the tree and there are few trails that beg to be explored.

Harris Creek Sitka Spruce

 The rest of the route into Port Renfrew has a couple of scenic lakes to visit.  Lizard Lake and Fairy Lake offer camping areas, if that’s part of your plans.

Port Renfrew is a small community on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island.  It offers a few places to eat and is a common meeting area for motorcyclists who ride from Victoria, especially on the weekends.  Juan de Fuca Provincial Park is west of the community and is home to one of the best hiking trails on Vancouver Island, The Botanical Beach Loop Trail.

Overlooking the southwest coast of Vancouver Island near Port Renfrew, BC

This is the end of this part of the Pacific Marine Circle Route.  The next entry will take from Port Renfrew to Victoria.

Gerald Trees

Vancouver Island - Highway 4, The West Coast Run

 Vancouver Island  – Highway 4, The West Coast Run


View Vancouver Island Highway 4 in a larger map

The West Coast Run begins on the east side of Vancouver Island at the beach in Qualicum Beach where Highway 4 and the Island Highway meet.  The run ends 132 km (82 miles) later at the Pacific Rim Visitor Center, which is at the junction of the Tofino Ucluelet Highway and Highway 4.  At this point, Highway 4 is also known as the Pacific Rim Highway.

Qualicum Beach, British Columbia

Your journey will begin with a spectacular view of Strait of Georgia and the coastal mountains of mainland British Columbia.  You’ll ride through the village of Qualicum Beach.  Feel free to stop here and look around.  Be careful though as many have stopped and have chosen to stay.  Once you’ve left Qualicum Beach, about 11 km (6.8 miles) up the road, on the left side of the road, is Mid-Island Co-Op, known as Whisky Creek Store by the locals.  Fill up your tank and then enjoy one of the many flavors of ice cream on the outside deck.  Sea Salt Caramel is my favorite.

Once you’ve filled up and indulged in ice cream, the riding fun begins.  The 28 kilometers (17.4 miles) of Highway 4 that runs west from Whiskey Creek Store to Port Alberni is a beautiful combination of sweeping corners and elevation changes that offer spectacular views of Cameron Lake and the old growth trees in MacMillan Provincial Park, which is also known as Cathedral Grove.  There are plenty of places to stop, walk around and enjoy the view, however I would suggest riding the road without stopping on the way to Port Alberni.  Unless you have and adventure bike, you’ll be returning to the east side of the Island on Highway 4 and can stop at the scenic areas on the return trip.

From Port Alberni, continue west on Highway 4.  In 93 kilometers (58 miles) you’ll arrive at the Pacific Rim Visitors Centre.  Along the way you’ll encounter scenic lakeside views, mountain vistas, a rambling river and a challenging stretch black top that climbs, dives and twists to the Pacific Ocean.

Not long after leaving Port Alberni you’ll be riding alongside Sproat Lake.  This section of road is smooth and relaxing.  The views of the lake and the coastal mountains are spectacular.  Enjoy the view, but be alert as this two-way road is busy, especially during the summer and you’ll encounter vehicles of all sizes and speed.  Take your time and enjoy the ride to the coast.

After leaving Sproat Lake, which is long, you’ll be riding up toward Sutton Pass.  This section is filled with tight twists and turns and will be a fun challenge.  The road can be “bumpy” and often gravel will be on the corners so watch where you’re riding.  As you near the summit, there will be “pull-outs” where you can stop and take photos, hike around or simply enjoy the view.

Coming down from Sutton pass is another series of tight turns that drop you quickly towards the west coast of Vancouver Island.  About 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the summit of Sutton Pass, you’ll see a large “pull-out” or parking area that’s alongside the Kennedy River.  This is a MUST STOP area.  Enjoy the view that the river provides and if it’s warm enough, dip your toes (or more) in the water.

 The Kennedy River

From this point it’s a short 40 kilometers (25 miles) to the Pacific Rim Visitors Centre, the gateway to the Pacific Rim and Vancouver Island’s West Coast.  Here you’ll be able to load up on information about the area and places you may wish to visit.  If you plan on spending any time in Pacific Rim National Park (I highly suggest that you do) permits to the park can be obtained here.  I would suggest that you plan on spending a day or two exploring this awesome part of the world.

The Pacific Rim Visitors Center

From the Pacific Rim Visitors Center you have a choice of turning left towards Ucluelet, BC, which is a short 8-kilometer (5 mile) ride, or right towards Tofino, BC, which is 32 kilometers (20 miles) away.  

