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The Canadian border at Flathead in southeast BC is closed on the Canadian side. (Photo: Kelly Hayes) |
Another Undefended Border
by
Kelly Hayes - Story:
31560
Aug 6, 2007 / 3:00 am
After more than 24 days of riding, our bodies want to stop for rest but Off The Map forges on. We’ve covered more than 6,800 km since we left Kelowna on June 13.
Our latest off-road travel has taken us from Trout Lake, a ferry across Kootenay Lake and heading to the U.S. border via the Cranbrook area. Our plan was to take the Ram Forestry Road to the old border crossing at Flathead – a bumpy logging road with no shortage of rocks and steep drop-offs. But Flathead is no ordinary border point. It’s deep in the forest and Canada’s customs office consists of boarded up buildings, meaning one can travel at will. At least it appeared that way, but the locals tell me the U.S. monitors the area with satellites and video surveillance that can track you down if you’re up to no good. I was also amazed to see that both nations actually cut a swath through the forest to highlight the border. It’s also the second undefended US border we’ve run into on our journey with Stewart/Hyder Alaska being the first.
Satellite phone came in handy again. Actually managed to get in touch with Liz and John of Power104 and keep them up to date on the journey.
We’re in the middle of a heat wave down here and it’s sucked the energy out of me. Terry and I are trying to keep hydrated as much as possible and wearing full bike gear doesn’t help. The KTM’s are performing flawlessly, even in the grueling heat.
Now that we’ve covered much of the province, Off The Map is slowly making its way home with stops in Yahk, Trail, Castlegar, etc. We also plan on heading up Christian Valley – a must see. One thing I still haven’t seen is the elusive grizzly. There are some around, one of the forestry guys in Elko says that one of his employees was mauled by a grizzly and it attacked another worker who fended off the grizz with bear spray. Stories like that sends shivers down my spine when camping. More updates on the way.
Updated photo gallery and I've added another video, but this is a special one. It's my first attempt at the dashcam.
Happy trails.
Kel
The Support: "We need to continue to increase public awareness and encourage best practices in order to keep BC watersheds healthy and accessible for all forms of enjoyment and recreation." James Moller, Lakeview Irrigation District.
"Our sport has been all but ignored at budget time by both provincial and municipal governments. Perhaps we are all to blame for not doing more to educate and promote off road trail riding to the public at large. Our story needs to be told and we wholeheartedly support Kelly’s efforts. Please join with us in supporting this timely and worthwhile project!" Ken Umbarger, President, Okanagan Trail Riders Association.
"Please keep up the great work, all off-road motorcyclists are keen on your project!" David Lock, President of Vedder Mountain Trail Association.
"I have known Kelly for sometime and based on my experience he has a real passion for the outdoor experience, the beauty and vastness of British Columbia. I believe his commitment to off road riding and his commitment to preserving our watersheds and sensitive environment will, no doubt, be showcased in his video documentary of the back roads and trails of British Columbia. I thank Kelly for his commitment to British Columbia off road riding, and wish him every success with this exciting video project." Rick Thorpe, MLA Okanagan-Westside
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