Snow! Who cares if it is Snowing?

As I have mentioned a couple of times before, the riding season is
quickly coming to an end for us Northerners.

So the other day I put out a call on a local forum to scare up a few
riders for a Sunday putt. The weather was forecast to be ok, 11
degrees and sunny.

Hell, up here if you don't have to shovel the driveway that is riding
weather.

Five hardy soles answered the call and we were to meet up at the
PetroCan near Cochrane. Even though I had not started the RSV for a
few weeks I was not anticipating any problem. After all it was only 2
below zero when I went to move it out of the shed. And I have used it
in far colder temps than that. But today it decided not to start. It
had me worried for a while. I was thinking the fuel pump had given up
on me. For the most part there was no fire or chugging when I cranked
the starter. Occasionally the motor would catch and race just like it
was starving for fuel. After a half hour of goofing around and a
little cursing that cold blooded mother fired up.

Cool, I can still make the ride!

Cochrane is about twenty minutes from my place. As I was pulling out
the driveway, the temp was still below zero and there were a few
flakes of snow in the air.

No problem, the weather report was still predicting sunshine. I'm good
to go.

Being the first one to the Petro Can, I pull up to the pump to top off
the tank with some $1.03 cent a litre gasoline. Hard to believe it is
that high.

Just as I am topped up Matt pulls in behind me on his DL-1000,
blipping the throttle a few times to let me know he has new cans on
his ride. Actually until he pointed them out I didn't notice, but
don't tell him ok.

Joe on the FJR is next to arrive and he is quickly inside to grab a
coffee. I already had mine. Lol

We hadn't seen each other for a while so we did a little catching up
and chatted about our recent bike mods. Matt has the new cans, Joe
added an MP3 player to his arsenal and I talked about the new, yet to
arrive, GPS unit for the RSV.

Listen: Can you hear it? That's Graham arriving on his Roadie.

More coffee, more catching up, more warming our cold hands on the
paper coffee mugs and after a quick call to Bob to let him know we
will meet him in Kananaskis, we are ready to roll.

Back in my early riding days, back when the inline fours were brand
new and considered innovative, the only delay in a group of us getting
on the road was waiting for those Harleys and British bike riders to
kick their machines to life. Today the delay is not starting the
bikes, it is everyone wiring themselves up with MP3 players and
positioning the earplugs just right. We are spoiled.

Now with the bikes fired up and the riders wired up we are on the road
headed west covering the 40 mile or so of super slab to the Kananaskis
turnoff and on to the visitor information center at Barrier Lake. Just
as planned there is Bob admiring his Roadie and patiently waiting for
us.

Not having seen Bob since our Osoyoos ride earlier this spring, it was
great to see him again. After a few minutes of chit chat and shivering
we decide to cover the last 12 miles to Kananaskis for a hot cup of
coffee.

The road into Kananskis is one of our finer bike roads. Good asphalt,
undulating twisties and today hardly any traffic. I get behind Joe
and his FJR. I am watching him and following his line, all the while
checking out the lean angle on his bike. I am trying to follow him
through, wondering if I can push the RSV to a similar line and angle.
Joe wasn't dragging any hard parts and neither was I so I was feeling
pretty secure and pretty much enjoying myself.

Our ultimate destination was a soft target. During the week we
considered Red Deer, Radium, Lake Louise and the Highway 40 loop. All
are great rides, some longer than others. So after a cup of coffee
and chasing away a bit of the chill we decided to take the Highway 40
loop. The sun was shining and the temperature was climbing so it
seemed like a good choice.

Five bikes roared out of the parking lot ready to tackle the long
sweepers and light twisties the 40 loop has to offer. After 15 minutes
of sheer joy, clouds are starting to appear over the peaks of the
mountains. 20 minutes and we are socked in. 30 minutes and it is
snowing, light at first, then heavier. It is melting as it hits the
road, but clearly it has been snowing for a while cuz the sides of the
roads are covered.

Whew, go forward and hope it clears or turn back?

Ah we are hardy folk and we continue on. I am second in line and I can
see the snow kicking up from the rear tire of Joe's FJR. What the heck
are we doing?

We carry on, riding slower and getting colder by the minute. I have
some good protection and Joe has the heated grips, but the others were
surely hurting more than us. Anyway Joe pulls into the parking lot at
the summit. 7300 feet above sea level in what is now fairly steady
snow we are trying to navigate the bikes through the slushy parking
lot.

Joe snaps a few pictures to capture the moment. The rest of us are
kinda laughing about our predicament: parked at the summit with a
bunch of two wheeled vehicles in the snow. Good planning Don! Lol

After a brief chat we all decide to move forward except Bob. He lives
back in Canmore and to complete the loop in this weather would put him
even further away from home when done.

So with both feet doubling as outriggers we head out of the parking
lot and wave goodbye to Bob. Get home safe Bob.

The good news is ten minutes later the snow has stopped and 15 minutes
later the roads are drying up and the sun is trying to come out. But
it is still cold. More so now that we are a little wet.

