== Roy MacLean: Born To Be Wild ==

The June Trip:

Day 10, Sunday, June 19

Every morning this trip was sunny. Today was no exception as we rose to perfect riding weather. We packed and loaded the bikes. Kevin rode over to our hotel for the goodbye breakfast.

We all ordered the 2 egg, bacon, home fries, and toast breakfast. It was speedy to arrive, beaten only by the coffee. We joked around about the ride. Kevin will head home to London Ontario. Guy and I will go east.

Dinner done, we saddle up and head out. Guy and I want to avoid the 401. The 401 is a great road if you want to make time, but it does not offer much ride quality. We opt for the back roads towards highway 7 and on to Ottawa.

Zipping along through the side roads is a blast. Traffic is heavy, then we take a different road, and it is light. We have lots of fun just going down one road, then another. Green, lush, farm land is everywhere intermixed with little communities with no visible industries.

We stopped for lunch at The Spudster, in Lindsay Ontario. It is a small eatery on the side of the road. The MacDonald family owns and operates it. The two girls in the kitchen whip up hotdogs, fries and cokes for us. Well, ok, Guy drinks Pepsi. The fries are super crispy, something that only happens when the fryer is dedicated to chips and has done a lot of them.

We chat with a local cottage biker who lives in Toronto. The traffic is too bad there for good rides, he says. He keeps his bike at the cottage where good rides abound. Makes sense. We love this countryside.

Back on the bikes we make steady yards towards Ottawa. Highway 7 is moving well, largely due to the intermittent passing lanes. We stop at a Tim Hortons to stretch our legs and rehydrate. Otherwise, we stay focused on getting home.

Arriving back at home, my daughter greets me. She is busy studying for an exam. I off-load the bike and head for the shower. It is Fatheršs Day and dinner is at my brotheršs place along with my dad. Fondue! Excellent! Best rush and get ready.

It has been a great ride. We covered 4,134 kilometers of superb road. We had very little rain, just a bit of drizzle coming into Kapuskasing. Each day was perfect riding weather. People at each stop were wonderful. Each meal was excellent. The scenery, especially Lake Superior Provincial Park, was stupendous. It was a wonderful ride.

Time to start planning the next adventure. This canal tour is done.

Easy Rider

Day 9, Saturday, June 18

The morning was beautiful and crisp. We loaded the bikes and set out at 7am for the border. Customs had no line-up. The customs officer was quick and painless, letting us back into Canada.

On the Canadian side, we stopped into Tim Hortons for a quick bagel and cream cheese.time to make tracks. We have a 3:50pm ferry reservation.

Highway 17 was clear and open as we jetted along. Lots of trucking on the move, but the passing lanes made it easy to make time. We maintain a quick pace and riding formation.

Turning right at Espanola, we head down highway 6. The road is rough in spots, but very twisty and scenic. Cottages with kids playing mark the lakes. Lots of other bikes zip by going the other way. The road is a local biking favorite. It is perhaps the best ride-road of the trip.

We arrive in South Baymouth in good time. It is a small town with gift shops sporting Manitoulin Island fare. A few restaurants are there mostly to support cottagers and ferry goers. We settle into the Chips-Fish eatery. It has a new section of tables just built. The fish and chips arrive wrapped in paper. It is just caught white fish in homemade batter with a mountain of delectable fries. It is superb. The place is up for sale. We look around and muse about buying it.

Lunch done, we ride over to the ferry terminal and get in line. We have a couple of hours to kill. We go through the gifts shops and lounge under the trees. Over 30 other bikers dribble in. The ferry master says they have about all the bike they can take in one run. No worries for us, we are at the front of the line.

MS Chi-Cheemaun rounds the island and backs into the dock. The captain quickly moors the big ferry and off-loads. We are the first on. Off the bikes, we lash them to the deck. A rope from each handle bar to a turnbuckle on the deck secures the bikes. We leave them in gear to keep them from rolling forward or back.

On the deck, a light breeze greats us as we depart South Baymouth for Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula. With Lake Huron on the right and Georgian Bay on the left, the sailing is smooth. The ship passes through bands of yellow pollen in the water whipped there by a combination of wind and water. Guy naps on a bench at the stern while Kevin and I chat in Adarondac chairs on the starboard side. The two hour sailing quickly passes in the fresh air.

