A Jaunt to the Northern Territories!

[Griffon]

While unlikely to to yield adventures on par with another summer expedition to Points North, Lori and I are setting out on Hobbes this AM for Ontario to visit friends. I am unsure how much computer time will occur, but rest assured, I still love you and will return with tales of hooliganism and excess!

[Gord]

Jeremy - it will be tight seeing as how I am scheduled to head to the USA at 03:00 on Sunday morning, but hopefully we can arrange a meet up whilst you are in Canuckistan.

[Sir Limpsalot]

I still love you and will return with tales of hooliganism and excess!

And photographic evidence I trust. Good luck matey, have a cracking time.

Si.

[Griffon]

Th ride up was nothing short of horrendous. I thought I'd charted a nice rolling course through relatively un-trafficked areas. As it turns out, nearly the entire 385 miles was under construction. We're definitely re-thinking our return route. On the plus side, I got to practice my clutch and slow riding. I'm pretty sure I could give a trials rider a run for his money in a slow race on Hobbes now. We're safe and sound and relaxing today, opting to explore Burling ton and it's environs during the day and take in another show of Adam's at Gallagher's in Hamilton.

Tomorrow, we're going to take in the Royal Ontario Museum (and probably a few other things) in Toronto. If you have nothing better to do, you should join us Gord-o! Hobbes misses his Kraut wanker of a riding partner, and Lori would like to meet you! We'll be staying in Bolton tomorrow night and if the weather permits, taking a ride through the local twisties Saturday morning. I remember you saying something about a wedding, but you're of course welcome to join us for any and all of the adventures!

[Sir Limpsalot]

Hobbes misses his Kraut wanker of a riding partner

Jeremy, your command of the English vernacular is coming along very nicely. I'll give you a B+ for that one!

Si :)

[Gord]

Jeezus! I have been working downtown Toronto all week. My route takes me along Avenue Road right past the ROM (and my alma mater Victoria College of the University of Toronto which is across the street!). In fact, today Klink and I made lovely jaunt into the Big Smoke and out tonight. CRAP CRAP CRAP! I coulda woulda shoulda stopped to catch up with Hobbes, Jeremy, and Lori! DAMN DAMN DOUBLE DAMN!

I truly am a wanker!

[Griffon]

As it turned out, we ended up skipped the ROM in favor of more time with our Burlington hosts. We had ourselves a blast up the 407 to Bolton where I suspect we rode around in your back yard for a bit at some point or other. I can say quite happily that we scouted some excellent roads for you when you get a chance to head south for a spell, Gord. In the end, it's another reason to return to Ontario for Lori and I. Hopefully, we can plan it a bit better this time and we'll get a ride in! We missed out on the Forks of the Credit this time since it was closed, so that might be somethign to do!

[Gord]

I can say quite happily that we scouted some excellent roads for you when you get a chance to head south for a spell, Gord. In the end, it's another reason to return to Ontario for Lori and I. Hopefully, we can plan it a bit better this time and we'll get a ride in! We missed out on the Forks of the Credit this time since it was closed, so that might be somethign to do!

Jeremy - I am thinking you likely hit the Forks of the Credit and Belfountain when you were in the Bolton area. Lovely roads to ride to be sure. Next time you are up our way, I am thinking Collingwood - the top end of the Niagara escarpment has some nice roads to it - and a tour around the Muskoka Lakes and through Bala (the town that used be Swastika, Ontario!). It's a bleedin' shame I couldn't get my act together to synch up with you and Lori! Next time for sure.

As a side note, my Harley buddies are hitting Pennsylvania and New York at the end of September. I advised Brian - the main planner of the trip - to take 30W out of Gettysburg. Our ride of that road was a highlight for me!

I am off to Bentonville BMW shortly to load up on T-Shirts and whatever else strikes my fancy. I keep telling Chrissy I am going to buy a new bike to ride home! Klink needs a stable mate!

[Griffon]

Feel free to give Brian my email address! If they'll be nearby on a Sunday I'll see if I can link up with them. I have a few side tracks from 15 S that might interest them, which won't add much time to the trip but will greatly improve ride quality. Basically, they'll cross the river and run along it for a little ways and cross back to 15 near Harrisburg. Lots less traffic, curvy roads, and good views. What more does one need?

