Suzuki DR650
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Last Updated: July 30, 2023
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March 17, 2022
Since selling the Suzuki TU250X and the Kawasaki Super Sherpa over the past couple months, I have now added the big brother to the DR200 to my stables, the venerable Suzuki DR650! Many adventures await!
Since selling the Suzuki TU250X and the Kawasaki Super Sherpa over the past couple months, I have now added the big brother to the DR200 to my stables, the venerable Suzuki DR650! Many adventures await!
May 28, 2022
A great first ride off road in the hills above Nanaimo, and testing out new Tusk Highlander X2 rackless bags.
A great first ride off road in the hills above Nanaimo, and testing out new Tusk Highlander X2 rackless bags.
July 16, 2022
Planned for an over nighter from Nanaimo, through Nanaimo Lakes to Lake Cowichan, on to Bamfield and back. Unfortunately Mosaic didn't open the gates this weekend at Nanaimo Lakes so we had to take the highway to Lake Cowichan which was disappointing as it's a great ride over the hills and down Nitinat main.
We got a bit of rain just as we were leaving the town of Lake Cowichan and heading up the lake, and encountered a few other spots of on and off rain through the day but it wasn't too bad.
Once we reached Bamfield and were able to check the weather forecast we decided overnight rain and thunderstorms was enough reason to cut the trip short and head for home. It was still a great 8 hours of motorcycling!
Planned for an over nighter from Nanaimo, through Nanaimo Lakes to Lake Cowichan, on to Bamfield and back. Unfortunately Mosaic didn't open the gates this weekend at Nanaimo Lakes so we had to take the highway to Lake Cowichan which was disappointing as it's a great ride over the hills and down Nitinat main.
We got a bit of rain just as we were leaving the town of Lake Cowichan and heading up the lake, and encountered a few other spots of on and off rain through the day but it wasn't too bad.
Once we reached Bamfield and were able to check the weather forecast we decided overnight rain and thunderstorms was enough reason to cut the trip short and head for home. It was still a great 8 hours of motorcycling!
August 6 to 10, 2022
This trip is a do over of last September's VI 1000 trip on the Kawasaki Super Sherpa that ended in a rain out on day 3! The weather forecast was looking good, sunny through to Wednesday with potential for rain on our final day, which should work out for us as we were expecting to be on our way home by Wednesday.
The total trip was 1411 Kms.
This trip is a do over of last September's VI 1000 trip on the Kawasaki Super Sherpa that ended in a rain out on day 3! The weather forecast was looking good, sunny through to Wednesday with potential for rain on our final day, which should work out for us as we were expecting to be on our way home by Wednesday.
The total trip was 1411 Kms.
Day 1 - 234 Kms
We hit the road Saturday morning and planned to make our way through the Campbell Lakes area but unfortunately hit several closed gates that were open last fall. So after a bunch of time wasted and back tracking we finally made our way around the lakes.
We hit the road Saturday morning and planned to make our way through the Campbell Lakes area but unfortunately hit several closed gates that were open last fall. So after a bunch of time wasted and back tracking we finally made our way around the lakes.
Late in the afternoon, planning to head up to Sayward, I got a flat front tire. Luckily there were some suitable rocks that I was able to use to prop up the bike to get the front tire off the ground and about an hour later the tube was changed. It was now around supper time, we were hot and ready for a swim, so we decided to back track a bit and stayed at the Brewster Lake Rec site. The site was fantastic with a great sandy beach, clean toilets and a wonderful breeze that kept the bugs down.
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Day 2 - 270 Kms
Leaving Brewster Lake, we headed up towards Sayward and had a great ride and finished off the day on a highway stretch to Port McNeill for a late lunch at a local pub, checked out a few Rec sites, and ended up at Marble River Rec site on the way to Port Alice. The mosquitoes were relentless, but there was a very nice bend in the river where we could swim and wash up.
