Group ride to Corvallis

After a hearty breakfast at Black Bear Diner in Bend we parted with Stacy (Bolty) and Stacey. Richard was already on his a long way up to Alaska, and Dan (Irondad) hit the road again in the early morning hours. The remainder of the group: Kari (bluecat) and Ron, Brad (Troubadour) and Brandy (Troubaritz), Bob(skoot) and myself set course for a ride through the Willamette National Forest.

Group picture

Mount Washington

This group ride was a first for me, and I was a little worried but the pace was moderate, and Brad and Ron did a great job guiding and setting the pace, while Bob volunteered to protect our backs.

Point and shoot from the bike (a little shaky)

Bob, Brad, Brandy, Ron, and Kari

Bad Brad ;-)

Crocs united in Lebanon

We said our goodbyes to the Ninja-green crocs (Kari with Ron), and followed Brad and Brandy to Corvallis where we had a light late lunch. Far too soon it was time to also say goodbye to the blue and light pink crocs, and the pink and yellow crocs were riding into the sunset.

Newport Bridge

We set up camp in Lincoln City for the next two nights with the hope of catching up on much needed sleep and rest.

Stay tuned for updates on: Chillin' on the wild Oregon coast

Racing through Central Oregon

How I like central Oregon? Actually, I don't know, it just flew by so quickly, since we were late for a lunch date in Bend. But I was given a few seconds here and there taking pictures of... the big empty:

   

6:30 AM somewhere south of Toppenish

My dear Nella

Change of scenery near Goldendale

Wild West in Shaniko

Twist and shout

We were to meet a certain pink croc wearing blogger from Key West, his wife and the dog, and made it almost in time. Soon Mr Conch and Mr Bobskoot bonded in a shoe store over a pair crocs for the missus. 

Crocmaniacs

Later we visited the first International (Canadian-US) moto blogger convention (copyright: bolty.net) held at the air-conditioned facilities of Irondad's hotel suite. But this is another story better be told by one of the fellow attendants, like Bolty for example. (I believe I already mentioned that I am not good with taking pictures from people.).

Thanks to all who made this event happen! It was great to meet you guys and gals!

Bloggers in attendance (thank you Stacy, for the list):

Stacy from Bolty.Net

Brad from Troubadour on a Triumph
Brandy from Trobairitz’ Tablet
Rick from IRO – In Rick’s Opinion
Kari from bluekat’s Journeys
Michael Conchscooter from Key West Diary
Richard from Machida.Net
Bob(skoot) from Wet Coast Scootin
Dan Irondad from Musings of an Intrepid Commuter

Honorary guests: Andy, Ron , Stacey, Layne and Chayenne

Coming soon:

Group ride to Corvalis

Riding the wild coast

West Coast, BC to Toppenish, WA

520km on the road and all I got was a lousy Taco...

I woke up at 3.30AM, hit the quiet roads at 4.45, and arrived at the border before six. No waiting times and a friendly US customs officer wished me a safe ride and 'Auf Wiedersehen'. A few minutes later Bob arrived and we targeted first Jack-in-the-Box (alas closed), and then a little barn on the country side where we had ham and egg croissants.

We left the highway at Everett and rode over Stevens Pass to Leavenworth. This town looks indeed like a little Bavarian village, and many familiar words such as Willkommen, Brauhaus, Alpen and Edelweiss and Bratwurst were in the air.

Of course, I had the Bratwurst with Sauerkraut. It was delicious. And on we went to Ellensburg, where we had a milkshake in a nostalgic Drive-Thru:

Traveling in time

Definitely the visual and sensual highlight of today was Yakima Canyon, a twisty road along the homonymous river. It was quite hot, and for a moment I found myself envying the rafters and swimmers, while I was stewed in my ATGATT.

Toppenish, famous for Mexican food.

The previously mentioned taco was only a snack, and it was actually good. This was dinner... Guess what, I am not hungry anymore. No more food please... at least not today.

Ok, finally some real pics from today's trip:

Stevens Pass

Downtown Leavenworth

Yakima Canyon

Our trusty steeds

Toppenish Mural with Mexican food truck