gregaz

Nice work! Good time to get out of AZ!
Subscribed.

Pogliaghi

Excellent Will, what a great trip and I will be following your progress. I am extremely envious! Stay safe - and thanks Chuckk for sending me this link.
Just brilliant.
Mike.

Sir_Name 

Happy travels, WNG.

daf1009

Wonderful to see someone that gets the opportunity to do something like this...or, should I say, MAKES the opportunity...great job WNG...look forward to all the updates...and Happy Trails to you!

wrk101

Keep the pictures coming!

We lived in the greater Seattle area for 13 years, right after college.

WNG

Thanks everyone!

I realize I didn't give much announcement of the epic outing before heading out. It almost got derailed (pun intended), earlier this month.
But I'd still love to meet up with as many fellow C&V Forumites as possible. It's a rare opportunity to get to see face to face and possibly ride with you guys and gals that I've corresponded with over the years.

I don't have steady internet access, and Jeff forgot his password for his mobile hotspot! As @northbend hinted...I'm out at Ellensburg, WA and utilizing forumite @scozim 's connection to get in a post to respond. Then it's off to Canada tomorrow!

scozim was throwing a huge family BBQ and Bull Ride Labor Day event. Scott and his wife Hilda, are generous hosts and we had a great time meeting their extended family, and we got to experience our first Extreme Bull Ride Championship Saturday night!!


Presently uploading this past week's activity... I'll try to post updates since hooking up with Jeff. He's probably going to want to post his near-loss of a Colnago and bone breaking and body bruising incident this past Tues.

Oh yes....Thursday we met forumite @Alex Moll at Snohomish, WA to hit their rail trail. We did a relaxed 27 miler and ended with a tour of Alex's bike cave. A really sweet bike collection!


As for the route I'm taking....it's just wherever I feel like that morning after a cup of hot coffee. But it will take me from Port Angeles, WA, Oregon coast, then east to Portland, and back down the coastline to CA all the way down to SD. Well, at least that's the plan. My buddy told me once I see the coast from the PCH, I won't want to return to PHX.

PM's will be sent off to as many of you as possible before Jeff and I prepare to head back to Seattle after a late breakfast! May our schedules allow me to hook up with as many folks as possible!

Vancouver, BC here I come, eh!

iab

Have fun and stay safe.

How are you getting back when you get to San Diego?

scozim 

Had a great time having both D.D. and WNG here for the weekend. First, time meeting Will and had some great conversation. The kids loved Jeff and his energy with multiple games of croquet (with some very aggressive knocking of opponents balls off the playing field) and wiffle ball. This is a fun filled weekend here in town with the bull riding event as the nightcap on Saturday.

We had around 45 people for the barbecue yesterday and would have welcomed more. It's such a fun time and great to watch new friendships being made and old ones, renewed.

WNG

@iab

Thinking about renting a car, crossing the desert will still be too hot, and no good routes.

Drillium Dude 

Time to (finally) upload some of my pics from Will's visit onto his thread. We did a few rides before I dropped the front wheel of my Super into a road grating and - but for the quick intervention of my guardian angel - almost wiped out. I jarred my right wrist pretty badly, tho, and ended up with a light sprain. Should be okay by Cino, but Will and I only did one more ride (with Alex) before he boarded the Amtrak to Vancouver this morning.

Great visit, Will - have fun and be safe for the rest of your travels! Glad I can contribute some pics of your visit to this thread

Will and the Sirrus at Matthews Beach Park on Lake Washington:



Flora at one of the rest stops on the Sammamish River Trail:



Sammamish River Trail:



U-Dub:



Gasworks Park:



Will on Olympic View Drive - one of my favorite local roads:



DD

Drillium Dude 

Six more.

BNSF train coming through Edmonds:



Edmonds waterfront seen from the jetty:



Yes, it's possible to get a tan up here in WA during the summer



Will topping the second-last climb of the day:



Will truing the "you need a new rim" wheel - thanks, man!