The Highway 40 loop takes us through a wildlife corridor populated
with a lot of free range cattle. For some reason they were all
munching whatever they could find right along the side of the road.
Actually there was sufficient evidence available on the road to prove
they spent a fair bit of time there too. Lol

The standard signal for livestock on the right side of the road is
sticking out your right foot giving it a little wiggle. A similar
motion with the left foot indicates animals on the left. In this
particular case there was livestock on both sides of the road, so I am
guessing the image of me riding along on the RSV with both feet
extended and shaking them about was a little comical.

Although the conditions have improved it is still cold, so seeing the
restaurant in Highwood was open, was a welcome sight.

While sitting there enjoying my cup of hot chocolate a few other
riders stop in. Heh, heh I have to tell you the look on their faces
when we told them it is snowing up ahead was priceless. Joe showed
them a few images he had snapped with his camera phone. Since they too
are hardy northerners they soldiered on.

Hot chocolate down we are on our way to Longview for a very good
cheeseburger at a Swedish restaurant. Don't ask, cuz I don't
understand it.

After a good burger, more good conversation we are ready to tackle the
final leg of the journey. Another hundred klicks and I will be home.

Matt and I wave goodbye to Joe and Graham at the turnoff for 22x. Matt
and I head west to Bragg Creek and then home.

By now the sun is out and the roads are dry so a little spirited
riding is in order. Woo hoo, nothing but fun.

By the time I got back to Calgary I was riding through a few showers.
After everything we had been through they are no problem.

All in all it was a great day and a terrific ride. Let's do it again
next weekend.

--


Don
RCOS# 7

2000 - Yamaha Venture Millenium Edition
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/radium1.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/banff.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/kananaskis.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/walkercalgary.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/calgarybrowning.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/venture.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/gem.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/highwood.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/reynolds.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/sask.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/osoyoos.htm

 

Here are a few pictures of the day

http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/october.htm
--


Don
RCOS# 7

2000 - Yamaha Venture Millenium Edition
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/radium1.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/banff.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/kananaskis.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/walkercalgary.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/calgarybrowning.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/venture.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/gem.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/highwood.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/reynolds.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/sask.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/osoyoos.htm

 

Betcha it was warmer at the game than it was here. lol
--


Don
RCOS# 7

2000 - Yamaha Venture Millenium Edition
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/radium1.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/banff.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/kananaskis.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/walkercalgary.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/calgarybrowning.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/venture.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/gem.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/highwood.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/reynolds.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/sask.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/osoyoos.htm

 

No need for snow tires here - we look forward to the winter - we might even
get to wear our leathers one or two times if we are lucky?

 

Yeah but we love our seasons.

And that's my story and I am sticking to it.
--


Don
RCOS# 7

2000 - Yamaha Venture Millenium Edition
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/radium1.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/banff.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/kananaskis.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/walkercalgary.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/calgarybrowning.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/venture.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/gem.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/highwood.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/reynolds.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/sask.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/osoyoos.htm

 

Yeh our seasons are limited here to Summer and not Summer. However I moved
out of the Frozen tundra in order to avoid some of those other seasons. I
don't mind going back for a week or so and enjoying the different seasons,
but I'm always glad to leave and come home.

However those were some scenic pictures up there. I really do enjoy seeing
those pictures basking in the warmth of my computer. ;-)

 

As a matter of fact while we were contemplating the situation at the
summit the topic of southern climates where the best riding weather
was in the winter came up. Of course we all claimed to enjoy this
shit. <g>
--


Don
RCOS# 7

2000 - Yamaha Venture Millenium Edition
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/radium1.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/banff.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/kananaskis.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/walkercalgary.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/calgarybrowning.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/venture.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/gem.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/highwood.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/reynolds.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/sask.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/osoyoos.htm

 

