California Chicks Converge on Canada

[Tyler]

I frequent a few forums and last year one of them, FJRforum.com, had posted a gathering in Castlegar, BC. I have always wanted to ride to Canada so I thought, heck yeah, let's do it!! So I started my planning, found a partner in crime, Donna/demenshea, to share the trip with... and a journey was born.

The first day was a get-the-hell-outta-Dodge day. Our meeting spot was beautiful Winnemucca, NV, about 420 miles for me. I left early and decided to avoid some of the heat by traveling over 88 through the Sierras. It was 90 degrees at 9:30 a.m. in the foothills so climbing to altitude to a lovely 72 degrees and sunny skies was just fine with me!

Caples Lake

Old school GPS!

As I dropped to lower altitudes, the temperature started to climb. By the time I arrived in Winnemucca, it was about 95 degrees... my cooling vest came in quite handy that day!

I arrived at the Town House Motel (a great little motel, very reasonably priced, and friendly staff) and found Donna already lounging by the pool and, as I unloaded my gear, heard my name being called in the parking lot. Turns out FJRforum friends Dave and Diane were headed for Castlegar and just happened to choose the same motel we did!

We all went for a very welcome and refreshing dip in the pool, had a brew or two, and then headed out to forage for food. The propietors of the motel had recommended this place and we thought how could we NOT go there? lol

On our walk over to the restaurant, we came across this classic...

And Donna contemplated possibly trading her Bandit for this beauty...

Hey look... I got crabs in Winnemucca!

I didn't need to count sheep at all...

The next morning dawned and it was time to get the D&T show on the road... Donna has the most stylish side case bag I've ever seen!

The motel roof was adorned with owl statues we guessed to keep other foul fowl away...

And with that, we were off for Boise... heading out of Winnemucca we came across an abandoned store and gas station... lots of this type of stuff in the Nevada desert...

If you know what this is... you're old!!! lol

A welcome from days gone by now locked up tigher than a drum...

Reflections of two riders...

The view of the road through the desert... lots and lots of straight stuff!

The heat started to escalate and coupled with high winds and unchallenging roads, we decided to stop for a welcome cold beverage in Rome... this place is difficult to find on a map but it is there and they have the best homemade cookies!!

There were bio break places for everyone too...

Our first interstate crossing...

Along the way we had seen several billboards for Jim's Shell in Jordan City, OR urging us to stop and visit... so we did. An older gent was busily assisting customers getting gas. When there was a lull in the activity, I asked him if he was Jim and he said he was indeed. I told him that we had seen his billboards along the freeway and wanted to meet the infamous Jim. So we sat and chatted for a bit with him, his son, and 2 grandkids... he was a hoot!

Onward we went, making our second interstate crossing for the day... Donna has learned the "Ta Da!" hand/s well on this journey!

The rest of journey into Boise was physically and mentally taxing with heat, traffic, and not really interesting roads. We passed many riders sans gear who looked at us like we were crazy for riding in that heat fully geared up... Donna even got pointed at by a car full of teenagers like "WTF are you wearing all that stuff for??" To each their own. We arrived at our hotel, Harrison Hotel, which I think we can both highly recommend! Our room was practically palatial and only $95/night. The staff was very friendly and we were extremely grateful to be in air conditioning and our royal suite!

The hotel isn't real close to any restaurants so, being too pooped to venture out, we ordered in pizza and beer... a meal fit for a king... or queens as it were! We hit the sack to get some rest and ready ourselves for the next day.

Up next... a visit with angels.

 

[demenshea]

Tyler asked me to post onto her thread so you get a more complete look at our journey...this is what i posted to my moto-blog at https://www.demenshea.com

I am unsure why, but this has been the longest it has taken me to put together a ride report of a recent journey. Whether it was the thought provoking visit with my aging dementia ridden father the first day, or the fact I spent nearly every evening visiting with my riding buddy giving absolutely no thought to an impending ride report. Regardless of the reason, I have been home several days now, gone through my photos, and decided this was indeed an amazing ride though intermittedly laced with its share of cloudy skies and wet pavement. The time had come to get writing about riding!

