Canada is somewhat known for mining it's natural resources. On the way of town this morning, we past a huge strip mining operation. It was then that Keith realized that Val-d' Or was more than a namesake.
The peanut butter on Keith's dash has had surprisingly awesome results. it now has a nice film of road dirt to harden it. Our glorified camping spot (eg Quality Inn) was five stars! However, the roaming rally has been nothing but long days in the saddle, and now we are getting a late launch.
The track starts with 50 miles of tarmac, then onto the most tasty dirt.
The water is always super blue and crystal clear! Tidy bowl?
Keith and I fish this beaver log out of the pond. Nicely debarked, and delimbed. Canadian beavers do A+ work!
It hugs lakes as it pops over nice rolling hills.
It even had an aspen alley look a like..however those were birch trees.
Soon enough we met our next gas stop. A lovely hunting lodge on a river. After we fuel up, Kieths roadside pb and j sandwich shop opens for business. Since we didnt need camping gear, keith stuffed his panniers with cheeses, popcorn and sandwiches. Packing by volume, not weight...
However, the next group of riders was never so exceited to share in the bounty. Keith laced the food with bmw juice...it's the first step to converting the only klr rider in the rally and maybe some of the ktm riders :)
We reluctantly depart the lodge, however, our afternoon track awaits. The hero track is comprised of about 50 miles of atv trails. Two weeks ago they were still snow covered, so we'll see what today brings. The track is challenging but very rideable...we'll maybe with more monkey butt it will be better. Ruts and rocks abound.
Keith lamented he did more water on that trail, than he's possibly done in his life.
Another Locke
Starbucks anyone? French press and all..
The atv trail gives way to another rolling hill road.
By 1800 the hero section was completed. At this point, our team has conquered all the dirt. Or it's all on us...whichever!
Nary a notable crash, and very minor bike damage...mostly from jousting the brush.
We stop to break bread on last time. Keith will head back to camp to his rig. Keith departs for the west in the am to pick up his new bike. Blaster, Zedd and I will start the trek south.
Seems the weekend took its toll on riders and bikes. The final tally that I know:
1 burned clutch, bike hauled out
1 broken ankle
1 broken clutch lever (replaced)
1 broken shoulder
2 main support bolts holding the subfame sheared
1 broken ignition key
1 radiator fan non op
3 panniers smashed
1 back issue which probably needed medic
1 unknown mechanical issue requiring haul home
Quote:
| Gold was discovered in the area in 1923. The name of the town is French for "Valley of Gold." While gold is still mined in the area today, base metals, such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) have become increasingly important resources. |
The track starts with 50 miles of tarmac, then onto the most tasty dirt.
The water is always super blue and crystal clear! Tidy bowl?
Keith and I fish this beaver log out of the pond. Nicely debarked, and delimbed. Canadian beavers do A+ work!
It hugs lakes as it pops over nice rolling hills.
It even had an aspen alley look a like..however those were birch trees.
Soon enough we met our next gas stop. A lovely hunting lodge on a river. After we fuel up, Kieths roadside pb and j sandwich shop opens for business. Since we didnt need camping gear, keith stuffed his panniers with cheeses, popcorn and sandwiches. Packing by volume, not weight...
However, the next group of riders was never so exceited to share in the bounty. Keith laced the food with bmw juice...it's the first step to converting the only klr rider in the rally and maybe some of the ktm riders :)
We reluctantly depart the lodge, however, our afternoon track awaits. The hero track is comprised of about 50 miles of atv trails. Two weeks ago they were still snow covered, so we'll see what today brings. The track is challenging but very rideable...we'll maybe with more monkey butt it will be better. Ruts and rocks abound.
Keith lamented he did more water on that trail, than he's possibly done in his life.
Another Locke
Starbucks anyone? French press and all..
The atv trail gives way to another rolling hill road.
By 1800 the hero section was completed. At this point, our team has conquered all the dirt. Or it's all on us...whichever!
Nary a notable crash, and very minor bike damage...mostly from jousting the brush.
We stop to break bread on last time. Keith will head back to camp to his rig. Keith departs for the west in the am to pick up his new bike. Blaster, Zedd and I will start the trek south.
Seems the weekend took its toll on riders and bikes. The final tally that I know:
1 burned clutch, bike hauled out
1 broken ankle
1 broken clutch lever (replaced)
1 broken shoulder
2 main support bolts holding the subfame sheared
1 broken ignition key
1 radiator fan non op
3 panniers smashed
1 back issue which probably needed medic
1 unknown mechanical issue requiring haul home