Leaving Brewster Lake, we headed up towards Sayward and had a great ride and finished off the day on a highway stretch to Port McNeill for a late lunch at a local pub, checked out a few Rec sites, and ended up at Marble River Rec site on the way to Port Alice. The mosquitoes were relentless, but there was a very nice bend in the river where we could swim and wash up.
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Day 3 - 266 Kms
We left the campsite bright and early and headed to Port Hardy to top up with fuel, only to be thwarted by a massive power outage that impacted the entire north island, everything from Sayward north was without power. With no gas stations in town running on generators we were unable to fill up and continue on to Holberg, so we hunkered down at the Chevron prepared to wait it out. About an hour and a half later we got word that a Coop Card Lock back towards the airport, off the highway and out off the main road, was running on a generator and was temporarily taking all customers. With vague directions, we went hunting for this mythical gas station. Another rider we met at the Chevron came along with us, very concerned as he had been running on reserve for quite some time, but we made it almost directly without any trouble.
After filling up, we were able to continue with our day! The trip from Port Hardy to Holberg was my least favorite road to travel. It was deep gravel, very busy and extremely dusty...I wouldn't do it again by choice. Holberg was a neat little waypoint where people stop on their way up to Cape Scott for some wild hiking adventures. You can get gas from the local general store, sold out of jerry cans to motorcyclists by a South African fellow who runs the store. We had a great chat, be sure to stop in and say hello.
Holberg to Coal Harbour was a terrific ride. The road was mostly hard pack, had a great flow and there was no traffic. In Coal Harbour we filled with gas at the warf (you need to transfer to fuel containers as you can't get your bike directly down to the pumps) and checked out the interesting museum. The museum is in an old air hanger and isn't easily recognized as there aren't any signs on the building, but it's the biggest building on the water front, you can't miss it.
We left the campsite bright and early and headed to Port Hardy to top up with fuel, only to be thwarted by a massive power outage that impacted the entire north island, everything from Sayward north was without power. With no gas stations in town running on generators we were unable to fill up and continue on to Holberg, so we hunkered down at the Chevron prepared to wait it out. About an hour and a half later we got word that a Coop Card Lock back towards the airport, off the highway and out off the main road, was running on a generator and was temporarily taking all customers. With vague directions, we went hunting for this mythical gas station. Another rider we met at the Chevron came along with us, very concerned as he had been running on reserve for quite some time, but we made it almost directly without any trouble.
After filling up, we were able to continue with our day! The trip from Port Hardy to Holberg was my least favorite road to travel. It was deep gravel, very busy and extremely dusty...I wouldn't do it again by choice. Holberg was a neat little waypoint where people stop on their way up to Cape Scott for some wild hiking adventures. You can get gas from the local general store, sold out of jerry cans to motorcyclists by a South African fellow who runs the store. We had a great chat, be sure to stop in and say hello.
Holberg to Coal Harbour was a terrific ride. The road was mostly hard pack, had a great flow and there was no traffic. In Coal Harbour we filled with gas at the warf (you need to transfer to fuel containers as you can't get your bike directly down to the pumps) and checked out the interesting museum. The museum is in an old air hanger and isn't easily recognized as there aren't any signs on the building, but it's the biggest building on the water front, you can't miss it.
From Coal Harbour we continue on to Port Alice, passing our campsite from the night before. We stopped for gas and a very late lunch in Port Alice at the local grocery store and contemplated our next stop. We had started the day early, but had been delayed for some time at Port Hardy due to the power outage, and it was already after 4pm. Where should we stay tonight? We both felt pretty good and decided that we would make the trip out to Side Bay that day, instead of back tracking to find a campsite and going out the next day. It was expected to be about a 2 hour journey and would save us a lot of time the next day if we didn't have to make the trip out on day 4.
It was a great ride in, the road was well maintained and provided awesome hill climbs and fantastic views. We got to Side Bay just before 7pm and picked our spot on the beach.
It was a great ride in, the road was well maintained and provided awesome hill climbs and fantastic views. We got to Side Bay just before 7pm and picked our spot on the beach.
