Riding season means different things depending on where on this planet you live. In most of Canada, snow (or just the cold that generally precedes it) usually marks the end of motorcycling for the year. There are some brave souls out there that ride even in the snowiest of conditions. At this point in my life… I am not one of them 🙂
I recently went out on one my “micro adventures” to explore what I’d heard was a back road that went all the way down to the 49th parallel and beyond. Understand, I would never cross into the United States illegally but, I kinda wanted to see if the rumour was true. The fact that this road was out near Hope, BC made it even more appealing, Hope is the step off point for most roadtrips out of the Lower Mainland/ Fraser Valley area. It it the place that the TransCanada Highway, the Hope-Princeton Highway and of course, the world famous “Highway Thru Hell” Coquihalla Highway converge. Even as a kid, when we hit Hope, I knew we were going for a long drive somewhere and I loved it. Back in those days, stopping in Hope meant gas and Dairy Queen… ah, memories!
The day started out a little chilly, by chilly I mean about 1°C (33 F for you folks south of the border) and I initially found it crisp and refreshing, right up to the point my fingers went numb. I realized at this point that my VENTED riding gloves were indeed vented… so despite the heated grips, my fingers were losing the battle of thermodynamics! A quick stop at a local Walmart for some windproof gloves and I was off!! A quick jaunt down Highway 1 to Hope, top off the tank and off to Silver Skagit Road.
When I hit the start of the dirt road, the temperature had warmed slightly so I figured, “try it and see how it goes”. It is after all, an adventure!! Shutting off the ABS, I quickly got into the rhythm of the potholed road, avoiding some and splashing through others. To feel simply alone in the world, even if only briefly, is an amazing sensation. This feeling is of course usually shattered by some one revving up an unmuffled side by side atv but, to each their own. Just a minute or two down the road and PRESTO… the solitude returned.
I was watching the thermometer on my dash slowly fall as I climbed and it kept hovering around the freezing mark. I started to notice some ice on the road but, it was patchy and very thin so I continued on. I’m so glad I did as I started hearing the sounds of a small waterfall and when I finally spotted it, I was pleasantly surprised. What sounded like a small cascade of water, was actually a fairly large one just partially frozen. I couldn’t help myself, I had to stop for an obligatory shot in front of it!!
One of the many things I enjoy about BC is…. My Mountains. Growing up surrounded by these wonders of nature meant that no matter where you were in the city, you could navigate around just by knowing where certain mountains were. They become part of the background, something you’re so used to seeing, you sometimes forget they are even there. riding on backroads gives me a chance to be reintroduced to the spectacular views I started taking for granted. Mountains viewed from the city are “pretty” or “nice”. Snow-covered peaks viewed in the back country are simply “Breathtaking”.
As I continue along the road, I notice quite a few offshoot roads and anyone that “suffers” from Wanderlust knows how tough it is not to turn off the main road and explore but, I’m on a bit of a mission here; does this road REALLY go into the U.S.? I know I could look at Google maps and see but, just because it’s on the internet doesn’t make it true.. right? Besides, even if it says it goes all the way, isn’t part of the fun seeing those things for yourself? Onward!!!
The temperature really starts to drop and there is evidence of snow on the sides of the road. I stop briefly and walk along the road to get a feel for the surface.. still wet, thin ice in spots, but it shatters on contact, I feel like I can continue safely. Remember, I’m newer to riding off road so I’m trying to be a little careful. One advantage of the cold is the peace it tends to bring with it. Fewer people tend to wander out as the temperature falls towards zero. With the engine still off, I pause and listen…. to almost nothing.
A few more kilometers up the road and the temperature has dropped even further, the snow on the sides is creeping onto the road, and some of the ice filled puddles support the weight of my bike and I give some thought to continuing but then, decide to leave the rest for another day. Better to be safe than sorry.
I turn the bike around and find a small offshoot a kilometer or so down the road and think “Why not?” Taking it slow and easy I find myself completely enveloped by the forest with just a little two track trail to follow. After a few bends in the road the world suddenly opens up and there is a river with what looks like a bunch of camp sites scattered about. There was only one vehicle there and we waved at each other and ended up having a short conversation before I headed back to the road for my ride home.
Adventure can be whatever you like. You really can’t “fail” at adventure. Did I make it to my planned destination? Nope. Does that make it less of an adventure? Nope! I tried something new, met some nice folks and did some exploring. I did it all right close to home.
Got out and explore. Have fun doing it.
Until next time… stay safe and get dirty!!
SeeNickRide 