Parallel Souls

​Parallel Souls

​by Madi A. 02/2026

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It was Monday, July 20th, 2015, a normal day, like any other. Madi was off work, filling her hours with ordinary tasks and errands.

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When Sami got home from work, she grabbed a Pepsi and a sandwich before heading downstairs. She settled onto the comfy couch and turned on the TV. She regularly recorded live shows to watch at her leisure; at the time, they were both very invested in The Voice, always eagerly anticipating the next round of the competition.

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Sami asked Madi how she was doing and how she was feeling. It was a very normal conversation for a very normal day.

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Then, Sami began, "Well, cousine, I’m off for three weeks starting Thursday, July 23rd at noon. What can we plan? Are you up for a ride? A drive?"

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Madi let out a heavy sigh before answering…

​The Backstory

​Madi had been off work for eighteen months, taking a necessary mental health break. Sami was concerned, but she believed it was finally time to go exploring.

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Since they were little girls, they had dreamed of a more exciting life. After years of being pulled apart by work, family, and diverging interests, their paths had finally reconnected six years prior.

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When they were just six and eight years old, they used to ride their second-hand bicycles around the church parking lot. They weren’t old enough for the street yet, so they would ride side-by-side, keeping themselves perfectly parallel, verbally mapping out their futures.

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Their plan for when they grew up was simple: they would get real motorcycles and go find their real moms.

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Sami and Madi were cousins. Their mothers were sisters who were unable to have children, so they were both adopted. They always teased that the reason they got along so well was that they didn’t share the same blood. Back then, they would laugh and chuckle, treating it like a distant dream.

​The Dream Takes Shape

​In 2003, Madi was reunited with her biological family. While her newfound relatives were spread across Canada, she discovered that both of her biological parents had unfortunately passed away in the mid-90s. Sami followed the same path toward a reunion, but her turn hadn’t materialized yet. She had, however, received a lead from a woman who might be her biological aunt who lived in Edmonton, Alberta.

​Pedals to Pistons

​In 2007, Madi bought her first motorcycle, a 1985 Yamaha Maxim 750cc. She passed her M1 and M2 licenses and finally began living the dream.

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By the summer of 2009, Sami was well on her way to fulfilling her dream, too. Sami bought a Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 900cc, got her M1 and M2 licenses, while Madi upgraded to a 2007 Yamaha V-Star 1300cc. They planned local day rides, followed by weekend getaways, and soon joined motorcycle enthusiast groups, fully embracing the Rider’s Life.

​The Decision

​Is it that time? Is this it?

​…only a few hours passed, that Monday night, Madi answered Sami’s questions. After eighteen months of standstill, the weight lifted, Madi didn't need time to decide; she only needed the right person, Sami, to ask.

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"Yes, we can make plans. Yes, we can go for a ride."

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They were going… on their motorcycles and possibly to find a biological family member.

​Parking Lot to Highway

​By this time, they both had thousands of kilometers of experience under their belts. They were living the dream they had whispered to each other in a church parking lot over four decades ago.

​They were overwhelmed, but they were prepared to take on such a road trip. They always kept their motorcycles in peak condition, and all their gear was always staged with precision and meticulously packed so that they were good-to-go at a moment's notice. It was GO time, and they were ready!

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On Thursday, July 23, 2015, at 12:01 PM, Sami arrived home. The motorcycles were already loaded and waiting, as they had finished packing the night before.

​They geared up, kicked up the stands, and they were off.

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Direction? Destination? Unknown.

​North, South, East, or West — it didn't matter. They were finally riding.

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They pulled over at a local shop to make the final call. Standing in that parking lot was like the old ritual of planning they did in the church parking lot decades ago. Sami started by saying, “It won't be South, as we are always heading that way every time they leave town”. She added, “It won't be North, as there are not enough places to visit”. Madi said, “Not East, I've been riding east too many times already”.

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"West it is!" Sami cheered, her excitement breaking through. “That was easy!” they both exclaimed at the same time.

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Sami was very happy, even though she had three weeks of freedom ahead of her, she kept Madi's condition in mind. She was more than willing to compromise, agreeing to this journey just one hundred kilometers at a time.

​Compass pointing West

​The weather was cool, but it was very enjoyable. As they reached cruising speed, they naturally fell into their old formation. It was a dance they had performed since they were girls; it wasn't just two riders on the road, it was cousins riding parallel once again. With the wind blowing in their faces, they were both smiling ear to ear, but they were very conscious of keeping their mouths closed, as they were in the north, and needed to apply mouth management, as those horseflies were everywhere.

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That night, they made it to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (ON). They pulled into a Quality Inn and secured a room. They needed to unload the bikes, as they couldn't leave their luggage unsecured. Afterwards, they walked over to the mall and had dinner at a steakhouse. Even though they were exhausted, the adrenaline they collected for the past three hundred kilometers kept them going. There’s nothing quite like that post-ride road buzz where you're tired but too wired to actually sleep. While strolling back to their room, they stopped at the casino. There was a lot of noise and activity going on, but it was a welcome outing. What a great way to start a vacation!

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The next morning, they were fresh and ready to go. They loaded the bikes and hit the road. After a brief discussion, they agreed to keep heading west. Destination for tonight, possibly Thunder Bay? However, that would be seven hundred kilometers. The weather was crisp, overcast, windy, possibly some rain, but there were a few patches of blue in the sky.

