Monday, July 19 and Tuesday, July 20

Without a doubt these were the two most relaxing days of the tour so far- nowhere to ride to, nowhere to be at, nowhere to go…just two solid days of R & R with great friends on Canada’s West Coast.

On Monday I was on edge. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but something was ‘off.’ I was anxious and walking on pins and needles all day. It was a weird feeling and there was no reason for it…I was in beautiful Vancouver- one of my favourite cities- with great friends and on an amazing tour. It just felt like something was not quite right in my world…it was probably because of that tire.

First thing in the morning I made calls to get Silver’s rear tire replaced. Luckily I found one nearby Scott and Gill’s and we took him over after a great breakfast. After we dropped him off we headed downtown for Granville Island where we walked through the market, enjoyed Granville’s beer, and checked out the seafood shops.

We headed back to their home mid- afternoon for a dunk in their pool. It’s funny- I realized that I’ve been swimming more on this tour than all 4 tours previously. I’ve been in two lakes, two pools, and a hot tub…must be all this heat.

That evening we enjoyed an amazing meal of pork ribs that Scott prepared in his Smoker, BBQ chicken, risotto, salad, and a bluberry/ricotta cheese dessert. It was awesome!

The next day was more relaxed and the ‘edge’ seemed to disappear. In the morning Gill and I found a UPS store that was willing to send a dozen of my wine bottles home for me (I had 18 total…this way I only have to take 6 on Silver with me), picked up Silver from the motorcycle hospital with a brand new tire, and pretty much spent the day relaxing and visiting.

That evening I enjoyed dinner with my friend Leanne and her cousin Jen at a nearby pub. It had been two years since I’d seen Leanne and it was great to visit again.

It was a great visit in Vancouver. Scott and Gill were amazing hosts and it was wonderful to hang out with them again. The best part was getting to sit around and relax and not feel like we had to ‘do’ anything. I certainly caught up on my rest in Vancouver…good thing too, cos I will need it!

Tomorrow I am back on the road, this time heading east where Silver and I will conquer the Fraser Canyon, Thompson Canyon, and then head north on the Yellowhead toward the rockiest of the Rocky Mountains! This will be another test of endurance.

Hopefully it doesn’t rain.