Myself, Will and Alex did an almost-30-miler on the Centennial Trail:



DD

Drillium Dude 

Another six-pack.

Alex and Will from hub-level on the Centennial Trail:



Free Trailside Library on the Centennial Trail:



Resting my sprained wrist



Alex and Will at the Machias stop:



Will and the Sirrus at Machias:



Machias rest area:



DD

Lascauxcaveman 

Uh-oh. That's rim we broke a spoke on when we took that little pre-dusk jaunt on the local waterfront trail, isn't it?

I'm sorry I led you down such a dangerous road, Dude.

holden west

Excellent! Let me know when you're in Victoria.

Roger M

Have safe trip WNG. I'm sorry that I didn't get to meet up with while you were in town. The dude seems to drop me off the invite list upon these C&V gatherings of his.

Jseis 

My stomping grounds within 30 miles. Early morn & eve, you've a good chance in September to see this and more!

Drillium Dude 

Will, how're things up in Vancouver - or are you already across to Sydney/Victoria by now?

DD

mikemowbz

Already fit in a nice little ride through Stanley Park Monday, and a modest tear down the Central Valley Greenway in the middle of the city, including just a little bit of gravel, yesterday (not to mention a delicious lunch).

And popped in here after the ride to take a look at all the bikes currently leaning around the house at my place.

I can attest to that much. Good times, Will!

I think Will snapped a couple of pictures along the way; I'm sure we'll get an update before too long...

Drillium Dude 

How about a few pics from our visit to Scozim in Ellensburg over the Labor Day Weekend?

Will and Scott (probably talking about bikes):



Me and Scott:



Three monkeys:



DD

Drillium Dude 

Thanks for that input, Mike - a couple of us were getting a little concerned with the lack of updates. Sounds like you guys got in one more ride than originally expected. Good deal

DD

holden west

@WNG and I were able to meet up for a couple of hours this afternoon and we had a great time seeing the sights in Victoria. I'm sure W's going to post some great photos soon, including one of him astride one of the most famous bikes in Canadian cycling history--a true museum piece. Then we headed next door to a pub overlooking the busy harbour where we watched all manner of craft come and go, from floatplanes to 15 storey tall cruise ships. Stay tuned.

WNG

Hello fellow C&Vers! Finally checking in with updates.
Sorry for any concerns to some of you ( @Drillium Dude ) for the lack of posts since the last.

I was experiencing a lot of trouble attempting to upload all my photos, and was choking the wifi connections. My little netbook is also crying from the strain of a couple thousand photos since Seattle.
I even crashed my host's router in Vancouver and needed to do a little IT support. But I'm all caught up as of today.

So, it's time for more ride reports....

PART I Addendum:

I see Drillium Dude has posted his cool pics from our visit to scozim's home. The Monkey photo is priceless, and it was Jeff's idea!

That shot was a nice ending to a great weekend in Ellensburg, WA.
It began with pouring downpours all the way there. But the skies cleared mercifully for our weekend events.

The Dude doing his best "The Transporter" impression...
IMG_7811 by WNG555, on Flickr

Of course, the first agenda was a tour of scozim's shop and collection!

IMG_7820 by WNG555, on Flickr

The kids playing wiffle ball with 'uncle Jeff'. Scott's dog was able to sleep through it all. "Wake me when we're at the 7th inning stretch."
IMG_7897 by WNG555, on Flickr

This visit wouldn't be complete without posting about scozim's brother-n-law's property. He gave us a tour of his creation, which consists of several structures linked with paths, and bridges.

IMG_7889 by WNG555, on Flickr

I was in awe of the amount of work and dedication that went into his home. So unique and inviting that I think it should be showcased in Home and Garden Magazine. It was decorated with momentos from his world travels for more than half of each year. The home had such a feel to it that I don't think I can describe in words.