As for buying another bike, I'm all for it! Just drop by my neck of the woods before you head home so I can assist with its break in period with a few of my local haunts! I don't envy you the paperwork nightmare when you return to Ontario, however...

[Griffon]

We set out relatively early on Wednesday for Burlington, Ontario. As usual, Lori displayed her charming penchant for photographing me before I was ready or interested.

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Great was her glee, and she celebrated while I finished getting Hobbes set.

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The early stages of the ride featured a rare sighting of a bald eagle about 20 minutes from home. Sometimes it's good to be on a major migration route! Sadly, photographic evidence wasn't possible since the camera was somewhere in the recesses of Lori's jacket and couldn't be reached in time. Suffice it to say, the bird was significantly majestic as to instill a sense of reverie.

We discovered much to our dismay that while the weather was perfect, our route was under construction for most of Pennsylvania. The benefit to my clutch work and balance is sure to show in the coming weeks. I am now capable of feats of balance on par with trials riders.

Eventually, our road opened up and we got to move with greater alacrity. It was with great satisfaction that I wicked the lad up to a reasonable cruising speed, having spent a fair portion of the ride through traffic worrying about our rapid delay of arrival.

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The plan was to stop at the duty free shop to obtain Scotch for our Burlington hosts. Fatigued and unfamiliar with the area, I blew my exit and we queued up for the border crossing. As I sat bemoaning my lack of wits, I noticed that while we only had seven or eight cars ahead of us, the line behind us was growing exponentially. It was at this point that I realized I must have skipped the duty free on purpose to avoid further delays at customs.

My second bit of trials training for the day came in the form of the customs area. Perhaps owing to a preponderance of radiators violently disgorging their contents in protest of protracted wait times, the Powers That Be deemed it necessary to build a ravine in the middle of each driveway. I managed the balancing act well enough, and the guard seemed satisfied we were not threat. In no time, we were on the QEW overlooking Lake Ontario.

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A short time later, Lori had a chance to make a bookend of awkward photos of me for the day.

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Tune in next time for the exciting conclusion of the day's events!

[Gord]

Jeremy - I am with you on the border crossings into New York. Horribly designed for 2 wheeled conveyance, and a very good test of slow speed riding skills. The pictures you took of Lake Ontario were from the Burlington Bay Skyway and the green bridge you see off that bridge is the old lift bridge on Lakeshore Road. I have always hated the Burlington Bay Skyway. It is as high as God's shin so that the Great Lakes freighters can get coal and ore into the Stelco plant. And windy days you can be blown all over the road. On my trip to Gettysburg to establish the Motorcyclist Cafe Field Office there, I rode over that bridge in pounding rain leaning into a hurricane like wind. Scares the crap out of me every time (especially since as a kid I saw a car hanging over the edge of it after having hit the guardrail.

Looking forward to the next installment.

[Griffon]

After our arrival in Burlington, we made efforts to rest up. The plan for the evening was to head into nearby Hamilton to see our friend Adam Cooke (http://www.myspace.com/adamcooke) perform at Gallagher's. Adam makes a living playing gigs at a few venues in and around Toronto. If you ever get a chance to see him play, do. He can play a pretty wide range and is very good at what he does. If you're very lucky, he might play one of his originals. The link I posted will take you to his MySpace page which has some samples of his work. If you like it, download the full album from iTunes. It's been on heavy rotation on my iPod for months! Gallagher's is a great place. The owner has made a place where musicians and waitstaff like to go, so it's a nice laid-back crowd and features live music pretty well nightly. If we lived closer, I could see myself spending lots of time there. Adam's gig that night was solo, and he played piano all night. It was great to hear his interpretation of some old favorites! The evening was over before we knew it, having pretty easily turned into a late night out.

The next day, I walked to the closest Tim Horton's for a cup of the hot and steaming. If you've never been lucky enough to visit Gord's homeland, Tim Horton's is a coffee/donut chain not unlike our own Dunkin Donuts... except better. It's something of an Ontario tradition. Some have likened it's adherents to a kind of cult. I suppose I've signed up since I walked to Tim's every morning...

In any case, I whiled away the late morning hours sipping coffee and playing one of Adam's guitars (http://www.cookeguitars.com/). Like many other folks who are very involved in their arts, Adam has taken to learning a great deal about lutherie ( the art of maintaining and building guitars). His guitars are very high quality. I was very impressed with a lot of the details of the ones I got to play, as well as their sound, and especially the feel of them. At some point, I hope to hire him to build me one. Very remarkable instruments worthy of much better musicians than I!

