Yes I am a ‘Newbie’. New to the province and apparently, new to hanging around motorcycles as I burnt my hand on the rad while posing for this picture. Which is probably why you don’t see me too often in photos – it’s dangerous!
Sunday, October 20 – I was introduced to many people by my long time friend Kellee Irwin at the Dual Sport BC ‘Fall Newbie’ Ride. This is a the last social function of the year and we were treated to another round of blue bird skies once the fog dissapted early morning. The ride was organised into 3 clearly marked sections with the A Loop being the most advanced leading into tight, twisty, rocky, slimey and greasy single track, the B Loop single track (with a bit less slime, roots and vertical) and the C Loop mostly double track and fire roads. There was a trail for everybody and every type of bike. Which made this ride sweet as it was great to share the roads and trails with the dualies.
This was a special ride because I had not ridden with Kellee in over 8 years and our last ride together was in the good ‘ol Ganaraska Forest. Today Kellee, and her friends showed me their stomping grounds and I even found a little bit of the Ganny during our tour. That put a smile on my face as I immediately felt at ease whipping in and out of the trees. More smiles were to follow as we climbed, and climbed, and climbed, and climbed a very long chewed up logging road. I don’t think I have ever climbed so much on the motorcycle. My shoulders and forearms pumped from the pull of the bike as I kept pace with the others in 3rd gear. As I followed the rocky path that dutifully wound upwards, passing a few riders here and there, a whole new level of admiration for those riding dualies bigger than 650cc came upon me. At the top surrounded by snow capped mountains in the valley below laid the peaceful town of Chilliwack. To my left and to my right layers and layers of deep green forests create the familiar backdrop of a mountainous province.
Overall, a great day spent with friends. I even met an old friend from my downhill days, Dave de Jonge, who rides a big bike himself. Thanks to the Dual Sport BC for organising a great ride and social event. The trails were mint, and according to many riders, a lot of trail work and maintenance went into clearing the last bit of single track. Over 140 riders participated! Next up for me…hopefully another ride next weekend. I’ll keep you posted on Facebook.