Endall, Be All

Endall Road, our destination on February 23^rd, turned out to be all that was needed to satisfy me as a Ural bike sidecar passenger. The brilliant blue sky, slight wind and cool seven degrees Celsius temperature encouraged my husband and I to get on the road.

We travelled thirty kilometres south from Campbell River on South Island Highway to Endall Road in Black Creek. After a short distance on a smooth paved secondary road, a gravel side road caught our eye and we turned onto Sturgess Road. Remarkably, over the distinct engine roar, I could hear dogs barking, nearly screaming. I was shocked at the stressed screeches and then calmed considerably when I read the sign, “Canine Conduct Training Solutions”. It was feeding time at the breeding centre.

Our smooth packed gravel way turned into a roller coaster ride. Frank set our chariot into second gear and maneuvered through the loose chucks of large gravel, sloppy, slick, muddy, pot-holed construction site. The Patrol bucked at every opportunity to make its way past the mess. A man in a Visi-Vest flagged us down. Soon we were surrounded by a troop of seven workers.

“You’re on private property,” he said.

“We’re just exploring. We’ll turn around and head out,” Frank said.

The crew watched us drive away. I enjoyed the return thrill ride once again.

Back on Endall Road, we passed many farms. As a sidecar passenger, I’ve trained my nose to recognize the distinct odors of cow manure, horse manure and the all too grotesque scent of sheep manure. We travelled to the end of Endall Road and enjoyed a picnic of sandwiches, tea, carrot sticks and bananas. I’ve learnt over the years that you don’t have to look for extravagant destinations with your Ural bike, simply get on the road and explore your neighbourhood.

Sidecar Passenger Sky View

Sidecar Passenger Mountain View

Neighbourhood Pathways

Love the Ride

Sweetheart Ride

On Vancouver Island, you have to take advantage of whatever weather conditions are presented to you. On Thursday, February 14, 2013, we chose to ride even with the threat of rain in the forecast. My sweetheart driver kick started the engine and we roared south on Highway 19A. Our destination was thirty-eight kilometres south from Campbell River to a village called Mereville.

We turned west on Sackville Road and after only a short spin the paved secondary side road turns into Mereville Road. A spectacular Bald Eagle sat on a fence. It spread its wings and flew off to a more practical point on a tall tree. I stretched my neck to keep it in my sight for as long as possible. The bird’s distinctive size and colours are mesmerizing.

The odour of hay and cow manure filled the air. Two large brown cows had their faces pushed deep into a trough chomping and grinding the feed. The next pasture held five horses standing and staring, as horses seem to do when they’re not being ridden.

We came across an epitaph honouring a person named Mike. People who loose their lives while driving a vehicle have a great impact on me. As a sidecar passenger on our Ural motorbike, I put all my trust in the driver. I have my private imaginings going on in my head while Frank is totally committed to driving. We both consider this one of the best features of our ride.

Happy Valentines Day!

On the road again

Life is good on our Ural