Eventually, folks started waking up, and we sallied forth to Mount Nemo, a stop on the Bruce Trail system that runs through Ontario. At this stage in the trail, it follows the edge of the escarpment that used to be the shore of Lake Ontario before the ice age. The place was incredibly beautiful.

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I of course, couldn't restrain myself from climbing up on the wall to see out over the edge.

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Of course, we had to take the obligatory photo ops...

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An important milestone here, was that Adam and Carol-Anne's son Finn was out on his first ever hike!

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We hiked further to the most scenic overlook...

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The are some interesting crevices along the edges, and people actually go caving in them.

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Evidence of the frequency with which this happens could be found in the way of permanent belaying points.

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I contented myself with jumping out to an outcropping.

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The view was nothing short of spectacular.

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In spite of the amazing views, our hosts informed us the best was yet to come. We pressed on, eager to see...

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Apparently, toads have a need for sweeping vistas and a sense of adventure. This little fellow is only inches from a bad day.

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it wasn't much further than our meeting with our amphibian friend that we came to the overlook. All I can say is that it was as advertised.

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Finn seemed to be enjoying his Big Day Out.

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We realized there was a storm inbound soon after this shot and began our trek back. We found a pavilion and sat down to lunch. We enjoyed sparkling conversation and a brief downpour before heading back to basecamp. A wonderful day, to be sure. The evening would prove to be just as good, and that's where we'll pick up the next installment!

[JCsman]

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Good report and photos. Did anyone remark on the "Lady of the Cliffs" in this photo?

[Griffon]

I believe you just did... Nothing was said at the time, but I'm certain she'll be showing up in a painting soon. It's been awhile since a place grabbed me like Mount Nemo. I've been very fortunate to see a lot of amazing places, and this ranks with the best of them!

[Sir Limpsalot]

What a cute, alert little chap. Excellent!

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Once a dad, always a dad. Something inside me screams "Get away from the edge.."

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Enjoying this, thanks.
Si.

[1MPH]

Wow!!!
Outstanding travelogue Jeremy. You have a good eye for landscape photos.
Can't wait to see the rest of your trip. Thanks for sharing.

[SV Andy]

Great stuff Jeremy your dear lady is obviously not scared of hieghts, cheers Andy.

[mnnden]

I am really enjoying the trip! I am planing a trip that way later this year, so your report is very timely, Great photos!! Thanks Den

[Griffon]

After our afternoon's adventures, we retired to basecamp for much needed rest. After a cat nap, and a wonderful dinner cooked by Adam, we headed off to the Lake Ontario waterfront. I was struck by the cleanliness of Burlington in comparison with comparably sized US cities.

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What could possibly be more manly than two dudes posing behind a pram?

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Adam thought he'd have Thursday night off, but found he had another gig at Gallagher's. He was looking forward to a nice night off, but the blow was softened by the news that he'd be able to hire a drummer and guitarist for the evening. Having spoken in glowing terms about his compatriots, Lori and I were looking forward to the show.

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I can say unreservedly that it was one of the best shows I've ever seen. The lads treated us to some really excellent covers, including "Good Times, Bad times" by Led Zeppelin. Mike Scime, the drummer had John Bonham's parts down solidly. It was really amazing, and I was happy to know I'd get to see him drum again Saturday night. Too soon, it was over and we were on our way to a late date with bed.

Sometime between sets, Lori and I decided to skip out on Toronto stops. It seemed more in keeping with the trip to enjoy our Burlington base camp a little alter the next day and enjoy a relaxed ride to Bolton. Adam and Carol-Anne loaned us their transponder for the 407 the next morning. I was amazed by the lack of traffic, and paranoid about my ability to convert mph to kph. The frequently occurring signs threatening bike seizure for speeds exceeding 50kph over the limit were enough to reign me in slightly, but we found ourselves in Bolton before an hour was up.

We met one of our Bolton hosts at his place of business. Frank inquired how much more work was left in the days' project. Great was his joy when his assistant told him they were done, so we followed a short distance to the house.

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Tune in next time for more hiking, pet hijinx, and more riding!