Back onto the south section on highway 6, we head to Owen Sound. Owen Sound is a sleepy cottage country town. We arrive at the Days Inn. It is fully booked, as are the other hotels, with a kid's lacrosse tournament. Lots of kid antics in the pool. Kids running around burning off their energy. Kevin checks into a local flop house a few blocks away as our hotel is full.

Showered, we head to Shorty's for dinner. Morgan greets us. We sit on the bar side where there are more people to watch. Morgan brings the round of beer. Kevin and Guy go for the roast beef special. I go for a steak. It is Saturday night! The food was good.

Dinner done, we walk about town. The town has gone to sleep! Bars are empty. The cottagers have gone home. After a good walk to settle the meal, we take a cab back to the hotels. Time to recharge for tomorrow's ride.

Easy Rider

Day 8, Friday, June 17

Sun radiated our room early today. With no set destination, we headed down to the casino buffet breakfast. It had all the usual fare - eggs, bacon, sausage, assorted fruits, etc. We had a leisurely breakfast and started to ready the bikes for a tour of Michigan.

We departed the Soo on highway 129 and then 134 for a while. The 129 was a very straight road with farmers fields on both sides. Not a lot of cash crops we could see, but all was very clean. The 134 was a pleasant ride of sweeping turns through fields and forests. Occasionally We had glances of the lake. We could always feel the cool breeze of the lake effect.

Hunger for lunch coming on, we jetted down the Mackinac Trail toward St. Ignace. There we picked up fuel and stopped for lunch. The Hilltop House Restaurant deck gave us a great view of Lake Huron while we had lunch. Cokes and lemonade to drink. Guy had shrimp with a seafood sauce, while Kevin and I had sandwiches. Mine was a tuna melt while Kevin's was a meatloaf sandwich. All were delectable.

After lunch we quickly returned to the Kewadin Casino so we could catch a lock tour. We switched to non-bike wear and took the casino shuttle to the dock. Just in time, we boarded the tour boat.

The boat took us up the American side and down the Canadian side. The locks allow 10,000+ ships to pass from Lake Superior to the lower great lakes. It is a drop of 7 meters. The commercial shipping goes via the US locks while pleasure craft generally use the Canadian locks. We took the American locks up to the Lake Superior side of the Saint Mary's River and the Canadian locks to get back down. It is a marvel of civil engineering. We enjoyed beer and popcorn on the tour. The boat had lots of guests, but there was room to spare, making it a very comfortable sailing.

We walked the couple of kilometers to the downtown core and diner. We picked the Freighters Restaurant in the Ramada Plaza. The restaurant overlooks one of the lock canals. We watched as freighters came and went.

We ordered a bottle of Blackstone Merlot to start. Kevin went with beer. Dinner started with excellent salads all around. Then Kevin and I went for the rib special with baked potato. Guy decided to make this another roast beef destination. The ribs fell off the bone. They were superb. Guy's roast beef wasted no time disappearing.

Dinner done, we went for a stroll and a bit of window shopping. Lots of little goodies to look at. We paused to get an ice cream and kept strolling. It is warm as the sun sets. We call the shuttle to return to the Casino. It is "ladies night", but we have an early start to catch the ferry tomorrow.

Off to bed...

Easy Rider

Day 7, Thursday, June 16

Another sunny day greeted us. I woke-up first and made some coffee, then sat outside our room in the sun. The Parkway owner stopped by for a chat as he started his mooring chores. I wiped the dew and water off the bikes. The bikes are bug encrusted - again!

Saddling up, we head for town. The cream cheese on a toasted bagel at Tim Hortons hits the spot. Other bikers are there. They are out of Thunder Bay going for a cruise. Great day for it.

Looking to clean the bikes, we head to the Wawa Wash. It is still closed. Does it ever open, we wonder. It's a bit rundown. We gas-up and jet out of Wawa, headed to The Kewadin Casino in Michigan.