What made this a great ride had nothing to do with the weather, but the fact that I was accompanied by an amazing woman, a triumph of woman flesh, a spiritual healer with one hell of a sense of humor. Tyler would be an asset to any ride, with her kind nature and glass half full attitude. There were days she shamed me, as I bitched incessently about the crappy gray skies, or nasty traffic, but by the end of the day she made me glad to be alive and in her company. My life on this ride was richer with her in it, and this coming from a solo traveler, speaks volumns. I guess it can be said that, Tyler rocks!!

This was Tyler's journey and I was along for the ride. I knew there were a few spots along the way, that would be stops for her, like visiting the angels that brought her back from the next world, when she was run over by a semi on her FZ1 only three years prior. And here she is, riding her Can Am Spyder, touring with me. Amazing.

The tour began the same day for us both but from different points of entry. I from Sacramento and Tyler from the Bay Area. She decided to ride Hwy 88 over the Sierra Nevada mountains, leaving me to high tail I80 to Reno to visit my father in his assisted living center. My dad now a shadow of what he once was, had been a cowboy, contractor, Christmas tree cutter, and womanizer. The latter made me crazy, but that fact contributed to the man he became. He rode life hard, drank skads o' booze and lost himself along this journey. He is now paying the high price for a life lived, as his memory clouds all the facts of his once rich lifestyle. He knows me most of the time, and others mixes me up with my brother, or my sister. He rarely mentions our mother or any other relatives. He is the last of the line of a CA Portuguese family. Having 7 brothers and sisters, he stands solo now, having lost them all. It's sad in many ways, and there are days, I simply don't want to deal with it. But this was not one of those days, I was visiting Dad then meeting Tyler in Winnemucca, NV. It was a humble day, a thoughtful day, but a day that was also silver lined.

My father and Shuman as well as an old friend, Cowboy. Shu from the Washoe tribe, was raised by my dad and is as close to a brother as my brother! Don't we make a team. Dad doesn't look like dad, but I suppose Dad really isn't Dad anymore. I concur that we'll all be there someday, but I do hope to keep my wits.

This is the image I keep in my head of my father standing in the kitchen of his dreamed and built home. I keep this image safe and always available. This is how I choose to always remember my dad.

One must say that miles of this will keep your mind clear, or dazed. You choose, but today it was clearing for me.

Arriving in Winnemucca red hot afternoon embers glowed. The ever inviting motel pool called to me personally and I couldn't get into it quick enough. While soaking in the cool pool, I hear someone yell, TYLER! No way, am I delirious? We are in Winnemucca, NV and someone undoubtedly knows Tyler. I am astounded, but not amazed. The world continues to grow smaller.

We had a group dinner with Dave and Diane, an FJR rider and his wife, on their way to Castlegar, for the same function that drew Tyler and myself. We were riding different routes, but the destination remained the same. It was an awesome night of laughter and friendship, making a fit end to a emotionally charged day. Tomorrow onward to Boise, ID to visit what I have come to call, Tyler's angels.

Dave and Diane at our motel in Winnemucca.

The ride to Boise was long, hot and WINDY! If you have ever ridden in NV, you understand the kind of wind of which I am speaking. Gusts try to rip one off the desert floor and tumble you, like a weed. There is nothing quite like it on a motorcycle, especially the gas stops where just keeping the pump in the gas tank takes manuevering. We had a couple of humorous stops, one involving the Shell station owner in Jordan Valley, OR named Jim. Jim made our afternoon with entertaining tidbits about the area. Don't pass the Shell station when passing through Jordan Valley on Hwy 95. Be sure to say "YO" to Jim from Tyler and Donna.

This started a theme for the entire journey...I believe she is saying, WHY?

https://www.demenshea.com/moto/2012/6.16.12_donnatyler/IMG_3344.1.jpg

I was saying that there were many who would not even know what Ethyl was at a gas station. Then my husband saw the photos and asked, "what's Ethyl?" Wow, am I that much older??

We couldn't resist this reflection.

I believe the wind and miles of nothing were finally getting to Tyler.

[imgl]https://www.demenshea.com/moto/2012/6.16.12_donnatyler/IMG_3350.1.jpg[/img]

I spotted this phonebooth with the book "Steps to Christ" attached. I was certain had there been a phone, I could put a call in to him. :

The terrain was finally beginning to look different. I guess we were nearing the Oregon border.