There are plenty of things to see and do while on the West Coast of Vancouver Island and they range from hiking the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet, the beaches in Pacific Rim National Park, including Long Beach and the shops and restaurants in Tofino.

The West Coast of Vancouver Island near Ucluelet, BC

Tofino, BC

On the return trip to the East Coast of Vancouver Island, take the time to stop and see the sights along Highway 4 between Port Alberni and the Inland Island Highway (Highway 19).  The first point of interest on the return trip will be MacMillan Provincial Park, otherwise known as Cathedral Grove.  The park is small in size, however it does hold some of the largest old growth trees on the Island.  Another place to stop is along Cameron Lake.  There are plenty of pullouts that offer great views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.  If the weather is warm, there is a nice beach at the east end of the lake that is popular on hot days.  Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, which is a short distance from the end of Cameron Lake, is another place to stop and hike around.

Cathedral Grove

Cameron Lake in January

To finish your trip, head right at the junction of Highway 4 and Highway 4A towards the community of Coombs.  The junction is easy to spot as it’s at a set of stop lights (rare on rural roads) and it’s well marked.  Shortly after turning on the 4A you’ll see a group of shops on your right this is The Old Country Market (www.oldcountrymarket.com).  A visit to this unique group of shops is a must.  The main market has unique foods and goods from around the world and a restaurant / café with a variety of items, including fresh baked goods.  During the summer, goats inhabit the grass roof of the main market.

If you’re in need of any supplies for your motorcycle or want to look around stop at Spunky’s Motorcycle Shop, one of Vancouver Island’s largest motorcycle dealerships.  It’s located at the corner of Highway 4A and Fairdown Rd., on your left as your heading east.  The entrance to Highway 19 is just a short distance away.

Gerald Trees
Dream Your Ride

Dream Your Ride - Vancouver Island Part 1 - Introduction

--> Vancouver Island Part 1 - Introduction

 A view of central Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island, British Columbia is my home and it’s an amazing playground for motorcyclists and motorcycles of all styles.

Located on Canada’s west coast, Vancouver Island is the 43rd largest island in the world.  It has a length of 290 miles (460 km) and is 50 miles (80 km) wide at the widest point.  The city of Victoria is located at the southern tip and is one of North America’s popular vacation destinations.  Unfortunately many visitors only experience Victoria, leaving the rest of Vancouver Island waiting to be explored.

The “Island” has something for everyone and that includes the motorcyclist.  The roads on the “Island” are paved and in great condition, with the exception of a few roads that lead to a few small communities.  Even these can be ridding safely and comfortably on most motorcycles.  For the Adventure Touring and Dual Sport rider there are hundreds of miles of dirt and gravel roads that have been created for the logging industry and allow access to areas that few will ever see.

The paved roads are amazing

 Dual Sport and Adventure motorcycles have a place on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island has Canada’s mildest climate with daytime temperatures rarely dipping below freezing during the winter months and summer daytime temperatures that are usually between 75 degrees F (24 C) and 85 degrees F (29 C).  Even though the temperatures on Vancouver Island are mild, come prepared with rain gear as rain is always possible, especially on the west coast of the Island.

There are no bridges to Vancouver Island so getting here will involve traveling on a ferry from one four (4) terminals located on the main land.  Two (2) terminals are located in British Columbia via BC Ferries and two (2) are located in Washington State.  All of the ferries are a combination of passenger and vehicle and are very accommodating to motorcyclists.

 The ferry system is very accommodating to motorcycles and their riders

The best riding months are from May through October, however Vancouver Island can be ridding all year if you have the right gear and are OK riding in the rain.

Over the next few posts I’ll introduce you to my favorite riding spots, including photos that I trust will get you thinking about making a Dream Ride to Vancouver Island.

A view of the Kennedy River along the Pacific Rim Highway, Vancouver Island BC

Gerald Trees
Dream Your Ride 

Take Responsibility For Yourself

Take Responsibility For Yourself

The idea that motorcyclists “share” the road with cars is ridiculous.  Drivers have little intention of sharing the road with anyone but other cars and even that’s a stretch at times.  Motorcyclists, ya right.  They’re fine with us being on the road as long as we stay the hell out of their path.

First, the typical driver gives little if any thought to the motorcyclist.  Why should they?  The typical driver rarely encounters a motorcycle and the sad truth is he or she is more likely watching for a deer or a dog running in front of them.

