June 7, 2021

Need for speed. That is something I feel in every fibre of my being, I love the adrenaline when I roll on the throttle of my motorcycle or carve a fast turn on my skis. It is therapy for my soul when I feel the wind on my body and the rush in my veins.  This time I had to go to Kamloops and it was the perfect chance to ride my machine and connect with a piece of myself that has been missing lately.

A road trip up Westside road was just what the doctor ordered…

I leaned hard into the first corner after leaving Highway 97 towards Kelowna. I rolled on the throttle and leaned the other way. The pavement in front of me was one of my favourite stretches of twisty roads within the beautiful province of British Columbia.  I straightened my Honda ST 1300 and smiled as the view of Kelowna’s newly forming skyline filled my vision. Soon it would in my mirror as the next hour would pass in a spinning flash of curves and hardcore corners. 

I drove up behind a guy in a landscape truck hauling a trailer. I relaxed a bit and waited for my turn to pass. To my surprise, the driver used his mirrors and pulled over on the shoulder to let me by. 

Now there was nothing in front of me but a fast corner down toward the lake. Then a hard left along the waterfront. Bear Creek Provincial Park soon came up on my right side and I patiently cruised through Traders Cove. The next thirty minutes was an exhilarating connection with the road. It was like a dance and the road always leads. 

I grinned broadly as I saw the signs with a snaking S with a max 40km sign. Of course, 40 is only a recommendation for cars… I didn’t look at my speedo I just focused on the road and the next bend in it. 

The stunning beauty of Okanagan lake kept fulling my view as I turned the corners along the road that hugged the mountain cradling the valley below. Time passed in a blur as the road became one with my psyche. I anticipated the turns and giggled inside my helmet. Soon I came to the Okanagan Indian Band Reservation and slowed my pace. The end of Okanagan Lake filled my vision, the scene in front of me was probably the same as it was thirty years before.  But even this quiet part of the valley was growing with new Mobile homes sprouting up.

My heart sank at the sight of all the derelict vehicles that littered the properties along the road in the OKIB Reserve. It was sad to see the disrepair of so many properties. If this was not native land I am sure it would have development everywhere. I felt saddened seeing the signs of poverty and neglect so close to the water and the amazing area I was in. It is a far cry from the Westbank First Nation Reserve in West Kelowna. I often wondered if the White man did any favours by settling this brave nomadic culture on parcels of land. I don’t know a good solution but the invaders did set the terms.

I arrived at my first crossroad. Highway 97B went to Kamloops from Vernon and while it isn’t as fun or twisty at Westside road it was an enjoyable ride nonetheless. There are a couple of small towns en route to Highway One and Kamloops. I carefully paced my way through the small hamlets of Falkland and Westwold. I took a moment to stand on my pegs and stretch my legs. 

Soon the sign for the road in front of me was for Trans Canada Highway One.  I knew that Kamloops was only a short way down the straightaway of a four-lane freeway. 

It was a productive day in the working-class city. I headed back down the highway toward a blackening sky. I could sense the storm rolling over the mountain tops. The fresh smell of rain filled my olfactories and I breathed in the humid air. I knew back way that changed my route home by about ten minutes longer over a seldom-used road. So instead of going back up Highway 97b, I continued on the Trans Canada in search of a better way. I hoped to miss the storm and find a few new corners. 

I kept an eye out for the turn to Pillar Lake and Falkland. Traffic got heavier on Canada’s national roadway, I eagerly sought my back road. 

As the highway etched along the side of the Shuswap Lake I felt a few drops of rain and held my breath waiting for the downpour. I have been asking for rain – be careful what you ask for…

I had a sinking feeling I’d missed my turn as I continued along the Shuswap Lake.  Suddenly I saw a sign for Little River Boat World. My suspicion was confirmed – I missed the road I wanted to take.       

Since I was at Little River Boat World I figured I might as well stop. They did just sell me a boat for Luxury Lake Tours so I had a couple of questions about my new vessel. 

It was a good thing I stopped; they had a package for me. I grabbed the manual and spare key. It was more serendipity, if I hadn’t missed my turn I would not have got the package. I laughed as I pulled out of their parking lot. Now I could ride the Salmon River Road home. it was a fun ride from Salmon Arm to Highway 97B and a short way to the Westside Road and home. 

Salmon River road was a nice windy road along the Salmon River. I breathed in all the amazing smells from the newly fallen rain to the fresh cow manure. I reveled at the moment, connecting with the world around me.

The connection with nature is one of the best things about riding a motorcycle.

I felt fully alive as I wound my way back down the Westside road and headed toward home. The ominous sky stayed in the distance, I could see the sheets of rain pouring down in the valley in front of me. It was only the last few Kilometres when I returned to Highway 97 into West Kelowna that I caught up with mother natures fury.

My soul felt fulfilled after my ride along the glorious waters of Okanagan Lake. It was a journey much needed. It reminded me to take more time to find connections with what I love. 

Ride hard, live free and enjoy every moment of every day.