Hi from Pontypool, Ontario, Canada
 

Hi. My name is Warren. I am 50+ and a new rider. I just got my M2 license last year, and just recently bought a BMW F650GS. I still have to outfit my bike for travel, and hope to do some travel and camping within Ontario, as well as travel home to Cape Breton in the next while before taking on bigger trips. I've always dreamed of doing the Cabot Trail on a bike.

I have enjoyed my ATV which I have had for 10 years, but I wanted to get a dual sport / adv bike so I can travel scenic roads and trails without having to trailer an ATV, as well as take on some more adventurous longer rides eventually.

I am hoping to meet some riders to help me explore Ontario first and get some more experience. I know there are a lot of great places here that I haven't seen yet. Eventually, I hope to go to Utah/Colorado and do some riding there and then who knows where next. It's all about the journey, including getting the experience to go further. I can't wait for the nice weather. I plan to make it to the HUBB meeting in Ontario in May. Hope to see you there!

Hey Warren,
Just wondering how your first year went?
I'm new to this style of riding myself this year. Although I've been riding street for 20 plus years, I do realize this is a different way to ride.

Just curious as to how your first year went.

Cheers

Vince

1st year question
 

Hi Vinman,

My first year was everything I wanted and more. I went to the Horizon's Unlimited event and met great people and had a great time. I also got to do the Cabot Trail (Just before 1 year of getting my license) and I also rode around the Bay of Fundy (including riding the berms or levees near the tidal shore) and most of the rest of Cape Breton. I've also done many rides around Ontario, and I'm discovering how much there is to see in Ontario itself that I haven't seen before. I live on a dirt road and have become very comfortable riding on them, although I have not done much serious offroading at this point. I also commuted to work on the bike as much as I could, which has made my hour long commute each way much more enjoyable.

I am getting the itch to ride again, already. Bike was put away in November. For this year, I want to get my full license, take an offroad course and improve both my road skills and offroad skills and do some more camping in Ontario. I am keeping an eye out for a project bike (probably dirt) as well. All as part of the journey to eventually do a long trip, when time permits.

I am booked to go to Horizon's Unlimited in Ontario again this year. Hope to see you!