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Oh No!! As I was unpacking, I realized I didn't have my cell phone, which also had my credit card and drivers license in the card holder slots! I just knew I had left it in the Port Alice grocery store parking lot while were were eating. Ugh! It was way too late to ride back into town to see if it was still there or if anybody had turned it in. I was resigned to waiting until the morning on our return trip to see if I was ever going to see it again.
One last hope, I contacted home through my Garmin Montana 700i satellite communicator, and messaged my wife who was able to contact the store to see if anybody found my phone or would be able to check the parking lot. About a half hour later I received great news, they had found it! It would be waiting for me in the grocery store office.
One last hope, I contacted home through my Garmin Montana 700i satellite communicator, and messaged my wife who was able to contact the store to see if anybody found my phone or would be able to check the parking lot. About a half hour later I received great news, they had found it! It would be waiting for me in the grocery store office.
Day 4 - 328 Kms
We were up and leaving the beach bright and early, and the ride out was just as fantastic as the ride in. We made Port Alice by 9:30 am and my cell phone along with credit card and drivers license was there as promised.
We made the trip from Port Alice, past AtLuck Lake, to the Woss Zabellos Rd junction in good time. This stretch is a great ride with no traffic, but the ride from the junction to Zabellos is another busy, dusty gravel road. It was in good shape but was not much fun to ride. We got into Zabellos, and after tracking down the attendant for the fuel pump by knocking on the door of a house around the corner and a street away, we rode out to Fair Harbour.
We were up and leaving the beach bright and early, and the ride out was just as fantastic as the ride in. We made Port Alice by 9:30 am and my cell phone along with credit card and drivers license was there as promised.
We made the trip from Port Alice, past AtLuck Lake, to the Woss Zabellos Rd junction in good time. This stretch is a great ride with no traffic, but the ride from the junction to Zabellos is another busy, dusty gravel road. It was in good shape but was not much fun to ride. We got into Zabellos, and after tracking down the attendant for the fuel pump by knocking on the door of a house around the corner and a street away, we rode out to Fair Harbour.
The ride to Fair Harbour was another great ride, out and back. We didn't encounter any traffic, but I think that was entirely luck. The place was just packed with fishermen! There were trucks and boat trailers parked in every available spot in and around the little general store. After a quick lunch we headed back out, bypassed Zabellos, and continued on our way to stay the night at Woss Lake Rec site.
We filled up at the Woss gas station and grabbed a burger at the little restaurant next door, who I don't think were expecting to serve any customers! and made our way to the Woss Lake Rec camp site. The mosquitoes were out in force again!
Day 5 - 314 Kms
At the Woss Lake Rec site, we actually had cell reception, the only place during the trip where we had any overnight, so we were able to check weather updates. As expected our last day, Wednesday, was forecasting rain...and even worse, had upgraded to thunder and lightning storms starting anytime that morning!
At the Woss Lake Rec site, we actually had cell reception, the only place during the trip where we had any overnight, so we were able to check weather updates. As expected our last day, Wednesday, was forecasting rain...and even worse, had upgraded to thunder and lightning storms starting anytime that morning!
We were determined to beat out any storms, so were up and on the road bright and early. We made great time and just 10 minutes outside Gold River, the first sprinkles of rain started to fall, and 5 minutes later the first strike of lighting! We boogied into town, and just as we were parking under cover at the gas station the heavens unloaded, a down pour of rain and an incredibly rapid succession of lightning strikes and thunder exploded around us!
We waited out the worst of it, put on our rain gear (well, just over coats really!) and headed back towards Campbell River and home. We were racing the storm on an off the whole way home but managed to stay ahead of any heavy rain.
1411 Kms later I was happy to be home, have a shower and sleep once more in my bed! The trip was a great success!
We waited out the worst of it, put on our rain gear (well, just over coats really!) and headed back towards Campbell River and home. We were racing the storm on an off the whole way home but managed to stay ahead of any heavy rain.