This Rome, seems not to be in Italy.

Jim and Tyler at the Shell Station in Jordan Valley, Oregon.

OK, we've crossed Nevada, a corner of Oregon and now we are in Idaho and it all still looks like NV?? Go figure...

I seemed to be looking a little pensive in the wind and sun, but Tyler shot an awesome photo, even with my grimace!

After a long HOT day of riding, we finally made Boise, ID.

Ok Tyler... now you're it again!!!

 

[dcarver]

Woot!

..and to think Fairlaner got his handle from this car!

 

[beemerdons]

A Very Nice Ride Report and Excellent PhotographsTyler and Donna, Thank You! Of course you knew you had me at the words: Chicks, Converge and Tag Team! Hubba, hubba, hubba and hubba!

 

[demenshea]

Uh Tyler...you were so excited to get this shot, you neglected to close the junk into the trunk.

 

[dj bill]

dont you remember the saying,

down at the station pumping ethyl,ethyl musta been kinda raw.lol

 

[rogdeb]

You girls do one helluva ride report :clapping: :clapping: Thanks for sharing.

 

[demenshea]

dont you remember the saying,

down at the station pumping ethyl,ethyl musta been kinda raw.lol

hahahahahahaha....omg, i do remember hearing that. Was that one hundred years ago?? :rolleyes

thanks, rogdeb, there's much more to come from both of us verbose girly riders!

 

[Tyler]

The next day was gratefully much cooler by about 20 degrees! Whenever I have the chance, I like to visit Boise and see some of the angels at St. Alphonsus that gave everything they had to help me survive those first few days after my accident.

Dennis Patterson is the fire chief of Carey, ID and he just happened to be off duty and across the street when it all happened... he was my first responder and had such a calm, soothing voice... he would position himself between me and the sun so it wouldn't be in my face and his head was always backlit by the sun, making the hair on his head light up... like a halo. He was the start of a lot of people making a lot of choices that made the difference in my survival.

Dr. Casos is very serious when he is on the job... when first asked to consult on my case, he came in and looked at me and said, "You have a very long road ahead of you." And I looked back at him and said, "I know and I'm ready to travel it." He paused, sizing me up to see if I was up to the task, decided I wa,s and he was all in. He's a big bear of a man and scooped me up with a big hug.

These were two of my nurses that took extremely good care of me, Jana and Paul.

When I saw Jana, we just threw our arms around each other and did the adult thing... cried She is not only an amazing nurse but also a great mom to two young boys and just a really cool lady. I'm hoping she'll come out to CA to visit me next time!

As for Paul, well, there's a little story there... one of the first times I came out from under a drug called Ketamine (aka Special K), I was laying on my side as they finished up a bandage change. When I came to, one arm was draped over the side of the bed and my hand was on his tushie. I looked up at him and said, "Is that a pager on your hip or are you just happy to see me?" He was a bit shocked that I would crack a joke in the condition that I was in! A day or two later, I woke up again but this time Dr. Casos, Mr. Serious, was armed with his camera phone. Paul had his back to him but Dr. C was pantomiming to repeat the previous butt grab... and I was happy to oblige!! LOL

Ahem, okay, back to the serious riding stuff now... our destination for the day was Grangeville and as we left Boise behind, the surroundings began to change with the altitude... lots of trees and a river running alongside the road for most of the way...

The sky started to cloud over but we never really hit any major rain... just a few drops here and there... we also had a picnic at this spot of leftover pizza from the night before... ah, the good life!

We both saw this sign and pawed through our loose change but were just a wee bit short to purchase our much desired off-season, river front home...

 

[Tyler]

Outside of Grangeville, there's a great uphill grade on 95 with these beautiful sweepers - left, right, left, right... getting into this groovin' rhythm that, for me, is different than 2-wheels was but still a ton of fun! We stopped about 2/3 of the way up to gaze upon the land sprawling out in front of us... absolutely stunning but also a bit sobering given the history of this land...

Tried to catch this guy as he did a fly-by... magpie?