[Donson]

Good show!

[Griffon]

We were greeted at Frank and Eva's by their highly exuberant boxers.

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They were excited to have guests, but mostly they were chomping at the bit for their nightly run. We piled into Frank's van and I did my best to fend off the advances of a very forward Miss Sophie. After a relatively short ride, we reached the run. Land conservation is a lot different in Canada. It is much less groomed, and as a result, more compelling as a landscape subject. I was floored by all of the wild flowers.

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Frank led the way, as the trail was mostly non-existent.

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I was again taken with a very strong desire to paint. I'm sure I need to make a return trip to Bolton for a stretch in the near future. Late summer is incredible for the variety of flora, and makes for some great color. I hope this tree skeleton is still around when I come back.

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Not far from this site, Frank told us about a tree that survived a lightning strike. Apparently, the tree was struck and the root system caught fire. The tree's roots burned for months, and the fire hollowed the tree. Surprisingly, the tree managed to hang on and still has a healthy canopy despite it's impressive scars.

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We hiked a bit more and found ourselves on the opposite side of the tree skeleton I admired so much.

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We headed back to van, and I managed to avoid getting entirely covered in mud from the very wet dogs. Once back, we decided to take a quick rip around the neighborhood. Frank jumped on his Vulcan, we hopped on our Tiger, and off we went!

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It was getting fairly cool as we rode, so Frank pulled over to throw a jacket on.

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That evening, we hung out on the deck after a lovely meal of grilled burgers and stuffed mushrooms. The dogs finally got tired and curled up for the evening.

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Sensing a photo op, Sophie woke up enough to pose for us.

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We turned in, with the plan to head out for a big ride around one of Frank's favorite routes the next day. Tune in for our next installment for a field trip to Mars, some mild disappointment, and another performance by the Amazing Mr. Adam Cooke!

[Donson]

Looks like a grand mini vacation Jeremy,keep posting!

[Griffon]

In the morning, Frank ran out for Tim's and we enjoyed our repast in the garden. Frank has spent a considerable amount of time getting his garden sorted. He calls it his secret garden, and it's really quite special.

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Of course, Sophie involved herself in the proceedings.

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The plan for the morning was to take a ride on one of Frank's favorite routes. We were going to check out the Badlands, the Forks of the Credit, and a fine valley. As we looked at the weather forecast, it seemed clear precipitation was one its way toward us. We chose to do the ride anyway. What's a little rain after all?

Eva and I prepare our mounts for the ride ahead.

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Eva was kind enough to introduce me to her Ninja 250.

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As we pulled out, it began to spatter a bit. We soldiered on...

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Frank pulled over after awhile. I noticed some cars parked up on the left side of the road as Frank explained it could be hard to find parking at the Badlands. At some point during the run of the X-Files, a portion of the show was supposed to take place on Mars. This scene was filmed at the Badlands. Since that time, the site has become a minor tourist attraction. It's worth noting that this place is a bit further along the Bruce Trail system, which we visited a few pages back when we at Mount Nemo. It seems like the BTS would be a nice place to paint based on my anecdotal evidence. Then again, pretty much everywhere we went was amazing... In any case, on with the show.

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We continued on, resting for a moment at one of the delis in the area that serves as a watering hole for the motorcycling contingent. There were a lot of bikes and the people who ride them. We got a drink and kept moving in a effort to beat the worst of the rain back to Bolton.

We arrived at the Forks of the Credit soon after, and discovered it was closed. We passed it and my mantra of "There's another reason to go back" passed my lips.

While we rode, we went through a few small towns. The architecture was awfully cool.

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For some reason which escapes me, my co-pilot didn't get more pictures of the town. I suppose that's another reason to go back.

I don't really need many more at this point, however.

We stopped for lunch at a spot whose name escapes me. Frank narrowly avoided becoming a hood ornament as an inattentive driver decided to exit the place using as much of our side of he road as possible. All managed to escape unharmed and a table was secured in short order. I treated myself to a Canadian delicacy: peameal. For those of you about to chime in, rest your dirty minds for a moment. Peameal is a kind of bacon (ham really) which is coated in a kind of meal, sliced thick, and served hot. I can say it was greatly satisfying, and hope to sample it again at a later date.