Lake Superior Provincial Park sports some of the best scenery anywhere on the planet. The trees are very healthy and green. The bare rock of the Canadian Shield graces every scene. The views of Lake Superior are spectacular. Rivers and streams cut across the road every few kilometers. We pull into Old Woman Bay. It is a beige sand beach with Canadian shield rock at the edges of the beach. The water is clear and COLD.

There is a couple with a black Labrador. The dog is having a good swim, playing fetch.

Arriving in The Soo, we find a spray wash and de-bug the bikes. They glisten in the sun in their new goo-less state.

Lunch awaits us at Wacky Wings! Guy has the hot wings. I go for the BBQ. They are building a new wood deck out front. The interior was wood-beamed and very pleasant. The wings arrive and are fantastic! With over 100 different flavors, we could be here for a while trying them all!

Departing, the border awaits us. It is a 45 minute wait on the bridge over the Saint Mary's River as customs slows the ride to a crawl. The views of the canal are superb. The slow crossing gives us a chance to watch the boats arrive. The canal system is huge! Dams control the water flow and generate power. It is quite an engineering feat.

We park the bikes at the front door of the hotel and bring in our gear. Kevin has already arrived and has beer on ice for us. We pop into his room for a cold one.

We put on the swimming trunks and head for the pool bringing along the bucket of beer. Floating around enjoying a cold one. Love it!

Off to Antlers we go for dinner. The place has various antlers from every form of animal attached to the rafters. Stuffed wolves, deer, wolverines, lions, bear, and much more adorn the ceiling. Annie arranges quite a show for us with whistles and horns blaring! it could wake the dead!

Stuffed, we went for a walk to The Irish pub. The town is full of pubs. Lots of US Coast Guard sailors and border patrol officers relaxing. Flags of the various agencies hang from the rafters. Ladies play pool. We watch the show and chuckle.

Back at the hotel, it is karaoke time! Guy gets up and belts out Copa Cabana. The place is hopping!

The day is spent and so are we. Off to bed.

Easy Rider

Day 6, Wednesday June 15

Sun beamed into the room to start the day. We packed and headed to the lobby for some waffles. Guy enjoyed making them himself. They taste great. We make quick work of them.

Fueled up,we headed east on Highway 11 towards Sleeping Giant. The road was super well maintained and nicely twisted. The ride entertains us. We decide to go into the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. The road is super twisty. We have a lot of fun. Deer along the road, jumping across the road again and again. A dozen deer later, we arrive at the camp ground. We go in and then head south to Silver Inlet. It is a cottage town at the tip of the peninsula. The road becomes one-lane narrow and pitted. We zip through anyway, then loop back up to highway 11.

Taking Highway 17 at Nipigon, the road opens up with wonderful scenery. It is a slow-curved road showcasing lake after lake intermixed with grey rock hills and treed valleys. The air is crisp as we make good time. Trucks greet us, but do not slow us down. Passing through Rossport and Terrance Bay, we stop in Marathon for lunch.

Sitting in Huskey's restaurant, Paige brings us the menus. We order burgers and fries. Guy wants the kid size portion. Good to know I'm the only adult today! Paige brings the platters. They're the same size! Guy's is half price. I just learnt something from the Master again!

Bikes and riders fueled, we head out to White River. The roadside is littered with evergreens. Great water views are intermixed with the hills. The winding road keeps us awake and fluid. Lots of two-lane passing zones makes for easy driving as we jet along. The police follow us, but in the end leave us alone for another day.

We drive past Wawa to get to the Parkway Motel. It is on Highway 17. The owner greets us. We park the bikes outside the room. The room is neat and very clean. No restaurant nearby, we jump on the bikes and head to the Kinniwabi Pines Restaurant. The interior is a lot like a log cabin. Cross-sections of logs, pine posts, tables covered with colored plastic table cloths. The bar is well stocked, but no drinking tonight! We are on the bikes.

Dave, the owner is from Trinidad. He presents us the menus. We take his guidance. I go with the curried chicken. Guy takes the pepper beef with vegetables and rice. Orders place we step out back. The restaurant has a great view of the Magpie river. Lush evergreens all around it. We talk to a couple from England. They landed in Montreal and are slowly making their way to Manitoba to see their daughter. They are coming to grips with the massive size of Canada. And enjoying it.