Lets look at the car it’s self.  The average car is loaded with distractions to keep the driver occupied from the mundane task of watching the road and guiding the car.  They have individual climate control, cruse control, seat heating, satellite radio, CD, MP3, ipod, GPS guidance and personal theater units that the driver can control.  Let’s not forget cruise control.  Oh, and laws or not, the driver will likely be talking, texting or accessing the Internet while fiddling with the other gadgets in the car.  This gives the driver little time to look out the window, use turn signals or watch out for motorcycles.

There is a continual push to educate drivers and have them see and avoid hitting us and yet motorcyclists are still being hit.  I’m all for making it safer for me to ride the highways and byways built for cars, however educating drivers to watch for us will do little, in my opinion.  There are too many of them to educate and most already think they’re the best driver on the road.

Research into cause of motorcycle accidents is poor quality and it’s out of date, however some trends can be seen.  Based on what has been studied, between 25% and 48% of motorcycle accidents involve just the motorcycle, with the motorcyclist either hitting a stationary object or going off the road.  There are a few factors in these accidents, but the main ones are alcohol or drug impairment, excess speed and inexperience.  In short, we can reduce our own risk of accident and injury by riding sober and clean, matching speed to the road conditions and by taking courses to become better riders.

The greatest number of accidents involving motorcycles is caused by a car and a motorcycle meeting at the same time in the same space.  The numbers tell us it’s usually the car that’s in the wrong, with the car either turning in front of the oncoming motorcycle or failing to yield at an intersection.  Here’s the scary statistic, in many of the accidents the driver of the car or the rider of the motorcycle was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  This should be sobering and if it isn’t, well… it should be!

Sure, there are laws that tell people not to operate a car or motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, like there are laws in most areas that tell people not to text, talk or access the web on a device while driving.  Those laws have FAILED!  Why?  Because there too few police to enforce those laws and more to the real point, people think they’re safe by doing those things.  No one is more shocked then the driver when they do cause an accident.  Thousands die each year as a result of drunk drivers and people still don’t get it.

Here’s how I see it.  I’m in the best position to keep ME safe on the road and I would rather improve my riding, observation and avoidance skills then rely on the education of the car driver.  By riding clean and sober I improve my chance of staying safe and alive significantly.  Other riders have the same choice and power and this alone will reduce the number of accidents involving motorcycles.  Remember any “interaction” between a car and motorcycle will end badly for the rider of the motorcycle, regardless of who’s at fault.

It’s me against them and I’m going to win!

Gerald Trees

Route 66 In Pictures (Kingman AZ to Flagstaff AZ)

--> Route 66 In Pictures

Route 66, other wise know as The Mother Road, is likely the most famous highway in the US that is no longer a highway, being decommissioned in 1985.  At one time it played a significant role in the migration of people to the west coast.

Since being decommissioned, large sections of the route have either disappeared or have been integrated into local communities.  Other sections have been “assimilated” into state roads or routes.

One of the best and longest uninterrupted sections of Route 66 runs through the state of Arizona and the section I road in October of 2013 went from Kingman to Flagstaff.  I chose this section as it was part of an adventure my wife and I took from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon and I’d always wanted to travel part of Route 66.

There are a few photos of that trip.

Gerald Trees
Dream Your Ride

Do It Now!

--> Do It Now!

Earlier this week I received the news that a friend from my youth had passed away.  His passing was unexpected and shocked those who knew him.  On one hand I’ve found it difficult to put into words my feelings emotions since receiving the news, yet on the other memories of the fun times have flooded my thoughts with tears and smiles coming at the same time.

We’ve all heard at least one cliché regarding life and the need to “live in the moment” or “live like tomorrow will never come”, and yet we don’t.  The reality is we get one crack at our life so if there’s something you want to do, Do It Now!

OK, some activities may take some planning and saving and in that case start planning and saving now!  Make what you want to do a priority and if you’re lucky you’ll get to do it.

Here’s the challenging part… Figuring out what you want to do.

The only advice I can offer is to go with your gut and then let your brain figure out how to make it happen. 

Erik, you will be missed.  R.I.P. my friend.

Gerald Trees

My Three Favorite Roads

My Three Favorite Roads

Yesterday one of the motorcycle touring pages that I follow on Facebook asked, “What are your three favorite roads to ride?”  A few posted their favorite roads, however most stated that it was impossible to answer the question as there are so many great roads on planet earth to ride.

I gave this question some thought and I found that I have three favorite roads.