In the parking lot, we found the remnants of what must have been the largest burger on the face of the earth... Donna held her hand out for scale... this was only about half of it!!

But that did remind us we were hungry so we made our way into Grangeville to find a grocery store as the B&B we would be staying at didn't offer dinner unless you called ahead... and we didn't so just got some impromptu picnic items... and wine, of course, to wash it down... we may be biker chicks but we do enjoy some of the finer things in life. Before getting into town, I saw the landscape and had to pull over to snap a photo... Donna was very patient with me since she is a photo bug as well and would entertain herself on her bike while waiting for me... either that or she was muttering to herself in her helmet, "Is she going to take ANOTHER picture?!?" lol

The sky was very moody in one direction and in the other the sun poked holes through the clouds here and there and lighting up the fields of green and yellow... we could also see rain in the distance and it was coming our way...

Our dinner to go acquired, we headed up old Hwy 95 which is a wonderful goat-esque road... well paved for the most part but had to keep an eye out for the always present dirt/gravel in the turns, deer, etc. We finally arrived at our destination for the evening, The White Bird Summit Lodge. The propietors, Frank & Terri, are living their dream by offering folks a look into another way of life and they also arrange for horseback tours, rafting expeditions, and many other activities.

This is unlike any B&B I've ever stayed at... very rural, out in the middle of nowhere, and lots and lots of animals... some live, and some... not so much. It is a very unique place to say the least! We were first greeted by the attack geese... but we weren't frightened off easily!

Horses in the paddock were all ears... loved this guy's eyes...

Seemed there was some real action going on in the henhouse... "Heyyyyyy, chickee, how YOU doin'?"

"What'd she mean by size matters???"

We meandered out way to the front foyer and were greeted by this guy staring down at us...

It seems that Frank and Terri have quite the collection of taxidermied animals from all parts of the world... I know we were in hunting/NRA country and the house was great and I loved the road up to it and Frank and Terri were very nice as well... but it was just a wee bit overwhelming for this city girl with the sheer mass quanitity and variety of stuffed heads on the walls...

Yeah, a giraffe...

We kept mostly to the kitchen our our room, The Warrior Room (we got to play sleep over in bunk beds!)... gratefully, I didn't have any animal beheading dreams and awoke to a scrumptious breakfast provided by Terri of eggs, waffles, sausage and fresh fruit. They really were great hosts but I guess it's just an acquired taste to be around that much... stuffed things.

We decided to head back down the same way we came since we had enjoyed the road going up so much and hadn't stopped for many photos of the varied and beautiful views along the way...

Lots of wildflowers blooming due to all the late rains... one of the benefits even if we had to deal with some overcast skies and a bit of rain here and there...

One of my favorite photos of Donna...

And with that, we were on our way for another day's adventure... to Flathead Lake!

Stay tuned!

 

[demenshea]

Well, I have thus far neglected to impress what it's like traveling with a celebrity. By celebrity, I mean the CanAm, what else did you think I meant?? At quite every stop, someone will approach saying, "wow, I've never seen one of these up close". That's just for openers, as what follows is consistent to nearly every conversation, "Does it lean", "What's it like to ride that thing?", Is it like riding a motorcycle?". And every once in a while you get the, "wow, I would never want to ride one of those" or "it's both pretty and ugly". I'll say this, it's certainly a conversation starter, that is if you want conversation while you are trying to take a potty break.

Tyler bears it all with good will. She does a lot of explaining how different it is to ride after riding two wheels for so long. She does this will humility and kindness, something I am obviously short of. I tend to funnel any questions right to the source, even if she is out of sight, I know she'll be back and friendly. The kids are the fun ones. There are those that want to sit on it, or being too shy to sit just want to look at it from afar. I overheard one child say, "look daddy motorcycles", to which he quickly replied, "there is only ONE motorcycle over there." Ya...whatever, mate.

I was used to the rhetoric after a day or two and could nearly play Tyler's role myself. I should have tried it, just to see if I could, but I knew I lacked the necessary finesse.