At this point, we were only a few minutes away from a portion of the ride we took the night before. It was nice to see some familiar things as we went. Frank took us back via a slightly different route, which gave us a chance to see more of the farms and open fields. The roads were great for sight-seeing, allowing wide vistas and enough extra concentration to look around a bit. As we pulled into the driveway, the skies opened up and a downpour ensued for the better part of the afternoon. We sat in the garage and had some more Tim's as we packed up the bike and steeled ourselves for a ride back to Burlington in the rain. After saying our goodbyes to Frank, Eva, and the dogs, we mounted up and headed out.

We managed to avoid the worst parts of the storm, but it still rained the whole way back. I continued my struggle with wanting to ride quickly, but not have Hobbes languish in a Canadian impound lot the whole time. A bit off my game from various and sundry, I exited the 407 too soon and got into the construction traffic melee that is the 403. After more fun with my clutch than any one rider should ever hope to have, we found ourselves among friends again as we exited a street I recognized as being near the Burlington base camp. In a few moments, we were hanging up wet gear and resting up for the night's outing.

The plan was to ride up to a private party with Adam and a few of his mates. The lads secured a gig as the evening's entertainment and the host was gracious enough to invite us along. I found myself feeling somewhat guilty as I knew we couldn't be that far off from Barrie (ancestral home of the Clarry Clan). I deeply regretted missing Gord on this trip, but as you may imagine, this only serves to further the plans of returning.

We rolled up the party and the spread was stunning! Beautiful land, beautiful home, and lots of folks ready to have a good time. The band unpacked and began to soundcheck.

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The lads under full sail not long after.

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The rain stopped for most of the evening, sprinkling only a few times. By the time it returned, most of the party was having too good a time to care. Before we knew it, the night was over and we were headed back to Burlington. it was a good night. The boys got a nice tip for their efforts, a few more gigs lined up, and the party-goers had a great time. It was nice to see happy musicians at the end of the night!

It ended up a very late night indeed! Adam and I stayed up a bit once we got back, chatting and winding down. I finally turned in, contemplating the long ride home the next day as I dropped off to sleep.

[Griffon]

I woke up the next morning, and hiked to Tim's during a break in the rain. A short while after I got back, people were waking up and I packed up Hobbes for the journey home. By the time I'd gotten to the actual strapping of duffels and the like, the rain had returned. We bid our gracious hosts farewell and mounted up.

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As we headed South on the QEW, the rain returned in earnest. Luckily, we reached the rainbow bridge during a break in the precip long enough to cross the border. The Rainbow Bridge is the choice is you want to see the Falls while you wait.

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While we were queued up for our interview with customs, I saw a KLR mounted lad in the other lane. The bike had a Texas plate, aluminum panniers, and at least three extra gas tanks. The kid was wearing full on dirt gear. I can only imagine what he'd been up to. My interest in chatting with him a bit was frustrated, but I'm sure he had some stories to tell! Of course we had no troubles at the gate, and were on our way speedily enough through downpour which kindly waited until we were underway to resurface. I dug in and prepared for serious mileage. We were rewarded with some stunning views when the rain ceased at points.

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I did my best to temper my desire to sleep in my own bed with some compassion for my bride. Nearing dinner time, I saw signs for "Lamb's Creek Food & Spirit (http://www.lambscreek.com/)s". It seemed to hold promise of decent victuals, so I pulled off the highway. My plan was to eat, assess our energy reserves, and make some more miles. Lori, noticing the hotel across the parking lot, had other ideas. We checked in, washed up, and had an excellent dinner.

Any Canadians heading my way via route 15 (soon to be Interstate 99) should check it out. In fact, I'd be happy to lead an expedition my way from this point. There are some seriously fun roads this way, and I now know good stopping points.

The next day, we awoke to rain which stayed with us most of the 160 miles home. The ride was nice in spite of the weather. Both of us were dry due to our gear, and the views and roads were wonderful. The rain actually spared us active construction zones, so it turned out to be a blessing.

Canada is such an amazing place. I've loved every part I've been lucky enough to visit, and I hope to visit very much more in the coming years! Since I seem to meet more friends every time I'm there, there are more reasons to stop back all the time! Thanks so much to Adam and Carol-Anne, and the Timmermans for inviting us into your homes and showing us so many of the incredible places in your back yards!

If you're still here, thank you for coming along with me!

