On July 24th, 23 people riding assorted motorcycles, accompanied by 2 trucks, the Batmobile and a Corvette headed out from Aldersyde on the 5th Annual Concrete Alberta Road Trip. There were a lot of regulars along with some newbies (5 actually) that were ready to roll on this year’s adventure into southern BC and the Okanagan.

The first day took the group on a 575km haul into southern BC to a BBQ in Castlegar sponsored by Xypex and hosted by Denis and Norma Mildenberger. Departing mostly from Vancouver, Concrete BC met us in Castlegar for the festivities that evening. A great time was had by all with an awesome view of the river valley from their backyard and a lot of
“catching up” from last year’s trip taking place.

With the BC Road Trip now on board, Day 2 added another dozen bikes to the mix along with a couple of route options to head to Kelowna. Some people went up the valley to Nelson, Naskup and then to Vernon, ending up in Kelowna. The rest of the group headed on an amazing route through Grand Forks to Rock Creek and into Kelowna. We all met at the Gasoline Alley Harley Davidson dealership, organized by the AB-GA-HD which hosted a BBQ for the entire group. The drinks were cold, the burgers were awesome, and the day was perfect. From there we headed to Vernon for the evening and our usual tail-gate evening windup.

Day 3 offered up a couple of local rides going thru Sicamous, Salmon Arm and onto Kamloops to another hosted luncheon sponsored by International trucks and Noremac Concrete Pumping. From there the group headed back to Vernon, got changed and caught a bus (sponsored by Lehigh Cement) and we were off to an amazing dinner sponsored
by Inland Kenworth at the home of Caroline Campbell and Duncan Schroff. Caroline is the Executive Director of Concrete BC and is a rider herself. Good thing the bus was both available and mandatory because the groups partied hearty.

The next day we were off in the rain (EXTREMELY heavy at times) headed down towards Lumby to catch the ferry at Fauquier and over to Nakusp for a late lunch. From there another ferry ride to get to Revelstoke and thru the Roger’s Pass to Golden. In Golden, Kryton Canada sponsored the windup dinner, which was very well done at a local restaurant. The BIG award (People’s Choice for Best Bike) was voted on and Errol Berg’s CVO Roadglide was the favorite for 2019. Along with the great back-lit sign (to keep) for his garage, Errol gets the coveted 500 lb trophy for a year. No actual “DOOH” Award was handed out for the second year in a row….hmmmm. The walk of fame and shame may be too much for some to aspire to.

The last day brought us all safely home from Golden, with the final windup lunch in Canmore.

A special thanks to Sheri Langen and Carey Bell for driving the Chase Truck and Trailer (sponsored by Interstar) and navigating it through the mountains and a lot of rain. The trailer was used for the whole trip once again carrying lawn chairs, coolers, snacks and even had a bike on it for a time. It always seemed to be at the right place at the right time.

Thanks to all the sponsors for their contributions to the trip, and the organizing group…Paul, Sheldon, Errol and Shane for helping out in the planning, acting as Road Captains and filling in wherever needed. Next year’s trip is already started in the planning stage…think about joining us. Ask anyone that’s been on a Road Trip and find out why they are hooked.