A few years back I sold my motorcycle to pursue other interests in life. Shortly thereafter my better half and I decided to move across this great nation of ours to the province of Ontario. There I got deep into the restoration of a classic Ford Bronco. After less than two years we had to move back for family reasons and due to an unfortunate series of events, I was forced to sell my Bronco project. Here on the West Coast of Canada, property is not cheap and we ended up living in a condo for the first time in my life. After settling in and finally selling all the things we didn’t need or have room for (An f350 crew cab dually and a 20 foot cargo hauler really don’t fit well in a condo) I needed something to do and decided to buy another motorcycle. I figured I’d try something totally different and settled on a sweet little 2009 BMW F650GS.
One thing that needs to be said here.. I used to love going 4 wheeling but I never spent much time on a dirt bike. I was never that fond of tearing through the forest at top speed throwing up rooster tails of dirt. Now.. I hear you asking “Isn’t that just a glorified dirt bike, Nick?” Short answer.. NO. This is an “Adventure Motorcycle” and in theory it’s as capable off road as it is on road. That’s not to say I can run with the sport bikes out there nor can I keep up with the purpose built dirt bikes on the trails. This bike sits squarely in the middle of those extremes. This was built for ADVENTURE!
While it’s true, most of my days are currently spent commuting to and from work, I do have my ride days. It’s great to be back on a bike and the thrill of exploring has revved me right back up. Based in the Vancouver, BC area gives me so many interesting places to visit and revisit as I’m getting used to not only riding again… but riding a whole new type of bike.
My current plan is not to sell everything I own and go around the world like some on the internet. In this time of a world pandemic with the borders closed, going around the world… heck just going south of the border to the United States is simply out of the question. Thankfully, I’ve always loved my home province of British Columbia and the amazing places to visit and explore make me want to get out there and share it with the rest of the world.
I’ll start off small of course.. daytrips to exotic locations like Whistler or the North Shore mountains but, as I regain my “biker’s butt” and start feeling a little more confident riding off road… the possibilities become virtually endless.
My mechanical background will also allow me to share servicing and repair tips along the way and hey.. I might even try out a new product or two along the way. I’m going to have a little fun with this “new to me” bike while getting out in the fresh air exploring this province of mine and I hope you’ll come along for the ride and maybe.. just maybe.. you’ll join me for a ride sometime.
Keep the right hand cranked
Nick
On a bike no one ever asks
“Are we there yet?’
-Stacy Westfall
SeeNickRide 