If day one had a bit of a false start weather wise, day 2 started in beautiful sunshine and clear blue skies. A perfect riding day. The lodge had been a great find, which we had thoroughly enjoyed. After some packing and checking emails, we went downstairs to join our fellow travellers for breakfast and what a treat it was. Poached eggs wrapped in bacon with a hollandaise sauce, sat atop an English muffin - delicious!! Fortunately Wendy could only manage the one, so what was a chap supposed to do?????????
We were changed, bikes loaded and on our way by 10:20. The first part of the days riding took us along the remainder of the narrow river valley. At the end of which we continued to follow the Yellowhead Highway toward McBride and what was to be the only available fuel between our night stop and Prince George almost 200Km away. No problem for the 'Beemer', but 'Sydders' with a smaller fuel tank was looking for a top up every couple of hours or so. Fuelled and watered, of we set for Vanderhoof.
The first few miles were pleasant enough, with the snow capped Rockies either side of a broad fertile valley. For the those who paid attention at school, a typical glaciated valley - wide flat bottom and steep sides. There has to be a joke there, but I will restrain myself for the sake of decency!! Then we got into the 'fun stuff'! For the next hour or so, I was in biker heaven. This is a beautiful twisting road with big sweeping bends, that diveded & climbed like a great roller coaster. Several times I looked down at the 'clock' and saw I'd got a little carried away. I'd got so 'into the zone', I'd forgotten all about such mundane things as 'speed limits' - this was fun & they didn't exist. Then I'd snap too & remember I had a riding partner. I'd look in the mirrors & for the most part, there was Wendy powering through the 'twisties' like a goodun. After all the calamities of previous rides & bikes, it was wonderful to watch her blasting 'Sydders' at speed through the 'twisties'. I knew there & then I didn't have to worry anymore about her keeping up!
Somewhere along the road, we came up behind a couple we had met at the Mountain River Lodge. A lovely couple from the UK, driving out to Prince George to see their daughter & son in-law. I hurtled past them half way up the hill, with Wendy not too far behind. They were soon left way behind in our mirrors. After about an hour we took a rest stop by the side of the road for some much needed water, and excitedly discuss the road so far. We were soon back on the bikes heading for Prince George and a break for lunch. Along the way I was taken by the grandeur of the magnificent old trees along the road. I say along the road, they went on as far as the eye could see. Some clinging to rock outcrops, but carpeting the foothills of the Rockies which were now disappearing behind us.
Along the road there are numerous signs warning drivers about Moose in the area. Having hit one whilst driving a bus & seeing the damage, I had no intention of repeating the experience on a motorbike - that would be bloody painful & expensive! So, I was being pretty vigilant, especially as the 'bush' was only about 20' from the road. As we headed down one stretch of road, I saw a dark 'shape', amble into the road. We were closing a bit too quickly for my liking, so I slowed down. As we got closer, the 'shape' stopped in the middle of the road to look at us, looking at him/her! Turns out our 'shape' was a young black bear. Judging by the size, I'd guess in his/her first season away from his 'Mum'. As we got a little closer, he/she decided enough of curiosity & ran down the bank, into the tall grass & bushes by the road & was gone. It all happened quite quickly, but what a beautiful sight.
The remainder of the trip was pretty uneventful. We arrived in Prince George and before we knew it, were out the other side! Lunch was taken at a gas station - standing by the bikes............. Then we were off on the last leg to Vanderhoof and a night at the North Country Inn. The rooms are pretty basic, but clean & airy. Additionally we are able to park the bikes right outside the room, which is great for loading/unloading & security. A long car park separates us from the restaurant, which boasts to be a 'German' eating establishment. I was really looking forward to some good German fare, but the choice was limited to a special - Bratties, or Schnitzel! However, you could have steak or burgers a plenty!!!! Another cop out, shame. However, they do have Warsteiner on tap, so it wasn't all bad!
Well that is a pretty perfect day come to a close. Fantastic weather, a wonderful stretch of road with little or no traffic and a couple of pints of Warsteiner to wash dinner down - what more could a man ask for? Perhaps more of the same tomorrow???? We will be heading off to a place called New Hazelton BC and another B&B. This one sat on 180 acres of land! That's it then folks, hope someone eventually gets to read my scribblings, more again tomorrow night - nite nite.
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