Dinner is served! Complementary vegetable soup arrives with homemade white bread. It is tomato based. It disappears. The main course arrives. The curried chicken is intermixed with chickpeas and potato. It is hot and delicious with the roti. Guy's dinner has a compete assortment of vegetables. The beef was well peppered and spicy. The rice was tasty. For a man that doesn't really like rice, when Guy says it is good, I take note.

We chatted with Darcy at the neighboring table. He is from the Soux. He goes for the peach-apple pie and gives it rave reviews. It, like all their deserts, are homemade. Arm twisted, I order the same pie. Guy orders the butterscotch-caramel cake. The butterscotch was in the layers with the caramel drizzled on top. It resembled a caramel pudding. It was superb.

Back at the hotel, we pour the last of our Glenlivit and watch the Bruins trounce the Canucks for the Stanley Cup. If you cannot score, you cannot win. Tim Thomas was clearly the star of the game, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Bedtime. Tomorrow we head to Sault Ste. Marie.

Easy Rider

Day 5, Tuesday, June 14

Another sunny day greeted us as we headed to Hoito's for Finnish pancakes. Hoito's is located in the basement of an old house-like structure downtown. It isn't much to look at, but the Finnish pancakes are legendary. The interior is styled in the 60s with simulated wood melamine tables. We ordered our pancakes and crispy bacon. The Finnish pancakes dissolve in your mouth. The bacon was excellent.

This was a spare day with no agenda, so we set our course towards Winnipeg and started to ride and see the countryside. Highway 102 was winding and beautiful. The well maintained road offered up twisties with tree-lined beauty. Turning onto the Trans-Canada highway, the road straightened with truck after truck roaring down the road. Train tracks parallel the highway.

Running low on gas, we pull into the Family Restaurant's gas pumps in Upsala. Fueled, we head in to pay. Then it happens - Guy spots homemade pies. Arms twisted, we savor the selection. Apple, strawberry-rhubarb, lemon, raisin, blueberry, peach - all homemade. May as well have lunch!

We order the lunch specials. Guy has the beef vegetable soup with a whistle dog. I go with the mushroom soup and whistle dog. Chatting with the owner, the restaurant has been in continuous operation for over 40 years. The wall is covered with wildlife photos.

Soup arrives. I crunch crackers into it. It has tons of mushroom flavor. Guy's had big chunks of potato and lots of beef. They evaporate. The whistle dogs arrive hot from the grill. They are a hot dog split in half covered in cheese, bacon, and fixings, served in a bun. Exceptionally tasty.

Pie time! Guy goes strawberry-rhubarb. Blueberry heated with some ice-cream for me! Erica delivers them. Wow! Whole blueberries. No can processing going on here! They are delectable and go down smartly. Guy's had an unusual sweetness to it that was perfect.

Bellies swollen, we saddle up and head west. We're thinking perhaps Graham is a good place to go.

Zipping up the highway, we find the road to Graham. It looks more like a logging road than anything else. We opt out of taking it and turnaround.

Back at the hotel, we start some laundry and head to the pool. We have the pool to ourselves. The little stress we have washes away.

Keeping it simple, we walk across the street to the Keg. Locals say it is the oldest restaurant in the city still at the same location. The Keg staff thought it opened around 1981, some thought earlier. Regardless, we love our beef and are primed to eat again.

The bottle of J.Lohr Cabernet-Sauvignon arrives. Skipping the appetizers, I order a ribeye steak, Guy the roast beef. Both are graced by a twice-stuffed baked potato. The meal was very good. We banged around the ranking of the Thunder Bay meals and rank the dinners as:

1) Caribou
2) Prospector
3) Keg

Downing a traditional Creme Brűlée, we decided to head back and ready the bikes for tomorrow.

Packed up and ready to go, we have a wee dram of The Glenlivit and head to bed. Another great day is done. Tomorrow we blast-off to Wawa.

Easy Rider

Day 4, Monday, June 13

The sun blasted into our room. It was a clear, beautiful day with wisps of clouds. Breakfast was waffles, juice, coffee, and yogurt at the hotel. It went down well.

