PDA

View Full Version : November 27th, 2005 - Mid-Island ride



tashunka
11-27-2005, 04:09 PM
Ah..... lovely day for a ride, albeit a wee bit chilly on the shadow side of the mountain.

The group started off with Myself, Scotty905 and Evil69 meeting in north nanaimo and heading to Parksville to meet up with VIMike. A couple drizzly patches along the way (there were even a few mini snowflakes mixed there) but a good warm up for the days ride, actually it was more like a cool down realistically....

Anyway, after we realized there was a short communication mix up, we got to take a quick refresh at the Timmie's in Parksville. About 20 after 10 we hit the road. Started out by following Kuzzy's advice. Checked out some 2 track around Allsbrook road in Coombs/Errington area. That quickly became some really goopy and fairly tight single track.

After a couple tip overs (you just shush Mr. 905!!) we decided to head back and take one of the earlier forks in the road. It appeared this would be more open 2 track. Well, after a couple KMs we came to a dead end. We decided to head for the Northwest Bay main and I took the lead back to the road. Being that I'm still in my early 30's I still sucumb to the odd moment in which I relinquish control of my thought processes to the Testosterone. As I approached a 40' long puddle of unknown depth, I decided the best way through would be to crank the throttle, lean back a bit and hope for the best. About 3/4 of the way through I hit a big ol' rut that shot me off to the left, straight toward a large tree and heavy brush at the same time the big started sliding out from under me. I knew I was going down so decided to giver as much as she had left and hold on.... Somehow, it worked out in my favour and I made it out the other side. Drenched from head to toe.

We headed off to Northwest Bay main and followed that back to Nanaimo River Rd, then out to the 1st lake campsites to scope out for next summers DSBC Island Family Camp Along Adventure. Got damn cold out there. A few patches of frosty road along the way. We stopped for a few minutes to warm up and take in the beautiful scenery. Little did I know, lesson #2 for the day was fast approaching. On the way back out of Nanaimo Lakes to head for the Jinglepot Pub and a nice warm lunch we crossed a frost laden bridge. Handled that easy enough. However, on the other side of the bridge there was a tight 90 degree turn that sloped up and onto some asphalt. For some reason i figured right there would be a good stop to roll on the throttle nice and hard in 2nd gear. Of course the road was nice and frosty at that point... the back and went into a full skid, I counter steered and it went full skid to the right, the whole time I'm pretty sure I'm still accelerating. Again, I managed to recover and keep moving along with my heart somewhere in the back of my throat. We made it to the Jinglepot and were well due for some warming agents (ie food & drink).

All's well that ends well!!!!

Thanks for the ride guys. 'Twas good to me you today Scott. Hope to see you out again sometime soon. And get some of your buddies signed up here....

Pics to come soon.... if I can get that damn camera to work...... :?

Anyone else want to share there experience from the day?

evil69
11-27-2005, 04:33 PM
well put Tash! also nice ride through the puddle! I was laughing so hard that I almost missed the trail around it!

Finally got to see VIMike umm... ride! yeah thats it!LMAO I am still glad that I don't have a big tank as some of those places I would have gotten myself into trouble!

again today everyone seemed ok with following my lil thumper as I had the lead most of the way. I am really starting to think everyone just wants me to break the trail so they know where to go? or is it just me being the born leader?

it was almost boring without my usual "DOH we have to turn around" but again a bad day of having to turn around is still better than sitting at the house wish I had too!

thanks to Tash, mike, & Scott for coming out today!

I remember now why a bought a better camera as the digital I brought along really does suck! only 2 pics that almost look like pictures!LOL

VIMike
11-27-2005, 05:00 PM
Thanks Tash for trying to save me save face, but it's those damn stock tires. If Pirate has told me once he has told me a hundred times, get some Mitas!!!!!! At the same time, wet, slippery roots are still annoying I don't care what anybody says.

However, lots of great scenery, riding and fun with friends, oh and a chance to meet our newest buddy, Scotty. A good guy to ride with. Hopefully we can meet his other buds with KLR's from the firehall sometime.

Oh and I can't miss this opportunity to take a shot at Taxguy, mwaaaahaaa,who was :mi:, andout of gas by the weigh scales. Naturally I had to:f:and bail him out by getting somefrom the Esso down the road. But hey, isn't that what :tup:friends are for? Any time Taxguy, and maybe I will start carrying that syphon hose again.

See y'all Thursday night, so we can reminise so more.

VIMike

Kuzzy
11-27-2005, 05:17 PM
I think I'll have to take you guys by the hand and show you where to go.

I met Mike on the road as we were both going home and he told me where you guys went first and I don't think you were in the same area. You were close.

Taxguy, Pirate and I were there shortly after 9 a.m. and it didn't sound like Mike told me.

Suonds like you guys had fun anyway so all was not lost.

scotty905
11-27-2005, 06:02 PM
You guys said it all. It was a great day! It's good to meetmore people to ride with and finish the day off with some food and a drink.

Hope to get out with you all again soon.

And Tash I'm notsayinga thing. But I will keep you in front of me for entertainment purposes :D

tashunka
11-27-2005, 06:11 PM
Hopefully the lengthened sidestand will help..... :shoot:
Glad I could keep you amused for part of the trip. As long as I keep ALMOST hurting myself, it will still be funny. A bit hard on the ol' ticker though.