1411 Kms later I was happy to be home, have a shower and sleep once more in my bed! The trip was a great success!
July 7th to July 13, 2023
This year we planned to tackle the Washington BDR & the Oregon BDR. Unfortunately we cut the Oregon BDR section out due to a clunk in the drive train in my riding buddy's DRZ400 that we weren't able to diagnose. So rather than take chances of a break down somewhere in Oregon 200 Kms from help, we decided to head home after a day of rest at the end (beginning of Section 1) of the Washington BDR in Hood River, Oregon.
The total trip was 2,353 Kms.
This year we planned to tackle the Washington BDR & the Oregon BDR. Unfortunately we cut the Oregon BDR section out due to a clunk in the drive train in my riding buddy's DRZ400 that we weren't able to diagnose. So rather than take chances of a break down somewhere in Oregon 200 Kms from help, we decided to head home after a day of rest at the end (beginning of Section 1) of the Washington BDR in Hood River, Oregon.
The total trip was 2,353 Kms.
Day 1 - 534 Kms
We began the day on Friday July 7th, catching the 5:45 am ferry from Duke Point in Nanaimo to Tswassen. This day was going to be a pretty long one, just to get to the Nighthawk border crossing for the beginning of the Washington BDR. I routed all secondary roads and 80-90 Kms highways and avoided the Highway 1 freeway. The ride out to the border was pleasant and easy going with very little traffic.
We crossed the lonely Nighthawk border at about 3pm. Still feeling fresh we decided to carry on into Section 6 of the BDR. (We were doing the BDR route backwards, with the end of Section 6 being the US/Canadian Nighthawk border.)
We began the day on Friday July 7th, catching the 5:45 am ferry from Duke Point in Nanaimo to Tswassen. This day was going to be a pretty long one, just to get to the Nighthawk border crossing for the beginning of the Washington BDR. I routed all secondary roads and 80-90 Kms highways and avoided the Highway 1 freeway. The ride out to the border was pleasant and easy going with very little traffic.
We crossed the lonely Nighthawk border at about 3pm. Still feeling fresh we decided to carry on into Section 6 of the BDR. (We were doing the BDR route backwards, with the end of Section 6 being the US/Canadian Nighthawk border.)
Section 6 is only 107 Kms so we completed it on Day one without any trouble, making the trip from the Nighthawk border to Conconully in just over 3 hours arriving at about 6:20.
The route from the NIghthawk border follows the Similkameen River and leads past Palmer Lake along pavement then climbs up steep dirt and gravel switchbacks where there is a spectacular valley view of Palmer Lake in the Sinlahekin Valley.
There had been a thunder and lightening storm on the way to the border, luckily we only had a few minutes of rain. On the way past Palmer lake we passed a newly ignited fire partway up the hillside which was likely started by lightening strikes. When we passed by, many local residents were observing the status of the fire and we eventually passed fire service vehicles making their way into the area. By the time we climbed the switchbacks and were able to see the view over the valley, the fire had grown and spread to be quite large. We were determined to get as far south as we could to ensure that we would be well out of the area in case the fire grew out of control. (2 weeks later, the fire had grown out of control and crossed the border into Canada threatening the city of Osyoos.)
Going through the Loomis State Forest we came across the old homestead cabin and corral which can be seen after heading up from North Fork Toats Coulee Creek.
The route from the NIghthawk border follows the Similkameen River and leads past Palmer Lake along pavement then climbs up steep dirt and gravel switchbacks where there is a spectacular valley view of Palmer Lake in the Sinlahekin Valley.
There had been a thunder and lightening storm on the way to the border, luckily we only had a few minutes of rain. On the way past Palmer lake we passed a newly ignited fire partway up the hillside which was likely started by lightening strikes. When we passed by, many local residents were observing the status of the fire and we eventually passed fire service vehicles making their way into the area. By the time we climbed the switchbacks and were able to see the view over the valley, the fire had grown and spread to be quite large. We were determined to get as far south as we could to ensure that we would be well out of the area in case the fire grew out of control. (2 weeks later, the fire had grown out of control and crossed the border into Canada threatening the city of Osyoos.)
