Four Vintage Gentlemen & a Young'un

Over the past few years, what began as a ride down Highway 101 with four 'Vintage Gentlemen' has turned into an annual two week ride with a different destination each year. This year, the plan is to ride Highway 3 across the south of BC into Alberta then either east, north, or west as weather and circumstances dictate. This year Jim is bringing his son, Jeff, hence the 'young'un' in the title.

Garry and I rolled out of Campbell River at about 7:45 this morning. The ride to the ferry terminal was uneventful and we arrived only to find that the engineer of the ferry had taken sick and had to be replaced. The ferry was delayed about thirty minutes, which gave us time to chat with the owners of some of the classic Ford Thunderbirds that were in the line up as well. 

Classic Thunderbirds at Duke Point ferry terminal

On the way across we saw a pod of orcas, but aside from seeing a few dorsal fins these magnificent creatures were too far away for us to really see much. It was somewhat disappointing but better than not seeing them at all.

Last night I called Kerry and asked him if he would like to join us on the ride to Hope. He greed and we met him at the end of the causeway at Tsawwassen. The ride to Hope was uneventful although traffic was heavy in places. We stopped in Chilliwack to rest our backsides and refuel and continued on to Hope. We arrived at Tim Horton's at two minutes to 3:00. Jim and his son, Geoff arrived a few minutes later. 

Kerry & Garry in Hope, BC

We had a good visit then Kerry headed back home to meet a friend from Singapore. We found rooms at the Swiss Chalets and after a short break, we rode to the Home Restaurant for dinner. First days are often uneventful and a time to set up the next few days and this was what today was. 

We had a good time chatting at the restaurant and it looks like Geoff is going to fit in well with the Vintage Gentlemen. We're hoping for good weather and on Monday morning, when Tom joins us, we'll be ready to do some serious riding to Alberta.

Unfortunately, today there was another terrorist attack in London which killed six and injured thirty, as far as we know now.  It makes me realize how fortunate we are not to live in a place where people who have no respect for religion or life do their dastardly work.