Day 21: July 29, 2008
Vancouver (BC)
A rainy day in Vancouver. I decide to go for a walk in the city anyway, as my room at the Fairmont won’t be ready until 4:00 PM. A quiet evening. Tomorrow, my girlfriend arrives by plane, so I’ll have to get up early to pick her up.
Day 22: July 30, 2008
Vancouver (BC)
I head to Vancouver International Airport. Nadine is waiting for me there with her luggage. Poor thing, it must be difficult for a woman to travel with only one small backpack! The constraints of a motorcycle are not easy.
Despite my efforts, I have to resign myself to mailing my camping gear back to Montreal, as it is impossible to pack everything with the current configuration. The only solution would have been to buy a “Duffel” type waterproof bag to strap over the top box—an option I will reluctantly end up adopting at the end of the trip.
Back downtown, Nadine still has no idea where we are staying. I had told her not to have high expectations given the high prices here. I drive past the Fairmont and show her the superb building, joking that it would be nice to stay there. Naturally, I get the usual little comment about my “judicious” hotel choices.
I walk into the Fairmont, but she doesn’t follow me, thinking it’s a bad joke. I convince her to come see the interior. What a surprise for her to see me take the elevator, then pull out a card to open a door! It was a memorable moment that I took great pleasure in giving her.
Days 23 and 24: July 31 to August 1, 2008
Vancouver (BC)
We spend these days playing tourist. The weather remains gloomy, but we still enjoy the city’s atmosphere.
I head to BMW Motorrad for the 20,000 km service. I inquire about a tire change since mine are very worn. What a surprise to learn that the tires I normally pay $150 for in Montreal are sold for $300 here! Total estimated bill for two tires with taxes and installation: nearly $1,000. No thanks. Although the bike is my only means of transport, there are limits to being gouged on profit margins.
The maintenance alone costs $500 for an oil change, valve adjustment, and a few checks. I find the costs imposed by the BMW network totally exaggerated. In hindsight, I would have done the oil change myself and waited until my return to Montreal for the rest.
My decision to keep my current tires will cause me some worry. The rear treads are almost non-existent, and the front tire has bulges. On dry pavement it’s manageable, but under the constant rain, it’s concerning. Since there are now two of us on the bike, the wear will accelerate. It’s a risky bet, but I’m sticking with it to avoid losing half a day of vacation waiting for a delivery.
Another unforeseen event: we were supposed to go to Whistler, but a major rockslide has closed the Sea to Sky highway. We change our plans to revisit the Sunshine Coast, then head to Vancouver Island to visit Tofino and Victoria.
Day 25: August 2, 2008
Vancouver (BC) – Gibsons (BC)
Day 26: August 3, 2008
Gibsons (BC) – Comox (BC, via Powell River)