1.  Roads with a lot of corners and elevation changes.

Oak Creek Canyon (Arizona 89A)

2.  The logging roads on Vancouver Island, where I live.

3,  Roads that I have yet to ride.

Somewhere in the Andes Mountains, Peru

This pretty much covers my three favorite roads.

Gerald Trees
Dream Your Ride

Why Maps

Why Maps

I became hooked on maps growing up, I found them fascinating.  The metal globe I had on my study desk was the inspiration for many dreams of far off places and travel experiences.  Today, my collection of maps keeps growing and they are still a source of dreams and inspiration for trips that will be taken.

With the wide spread use of GPS systems along with their affordable cost, maps would seem to be “old” technology and for some it is.  GPS is easy. plug in a destination and it’ll guide you there.  So Why Maps?

GPS systems are a fantastic tool for helping find a specific place in an unfamiliar city and showing you where you’re at when you get lost.  Maps, on the other hand, allow you to see the “Big Picture” when planning a trip and altering those plans when you’re on the road.  You can see all the possible routes and places to see along the way. 

There’s something about spreading a map out on the table and plotting a course.  Often I’ll find there will be a few route options and some of the roads look more entertaining then others.  For me entertaining means lots of corners and elevation changes and maps give me that information.

The other advantage of learning to read maps will be reading the map on a GPS unit.  Too often the GPS is used for instructions on how to get to a location and at times the information is inaccurate.  Being able to read the map on the GPS unit or access the map on a smart phone will allow you to navigate and make it to your destination.

For me, maps are my dream book and they help make the dream destination a reality.  

Gerald Trees
Dream Your Ride

I Ride Alone (Most Of The Time)

--> I Ride Alone (Most Of The Time)

There was a time when I considered joining a motorcycle riders club.  You know the type of club where riders get together in a parking lot somewhere and take a ride to a planned destination, have coffee and then ride home.  Kind of like Wild Hogs, but with more people.

That temptation passed and to be blunt there’s no way in hell I’ll join a riders club.

One sunny Sunday afternoon and I fired up my motorcycle for a 120-mile afternoon ride.  The road that leads out of town is filled with corners, elevation changes and scenery that tourists plan months to come and see.  It’s a riders dream!  Anyway, I’m having a fun time powering up the hill when I caught up with a local riders club.  They were all on cruisers of various makes and all dressed the part of the leather-clad biker.  They were riding in staggered formation and I couldn’t believe how slow they were riding, especially around the corners.  In fact when they came to a corner the lead rider would put up his arm to indicate that the formation should go single file.

After about 20 minutes of following the group and I was very frustrated and wanted to to get by them.  We finally reached a passing lane and I was gone, giving a courtesy wave as I rocketed past them. 

Now I’m all for riding clubs.  They provide a social setting for many bikers to meet others with the same needs and likes and many provide additional practice training for new riders.  They’re just not for me.  I would go crazy if I had to ride in a pack like the one I trailed all day.  To me that’s not what riding is all about.

I do like to ride with friends who have the same style as I do, fast paced and stop only for the essentials.  Most of the time though, I ride alone.  I choose the pace, where I go and how long I’m gone.  For me riding is all about the ride and locking out everything else.  It’s meditation on two wheels.

Gerald Trees

Bucket List Rides Part 2

Bucket List Rides Part 2

Bucket lists are interesting.  Many people make a list and few of them every act on them.  I imagine it’s because they feel they will have the time later on, however later on may be too late.

Motorcycle bucket list trips are like any other bucket list item, many riders have their dream trip or trips on a list and few will actually go. The difference between those who go and those who stay comes down to taking action on the dream.  In other words they choose a date, plan the trip and then go.  Sometimes that action is saying “yes” when a friend asks them to be a part of their trip.  That’s how I went on my Sturgis trip.

This brings up the next bucket list trip that I’ll tick of the list in 2014.  I’ve always wanted to take an adventure style ride somewhere in South America.  In the summer of 2013 a friend sent me an interesting message by way of Facebook.  He said that if I ever wanted to take a ride through the Andes to let him know.  When I asked him to “tell me more”, he replied that he was planning a ride in the Peruvian Andes and asked if I was interested.  My reply was “Yes, when do we go”.  Once that commitment was made I’ve had a lot of fun researching the trip, where we’ll likely visit and learning about Peru, it’s history and culture.  I’m going to learn some basic Spanish too.  I’m really enjoying it and the trip is still 7 months away.

