Pages

October 03, 2010

Spyder Sense

Being confined to indoors is intolerable for my wandering mind, and I get grumpy. My fellow traveler knows that all too well and hence, took me window shopping at some motorcycle dealers, like Barnes, a H-D shop and Holeshot, a Jamaha/Suzuki/KTM/Kawa dealer in Langley, and GVP in Surrey.

At the latter we discovered this quirky thing that didn't quite look like a motorcycle, and not like a real trike either with those two front wheels, more designed like a ski-doo or sea-doo on three wheels, namely a Can-Am Spyder Roadster made by Bombardier. So, this happens when an airplane manufacturer creates a motorcycle. I wonder how an airplane made by Harley Davidson would look like... yeah, lame... I know.

Needless to say that this whatchamacallit is extremely comfy, and has lots of storage screaming for long distance rides. Should I ever get to the point that I won't be able to safely handle two-wheelers anymore, this weird thing would be my future ride. I find that the three-wheeler becomes my hubby, not that he is getting old, but the foot break, the semi automatic transmission, and the fact that it can't top over are serious advantages for somebody who has next to zero riding experience.

With my grumpyness (does this word even exist?) being cured we spent the afternoon in Fort Langley, and enjoyed the sun and the mild temperatures.

An older fellow playing Johnny Cash tunes.
 I noticed this thing in the left corner. It made me think: If pigs could fly, I would have a stable full of two-wheelers.
 Bikes in front of a historic store front, always a pic magnet.
 More bike porn
 So many bikes... and Nella not amongst them... oh, oh, ole grumpy's coming back out again.
 A fence made out of stuff that people would usually throw away. Interesting!
 A mural telling stories about Fort Langley's history and fortune:
Indians, colonization, railroad, mountain views and river, gold rush
 All along the watch tower...
 Little shops in a picturesque back alley
 Cranberry products galore
 Food intake at the 1827 coffee bar and lounge
 The local diner... a travel back in time
 That's one Ford! Back when America built sexy cars...
 And a sexy car needs a likewise licence plate (captured for Mr R)
 Can't get enough!
 A movie prop from the fictional town of Webster Falls
 Relaxing at Fraser River
 No doubt, fall is all around.
 I love the looks of an empty winding by-way.
Trees changing colours.

It was a good day for a road trip... and with a little woefulness in mind I say, it could have been a good day for a ride, too.

10 comments:

  1. It looks like a nice outing. There are a number of Spyders around here and they seem to have numerous benefits though there are a few drawbacks (besides too many wheels) such as the belt drive is easily damaged by flying gravel and, occasionally, the traction control gets in the way of steering. This is just what I've been told and I have no first person experience.

    Good day to be up and around. Take care,
    Richard

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lovely photos Sonja! Met a riding couple in Coromandel recently from Auckland. He had a big Suzuki trail bike and she had a gorgeous silver Can-Am Spyder.

    Happy recovering - not too much grumpy behaviour directed at Roland!! ;-).

    ReplyDelete
  3. @Richard: We have never tried it out, and motorcyclists who did were telling that your have to forget everything you know about riding a two-wheeler, since the Spyder handles like a complete different animal. Well, just one more alternative I guess.
    @Geoff: No worries, I enjoy hubby's pampering too much to give him a hard time, he is so sweet about getting me out on the road, even if it is just in the car for now ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I feel your pain. Shopping is a poor substitute for riding. As soon as I think riding isn't an option I get ansy to ride. It's nice that you and your fellow traveler got to spend some fun time together though. That's always a plus!

    Very nice photo series. Really shows the flavor of the area. The fence is cool. Interesting use of old things. I love the road with the fallen leaves. It simply begs to be ridden. Nice photo-essay of your day. And continue heeling quickly!

    ReplyDelete
  5. The heat in Texas from July - August may be 100+, but we do get to ride year round. I guess each of us have our different "crosses to bear." It did look like a great day.
    I have test ridden a Spyder. They are very different. I think if I have to transition to 3 wheels I will go with a traditional trike, but that's just me.

    ReplyDelete
  6. @Kari/bluekat: Thank you, you would have loved the scenery, It definitely took my mind off the accident, and I enjoyed it very much.
    @Motoroz: Riding in the blistering heat can be as painful and exhausting as riding in the cold. I prefer cold though, because you can always dress up or use heated equipment, and also, you don't get tempted to lose the helmet...
    We have looked at some HD trikes only, and compared to the Spyder they couldn't keep up.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great Pics, I just love that sort of thing, and welcome aboard to my blog, When the weather is crap there is nothing like a day of wondering around bike shops!! ( Although the kids see it coming and get a bit grumpy)

    ReplyDelete
  8. @Roger/Raftnn: Welcome to my blog, and thanks you for stopping by and leaving a comment.

    ReplyDelete
  9. The Can-Am Spyders are a nice little vehicle for people that can't ride a motorcycle but enjoy the open air feeling. We have a member in our group that needs clutches to walk so the Can-Am is perfect. I hope I can always ride a motorcycle. Look at this video of a Can-Am going past us at over 100mph when I was on Highway 50 in Nevada: (all the way at the bottom)
    http://ridingusa.blogspot.com/2010/08/day-6-wendover-to-south-lake-tahoe.html

    ReplyDelete
  10. nice shot of the leaves lying on the roadway!

    ReplyDelete