Writing from my phone so there is sure to be fat finger mistakes.
Woke up at 6 am with a hopeful 8 am departure. Packing up took longer than expected and apparently you need keys to open locked boxes, so leaving keys in your room slows you down.
I finally got packed and headed for the complementary breakfast at the Holiday Inn I was staying at. They were out of OJ which I was looking for, but the coffee was decent. I finished up, geared up and somehow I was on the bike by 8.
It was pretty cool in the mid 40’s but I was layered up. I thought about putting my electric jacket on, but wanted to prove out my layers. For the most part I was ok. A few random chilly moments, but not too bad. My hands did get cold. The heated grips did the trick.
As I started riding I noticed something. All those MOA guys/gals were rolling roadblocks. It was like they were parading. Holding up loads of cars with their slowness. I of course passed legally and prudently, but it was a thing through most of the day.
My initial route was 97 the whole way, but Waze had a mind of its own and got me on a weird path. I moved to Google Maps that you have more control of. I couldn’t tell you the route I took, but it was nice and some parts were amazing. Canyons, Buttes and lots of other formations.
At one point early on 97, there was a 30 mile construction zone with a 35 mph speed limit. The road was ground up, but was fine. So, I may have added a few mph to keep me going. At one point I had the cruise control on and happy by a Sheriff. He was pulling out of the shoulder on the opposite side. As he pulled out, he put his hand out the window and pointed down a few times. I nodded in compliance and slowed down.
As I got near the border, I got gas, took out my earplugs and took off my gloves so I could easily grab paperwork. Talked about the MOA rally with an old guy on an RT then headed for the border at Oroville/Oosoyos. Got there, the Border Patrol woman told me to shut off the bike. I handed her my passport. She asked where I lived, where I was going, had I ever been to Canada before and if I had any weapons. When I answered no, she said “Do you have Bear Spray”. I said yes. She then said good. Then she asked if I knew the guy in front of me(dude from the gas station).
What happened the next 10 minutes of being detained was interesting. We chatted about my SPOT beacon and how she just updated hers to the one I have. Her partner stuck his head out and asked what I thought about my tires as he has them too. it became apparent she and he were significant others and how he made sure she had her SPOT with her when she went for a hike. Eventually, we all realized we were spending too much time and I was on my way. Luckily there was no one behind me.
I had never been to this part of BC before. It is a huge Wine area and the Lake is gorgeous. As I came across the bridge and saw High-rises, I was a bit taken back. I thought this was some little town. It is not. It has 150k people and is one of the largest inland cities in Canada. I found my hotel in the center of town. Parked in the garage and went looking for dinner.
Then it was time for food. I opened Yelp! Because Jelp wasn’t helpful. Picked this trendy, “menu changes daily” place. Sat at the bar and started ordering. It was honestly one of the best meals I’ve had lately. Started with wine infused Burrata with blueberries soaked in ginger ale and then a Soba noodle dish. I don’t really like noodles, but the chef (open kitchen) suggested it. Glad I listened
Tomorrow is Prince George BC where I meet up with the boys.
Phat Barstewards 