Taking a bucket list ride can be scary, especially if you’ve never taken a long trip by motorcycle.  Getting that first one out of the way will light a fire in your belly and give you the desire to take the next one and then the next.

My tips for taking that first trip:

1. Any mechanically sound and maintained motorcycle will do and luggage is available for any motorcycle and is within most budgets.  A good “dry bag” and some bungee cords are one example.
2. Choose a destination that you’ve always wanted to go and can be done in 7 to 14 days.
3. Ask a friend to go with you.  (Make sure you like that person and that you could stand to ride with them otherwise that dream trip could turn into a pain in the ass).
4. Take your time and enjoy the ride as well as the scenery.  Stop when something looks interesting, as this is what you’ll remember most about the trip.
5. Be flexible.  Have a basic plan, however if something comes along that begs to be explored, explore!
6. Take a lot of pictures and write in a journal.  It helps keep the memory of the trip alive.
7. Be prepared for the weather, as it will change during your trip. 
8. Think of your destination as a “turn around” point.  The ride and your experiences on the road is what the trip is all about.
9. Go with the flow.  One day you’ll put on a lot of miles and the next only a few.  Experience everything that looks enjoyable from food, drink and the view.
10. Above all, take your time and enjoy the sights, smells and feel of the trip.

If you have a bucket list ride, take it in 2014!

Gerald Trees
Dream Your Ride

If you have a desire to commute on a motorcycle check out the  Motorcycle Commuting Handbook on Amazon.

Bucket List Rides Part 1

Bucket List Rides Part 1

In 2011 three friends and I took two weeks and rode from Vancouver Island to the Sturgis motorcycle rally.  For three of us it was our first time and one of the bucket list rides for each of us.  The Sturgis rally may be best know for the crazy antics of a few, however the majority of people who attend either spend a day or less in the area or go to ride the Black Hills.

We took six days to get to Sturgis and covered 6 states on the way.  On our journey we met quite a few people who, like us, where working their way to Sturgis.  For some it was their first time and for others it was an annual pilgrimage.  Of all the people I spoke with on the trip, three stand out.

The first was a gentleman who we met at Craters Of The Moon national monument in Idaho.  He was from Sacramento, California and was on his long trip.  He told us he had always wanted to ride to the Sturgis rally, however work and life got in the way.  His wife had passed away form a long battle with cancer and so he decided it was time to take some time.  He bought a Harley Sportster and was off on an adventure he had always wanted to take.  We ran into him again in Yellowstone Park and he was loving his adventure.

The second was a couple of 25 year-olds who had loaded up their old Sportsters and headed west from Washington DC.  I didn’t know a Sportster could pack that much stuff and I was impressed that they were still smiling after so many miles on a bike with little suspension and a very thin seat.  Every thing they saw and everyone they met was exciting to them.  They were surprised to meet a group from Canada and I doubt they believed us when we told them our trip was about the same length as theirs.

The third was a 72 year-old gentleman that was staying in the same hotel as we were.  I struck up a conversation with him while we both were washing our motorcycles.  He was from Atlanta and had been on the road only two days.  He mentioned that he had covered 1,000 miles on the first day and would have covered more if the weather had cooperated.  Even though he toured extensively on his motorcycle, the rally was one of the few remaining rides on his bucket list.  Awesome!

Bucket List rides are important and the thing I learned from these people is that you’re never too young or too old to make a dream ride and begin taking these rides now, before it’s too late. 

Gerald Trees
Dream Your Ride

PS:  If you burn through your list, keep adding to it.  There are so many great and wonderful places to visit.

Looking Back at 2013

 
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Looking Back at 2013

2013 was a great year!  Any year you come out alive is a good year and if you had some fun, it’s now become a great year.  Yes there were challenges and hard lessons learned, however it’s the fun times that I’ll choose to remember.

I had the opportunity to ride some amazing motorcycles thanks to my local dealer, Spunky’s Motorcycle Shop, Kawasaki Canada, KTM, MV Agusta, Yamaha Canada, Savage Cycles and EagleRider Honda Las Vegas.

I rode some of the most historic and sought after roads in Canada and the USA and visited some great places.  The most memorable place I visited in 2013 was the south rim of the Grand Canyon.  It was my first time and the only way to describe my first view of the canyon is “WOW”.

It would be very easy to look back at all the hard work and a few bad moments in 2013, however it’s more enjoyable to replay the good moments and set the stage for more of those moments in 2014.

Have a great 2014 and choose to get the best out of it.

Gerald Trees