Bear Creek Nature Park

OUR MID-DAY EXCURSION on the URAL bike had us heading south on Inland Highway 19A approximately 58 kilometers south to Washington Way on to Strathcona Parkway. After a short jaunt down the highway we came across a wooden sign inviting us into Bear Creek Nature Park. We love taking side roads and look forward to the adventures that may come up.

We barely made it through the first turn in the path before we ran out of gas. We carry three gas cans attached to the bike and always have reserve. While Frank replenished the tank, I sprang out of the sidecar and walked leisurely around the area. The warm summer weather allows me to sport shorts, a T-shirt, my trusty leather jacket and my Department of Transport (DOT) helmet.

The bear-warning signs were everywhere and so I kept within shouting distance to the only other human in the area. We hiked a few trails and listened to the birds chirping their excitement about the intruders, the gurgling of the creek and the whisper of wind fluttering the leaves in a southeasterly direction.

We boarded the bike and roared down the road that took us back to the highway and home.

Caution! Bears

Susan as a summer biker

Port Hardy Excursion

SEPTEMBER on the North Vancouver Island, specifically Port Hardy, is a time to bundle up with warm clothes if you plan to motor through the mushy trails around the local airport.

For the passenger, gearing up for the sidecar means sporting warm socks, long johns, long pants, a long-sleeved T-shirt, a Hoodie, earplugs, a fur-lined leather jacket, a helmet and leather gloves. Once I get settled on the padded seat, I draw a cozy blanket over my lap and then pull the tonneau, a leather cover, secured to the front of the sidecar, onto my lap. What might seem like a lot of fussing provides me with warmth and a sense of security.

I sit right beside the engine so having ear protection helps me enjoy the ride. The windshield protects my face from bugs. There is a metal hand-grab bar directly in front of me and I use it to hold me in place if Frank decides to take a sharp corner. Switchback stretches bring a smile to my face.

The sturdy bike can plow through mud and snow at a patient speed. There’s a mechanism between us that Frank manipulates to put the plow horse into second gear. The muddy water is close enough for me to plunge my hand into. I resist the temptation and look forward to achieving dry ground.

Life is side roads.

Port Hardy Excursion

Tonneau

On The Road Again

FRANK AND I are URAL buddies but it wasn’t always that way. Frank’s long history with Harley Davidson motorbikes and my one ride on the back of a Honda as a young woman collided in China when he brought up the idea of buying a bike.

“I’m not riding on the back of a motorbike,” I said.

“Alright then, have a look at this beauty,” he said.

Displayed on the computer screen in our suite in Yichang, China, where we were employed as English teachers, was a sparkling green Russian URAL Patrol bike. It took my breath away. I imagined myself seated comfortably in the cozy sidecar enjoying the unobstructed sights, sounds and smells of freedom.

We ordered the gallant ride, picked it up in Vancouver, Canada and use it all seasons.

Most recently, we took a 129-kilometre excursion from Campbell River, British Columbia, north to Woss. We ran out of gas along the way, but that’s a good thing. We pulled into a Nimpkish roadside spot and while Frank filled the tank with contents from one of our attached gas containers, I filled my time by taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Our friends in Woss entertained us with local news and a scrumptious meal. Our expedition home was a delight.