Cheryl & Leslie's Triumph Tiger 800XC ADV to Alaska

[soph9]

August 9th 2011

Sunrise over Loon Bay, not that great the sky was too clear.






Nice morning but got a little rain in the afternoon. I took a walk up the street to get my morning coffee while Cheryl slept in. We really had no plans today except to ride and explore a bit, and we did.





We headed towards Wells Gray on this road that turned into a really fun off road adventure to Canim Lake.


We shot some video but that will have to wait until we get home.








Quite rocky this 100 KM road was.





Took us around many lakes. There are many little and large lakes up here with camping type resorts.








Got some photos of Cheryl coming up the road









It was hot today. over 30 C or 90 F. We loosened up the jackets and opened all the vents. The Traverse suit works really well when you are up on the pegs.














Bikes back to be dusty and dirty again which meant we would need to stop in 100 Mile House at the local KTM shop and get some chain cleaner and lube. We ran out.




















The bikes felt so LIGHT with the panniers off.



Completely different feel to them. We only got to ride a little over 500 KM without luggage so the weight is all we know until today. These Tigers are really fun to ride with just the rider. Although they are still heavy bikes, we both felt they were as nibble as can be on all these rocks, sand, clay and hard pack roads.


Glad we got to ride the bikes almost "naked" on this gravel. Good info for the final review.

























Quite a bit of active logging in this region and signs to warn you about trucks.


























Motorcycles love this crap don't they?





Have no idea why this fake girl is up on this roof. Forgot to ask the owner of the little store we stopped in for pop and ice cream. What does this mean?














Heading back to Loon Bay via 100 Mile House























Got our chain cleaning stuff, after getting gas we did the deed. The chains are back to being clean and shiny with lube once again. Maybe Triumph should make this bike with a shaft?






Our little canoe trip out on the lake we took before dinner.












Loons make a lot of noise at night for some reason but they are sure good looking birds.



Yesterday and today I thought I could hear juvie Bald Eagles calling out. Sure enough on the canoe we found the nest, saw two juvies branching, calling out and we spotted both adults not far away from the nest.























The other adult was on the other side of the Bay



































Cool boat. We think the operator must have made it. Pretty quick little thing it even made a wake.



These little guys lead the way to the dock









So, leisurely day we had, took the bikes out for a fun ride for over 200 KM today. Got out on the lake, saw some wild life, Cheryl found a Geocache nearby, ate dinner, having smores and hanging out by the fire.


Tomorrow we are leaving our little sanctuary and most likely will spend one more night out and then home.

[opaque_machete]

Originally Posted by soph9

...and then home...

...but changed forever.

You grrrrls are my heroes!

Ride safe.

[soph9]

Starting to get that awful feeling in my stomach. You know the one....a little depressed, sad it's over but need to move on into the real world crap. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm....it's like a mourning of some kind. I think I ought to write a book about ADV riders and their transition back into reality.

[MrKiwi]

Yeah, we know what you mean. The trip is coming to an end, it's been awesome to read. Hold onto those last few days and enjoy them. When the end comes, have a beer or two or three, relax and then remember with fond memories.

Then within a week or two start planning your next trip. It's the planning that will get you through.

[PhilzLeads]

Thankyou both for the fine RR. Before I started reading this, I was at my local Yamaha dealer looking at a Tiger 800XC, what a nice bike I thought. Wonder if I should trade my '01 Dakar and get that Tiger I thought to myself? Well maybe.

Great photos, love the report on the bikes, bummer about the stalling issues, I'm sure that will get resolved. Transition back slow. Think of it as coming off of a drug, after all it really is just like that.....don't do cold turkey, do it slow.

[soph9]

[slide]

Two feelings occur at the end of the trip. Either nothing feels right except that all will be best once home or you get that 'all is moving too fast toward the end' sense. In the first case, you've had enough of the road. In the second, not enough.

Fake girls on roof --- I have no facts here but I do know that country people are often quite whimsical. Like I went into a country store in the backwoods of ME once to find all furniture made by owner and all had six instead of four legs. He had a brainwave once that this was the new and improved furniture. Didn't work out too well but there is always the next whimsey to pursue.

[soph9]

We did about 200 KM yesterday with no luggage on. The bikes felt so light and nibble and it was just a great off road gravel day!

[soph9]

Going to stay at the cabin on Loon Bay for another night and head home tomorrow via Kelly Lake and Rt 99

[Daytonacharlie]

I don't blame ya... it's no fun starting the day heading out into the rain.

[opaque_machete]

Thanks again for taking us along. It has been a wonderful experience for me, too. Been here since the beginning of your trip and have logged on everyday to see what had developed that day. Your trip and your RR have been very inspiring to me and I have found myself immersed in Alaska and BC through your eyes and narrative. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences!
Ride safe.
Marjorie

[BC Brian]

If you want to do a bit of good gravel from where you are down towards Clinton, the North Bonaparte Road will take you from Bridge Lake to 70 mile house.
Just go into the Bridge Lake townsite and go stay right past the store. Takes you past Crystal Lake and Pressy Lake. Turns back to pavement just before Green Lake.

Really enjoying your RR, especially the last bit. I grew up in the area and was friends with the original owners of the Loon Bay resort.

[Daytonacharlie]

Love the photos of the eagles. Don't see many of them down here in Ga. (none in fact).

[soph9]

Originally Posted by bigalsmith101

Hello Soph9!

You may remember me well as the guy who bought your Rev´it Cayenne Pro jacket from you around 6 months ago at the Sumas border crossing.

I have been following your trip lightly from the road while on my own trip south, to Argentina.

I hope you find home well enough suited for you after your travels!

Your jacket will be put to use when my GF arrives in less then 2 weeks.

Enjoy yourself! (Maybe sell that house and take off around the world?)


--Alex

Hey Alex how is your own trip going? Nice of you to take the time to check in with our RR when you are on such a grand trip yourself. Enjoy, be safe...and hope your GF likes the jackets!

[soph9]

Originally Posted by BC Brian

If you want to do a bit of good gravel from where you are down towards Clinton, the North Bonaparte Road will take you from Bridge Lake to 70 mile house.
Just go into the Bridge Lake townsite and go stay right past the store. Takes you past Crystal Lake and Pressy Lake. Turns back to pavement just before Green Lake.

Really enjoying your RR, especially the last bit. I grew up in the area and was friends with the original owners of the Loon Bay resort.

sounds good to us! Thanks. We will be home tomorrow just not sure when