17th April 2013 - Beaverton, Ontario

A slight blip..........

I’ve been a bit lacking in updates. Initially was very busy working my way through a stack of jobs I wanted to get finished before I left – driven, I admit, by pure guilt at having the opportunity to undertake such a great trip. BUT, then, when I took my bike over to the shippers, which was very enjoyable and great fun packing it and which should have been a significant milestone in the trip process I was asked if I had my "EPA".

 I didn’t know what EPA meant never mind “have one”!!! Apparently I needed permission – in advance – from the US Environmental  Protection Agency to take a non USA Standard vehicle into the States. I am really embarrassed as I have been dreaming of the trip for years, researching for a long time and planning for months and not once did anyone I spoke to mention this nor did I discover it.

 I started the process straight away and tried to call the right department to see if I could facilitate the process at all and got what we would call a real “jobs worth” ie “it will take as long as it takes depending on the number of calls upon our services etc etc” Left that as I could see it was going to be counterproductive. Was very embarrassed as so many people wishing me well and didn’t fancy saying well actually can’t get into the States. However I rang again last Friday and a different guy in every sense of the word said my approval was completed and just waiting for a signature so was sure I would have it by time I planned to start  this Friday.

It came through last night - so all on again!

Had a relaxing day today getting over flight and time difference and different pace.

Lyndsay, Reece and Darcy's place is not a bad base to start from.......

 



 View of their back yard.....

15th April 2013 - Arrival in Canada

Well, it is here - or rather I am -  here in Beaverton, Ontario having arrived in Toronto on a Air Transat flight with my bike on the same aircraft! Amazing!  

Took a while to clear it through customs etc but everyone really pleasant and helpful and was on road to my daughter Lyndsay's and son-in-law Reece's by 7pm just as it turned dark.

All didn't quite go to plan as I should have had crated bike taken to my agents depot to unpack and leave crate ready for return journey but the Canadian Customs Officer, a comfortably built lady officer totally stripped the case and bike before clearing it. The bike was fine, it had been packed wonderfully by Dave at James Cargo but the crate was totally zapped!

All strapped down.

Thank goodness for bubblewrap. 





Honda make better bikes but apparently BMW make better boxes

Can't believe the interest the bike generated in the customs warehouse where they actually allowed Reece and I in to put the bike together for the road for me to drive it out. They really hadn't seen to many Pans and being sooo different to the Harleys they are used to meant they bombarded us with questions and all took lots of photos - quite exciting really.