Bessie and Me: Shifting Gears

June 29, 2012 The #1 Highway from Calgary takes you up through the Canadian Rockies; they loom ahead of the vehicle for about an hour, then it becomes clear that you have ENTERED Banff National Park where the Canadian Rockies dominate the landscape. It has been my goal for the last three summers to ride Bessie across this majestic outcropping of mountainous terrain; I think the Camaro will be an acceptable substitute! Banff is the Aspen of the Canadian Rockies; as we roll through the outskirts of town, I immediately feel out of place in my boots, jeans, and Harley Davidson T-shirt (yes, even off the bikes we still wear the gear)....oh, and my jacket, since I find the below 70 degree weather 'chilly.' Seems most of these folks shop at Athleta, Columbia, and Teva.....they all look like they fell off the pages of Columbia Sportwear's most recent catalog. After a cursory drive through the town - it is apparent from the reaction of most everyone, especially males, on the s

June 28, 2012  My friend Vern and I on the North shore of Lake Superior 2011  The trip was originally planned on the bikes; alas, destiny had other plans for Bessie and Me. I was to connect with my friend Vern (who I met last year on the North shore of Lake Superior in Ontario Canada....that in itself is a whole 'nuther story...) in Milwaukee this summer, after my Midwest visit. It has been my goal for the past three summers to ride across the Canadian Rockies and out to Vancouver British Columbia. When my friend heard of the accident and that Bessie was totaled, he suggested we go ahead with the trip, only on four wheels. I've never in my life turned down a Road Trip - via any mode of transportation - so I wholeheartedly agreed. Only a little apprehensive since I have never had a partner - other than my two daughters - for an extensive road trip, I booked a flight to Calgary, Alberta Canada and packed my bags. Ironically, I find packing for a car trip more challengin