Hopping on the bikes, we headed for a car wash. The bugs have got to go! We hit a spray wash, soaped and dried the bikes. They looked fantastic in the sun. We ask the lube place next door about getting a bit of Castrol oil. They don't carry it, so off we go to Canadian Tire. We add oil to the Beemer, have some water, and decide to see Thunder Bay.

Thunder Bay is a city of about 124,000 people. We went up and down street after street. The Snowbirds roar overhead practicing their routines.

The waterfront is dominated by grain silos, huge ones. Most appear to be operational. The downtown core has seen better days. The Port Arthur Hotel is decrepit and in need of major renovations. The area around it is all in decay. Riding through the residences, the homes are neat and small. The suburbs are new tradition Canadian with box stores and fair size homes.

We canvas the waterfront for a great place for lunch. Not a super pub to be found. We head into the OLG Casino for lunch. It is a very nice casino done in a nautical theme. We both had the one piece fish and chips. It is tasty and goes down well with the coke.

Well, we're at the casino, may as well have some fun. We settle into the roulette table and play. An hour later I have doubled my money! Time to go. We exit the Casino and head out of the city.

We ride to the mount McKay mafic sill located south of the city. Driving through the Fort Williams First Nations reserve, there are a smattering of nice homes mixed with trailer parks and rundown shacks. The signs to get up the mountain are few. We go back and forth as we find our way.

The roads are rough and potholed. We pulled over to let a school bus pass at warp 9. I bet they destroy the suspension every month!

Going up the road to the lookout was challenging and beautiful. Trees lined the little winding road. Guy was standing up on his floorboards, me on my pegs as we navigate the potholes.

The lookout was spectacular. All of Thunder Bay, the water, and surrounding forest laid out before us. A memorial to fallen Indian soldiers from the Great War marks the lookout. Time for dinner, we head to the hotel and clean-up.

Prospectors was our choice. Roast beef is their specialty. Linda brings us a bottle of Bin 555. The salad bar is unlimited. The rolls made hot there are superb. Our 8oz roast beefs arrived with Yorkshire pudding, carrots. I have mashed potato with gravy. Guy opts for the garlic mashed. The meat melts in your mouth. Every bite is a treat. Lord, we love our beef!

For desert, Guy has the cheesecake with strawberries. It was a light fluffy cheesecake. I had the apple crisp with ice-cream. As Linda brings it, a ball of ice-cream falls off. Guy catches it like a ballplayer before it hits the ground! Disaster averted, a new ball of ice-cream arrives!

Back at the hotel we watch the Bruins abuse the Canuks over a wee dram of The Glenlivit. Another day is done.

Easy Rider

Day 3, Sunday June 12

We awoke to a sunny day in Kapuskasing. Guy powered down the hotel's complementary breakfast - cereal, yogurt, coffee. We loaded the bikes up, readying for the road.

Leaving Kapuskasing behind us, we headed to Hearst. The road was in fair shape, straight and featureless. Lots of trucks were on the move for a Sunday. The tree-line had been recently pushed back from the road. Some of the cutting was not complete. This is to improve critter visibility and avoid accidents.

In Hearst we paused for fuel and a mandatory Tim Hortons coffee, bagel with cream cheese. Simple food, but it goes down great. Our face-shields are again bug covered and get cleaned.

Longlac awaits us! We head out. There is no civilization between Hearst and Longlac. The road is straight and tree-lined. We pass the time bantering away on our communicators. We go over every detail of the rides - past and present and start working on the next ones. This is a great way to spend the time as we jet along.

Low on fuel, we arrive in Longlac. There is no clear fuel sign as we enter town! There has to be gas here someplace! We pull into Robin's restaurant and talk to the locals. We passed the fuel, it just isn't well signed. Chilling out, we follow the locals and chow down on a pepperoni pizza with extra fixings and a coke. It is brought straight to our table by the chef. It is piping hot and delicious.

Double-tracking to the gas, we fuel up. No high-test gas here. It's octane boost time! Refueled and energized we head out to Thunder Bay.