As I have mentioned a couple of times before, the riding season is
quickly coming to an end for us Northerners.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After all it was only 2 below zero when I went to move it out of the
shed. And I have used it in far colder temps than that. But today it
decided not to start. It had me worried....(some snipping)After a half
hour of goofing around and a little cursing that cold blooded mother
fired up.
Cool, I can still make the ride!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Being the first one to the Petro Can, I pull up to the pump to top off
the tank with some $1.03 cent a litre gasoline. Hard to believe it is
that high.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We hadn't seen each other for a while so we did a little catching up and
chatted about our recent bike mods. Matt has the new cans, Joe added an
MP3 player to his arsenal and I talked about the new, yet to arrive, GPS
unit for the RSV.
Listen: Can you hear it? That's Graham arriving on his Roadie.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
More coffee, more catching up, more warming our cold hands on the paper
coffee mugs and after a quick call to Bob to let him know we will meet
him in Kananaskis, we are ready to roll.
Back in my early riding days, back when the inline fours were brand new
and considered innovative, the only delay in a group of us getting on
the road was waiting for those Harleys and British bike riders to kick
their machines to life. Today the delay is not starting the bikes, it is
everyone wiring themselves up with MP3 players and positioning the
earplugs just right. We are spoiled.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our ultimate destination was a soft target. During the week we
considered Red Deer, Radium, Lake Louise and the Highway 40 loop. All
are great rides, some longer than others. So after a cup of coffee and
chasing away a bit of the chill we decided to take the Highway 40 loop.
The sun was shining and the temperature was climbing so it seemed like a
good choice.
Five bikes roared out of the parking lot ready to tackle the long
sweepers and light twisties the 40 loop has to offer. After 15 minutes
of sheer joy, clouds are starting to appear over the peaks of the
mountains. 20 minutes and we are socked in. 30 minutes and it is
snowing, light at first, then heavier. It is melting as it hits the
road, but clearly it has been snowing for a while cuz the sides of the
roads are covered.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Whew, go forward and hope it clears or turn back?
Ah we are hardy folk and we continue on. I am second in line and I can
see the snow kicking up from the rear tire of Joe's FJR. What the heck
are we doing?
We carry on, riding slower and getting colder by the minute. I have some
good protection and Joe has the heated grips, but the others were surely
hurting more than us.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Although the conditions have improved it is still cold, so seeing the
restaurant in Highwood was open, was a welcome sight.
While sitting there enjoying my cup of hot chocolate a few other riders
stop in. Heh, heh I have to tell you the look on their faces when we
told them it is snowing up ahead was priceless. Joe showed them a few
images he had snapped with his camera phone. Since they too are hardy
northerners they soldiered on.
Hot chocolate down we are on our way to Longview for a very good
cheeseburger at a Swedish restaurant. Don't ask, cuz I don't understand
it.
After a good burger, more good conversation we are ready to tackle the
final leg of the journey. Another hundred klicks and I will be home.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Matt and I wave goodbye to Joe and
Graham at the turnoff for 22x. Matt and I head west to Bragg Creek and
then home.
By now the sun is out and the roads are dry so a little spirited riding
is in order. Woo hoo, nothing but fun.
By the time I got back to Calgary I was riding through a few showers.
After everything we had been through they are no problem.
All in all it was a great day and a terrific ride. Let's do it again
next weekend.
Don aka Calgary
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
‘‘Don I enjoyed your essay, about you and your tough bikers
friends, report.
I condensed it down to a short story form, like Readers Digest could do,
I expect.
Don, I for one thourghly enjoyed every word.
I don't know about anyone else on this group, but My helmets off to you
and those good riding buddies of yours.
I cannot imagine, or even dream about riding a motorcycle in the cold,
like you described . You said, but surely you jest, that it was -2*? -2
degrees?
I wouldnt dare to even think about riding out there in that temperature.
When it's 35 degrees around here, very few, will man up, and ride their
dern motorcycles. I have ridden in 35*, but not on a trip so to speak. I
have rode around the little town here, in 35 to 40 degrees cold. I
really like cold weather riding, wearing my leather. My honey looks hot
in her Black Leather, ya know.
We've went on some sizable trips, in Dec, Jan, Feb, through those Texas
winter months. I like starting out, in my warm gear, and as the day goes
on, starting to shuck it, and load it.
It takes a lot more luggage space to ride in the winter, becasue of
shucking coats, as you travel on. Especally when my Honey is aboard, of
which is 80% of the time. So that makes double luggage stuff. But, I
ususally wear the same wranglers day in day out,on any short trips, heh
heh heh
Nice Bike report. BJAYkana

 

We are a hardy bunch. Just call us Alberta Crude.
--


Don
RCOS# 7

2000 - Yamaha Venture Millenium Edition
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/radium1.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/banff.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/kananaskis.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/walkercalgary.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/calgarybrowning.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/venture.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/gem.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/highwood.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/reynolds.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/sask.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/osoyoos.htm

 

Thanks BJ.

By the way our temperatures are in metric, the celsius scale. -2
celsius is only about 29 degrees fahrenheit. Cold yes, but bearable.
--


Don
RCOS# 7

2000 - Yamaha Venture Millenium Edition
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/radium1.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/banff.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/kananaskis.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/walkercalgary.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/calgarybrowning.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/venture.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/gem.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/highwood.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/reynolds.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/sask.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/dbinns/osoyoos.htm

 

‘‘ Hey ya'll, By the way our temperatures are in metric, the celsius
scale. -2 celsius is only about 29 degrees fahrenheit. Cold yes, but
bearable. Calgary aka Don

‘‘ Well I'll be dern. Crap, why didnt you say that in the first
place, my good man. the celsius (something?) scale. Shoot, I am not as
impressed now, anybody can ride on snow slushed, 29* roads. I'm kidding
of corse. (friendly grin).
In my coherent redneck style, I say good show!! regards, BJAY

 

When Calgary first mentioned riding at below zero I also thought he
was crazy but then I realized he was referring to the C scale on the
temp gauge. I have a one piece set of insulated cover-alls from riding
snowmobiles in Alaska that come in handy when the temp drops below 40
(F) and I still want to ride.

When I worked for the bike shop in Alaska we had a costumer that did
not have a car. He had a motorcycle for the summer and a trike for
when there was ice on the ground. But then again at least he was in
Anchorage. I wouldn't want to think about trying to do that in
Fairbanks when it was 40 to 60 below 0 (F). And that's before the wind
chill factor. <g>

Ruppster