Homecoming Challenges

[spyderCodes]

I suppose that I now have a personal beef with the 1.2 billion people that identify themselves with a certain school of thought.
You and Your Prophet have inconvenienced me.

I used to travel a lot.
So much so that when I didn't have to I swore that I didn't need nor want a passport.
I would be content to spend my life in the good ole USA driving my Spyder on roads my taxes paid for.

Then BRP in some sort of Global Village, UN inspired plot decided that I had to travel to a foreign country.
You know, The Great White North where they live in igloos and have just recently instituted a program to make indoor toilets optional.
A country so cold that a balmy 74 degree day in Buffalo is suddenly a chilly 23 degrees right over the border.

So, in order to travel to that backward, third world country of Canada that happens to produce the most technologically advanced open road vehicle on the planet I needed a passport.
Or a much cheaper passport card.

OK, I'm a proper US citizen born in the USA.
I have a Birth Certificate and a driver's license.
Except the guy at the Post Office says No.
My Birth Certificate is only a declaration by the hospital that they would register my birth.
I was, for historical purposes, the 226th baby born at Corry Memorial Hospital.

It seems my cheaper than cheap father had elected not to pay the 1.00 fee to get my actual Birth Certificate.
Stanley, even after being dead for 40 years you still are making my life miserable.
Now its gonna cost me $15.00
Have your Last Laugh.

After I fill out the forms, write the check and wait for processing I can't help but pine for the simpler times when we Americans could visit our frozen, monarch oppressed cousins in the Great White North by merely wearing something warm and driving over the Peace Bridge.

[billybovine]

I did a lot of traveling for years to the US for work or pleasure. The only ID I needed was a driver's licence. Times have changed. Now need a passport, enhanced driver's licence or NEXUS card. So my choice is the passport. But it may not be good enough. If the passport expires in less than 6 months. They will not let me cross into the US. :gaah:

[IVSSpyder]

I know that feeling but one better. For work I had to go into Mexico and work at multiple plants. I was told by them to bring my birth certificate because I'd have to get a green card to work in Mexico.
After I am standing at the border office on the Mexico side with my birth certificate in hand and my drivers license, do I hear that same line. :yikes:
Luckily the guy taking me to the company talked with them for a while and they went ahead and accepted the declaration. It wouldn't of been good to have to go back because my Mom was saving money by not getting my certificate.:banghead:

I do have multiple copies of my birth certificate now!

[Bob Denman]

I guess that I've got to get a passport also... :gaah:
(The last time I ventured North of the Border: 1989!)

[Bob Denman]

As much as I don't want to give any money to the Federal Government; I'd rather give it to them, than to New York State... nojoke
But thanks for the suggestion! :thumbup:

[Culpjp]

This will be the first time in my 40, by then 41 years of life stepping foot in another country. Even though I already have a passport as a requirement for my work. I will need to get mine renewed before then. Don't wait until the last minute to get a new one, or renew, they can be slow in getting you one.

[Dan McNally]

Already had the passport - been to plenty of countries, all expenses paid by my rich Uncle Sam! :ohyea:

Unfortunately, that ship has sailed and I have to pay my own way, now! :sour:

But, either way, I'll be in Valcourt next year! :ohyea:

[ARtraveler]

You have a great way with words Roger. :bowdown::bowdown::firstplace::firstplace:

A good warning to those heading to the party. You will need a passport or equivalent. No guns permitted. You will have to leave them at the door and pick them up on the return trip.

When encountering the Border Crossing, do everything they ask. The spouse moved her :spyder2: ahead without being asked to do so. They pulled her over and gave her the complete "treatment" and saddlebag search. I heard it all because our helmet communicators were on.

[Bob Denman]

:agree: As the old saying goes: "If they tell you to take a :cus:: be prepared to merely ask how much? What color?, and Where to they want it?" nojoke

[oldgoat]

I did a lot of traveling for years to the US for work or pleasure. The only ID I needed was a driver's licence. Times have changed. Now need a passport, enhanced driver's licence or NEXUS card. So my choice is the passport. But it may not be good enough. If the passport expires in less than 6 months. They will not let me cross into the US. :gaah:



I'm pretty sure I read on the Canadian passport site that it is OK as long as it does not expire before you return from the USA.

I had to look it up as I was not sure myself.

[Border Rider]

I live right on the Canadian Border in Vermont and we have 3 Port of Entries in our town within 3 1/2 miles of each other, so I
cross quite often. Going into Canada with a passport is quite easy. If you use an enhanced drivers license they automatically
bring up your DMV history and if you have a previous DUI or serious driving offense in your history they can and will refuse entry
if they want to. when you use a passport or nexus card that info does not show up. Believe me I have friends and reletives go
through this. And then you have to come back to the good ole U.S and our guys can really be a pain your a"" . It seems like it's harder
to come back to our own country. Some of the customs inspectors are good guy's but a lot of them are not, or they hate their jobs.

P.S. The border crossing at I 91 is going to be under reconstruction for the next 2 yrs., entry back to U.S. could be slow. There is
another crossing on rt 5 in Derby Line that might be quicker.

[Deanna777]

I live right on the Canadian Border in Vermont and we have 3 Port of Entries in our town within 3 1/2 miles of each other, so I
cross quite often. Going into Canada with a passport is quite easy. If you use an enhanced drivers license they automatically
bring up your DMV history and if you have a previous DUI or serious driving offense in your history they can and will refuse entry
if they want to. when you use a passport or nexus card that info does not show up. Believe me I have friends and reletives go
through this. And then you have to come back to the good ole U.S and our guys can really be a pain your a"" . It seems like it's harder
to come back to our own country. Some of the customs inspectors are good guy's but a lot of them are not, or they hate their jobs.

P.S. The border crossing at I 91 is going to be under reconstruction for the next 2 yrs., entry back to U.S. could be slow. There is
another crossing on rt 5 in Derby Line that might be quicker.Thanks for the info about the enhanced drivers license. ( which I have)

I live only 2 hours from the Canadian Boarder. I go to Walt's Sales & Service on Route 5 in Derby Line. Deanna

[Sam Mac]

I spent enough time and $$ in CA racing at Mosport, now that I need a passport to get into CA just to visit BRP they can KMA. You can figure out what KMA stands for. :roflblack:

[murphybrown]

Come here first. I will take you N. Then a few back back roads and then a short jaunt thru the woods and you will be in Canada. 50 years of such knowledge I know that 3 drug runners and one cattle thief have been caught. So the odds are in your favor :clap:

[flaggerphil]

I go into Canada quite often for racing. If you drive you need a passport or a passport card (quicker and cheaper than a regular passport). The passport card is also good for driving into Mexico and for cruises leaving from North America.

If you have a dui, dwi, or other serious driving conviction they're going to turn you away. We have that problem with racing crew members all the time.

Getting a passport or card is easy. I've had passports for over 40 years and my son, who is 38, got his first one when he was a week old. If you're gonna travel internationally, you need one. It IS the 21st Century.

Welcome to the world.

:riding:

[Rob Rodriguez]

I cross into to Canada 4-5 times a year. When I was younger (between 18 and 21) it was every other weekend. When I was younger I just needed the license. Now I use the passport card. Getting into Canada is a piece of cake. Takes about 3 minutes. I find getting back into the US is tougher. Lots of questions, lots of looks, more questions and sometimes I even get to go inside and talk a bit.

Numerous times I have been asked to give detailed driving directions from the border crossing to my house. The last time I gave a completely bogus set of directions. The border guard believed every word and waved me on my way.

Which brings me too..................Passports, passport cards, enhanced licenses, border guards, border vehicles, large border buildings with all kinds of technology, the TSA, x ray scanners, metal detectors, dogs, etc, etc, etc. Honestly does anyone really believe that any of this makes us any safer.

[PrairieSpyder]

Already had the passport - been to plenty of countries, all expenses paid by my rich Uncle Sam! :ohyea:

Unfortunately, that ship has sailed and I have to pay my own way, now! :sour:

But, either way, I'll be in Valcourt next year! :ohyea:

Are you talking about military deployments? I thought deployed personnel travel on orders and not passports. ????

[spyderCodes]

Come here first. I will take you N. Then a few back back roads and then a short jaunt thru the woods and you will be in Canada. 50 years of such knowledge I know that 3 drug runners and one cattle thief have been caught. So the odds are in your favor :clap:

Good to know.
I won't have to strap Pugsly, my F3 on my back and swim will I?

[brakelight]

I spent enough time and $$ in CA racing at Mosport
BRP held an event there a month ago. That was my first time on a Spyder. Two weeks later I had my own. :)

I'm sure the Canadian customs agents will wonder why the heck so many Spyders are crossing over. :yes:

[SPYDERGUY1]

Well, with all of that being said. I am a FROZEN NORTHERNER and live in an igloo. I have a passport and have had for years. I have crossed into the US numerous times and like the people say, HARDER TO GET INTO YOUR COUNTRY than mine. With that being said if you don't want to play by the rules STAY HOME. Simple math, I think. Too all those going to the Spyder anniversary, in VALCOURT QUEBEC CANADA, have fun and enjoy. Hopefully will see you there. For the rest well, OH WELL. enuf said.

[spyderCodes]

Well, with all of that being said. I am a FROZEN NORTHERNER and live in an igloo. I have a passport and have had for years. I have crossed into the US numerous times and like the people say, HARDER TO GET INTO YOUR COUNTRY than mine. With that being said if you don't want to play by the rules STAY HOME. Simple math, I think. Too all those going to the Spyder anniversary, in VALCOURT QUEBEC CANADA, have fun and enjoy. Hopefully will see you there. For the rest well, OH WELL. enuf said.

Do you keep your passport in a blubber lined pouch to keep it dry in the igloo?

[SPYDERGUY1]

Actually in seal skin double wrapped which also serves a double purpose for our new invention of inside plumbing. The igloo is GUARANTEED MUCH MORE thermal effecient than your wood stick home will ever be. GOOGLE IT....

[WellsboroSpyder]

Several years ago the wife and I took the toy hauler and four wheelers to Jackman ME to ride the trails. We were able to ride into Canada with just out drivers license.

[spyderCodes]

Actually in seal skin double wrapped which also serves a double purpose for our new invention of inside plumbing. The igloo is GUARANTEED MUCH MORE thermal effecient than your wood stick home will ever be. GOOGLE IT....
I suppose seal skin is the better choice since the temptation to eat the blubber during one of your 36 hour winter nights would be overwhelming.

[murphybrown]

Good to know.
I won't have to strap Pugsly, my F3 on my back and swim will I?

No motes, no dragons, hopefully no helicopters or cougars!!!:yikes:

[Bam Bam and Pebbles]

I was born in Buffalo, and as a young kid, my brother, some friends and I used to ride our bicycles across the Peace Bridge and ride up to Niagara Falls, and Dufferin Islands. All we needed was our birth certificates and 10 dollars. They wanted to make sure we would have some money, just in case. Get the cheaper card if you are not planning on flying overseas.

[Buckeye Bleau]

Thanks for this post, I laughed out loud from the start to the end, quite good! :bowdown::clap::ohyea:

[safecracker]

If you have had a DUI or DWI, you would be better off with a passport. I was had a DUI 30 years ago and I was stopped at the border in Claire New Brunswick. We where touring on snowmobiles heading for the Gaspe. I had to turn around and go to the nearest Immigration office to try a get a temporary visa. Canada granted me one and it only cost me $200.00 dollars:banghead::banghead: American for a 10 day visa. I use a passport. I go to Canada multiple times thru out the year, since we have the Canadian border on 2 sides of Maine. Bruce

[billybovine]

I'm pretty sure I read on the Canadian passport site that it is OK as long as it does not expire before you return from the USA.

I had to look it up as I was not sure myself.

Looks like I had that wrong. But appears to be a common myth. The US Border Protection site specifically takes the trouble to states that the under 6 months expiry date rule is wrong.

Thanks for setting me right.

[SpyderAnn01]

Are you talking about military deployments? I thought deployed personnel travel on orders and not passports. ????

No, they have a red passport for military travel.

[Copperman]

Are you talking about military deployments? I thought deployed personnel travel on orders and not passports. ????

In the early 70's (72-76) when I was in the US Navy, I spent quite a bit of time in the Mediterranean. We traveled all over and visited many ports and I never had to have a passport. I'm sure things are different now.

174 days and counting.

[PrairieSpyder]

No, they have a red passport for military travel.

Thanks, Ann. I was talking to a soldier at church and assumed they'd have a passport, and he said they don't use those when deployed. I was wondering how that worked.

[Commander]

If most of the SPYDERs are bought and sold in the good old USA. Why can't BRP out of the kindness of their heart just have their Anniversary somewhere in the USA. Like Southern NJ or something like that. Problem solved no need for Passports.:yes::yes::clap::2thumbs:

[spyderCodes]

If most of the SPYDERs are bought and sold in the good old USA. Why can't BRP out of the kindness of their heart just have their Anniversary somewhere in the USA. Like Southern NJ or something like that. Problem solved no need for Passports.:yes::yes::clap::2thumbs:

While that might be simpler (They have had Owner's Events in Durango, CO & Maggie Valley, NC, aren't you a bit curious as to seeing where the Spyder is built and who built it?

I am.

[missouriboy]

...in order to travel to ... Canada ... I needed a passport.
Or a much cheaper passport card...We travel to Mexico at will for shopping, and never get asked for anything. But if you'd like to go back home, by golly, you'd better have that passport to re-enter the states!

We go there for two main reasons; medicine and dentistry. Examples: dental crowns are $200 each. You probably know what they run over here.

And the Rx eyedrops that cost me $138 co-pay at WallyWorld are only 19.6% as much over there, no Rx needed. Made by the same company!

With pricing like that, who needs Rx & dental insurance? Naaahhhhhhh...
Just one more advantage of living with no snow, no ice, not even frost-scraping, and a Ryding Season of ~11-3/4 months! :yes:

[Commander]

Oh well it was worth a try :clap::roflblack:

[billybovine]

[QUOTE=missouriboy;1141622]We travel to Mexico at will for shopping, and never get asked for anything. But if you'd like to go back home, by golly, you'd better have that passport to re-enter the states!/QUOTE]

That's why Canada changed the rules for Americans entering Canada. New US rules required returning Americans that they had to have a passport or similar to get back into the US. So Canada decided not to let you in in the first place without the right docs to let you leave.

[PrairieSpyder]

[QUOTE=missouriboy;1141622]We travel to Mexico at will for shopping, and never get asked for anything. But if you'd like to go back home, by golly, you'd better have that passport to re-enter the states!/QUOTE]

That's why Canada changed the rules for Americans entering Canada. New US rules required returning Americans that they had to have a passport or similar to get back into the US. So Canada decided not to let you in in the first place without the right docs to let you leave.


That was probably wise. Can you imagine the optics of the refuge camps on the Canada/US border of all those poor Americans who can't get into the USA? Oh, the humanity!! :yikes:
:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflb lack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:: roflblack:

[SteveP]

BRP held an event there a month ago. That was my first time on a Spyder. Two weeks later I had my own. :)

I'm sure the Canadian customs agents will wonder why the heck so many Spyders are crossing over. :yes:

How was the Mosport test drive this year , and what did you drive ? I was going to do that last year ... Was booked in and everything but unfortunately :opps: I stopped at Snow City Cycle a couple weeks before just to see what they had ..... And bought mine . I was thinking of going this year to try the F3 but forgot about it until after it was over

[MisterP]

I will wait here for all the Canadians to come back here next season and spend their money. Keeps us from having an income tax...

[SPYDERGUY1]

Ah yes the 36 hour winter nights, but my friend, you Quickly seem to forget or probably DID NOT KNOW about the 23 hour daylight during the non winter months. Actually plays extreme havoc on a lot of people's minds and physce. Ever try golfing at 2 in the morning and no issues seeing where you need to sink the ball or even find ??? I would like to give you some advice. Sound's like you are going to bite the bullet and go to the event. When the SEAGULL SIZE mosquitoes attack you, thank your lucky stars, cause when they are done feasting on your hide , the sand flies will come being close to the water, and then to top it all off the BLACK FLIES will finally arrive and finish EVERYTHING OFF. Just so you know. Hope you enjoy the trip.

[brakelight]

How was the Mosport test drive this year , and what did you drive ? I was going to do that last year ... Was booked in and everything but unfortunately :opps: I stopped at Snow City Cycle a couple weeks before just to see what they had ..... And bought mine . I was thinking of going this year to try the F3 but forgot about it until after it was over

I drove a couple of F3s. One had pegs and no saddle bags. The other had foot boards and bags. They also had some RTs.
They give you 3 laps around the track. If you want more just join the next group of riders and go for another 3 laps.

The weather was perfect and the whole thing was very well organized. I may go again next year just to try the new models on a track.

A couple of days later I took a course on an RSS, which allowed me to compare it against the F3.

I ended up buying at Snow City as well. :thumbup:

[SteveP]

If most of the SPYDERs are bought and sold in the good old USA. Why can't BRP out of the kindness of their heart just have their Anniversary somewhere in the USA. Like Southern NJ or something like that. Problem solved no need for Passports.:yes::yes::clap::2thumbs:

It would be tough to have the special events planned like seeing the museum , touring the plant etc no ? Besides if it was too close it wouldn't be a road trip:thumbup:

[SteveP]

I drove a couple of F3s. One had pegs and no saddle bags. The other had foot boards and bags. They also had some RTs.
They give you 3 laps around the track. If you want more just join the next group of riders and go for another 3 laps.

The weather was perfect and the whole thing was very well organized. I may go again next year just to try the new models on a track.

A couple of days later I took a course on an RSS, which allowed me to compare it against the F3.

I ended up buying at Snow City as well. :thumbup:

Cool. Did you take the course at Georgian in Barrie ? I did the course there and drove an RSS semi-auto for the day , was ok but like my clutch and gears still . I bought mine off Hans at Snow City . He's been great with follow up help and the dealership has treated me very well . They can get very busy at times so nailing down service dates can be tricky , but the staff try their best to accommodate everyone .... A couple other places I went to didn't seem interested in talking to me when I was looking unless I wanted to spend over $25,000 on a new RT .

[brakelight]

Cool. Did you take the course at Georgian in Barrie ? I did the course there and drove an RSS semi-auto for the day
I took it at Flemming College in Peterborough. The instructors were really good. I'm in Halton so Barrie and Peterborough are equally far from me. I chose that school because the dates suited my calendar.


I bought mine off Hans at Snow City . He's been great with follow up help and the dealership has treated me very well . They can get very busy at times so nailing down service dates can be tricky , but the staff try their best to accommodate everyone .... A couple other places I went to didn't seem interested in talking to me when I was looking unless I wanted to spend over $25,000 on a new RT .
They were really busy when I went but I still got great service. Thanks for the heads up on getting service dates; I'll schedule well in advance. :)

Are you going to join Snow City's day-long ride in July? They told me they're planning on heading North this time around.

[jthspace]

Read this post with interest - you have to remember that the village that is further from the sea than any other human settlement in the UK is Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire. One kilometre south-east is Church Flatts Farm, which is 113km (70 miles) from the nearest point on the coast, or 72km (45 miles) from the nearest tidal water.

I was once asked by a Texan when I was in the U.S. how close France was to England and I replied about 22 miles and the reply was "shooooot, I drive further than that to go get a beer!"

So, passports are a necessity here if you ever want to "go foreign". Although we are lucky that we do not need, or have, identity cards and there is no legal necessity to carry any form of identification with you (even when driving) - although it is a legal requirement to give your (real) name and address to a Police officer if asked. An odd situation; however when the question of having compulsory i.d. cards came up a few years ago, the furore against the suggestion was amazing to witness.

Jeff

[SteveP]

I took it at Flemming College in Peterborough. The instructors were really good. I'm in Halton so Barrie and Peterborough are equally far from me. I chose that school because the dates suited my calendar.


They were really busy when I went but I still got great service. Thanks for the heads up on getting service dates; I'll schedule well in advance. :)

Are you going to join Snow City's day-long ride in July? They told me they're planning on heading North this time around.
Have to wait until closer to date to determine work commitments , I looked at the pics from last year's Ryde to the winery's in Niagara ( and talked to Hans) and sounds like a good day

[PrairieSpyder]

Read this post with interest - you have to remember that the village that is further from the sea than any other human settlement in the UK is Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire. One kilometre south-east is Church Flatts Farm, which is 113km (70 miles) from the nearest point on the coast, or 72km (45 miles) from the nearest tidal water.

I was once asked by a Texan when I was in the U.S. how close France was to England and I replied about 22 miles and the reply was "shooooot, I drive further than that to go get a beer!"

So, passports are a necessity here if you ever want to "go foreign". Although we are lucky that we do not need, or have, identity cards and there is no legal necessity to carry any form of identification with you (even when driving) - although it is a legal requirement to give your (real) name and address to a Police officer if asked. An odd situation; however when the question of having compulsory i.d. cards came up a few years ago, the furore against the suggestion was amazing to witness.

Jeff


Americans generally oppose proposals of national ID cards, too. We're required to have a driver's license with us while operating a vehicle. But the vast majority of Americans do not have a passport, and never need one.