Running along the border is what Off The Map has been up to since the last update.

Cranbrook, Creston, Salmo, Christina Lake -- just some of the towns where we’ve re-fueled before heading back into the backcountry.

The trails have been superb – even for a 950 KTM dual sport. My favourite section was the old Kettle Valley Railway on our way from Castlegar to Christina Lake. What really makes the trip interesting are the tunnels and steep drop offs. The route is also part of the Trans Canada Trail network where motorized vehicles are permitted.

While riding down the railway bed, I interviewed a man named Ed. His past-time is riding around on his ATV with his dog Rick. Ed is also handicapped and is fighting for the right to have motorized access to the entire Trans Canada Trail. “I wrote some of the premiers,” says Ed sitting in his ATV that resembles a small jeep. “Alberta has responded and they seem pretty nice, but I haven’t heard anything from BC yet.”

Ed brings up an interesting point. Should there be an exemption for the handicapped to have motorized access to the entire Trans Canada Trail? Ironically, Ed also used to work for the railway company that built the track.

We also ran into the guys at the Salmo Creston motocross track. Impressive facility with families showing up on a Sunday to let their kids ride in a designated and managed area.

Something funny happened on the way to the gas station Sunday in Creston. Terry pulls up to a pump and is confronted by a woman in a flashy VW who claims she was next in line. Terry moves on and the woman later apologizes for her small outburst. We chat and she drives away – without paying. A gas and dash right in front of our eyes. Smooth.

The wave. For you non-riders, motorcyclists have a custom of waving to each other. Not a big wave, but a nod of the head or drop of the hand. It has to look cool and subtle. But I don’t wave to all riders. No, not me. I’m very selective in who I wave to. The guys on the Harleys I ignore for the simple reason that they are too cool and they don’t wave to anyone unless you drive a Harley. But I must admit that I too have become a wave snob. I no longer wave to anyone on a moped or riding a bike below 125 cc. Waving to cars is also a no-no.

So Off The Map is quickly wrapping up. We’re heading into Christian Valley and working our way back north to the Central Okanagan. When we do get home, we will have covered more than 8,000 kilometres in four weeks. It’s been a month of adventure and leaves me wondering what’s around the next corner?

Kel

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