The Bathhouse:

IMG_7865 by WNG555, on Flickr

IMG_7862 by WNG555, on Flickr


IMG_7863 by WNG555, on Flickr

He explained his desire for a deluxe bath, due to so many cold showers, bathing in streams and rivers, during his travels to remote regions. So, when he's back home in WA, a hot bath is a luxury.
IMG_7861 by WNG555, on Flickr

The Library:
The next structure is his personal library, which has a mezzanine. It's his quiet space, and filled with books and memorabilia.

IMG_7869 by WNG555, on Flickr

IMG_7868 by WNG555, on Flickr

WNG

Cont'd...

The Manor:

A two-floor building with livingrooms on the main level and bedroom above, which accesses several terrases with split elevations. Gardens and decorations, flowers, comfy seating and a new outdoor fireplace, overlook a flowing stream crossing the property.

IMG_7881 by WNG555, on Flickr

IMG_7882 by WNG555, on Flickr

IMG_7883 by WNG555, on Flickr

IMG_7875 by WNG555, on Flickr

IMG_7873 by WNG555, on Flickr

IMG_7874 by WNG555, on Flickr

IMG_7860 by WNG555, on Flickr

Kids, and adults alike are simply blown away by his place.

scozim 

Glad to see things are going well for you Will.

WNG

PART II Vancouver, BC Here I come!

My first visit to Vancouver began early on Labor Day to catch a train at Everett Station. Drillium Dude graciously got up early to drive me and all my gear there. I bid farwell to Jeff as I boarded the train.

I can't thank Jeff enough for a splendid week at his place and the patience he had when I fumigated his place with garlic while making an italian dinner.

IMG_7986 by WNG555, on Flickr

The Amtrak Cascade was very nice inside and the trip was comfy in big seats. And such nice views of the bays.

IMG_8032 by WNG555, on Flickr

Solitary moment with my thoughts as the train crosses into Canada...
IMG_8037 by WNG555, on Flickr

The Vancouver skyline came into view, with a recognizable bridge...
IMG_8043 by WNG555, on Flickr

We arrived into Vancouver early and I retrieved my bike and awaited my turn at Canadian Customs.
After my stuff was completely UNPACKED for inspection, I was informed about an unforeseen issue that potentially will prevent me from entering!!
It was related to the false accusations made by my ex-wife during my recent divorce. The agent and his supervisor believed I was telling them the truth on the matter when I corraborated all their data.
They found a way to allow me to travel through Canada so to not ruin my epic bike trip. The supervisor even waived the visa fees!!
I've not been back to Canada since 2008, and I missed the Canadian state of mind and professionalism. These two agents are the best!

I was 'Stuck in Customs' for 2 hours! I didn't have cell access anymore and couldn't reach Forumite @mikemowbz and my warmshowers.org host, Sharon. I hustled the 2.5 miles to her address, which of course included a nice climb of a few blocks. Seems to be a pattern here.

The weather was overcast, but no rain, and I was able to go on a ride with Mike as planned. I invited Sharon along, who is a senior touring enthusiast, and was once a competitive swimmer who tried out for the Canadian Olympic team in her heyday.

We found our way to Mike's place, where we found him onboard his Reynolds 531C Proctor. A very nice Canadian-built custom.
Mike and Sharon suggested a ride to the iconic Stanley Park. So we took Vancouver's extensive system of bike lanes westward to Downtown.

IMG_8068 by WNG555, on Flickr

IMG_8069 by WNG555, on Flickr

Following Mike on his proctor through the Marina.
IMG_8075 by WNG555, on Flickr

Stanley Park offered great views from every location! But we ascended to Prospect Point for the best view...
Lions Gate Bride:
IMG_8082 by WNG555, on Flickr

Requisite photo of the group, myself, Sharon, and Mike.
IMG_8087 by WNG555, on Flickr

IMG_8084 by WNG555, on Flickr

Climbs always means there will be a descent, and it was an exciting fast one. With heavy tree coverage, and sweeping turns, it felt fantastic. We got to the bottom in no time and stopped for post ride refreshment at an English pub.

A few ales later, Mike bid us farewell to pick up a C&V Dura Ace seatpost in Richmond. It was a nice ending to a day that almost went sour.

To be continued...