Going through the Loomis State Forest we came across the old homestead cabin and corral which can be seen after heading up from North Fork Toats Coulee Creek.
Heading south to Conconully, enjoying views as we come down and over Lone Frank Pass (the highest point on the WABDR), the dirt eventually turned to pavement as we come out of Salmon Meadows in the Okanogan National Forest into town. About 25 Kms out from Conconully we came across a Jeep SUV on the rough road with nobody around, which was strange. 3 Kms down there was an elderly gentleman walking who turned to wait for us to arrive. We stopped to make sure he was OK, and learned that it was his vehicle that had broken down.
With no cell service, he was walking towards Conconully for help. Apparently nobody knew he was out there, he wasn't from the area, and he wasn't wearing footwear or cloths for any kind of hike overnight. There's no way he would have made it before morning. We had him walk back to his vehicle to wait for help, which we assured him we would alert someone in town to as soon as we could.
About 10 Kms more toward Conconully before the road turned back to pavement we came across 2 fellows who would go back up the road to assist the gentleman and either get his vehicle running to give him a ride back to town. The fate of the gentleman could have been very different, as we saw nobody on the BDR road at all until this point and the 2 fellows were not planning to continue further up the road.
We arrived in Conconully. The state campground at the lake was full but we had passed another a few Kms just before town that had lots of room, but another group of BDR adventurers saw us rounding the campground and chatting with the host about our options and came over to invite us to join them at their site. Offer accepted! We set up camp, went into town for a meal and had some great conversation with our new friends that evening. It was a long day starting at 4am to catch the ferry and finally ending about 10pm as my head hit the pillow!
With no cell service, he was walking towards Conconully for help. Apparently nobody knew he was out there, he wasn't from the area, and he wasn't wearing footwear or cloths for any kind of hike overnight. There's no way he would have made it before morning. We had him walk back to his vehicle to wait for help, which we assured him we would alert someone in town to as soon as we could.
About 10 Kms more toward Conconully before the road turned back to pavement we came across 2 fellows who would go back up the road to assist the gentleman and either get his vehicle running to give him a ride back to town. The fate of the gentleman could have been very different, as we saw nobody on the BDR road at all until this point and the 2 fellows were not planning to continue further up the road.
We arrived in Conconully. The state campground at the lake was full but we had passed another a few Kms just before town that had lots of room, but another group of BDR adventurers saw us rounding the campground and chatting with the host about our options and came over to invite us to join them at their site. Offer accepted! We set up camp, went into town for a meal and had some great conversation with our new friends that evening. It was a long day starting at 4am to catch the ferry and finally ending about 10pm as my head hit the pillow!
Day 2 - 172 Kms
Gas tanks full again, we began the day at about 8:40am on Section 5 and ended part way into Section 4.
Gas tanks full again, we began the day at about 8:40am on Section 5 and ended part way into Section 4.
The ride out of Conconully to Chelan begins easily with a short paved section and well groomed gravel roads (which included missing a turn for a few Kms before doubling back!)
Following the steep Ruby Grade ascent from the silver mining town of Ruby that once existed is the Loup Loup State Forest and Loup Loup Canyon road. We stopped for fuel in Carlton and continued on to Chelan for a mid afternoon lunch and to decide where to stay for the night. Coming down out of the mountains was like entering a furnace, it was over 40 degrees C. We wanted to get back up into the hills and find some cooler mountain air for the night.
Following the steep Ruby Grade ascent from the silver mining town of Ruby that once existed is the Loup Loup State Forest and Loup Loup Canyon road. We stopped for fuel in Carlton and continued on to Chelan for a mid afternoon lunch and to decide where to stay for the night. Coming down out of the mountains was like entering a furnace, it was over 40 degrees C. We wanted to get back up into the hills and find some cooler mountain air for the night.
