Inaugural BMW mini-tour - On a GS in Vancouver!

[nevada72]

I travel quite a bit for work and occasionally, when scenery beckons, I'll rent a motorcycle and go for a long ride. A couple of weeks ago I was in Vancouver for the first time and if you've ever been there, you know a ride was in order. I was hoping to find something other than the usual rental offerings - Harleys (Not that there's anything wrong with that!). Luckily, BC bikes in Vancouver rents all kinds of bikes. My choice - a 2007 GS. My BMW experience was thus far limited to an old R75 and cars so I was excited to take out "THE" Beemer. Being very tall, I optimistically appraised the stature of the GS, settled comfortably in, and headed out on my adventure. I had been told that a ride from Vancouver to Whistler would be "pretty". Uh-huh. I guess you could describe Jessica Alba as "pretty" too. I have to say the ride was nothing short of breathtaking. The words "Oh my God" were repeated on endless loop. Speaking of words and endless loop, I'll cut it short and get to the pics with the words - "Ride Vancouver!".

My rental GS had a better view than I did.

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/8881/p1030056kw7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

A quick loop through the park. Like any big city, the earlier, the better.

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/2442/p1030086kg1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

My 1st rest stop.......-

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/2091/gsinbcgy1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

here.

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/420/p1030040mk7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Whistler is a typical ski town which is fine. Some excellent Calamari in Lime and a nice local brew was a welcome treat after 2.5 hours of riding.

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/2881/p1030044tl8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The ride back offered beauty that was missed on the ride out.

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/2279/p1030049io7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I would repeat this trip in a heartbeat. I was so enamored with the experience that I had a Beemer of my own in the garage within a week of my trip. I may fly out and head south for a short jaunt next time - maybe to LA?:)

The stats -

Vancouver BC to Whistler BC and back.
Highway 99a to 101 to 99.
Round trip distance - 150 miles approx
Roads - 2 and 4 lane, through towns, speeds from 25 mph - 60 mph, much of it under construction in preparation for the upcoming winter Olympics.
Time - 4-5 hours with breaks
Rental - BC bikes in Vancouver

[SIBUD]

Great second post and ride report.

Thanks for sharing that part of the country with us.

[terham]

I was so enamored with the experience that I had a Beemer of my own in the garage within a week of my trip.


Whadya get?

Enjoyed the report and pix.

[nevada72]

Whadya get?



Thanks all for the kind words and welcome.

As far as the bike, naturally I was sufficiently impressed to want a GS immediately. However, I am a compulsive researcher and have to over-analyze every large purchase, so I knew it would be a while before I actually had the bike I wanted. I also enjoy scanning the classifieds though :) . In this case I was looking at Craigslist and saw a R1100R for sale locally. Even though I was looking for a GS, the R1100R was surprisingly cheap. I did a quick Google search to find positive reviews, one labeling it a "GS in a tuxedo". The price and reviews were sufficient for me to go have a look. It was much nicer than I expected so I made the deal. A GS in a Tuxedo? I guess that's subjective. But, it is a nice bike to ride while I savor the possibilities of a GS.

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/1045/bmw1stdayqw4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[terham]

Good choice.

What's that behind the Honda?

[nevada72]

That's a CB160. Since the pic I have sold that and a few other vintage Hondas to make room. I still have one 66 CB160 project, the Dream, a 64 Benly, and a CT90. My next addition to the vintage bike stable will likely be a R60/2 or a R69S.