The scenery changes from tree after tree to winding roads with spectacular cliffs and lakes. Lots of cottages, people fishing and enjoying the warm sun. The temperature climbs to 25C. We pause to open our jacket vents. Lake Nipigon's shore sets the tone for the ride. Nice sweeping roads with lush green forests marked with rugged rock cliffs.

Arriving at Thunder Bay, we settle into the Days Inn and ready for dinner. Three Gold Wings are parked beside us. They are visiting from Indianapolis. Their bikes sparkle. They have never been washed, just hand polished. What big beautiful bikes, each with trailers. We share stories. Good laughs.

Sitting down at the Caribou Restaurant, we start with martinis. Guy's is a Cari-blue martini. Quite fruity and refeshing. I have a Hendrick's gin martini. Very tasty. All wine under $60 is at half price today! All right! We order a lovely smooth bottle of 2007 Chateau St. Jean Merlot from California.

Pam coaches us on our order as we down a small Cesar salad with fresh bacon and cheese. Guy goes for the tender pork back ribs, wood oven roasted with a mango barbecue sauce, accompanied by cold slaw and shoe-string potatoes. I opt for the morrocan lamb shank. It is Canadian lamb shank seasoned with coriander, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, dates, and slowly braised. It is served with harrisa golden pearl barley and natural jus. Needless to say, it was a FABULOUS dinner.

Knowing we are on a winning roll, we follow-through with desert. Guy has the creme Framboise - cool sweet vanilla custard topped with warm caramel, raspberries, and dusted with sugar. I go for the bananas foster. It is fresh bananas sautéed in butter, brown sugar, and banana liquor. It is served in a crunchy caramel cup with vanilla ice-cream. All married to a wonderful coffee. Life is complete!

We walk back to the hotel dragging our bellies. We pour ourselves a wee dram of The Glenlivit. It has been a great ride.

Easy Rider

Day 2, Saturday, June 11

The sun was coming down as we strolled into the hotel's restaurant for breakfast. I had the eggs Florentine, done nicely with potatoes and hollandaise sauce. The English muffin formed the foundation of the meal. It was the best breakfast in an age, washed down with OJ and coffee. Guy had the crepes with fruit, beer sauce, and vanilla sauce. It too was very tasty.

The air was crisp as we loaded the bikes and prepared to ride. Jetting off towards Rouyn-Noranda, the tree lined road oped up in front of us. Lots of moose warning signs, but we were unable to catch a glimpse of one. Likely a good thing. Motorcycles and moose is not a friendly mix. Mine after mine, towers rising above the forest, uncover the economic power of the region.

We abandoned the main road as we roared down country lanes and dirt roads. Lots of green fields speckled with homes in various states of disrepair. Everywhere was lush and green. Guy complained about off-roading on a big cruiser, but he handles his beast like the pro he is when it slips and slides in the gravel.

We pulled into the Cozy Diner in Matheson for lunch just as we come back to the main highway. The town is rundown, captive of the past. The diner has grey tables in a sparse setting. We order burger platters with pop. The pop arrives in cans. The burgers take a while. We chat with the locals, all of whom are in great cheer. Little kids get their coloring books from behind the counter while the owner fills the ketchup bottles. It is clear the whole town is family.

The burgers arrive, fries smothered in gravy. The patties are homemade. They taste superb. Lists of relish, mustard, lettuce, and ketchup. The fries were crispy. The gravy was delicious! We inhaled it all in record time.

After cleaning our face shields of bugs, we headed out west-bound. Road quality had improved like in a flick of a switch with the change from Quebec to Ontario. Lots of clear-cut foresting going on. No replanting that we could see. It was an eyesore on otherwise lovely scenery.

Entering Canada's area 51, Moonbeam Ontario, we are greeted by a flying saucer. It is a quaint little town, which passes in the blink of an eye.

We enter into Kapuskasing just as it starts to rain. Chantal greets us at the Comfort Inn. Prime room and parking outside the door. Perfect! We unpack and shower. Refreshed, we head to Le Karpic. Corona arrived while we par used the menu. The restaurant has private booths, like sleighs, in the middle of the restaurant surrounded by tables. I have escargot to start. It arrives au gratin with mushrooms. Lots of garlic bread ! Yummy!

We select pasta to order. The chef has four pans out in a special area. We pick our pasta, fixings, sauce, and spices. It is cooked to order while we chat with the chef. He studied in Ottawa. He is totally into food of all kinds and is considering entering cooking competitions. The cooking done, we're ready to eat!

The plates are colorful. The vegetable-pasta mix is healthy & tasty - offsetting the gravy at lunch! Too much! We chow down, but there is too much food. We both cannot clear the plate despite our best efforts.

Strolling around the Kapuskasing circle that marks the center of the town settles our bulging tummies. We walk and talk about the day's ride and tomorrow's adventure. We eventually settle into the Bar Sunshine. Corona in-hand, we play rounds of pool. Guy is really on his game, sinking balls at every break.

Strolling back to the hotel was crisp as a very light drizzle comes down. It was refreshingly pleasant, evaporating as it landed. Back at the hotel, we chat with Chantal and head to our room for a wee dram of The Glenlivet. Another day is done.

Easy Rider

Day 1, Friday, June 10

The annual spring ride is ON! We are headed to northern And western Ontario this year. We are headed to Val-d'Dor Quebec, Kapuskasing Ontario, Thunder Bay, Wawa, Sault Ste Marie, Owen Sound, and then back home to Ottawa.

We loaded the bikes in Ottawa and met up at the Island Park bridge. Guy and I head out on our Vulcan Nomad and BMW R1200GS bikes. The sun beams down on us as we crank the throttle and rumble off to Quebec. Spirits soar. The open road and adventure awaits.

Enjoying the pace as the road opens up ahead of us, we jetted north. Hunger rumbled in our bellies. We pulled int Sue-Ellen's restaurant in Kazebazua. We both had a 'late' breakfast of eggs over easy, crispy bacon, potatoes, tomato, and beans. It was excellent, washed down with java. Locals asked about the bikes, the ride, jealous for the adventure.

We stopped at the falls at Lac Roland where we took in the rush of the water. We walked around the falls, taking in the history of lumber diversion and the pristine clarity of the water. I jumped the beaten path to put my hand in the cool waters. Wow! Cold and crisp! Instantly refreshed, I am ready to ride! Ladies smile as we ready the bikes.

La Verandrye Park is lush with evergreen trees, sprawling lakes, and wild life. The road is twisty with sparse traffic. The bikes lean over as we take the curves. Photos of the scenery is a must! We take many while still making great time. The park is unspoiled by development. Lakes sparkle waiting for their first fisherman. We eagle eye the road for any surprise moose sightings!

Arriving in Val-d'Or, we head to Hotel L'Escale. Cynthia greets us and gives us a room where we can park our bikes out front. We park and head to the bar for a relaxing beer. As the Sella arrives, Joanne gets up from the bar and starts to sing. We have arrived! The party has started! Manon brings us another beer.

Heading back to the room, we change for dinner. It's Friday. Hhhhmmmm..... Steak night! We head to Le Canon.

The canon out front of the restaurant used to be part of an armed fleet vessels lead by British General James Wolfe in capturing Quebec City from Marquis de Montcalm in 1759. The canon was recovered from the depths of the St. Lawrence river. Boom! We are in the door!

Guy and I both order the 14oz T-bone, the biggest steak they have. His was with peppercorn sauce, mine with blue cheese. The steaks came with potato, asparagus, carrot, and cauliflower. The tender steaks went down great. The blue cheese sauce was the winner, but Guy says it was the peppercorn that won. Hard to say! Both steaks went down FAST. Desert is a must.

Creme brűlée arrives. It is a vanilla version with a very crusty top! Excellent! We race to down it.

A walk was in order! We strolled watching the Harleys putter around. Who would have guessed a mining town would have so many bikes? They are everywhere!

We stop into the Club Lounge at the hotel. Beer in hand, the Vancouver-Boston game breaks out. What about the party? A band immediately starts to play! Perfect! A party while the Stanley Cup plays on the TV! We bop the the music as Luongo records a shut-out!

Exhausted, we head to our room. A wee dram of scotch greets us. Time to recharge, Kapuskasing awaits us tomorrow!

Easy Rider

(Revisit 'Easy Rider' Roy's 2010 bike trip here)