We intended to bypass "The Jungle" and take the alternate route as we were getting pretty hot and tired toward the end of the day, but I missed the turn off. By the time we were half way through, I'd had a couple tip overs in the soft and deep sand. I wanted to push through and just get out of there rather than turn back. It was tough. I was pretty tired by this point and wasn't looking ahead while in the soft and troublesome track and kept focusing right in front of me, which contributed to my dirt naps while climbing the steep Jungle trail. We finally made it up and found a spot by the side of the road to camp for the night at about 5:40 pm. We were both very tired and ready to relax in camp!
Day 3 - 181 Kms
Completing Section 4 and part of Section 3 was the plan for the day. We continued through Ardenvoir, Cashmere, and decided to bypass into Wenatchee rather than taking the first bit of the route to the west of town as we were undecided if we wanted to stay at a motel or campsite in Wenatchee which made for an easy day with fantastic trails showing showing 360 degree views at Chumstick Peak at 5810 feet. Amazing! We decided to push on into Section 3 and find a campsite for the night rather than stay in town which again was very hot and uncomfortable.
Completing Section 4 and part of Section 3 was the plan for the day. We continued through Ardenvoir, Cashmere, and decided to bypass into Wenatchee rather than taking the first bit of the route to the west of town as we were undecided if we wanted to stay at a motel or campsite in Wenatchee which made for an easy day with fantastic trails showing showing 360 degree views at Chumstick Peak at 5810 feet. Amazing! We decided to push on into Section 3 and find a campsite for the night rather than stay in town which again was very hot and uncomfortable.
Day 4 - 299 Kms
The ride out, finishing off Section 3 coming out of Wanatchee National Forest, was a beautiful and wonderful ride with lot of elevation and twisty sections. Breakfast was had in Ellensburge at the IHOP and we continued on towards Packwood and through Section 2.
The ride out, finishing off Section 3 coming out of Wanatchee National Forest, was a beautiful and wonderful ride with lot of elevation and twisty sections. Breakfast was had in Ellensburge at the IHOP and we continued on towards Packwood and through Section 2.
We started up the main route after Ellensburg, fully intending to bypass the infamous Baby Head Hill but after getting to the approach to the steep climb to the ridge I again realized I missed the bypass and had instead followed the main route turn off at Old Durr Road. This time I decided that I just wasn't feeling like continuing on after already completing a good portion of the tough climb thus far. I pulled the plug on the final very steep, very loose and rocky ascent. It was quite a ways to backtrack and just as tough going down as the climb to that point, but the alternate route once there, was really enjoyable. We did hit the other alternate route as planned, skirting Bethel Ridge. The hard pack flowing forest road was super. There had already been a lot of great and challenging sections of the BDR that I really enjoyed, but had decided I didn't want to over do it as we potentially had many, many days of adventure trail riding ahead of us.
There's a fair bit of highway riding towards Packwood but it was a nice change in pace and made it easy to cover ground heading into Section 1 after having dinner in Packwood. Another night of camping and we were ready to finish off the final section (Section 1) of the Washington BDR.
There's a fair bit of highway riding towards Packwood but it was a nice change in pace and made it easy to cover ground heading into Section 1 after having dinner in Packwood. Another night of camping and we were ready to finish off the final section (Section 1) of the Washington BDR.
Day 5 - 193 Kms
Section 1 is the longest section between fuel stops on the WA BDR, so we filled up our 2 gal Giant Loop Armadillo fuel bladders for the first time in Packwood to ensure that we wouldn't run out before reaching civilization.
Section 1 is the longest section between fuel stops on the WA BDR, so we filled up our 2 gal Giant Loop Armadillo fuel bladders for the first time in Packwood to ensure that we wouldn't run out before reaching civilization.
