Saturday, July 27, 2013

Go Fly a Kite!

Kite flying is great fun. We purchased several while we were in China and had an old-timer there show us the ropes. Running and pulling on your kite is over. You stand in one position, hoist the kite into the air and voila, it’s airborne.

Families and friends attended the kite-flying event in Parksville, BC. We arrived in our Ural and grabbed more attention than usual because Frank wore his kilt under his chaps. He loves the freedom of the kilt and will go through most lengths to wear it.

In the field, we flipped our kites into the air and set them on the wind currents. I have a little one that looks like a penguin and Frank’s is a large red squid. We’ve invested in long cords and can send our kites so high that they are nearly unrecognizable.

Back at the bike, we answered questions about its origin, mileage, maintenance and overall enjoyment. I encouraged the ladies to talk to their husbands about giving up their solo bike so that they can enjoy the comfort of a well-padded seat and the open expanse.

Ural riders have a style of their own.


The red dot is Frank's red squid.



Ready for lift off.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Sand Castles and More

Our destination on Monday, July 15, 2013 was Parksville, British Columbia. It’s a 120-kilometre ride south from our hometown of Campbell River. Every summer, from July 13 to August 18, Parksville Beach is the place where worldwide sculptors gather to create masterpieces from sand and water.

Along the way, we stopped beachside in Qualicum Bay to enjoy the salt-scented breeze from the ocean, the squawk of seagulls, the rhythmic roll of white-capped waves and the homemade taste of our granola bars.

“It doesn’t get any better than this,” Frank said.

“I don’t know how it can,” I said.

We mounted our Ural steed and plowed through the soft beach sand to connect with Highway 19A. We arrived at Parksville Beach and were overwhelmed with the magnificent details of the sand sculptures. We sauntered about and met other admirers from around the world.

Back at the parking lot, two other motorcyclists who wanted to know about our green Patrol greeted us. Frank answered all their questions with pride. You need to factor in the curiosity of others when you ride a Ural.

Sand Structures at Parksville Beach

Beauty and the Beach

Everyone Loves the Ural