Vancouver

Greg
Jul 30, 2016
3 min read

Now that we are finally in Canada, It was time to start exploring. Our fist stop would be Vancouver Island. Vancouver Island has some pretty amazing scenery and Victoria, the capitol of Vancouver Island has some pretty famous history and culture.

(Taking the ferry to Vancouver Island)

There are several ferries that go to Vancouver Island, but we wanted to avoid Vancouver City, so we took the Tsawwassen ferry, which is south of the city. Getting to the ferry late in the day, we arrived on Vancouver Island just as it was getting dark. Fortunately, my research lead us to a camp ground not too far from the ferry right near a beach.

The next day we went into Victoria for some sight seeing and food. Finding gluten free food, can be a real challenge, but fortunately Vancouver Island had quite a few places along our route.

We weren't but just a few miles from camp when our first bike problem occurred. Lyndsey was telling me over the intercom that her bike just stalled out, and she could smell gasoline. We pulled off the side of the road, and started trouble shooting the problem. When I started her bike, it was obvious that the problem was a loose fuel line, judging by the amount of gas pouring over the engine.

(Unloading the bike)

It didn't take took long to fix the problem. Nothing more than a loose connection, and we were back on the road. We didn't spend too much time in Victoria, as we both agreed that the traffic was horrible, and we had both seen Victoria in the past. So, We headed north along Highway 1 in search for our next campsite.

We spent the next few days exploring Vancouver Island, and visiting my Friend Dave, whom I had ridden to the Yukon with back in 2007. We stayed the night, and the next day he helped us adjust Lyndseys side stand which was just a tad to long for her bike.

While we were on the island, we did manage to have a bit more bike trouble. I had installed an auto clutch in Lindsey's bike just be fore we left, and it seemed to be giving her trouble. Fortunately, we carried the original clutch parts just in case. We ended up doing another road-side repair.

(Lyndsey working on her bike)

(Mosko moto duffle jackstand)

So now it was time to leave the island and visit more friends. My friend Christophe owns a cafe on Bowen Island just near Vancouver city. We met when he came to one of the Adventure Camps I was teaching at a few years ago.

(Bikes chocked for another ferry ride)

(Taking the small boat to Bowen Island)

We met up with Christophe at the docks and he lead us through the island to his home. Bowen Island is the equivalent to Nantucket Island in Massachusetts. It has a population of about 4,000 and the residents are fairly well to do. The island is very popular in the summer.

(Christophe and his wife Julie)

We spent the next few days exploring Bowen Island which was beautiful. The beaches are remote and pretty and there is lots of hiking and exploring to be had. If you are ever in Vancouver City during the summer, I recommend taking a day trip or make it a weekend excursion out to the island.

(Crayola Beach)

(A proper NW Salmon dinner)

Christophe is amazing chef, and he owns one of the most popular cafe's on the island. He serves classic french artisan sandwiches and plates. The view from his cafe is also amazing.

Our first night with Christophe and Julie, we ended up going to a small party for other bikers on the island. The people were really nice and the food was great. Our host was a bit of a collector and had some really cool bikes in his garage.,

(A 1960's Harley Davidson Scooter)

Before we left, there was one surprise that Christophe had for me. When we met years ago, he mentioned how much he liked my motorcycle tattoo. Well, it just so happened that this was the weekend that he was getting the same tattoo!