We made pretty quick work of finishing Section 1, and enjoyed the variety of forest road and paved sections all the way out, and crossed the Bridge of the Gods from Washington into Oregon. For the first time on the trip we were now looking for a motel to rest and shower off the grime and road dust. We inquired at the Best Western just across the bridge to see if a room was available but it was all booked up so we decided to carry on to Hood River to recuperate. We spent the 2 nights and the following day resting and checking into the DRZ400 drive train clunk that had appear in the last day or so and contemplating our next steps regarding continuing on with the Oregon BDR.
But first, local pizza and celebratory beers were had to finish off the Washington BDR in style!
But first, local pizza and celebratory beers were had to finish off the Washington BDR in style!
Day 6 - 76 Kms
The next day we did some investigation in the motel parking lot, checked the local motorsport dealer for parts, and after a call rode out to the next town of The Dalles to pick up a new chain to hopefully resolve the drive train clunk as the chain and rear sprocket were showing a fair amount of wear. The ride along the old state highway 30 was really nice, almost no traffic with fantastic curves and views. Unfortunately the chain wasn't the issue. Nobody could get a replacement sprocket in the next few days either.
The Suzuki dealer in Bend Oregon was able to get one brought in in about 4-5 days, which would have lined up pretty good if we decided to push on with the Oregon BDR, but rather than risk a break down 100 of Km from help, we decided it would be safest to head home. At least along state highways and roads help would never be too far away. As disappointing as it was to end here, we had a great time on the WA BDR.
The next day we did some investigation in the motel parking lot, checked the local motorsport dealer for parts, and after a call rode out to the next town of The Dalles to pick up a new chain to hopefully resolve the drive train clunk as the chain and rear sprocket were showing a fair amount of wear. The ride along the old state highway 30 was really nice, almost no traffic with fantastic curves and views. Unfortunately the chain wasn't the issue. Nobody could get a replacement sprocket in the next few days either.
The Suzuki dealer in Bend Oregon was able to get one brought in in about 4-5 days, which would have lined up pretty good if we decided to push on with the Oregon BDR, but rather than risk a break down 100 of Km from help, we decided it would be safest to head home. At least along state highways and roads help would never be too far away. As disappointing as it was to end here, we had a great time on the WA BDR.
Day 7 - 898 Kms
The last day was a doozy, done in one shot even though we never set out intending to. We left Hood River at about 8am, taking only state highways, no interstates, just made the last Port Angeles ferry at 9:30pm to Victoria, finally arriving home in Nanaimo at 1:30 am. The last 3 hours to Port Angeles were tough on my butt, I'll never do that again! The closer we were getting to Port Angeles, the more we were thinking that we could make the ferry that night.
It wasn't so much the total hours, it was the constant sitting with the only breaks being long enough to fill up and have a quick gas station snack and drink. Gas stations are few and far between the further up the coast you go, and there was a fairly long detour route that delayed us further, so it became an unintended race against time. We made it into Port Angeles with a few minutes to spare! The next trip definitely won't include a 17 hour 900 Km day riding on a stock DR650 seat that's for sure! The next day, I ordered a Seat Concepts comfort seat!
Even with the trip cut short it was a great time, with lots of challenges, and I really enjoyed it.
The last day was a doozy, done in one shot even though we never set out intending to. We left Hood River at about 8am, taking only state highways, no interstates, just made the last Port Angeles ferry at 9:30pm to Victoria, finally arriving home in Nanaimo at 1:30 am. The last 3 hours to Port Angeles were tough on my butt, I'll never do that again! The closer we were getting to Port Angeles, the more we were thinking that we could make the ferry that night.
It wasn't so much the total hours, it was the constant sitting with the only breaks being long enough to fill up and have a quick gas station snack and drink. Gas stations are few and far between the further up the coast you go, and there was a fairly long detour route that delayed us further, so it became an unintended race against time. We made it into Port Angeles with a few minutes to spare! The next trip definitely won't include a 17 hour 900 Km day riding on a stock DR650 seat that's for sure! The next day, I ordered a Seat Concepts comfort seat!
Even with the trip cut short it was a great time, with lots of challenges, and I really enjoyed it.