[mnnden]

Jeremy, Great Trip!!, I really enjoyed the ride, Thanks, Den

[1MPH]

Most enjoyable travelogue Jeremy.
I enjoyed the pictures very much.
Thanks for posting. Glad you and Lori had a nice time.

[Sir Limpsalot]

Splendid! :eusa_clap::eusa_clap::eusa_clap::)

[DarthRider]

While we were queued up for our interview with customs, I saw a KLR mounted lad in the other lane. The bike had a Texas plate, aluminum panniers, and at least three extra gas tanks. The kid was wearing full on dirt gear. I can only imagine what he'd been up to. My interest in chatting with him a bit was frustrated, but I'm sure he had some stories to tell!

Monday when coming home from the Rocky Mountains we saw a heavily loaded KLR with Saskatchewan plates at a gas stop in Dalhart, TX. I didn't see the rider but Betty said he was a big jolly guy! I'd liked to have talked with your young KLR riding Texan...I bet he does have some stories!

Jeremy, this was a fine ride...I love your friends.
And a fine report & good read too.
What would be your 1st & 2nd choices for times of year for us to come up, park the camper in a state park (or similar) & go for a ride?
I love going to scenic, interesting places and having an Indian Guide!

[Griffon]

Dave (and any ohter Cafe denizen), the most spectacular times of year are probably late September- early October and late April - mid May. Either time features beautiful foliage and reasonable temperatures. As long as I'm chained to a parts counter, it's generally best to plan on showing up Saturday evening. We can get dinner at one of the nice little restaurants and ride for two solid days using our place or a state park as a base camp.

If you're looking for a decent park, I recommend French Creek (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/frenchcreek.aspx). It's right on one of my favorite local roads, and is really well kept. As well, it's very close to one of my favorite ice cream places (all the ice cream is home made!).

Drop me a line if you're going to be in the area! If you meet me at the shop (http://www.motorcyclistcafe.com/forums/www.martinmoto.com)Saturday, I can show you one of my commute runs!

[DarthRider]

It will happen Jeremy...maybe next spring or fall?

[Donson]

Thanks for the ride, Jeremy, great trip, and good times!

[SV Andy]

Thanks Jeremy great ride those falls are amazing.

[Wild Will]

That was very cool, thanks! I've known plenty of Krauts, by the way, but I never got close enough to see any wankers. I feel for you, Bro. Seriously, good post, good scenery of a ne'er seen part of the country to we who're bound to the west coast because we ain't got no gas money. How's that for vernacular, Si? Thanks for the photos of your cool trek and we always like shots of the ladies!

[Sir Limpsalot]

Now I have a little more time, I'll comment in a little more detail. Seriously good report Jezza, there was so much good stuff it's hard to pick the best bits. But for a start you suckered me in a treat, I was just thinking how much like England it looked, the general green-ness of the scenery, the rolling hills and so on, then POW! you hit me with the badlands! Just unreal.

As a certain Gentlemans Gentleman might put it "I am deeply appreciative of your efforts to entertain us".

:)

[Griffon]

Si, I endeavor to bring satisfaction!

The great thing about living on such as large landmass, is that it displays so many types of terrain, flora, and fauna without having to board an airplane, boat or other means of conveyance! Experiencing the shifts in all of these things from region to region is what makes motorcycle travel superior in so many ways. When you do make your landing here, I very much hope I'll have an opportunity to show you some parts I know. I even know some pubs that would likely make you feel very much at home!

Will, you should head back east sometime soon! The same invite applies to you as our colleagues in the Canyon, and elsewhere; stop in for a spell and I'll be happy to show you around.

Any one that drops by can sign up for rides further afield, or we can stay ten miles away from my house riding back roads all day. I suppose it all depends on what folks want to eat for lunch...

[Griffon]

Adam has begun posting a few of the songs he played August 19. This was night 2 of our stay.

Don't let me down. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaLaQKuV_hs&feature=player_embedded#!)

I'll post more as they appear. It was a really terrific night! Andrew, Adam, and Mike were all in good form and everything they played was fabulous. It's a wonderful thing to witness when things gel and a band can do no wrong.

[DarthRider]

Jeremy, those cats are really good, I likes 'em!
I really enjoyed the axe player and I'm pretty critical of them, having had a good one in the house for so long and all...