... with Canada?

Several years ago- between jobs/gainful employment- I hooked up a hunting and fishing camp job for the summer in Alaska. Had planned on riding up from TX on the DWG.

Well, I did get to ride through parts of Nevada I have never been before. If any of you can take a cruise on the Loneliest Road in America, do it. I went through Austin, NV and man I loved it up through there. Had a blast.

Then I hit Oregon. Perhaps they should post signs and billboards for us travelers about pumping our own gas. I rode up to the pump and started pumping gas. The manager comes running out yelling and cussing me out... because I was pumping my own gas. Cops got called. I was quite the tourist attraction that day. Had people stopped everywhere just watching to see what I would do I guess. So, note to self, don't pump my own gas in Oregon.

Then I hit Washington state and holy hell I thought gas was expensive everywhere else. When I left TX gas was like 2.50 or 3.00 a gallon. Washington was around 6.00. Needless to say I hung a right and went elsewhere.

I got looking at the map and saw that Penticton, BC was the closest border crossing city to the Alaskan Highway. So being my efficient self that's the way I decided to go. I should have gone to Mexico and had a pissing contest with the cartels. Would have had a better time.

Got arrested at the crossing for smuggling. Now get this, I don't even drink alcohol. At the time, didn't even own a gun(yeah, gunless Texan I aren't right). I have never done any kind of drug except cigarettes. And before you start replying that they arrested me for something, get this: they refused me access to the US Embassy and consulate. I could not call them. I was threatened. I was locked up for about a week. They allowed me one phone call to family back in TX. I had to wire $8,000, supposedly to cover court and lawyer fees, so I could get released. So the family sent the $$. I got released. They sure got pissed at me when I told them this was kidnapping and extortion. Course I was smart enough to say that on the US side of the fence.

Few things I noticed when I was finally back in the US. Half my stuff I had on the bike was gone. Clothes, camping gear, one of my favorite jackets, computer, camera(which had pics I had never downloaded arggg). There was no paperwork that any, let me rephrase, ANY of my stuff was confiscated for legal matters. So half my stuff was gone. I always keep a running tally of mileage on my bike when I am riding. I noticed that there was 220 more miles on it than when I was arrested. Hmm... road trip anyone? Now get this, when I got back- a little further away from Canada anyway, I started making inquiries to the State Department and the US Embassy about what happened. Guess what, no paperwork. No stamp on my passport. Therefore, on a legal standpoint, I was never there and none of that ever happened.

I have traveled extensively throughout Southeast Asia, and South America. I know corruption. It is a pain in the *** but DAMN! Backsheesh is supposed to me about $$ not egomaniacal jump bunnies with a badge kidnapping folks. It is supposed to be pay the money or don't cross the border. I am speaking from experience people. Having to bribe my way in and out of thirty passport pages. I am on my third passport, they keep filling up.

Anyone else have a problem with Canada like this? Or just use this as a fair warning if you are planning on riding up there solo.

Oh, BTW, I found out, later, that there is a ferry that leaves out of Seattle and would have dropped me not 60 miles from where I would have been working. *slaps head* Perhaps I should do more research next time.

 

Been to Penticton!! About 40 years ago! Relatives lived in Omak!! No problems!! In 96 we drove up to Manitoba for a bear hunt!! Got to the border and the Dyke working there ran us thru the ringer for awhile! Nothing even close to what you had!!! Someday I will ride up to the border .. Stand in the U.S and **** into Canada!!!

 

Man I have crossed many times and never had an issue, I alway just tell them I am here to drink, party and hopefully hookup with some canada women, never one issue.

 

What did they saying you were smuggling?

 

They didn't. "You are under arrest for smuggling." they said as I was being cuffed. I asked, "Smuggling what?" and was promptly jerked by the cuffs into a squad car. Once I calmed down I pegged it as a kidnapping and ransom bit. Usually only done by arabs, pirates and cartels. Never heard of it happening above Mexico.

 

This is why I refuse to cross any borders!

 

My co-worker goes to Canada a couple of times each month and he always has trouble with the US border guards when he's trying to come home.

That thing about pumping gas in Oregon blows me away. I wouldn't know that either. I wouldn't want someone else pumping the gas for my bike. What if they spill it? I guess I'll make sure to never go there.

 

As for the Oregon thing, "supposedly" it is to "ensure" there are enough jobs... or something to that effect.

ChickinOnaChain: another reason why I haven't been out of the country since Canada. Just ain't worth the aggravation anymore. Plenty to see and do here in the US.

 

No doubt about it, Canada strictly enforces their borders (perhaps we should also).

I cannot count the times that I have crossed the U.S/Canada border and the biggest hassle I had was over a frozen pizza that I was taking to a friend's cottage in Ontario.

Having the correct paperwork and your identification ready, listening closely to the questions the custom folks ask, and making good eye contact can go a long way in expediting your crossing.

When I pull up to the customs window I shut my engine off and put my kick stand down, take my helmet and sunglasses off and they have my full attention.

Keep in mind that they have a right to refuse you entry for any reason they choose and withholding information of your driving (i.e. DUI/DWI) history or a criminal) record will have you making a U turn and heading home.

 

I think the Oregon gas pumping story is over blown. I live here in Oregon and NEVER had a station force themselves to pump gas for a bike. Cars, you bet but they are NOT nasty about it and after the first attempt you get to sit back and let them do it. For bikes, it's different. OK, maybe they start the pump up and take your credit card but once started, they hand you the pump and let you do it. I almost always get a paper towel from the "helper" to help with any spills.

And while we are at it, gas in WA is maybe 50cents more than OR. $6.00 a gallon???; only if you don't shop around. Right now it's about $4.15 for premium.