R 1150 GS

[Minustide]

First post from the colonies:
Greetings from the Pacific Northwest. My state shares it's northern border with B.C.. We had the Hudson's Bay Company here in the early to mid 1800's (stealing our beaver mind you) so alot historically in common.
I originally owned a 1972 R75/5 but had to sell it to pay for the birth of my daughter as my medical insurance wasn't up to speed. I told her I "traded it in for her". 23 years later she's grown and married so I called her and said "do you think dad should buy another beemer?" I had my eye on a 2000 R 1150 GS (black of course) and she said "hell yes". I never looked back. Had it since mid January and am loving it. It had 34,000 on the clock and I've put 1000+ on it and the only problem is a weeping sight glass, common problem so am replacing it.
I bought the beast specifically because we have alot of twisty paved roads linked to many unimproved roads that lead to good fishing spots and interesting mountain scenery.
I'm having the seat customized by Rich's Seats (richscustomseats.com) in Seattle early April as I am inseam challenged. Will be taking it on the Chief Joseph Rally (www.bmwro.org) in John Day Oregon in early June packing my newleywed wife. It's about 160 miles from the barn so should be a good shakedown cruise thru interesting terrain.
Harley riders in my area do wave at us and I believe they recognize the GS marque as coming from a different world and respect BMW and would like to try one but the social pressure to "Be Harley" is to great.
I have been enjoying the humor, insight and experience exhibited by UK riders and look forward to sharing info on machines and riding.
Cordially, Minustide

 

[Noddy]

Good morning and welcome.

I read a fantasic book recently about the setting up of the HBC, the guy was employed by them and did an lot of very early trading with the Indians and explored different routes.

Name escapes me at the moment, nothing new in that !

I'll see if I can find it and get back to you.

 

[Minustide]

And Monty wasn't?

Be delighted to learn more about the HBC from a Brit perspective as our history is written by us.... Perhaps his name was Mckenzie?

Cordially, Minustide

 

[skybluebird]

Hello Minustide, nice to have you here.
My mam's uncle lives in BC, it looks like it was made for the GS Don't forget to pack your camera and show us some of the fishing spots you visit.

 

[Noddy]

Ahh, finally found what I was looking for. Dr John Rae.
Sorry but I don't have an ISBN number.

Some facinating stories from that era, from Mckenzie, Franklin, Kelsey and the Watts, some very tough people.

 

[Twotter]

...from Mckenzie, Franklin, Kelsey and the Watts, some very tough people.

Obviously 1150 riders then

 

[Noddy]

No sir, far to early for the 1150, they all rode the far superior and fastest 1100.

 

[Twotter]

Too early ???

A gentleman never rises before noon my good sir.

 

[Taipan]

My Uncle lives on Vancouve Island, which has no real relavance, but thought I'd mention it as I said Hi.

 

[Twotter]

My Uncle lives on Vancouve Island, which has no real relavance, but thought I'd mention it as I said Hi.

Flying home from Calgary the other day I nearly had to change flights to go via Vancouver - that's even less relevant

 

[aspad]

Irrelevance? not even close

My partner comes from British Columbia!!!!
I very much like the Pacific North West though - whichever side of the border - just about everything I value recreationally can be found there - well maybe short of a couple of warm surf beaches..
Welcome to the board minustide - as you can see it is and international community...

 

[Minustide]

Thanks for the welcome all, will keep you posted on rides here in the states. No digital camera as yet so can't send photo's... Detailed descriptions will follow however. A site to check out is terraserver-usa.com. This is a cool air survey site of the U.S. and shows terrain and towns and allows fairly detailed close ups of the areas you might want to look at. I'm amazed that after 9-11 this site is still operating. It used to have some of Europe on it but after 9-11 that dissapeared... I think there are other sites but haven't taken the time to find them.
Noddy, I will be looking for Dr. John Rae's book as well as Roderick Haig Brown's books in the near future at Powell's Books in Portland Oregon. Powell's is probably known to some of you as it is quite famous and the store actually requires a map to get around in. Haig Brown is well known here in the Pacific Northwest as a commensence voice for conservation and as a great author on all things regarding fishing.

Regards, Minustide