Well, Tyler finesses all the way and she rides it as well as she explains it. She is fun to watch both in front of me and behind. She handles that big ol' boy like a pro and it's not like she falls behind, ever. I'm no speed queen, but I'm not gathering moss either. I ride at a brisk pace and Tyler was right there in my mirror the entire journey. The only place I lost her even for a moment was on Hwy 36 right in our own backyard and I was trying seriously to pace my skills. I have to give the CanAm and Tyler's skill a standing ovation. She's got the force.

Speaking of force, Boise was a whirlwind of visiting, one I enjoyed immensely. It was a pleasure to meet those people so important to Tyler's recovery. All of them that I met, were totally awesome people, but how else could they be. They are angels.

Dennis was Tyler's first respondent at the scene and I don't believe I have ever met a more humble or modest man.

Two of Tyler's nurses, Jana and Paul

As fate would have it, we ended up leaving much past our intended schedule, but it was all good. The weather leaving Boise was not nearly as warm as the previous day, and the farther north we traveled the more clouds we encountered. By the time we got to the good part of Hwy 95, it was not only cloudy, but offered a sprinkle or two. Between gray skies and land barges the quality of this fine road was tested! I once again understood why I rode the 1250 Bandit over the 650 Versys. I could easily make short order of the 18wheelers and Winnebarges.

Hwy 55 north out of Boise

Talk about a beautiful piece of land. Wow, it was calling to me.

That's a mighty big lens, Tyler.

Hwy 95

A very clear difference between the GPS speedo and the indicated!

Funny thing, as we approached Grangeville, we broke into some gorgeous open skies. We quickly stopped for a photo opportunity while there was some sunshine!

Love these next two shots!

Well, the next few photos need some clarification. I believe there are many people that would find this Lodge ever intriguing, however for me, it was a bit over the top. When Tyler made reservations, she was told there was pavement, a pool, a hot tub, an excellent breakfast, and lots to do. Well, she was right on all counts, but much of what she said could have been better clarified.

When we arrived after a misty mountain hop to the top, we sat in the road contemplating if we were at the right place. It looked quite different that what we had seen on the website. The driveway was dirt and had been recently quite wet, there were chickens and geese guarding the entrance and Tyler was attacted by the rabbit from Monty Python's, Holy Grail. We settled the bikes in the least wet dirt and then went seeking the entrance. There was no one around, which in itself seemed odd.

We finlly found the front door and knocked and was greeted by a very cheerful tiny woman, and all we could see through the door was a big stuffed cougar looking about to pounce on us all. Upon entry into the Lodge we discovered what had to have been a record amount of stuffed dead animals. We have since discovered this line on their new rendered website, "We have one of the largest taxidermy displays in the NorthWest. With displays from Africa, New Zealand, Alaska, all Canadian provinces, and throughout the USA. Not many lodges can offer the array of animals that we do. From a Giraffe to a Musk Ox."

Yep, they are all there.

And to this, I could only say awwwwww.

Oh poppyCOCK

They do have horses to rent and ride on what sounded like some amazing back country.

All in all, the place with it's comfortable bunk beds, wonderful coffee and tasty breakfast made me leave feeling a bit sad.

Note I mentioned bunk beds, yes Tyler and I had a room with bunk beds. It's not been enough years since church camp for me, I could go forever without sleeping in another bunk!

Next...Grangeville over Lolo Pass to Flathead Lake.

 

[puppychow]

Great report! Makes me feel like I was there and also wish I was there at the same time!!

 

[redtail]

Looks like you girls had a blast! I'm sooo jealous!

I've been so busy working on my house, that my bike has been neglected!

 

[painman]

Riding across country on a bike is a magical life experience that will never be forgotten as it is imprinted in our mind and soul. Thanks for sharing yours with us! Absolutely beautiful and makes me want to do the same. Thanks again. PM.

 

[sportsguy]

Awesome ride report! Great pictures.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Great RR you two...makes it feel like we're right there with y'all!

Thanks for sharing the trip!

--G

 

[Bugnatr]

Good stuff girls :clapping: :clapping:

Best part so far is putting faces to hero's in Boise, thanks.

 

[FarWestFastEddie]

Beautiful ride report T&D! An amazing story is unfolding, I am waiting for more!

FAFE

 

[GeorgiaRoller]

Love this shot! :clapping: