Join us as we embark on a journey with BOB, the extraordinary rubber duck with an insatiable thirst for unique adventures! BOB is not your average duck; he’s a charming globetrotter on a mission to discover captivating people, intriguing places, and unforgettable experiences we fondly refer to as BOBortunities.
I’m Linda, BOB’s trusty ghostwriter
(because, let’s face it, he’s just a duck!).
And I can’t forget about my husband, Rick, who doubles as BOB’s bodyguard and personal photographer. Our journey together began a decade ago when Rick sparked my wanderlust for travel, even though I wasn’t quite ready to embrace motorcycle adventures. Little did I know that the thrill of the open road on a motorcycle would soon become a desire we both share, a yearning that ignites the senses and fills us with excitement.
Rick had set his motorcycle passion aside for two decades to focus on family, but it was clear that his love for riding was still simmering. His ultimate dream? To conquer the legendary Route 66! Having never been on a bike before, the thought intimidated me. I was green when it came to the motorcycle community!
Realizing that my Freedom 55 years would be much richer if I could share Rick’s enthusiasm, I hatched a plan. I found a motorcycle rental company in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and surprised Rick with a touring bike for a weekend getaway. His reaction? Priceless! “You’ve just thrown gas on a flame that I’ve kept under control for the last 20 years!” With that, Rick’s passion was reignited!
Facing fears can be nerve-wracking, but I was determined to spend quality time with Rick, so I donned a helmet and climbed aboard for my first ride. What an adventure it was! Over an incredible two-day weekend, we rode for over thirty hours, discovering that overcoming fears can unleash passions we never knew existed.
Even as a passenger, the thrill of the ride swept me away. As Rick puts it, “Traveling in a car is like watching a movie while riding a bike is being the star of the show!” From the wind whipping through your hair to the shift in temperatures and even the occasional not-so-pleasant smells-it’s an immersive experience like no other! It’s a journey that genuinely engages all your senses, connects you to the world around you, and makes you feel truly alive.
Two months after that weekend, we bought our Goldwing and dove headfirst into the vibrant Winnipeg motorcycle community. Our wanderlust grew, leading us across North America during the riding season and escaping to warmer climates every winter. While
we often saddle up on our bike, we’re always eager to explore local cultures, nature, attractions, mouthwatering cuisine, and the fabulous people we meet along the way!
In a delightful twist, our adventures took an unexpected turn in 2022 at a Guardians of the Children charity auction. Rick entered a silent auction for a prize package featuring a giant rubber duck-his thinking being it would be a quirky bath toy for our not-so- small troupe of grandchildren. To our surprise, he won! But, alas, the grandchildren weren’t inclined to adopt this peculiar toy, leaving the DUCK to stare at us from a corner of our living room for months on end. We had no idea this duck would soon become a beloved part of our adventures.
One sunny day, as Rick headed out with RIDE BY EVENT, he took the DUCK along for the ride. The reaction from fellow bikers was unexpected and priceless! Seeing the biker dude with his newfound feathered friend added a hilarious twist to our travels. Before we knew it, BOB was a regular companion on all our adventures, riding shotgun by bike, car, boat, train, or plane!
Curious folks always wanted to know how they could follow BOB on his escapades, so we decided to share stories of our travels more widely. Thus, BOBortunities was born- a platform where we invite you to join us on all our wacky BOBortunities. Buckle up and let the adventures unfold; who knows what fun awaits next?