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After riding one hundred and forty kilometers, they pulled into Agawa Trading Post. They topped up the gas, secured their loads, grabbed a quick drink and a snack, took a bathroom break, and were on the road again. The weather was turning a little cooler and darker, so they decided to gear up with their rain suits and full-face helmets. Their next stop was one hundred seventy-five kilometers to White River.

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In the north, a rider always needs to know how far it is to the next station. Motorcycles have small gas tanks, so they have a rule of thumb and good practice to always top up every two hundred or so kilometers. Every stop, they have the same routine: top up the gas, secure their loads, have a quick drink and a snack, take a bathroom break, and get on the road again.

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Next was a quick stop in Terrace Bay (167 km), then Nipigon (107 km), and finally Thunder Bay (115 km). The scenery is very picturesque, but the weather was not the greatest. That stretch, from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay is one of the most beautiful rides in Canada, especially coming around the sweeping bend of Old Woman Bay, where the ride becomes physical. They felt the curves of the road, leaning into the gravity of the Great Lakes shoreline. On their way back, they planned to visit the Winnie-the-Pooh statue in White River (ON) and the Terry Fox Monument outside of Thunder Bay (ON).

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They secured a room and unloaded the bikes. It was only the second night of their trip, and there was a new meaning to unloading the bikes. This meant hoping the motel we are staying at has a luggage cart. Loading that cart with the contents of two motorcycles was a test of endurance after riding hundreds of kilometers. The sight that drew pity from the normal tourists in the lobby and hallway was hilarious. As they chatted about their day, Madi questioned Sami about the intent of the one hundred kilometers at a time concept. They both looked at each other with glazed eyes and chuckled as they snuggled up in comfort. "Good night, cousine! Sleep well."

​The Pink Flamingo

​As they woke up slowly the next day, Madi announced to Sami that there was a Harley-Davidson (H-D) shop just across the road. This was their favourite kind of shopping. They loaded the bikes and headed to the dealership. 'Loading the bikes' also carried a new meaning. It was like a high-stakes game of Tetris played with waterproof dry bags, leather packs, and bug-spattered helmets. As they walked in, there was the brightest pink H-D sitting in the showroom. Sami’s eyes locked on immediately. Madi's words were, “Don't sit on it, 'cousine' ”. Of course, with a mischievous look, Sami sat on it anyway. It was a fuchsia pink with white flames H-D Street Glide. They were in no hurry to go anywhere else that day. Let's just say, they scheduled a pickup on August 2nd on their way back. It was epic, who buys a new bike on a road trip, but picks it up on the last leg? Sami!

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They headed out on the open road, riding parallel as they planned years ago. Just barely out of Thunder Bay (ON), they pulled over to the side of the road to gear up. It was cold, very windy, and started to rain. They had to be extra cautious with the roads being wet and the wind blowing. They only rode a few hundred kilometers, and they stopped for the night. They were cold, and a hot shower and cozy bed were what they both needed.

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They woke up the next day to the same weather. They both looked at each other with an encouraging vibe. Another day of riding in these typical northern conditions. Sami exclaimed, "And, still in Ontario".

The Prairie Horizon

​The next day was more promising, at least it wasn't raining. It was cool, though, but nothing like layering it up to keep warm. They finally crossed the Ontario (ON) / Manitoba (MB) border. The landscape slowly transformed from dense forests, lakes, and rock cuts to wide-open fields and agricultural land. It was a beautiful sight to see while riding the open road. They secured a room at the Best Western in Winnipeg (MB).

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As they loaded the bikes, layered up for the weather, they planned to stop for gas and breakfast just outside Winnipeg. Even though TransCanada continues westward, they were heading on Highway 16, commonly known as the Yellowhead Highway.

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The weather was improving, making it a lot more enjoyable. They just crossed the Manitoba (MB) / Saskatchewan (SK) border. As they drove through a little town named Langenburg (SK), they noticed an older yellow Volkswagen Beetle car on the side of the road as a landmark. It was filled with soil and beautiful flowers. They took a beautiful photo with both motorcycles.

​As they continued on Highway 16, heading west, they pulled into Yorkton (SK). They secured a room at the Days Inn for the night. After riding four hundred and fifty kilometers, they needed a relaxing night. After freshening up, they walked around in the area of the Motel. They browsed a few gift shops and their very familiar Giant Tiger. They found a beautiful restaurant and had a great dinner, a few drinks, and a casual walk back to their room. They tried to watch a little TV, but they both dozed off.

​The next day, Sami contacted the woman, who may be her biological aunt. They were a few hours away from Edmonton, but they made tentative plans.

​Damsels in Distress

​Their aim today was Lloydminster. It was a very nice day of riding. Madi’s biological family is from a small town along Highway 16 named Guernsey (SK). They were going to stop on their way back. In Lloydminster, they had a beautiful room in a Best Western. They visited the Edge H-D shop. They unloaded the motorcycles, freshened up, and went down for a lovely dinner.

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They were only two hundred and fifty kilometers away from Edmonton. That was a very short day of riding. They loaded the motorcycles and headed out. Just a few kilometers out of town, it started pouring. They pulled to the side and put on their rain gear. They also needed to gas up. The next little town, they pulled in for gas. It really started to pour. They parked the bikes along the road and ran into a local Post Office. They were dripping wet. They waited in the common mailbox area for the storm to pass. Finally, it stopped.

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They walked back to their motorcycles, and as Sami tried to take her bike off the kickstand, she lost balance and had to lay her bike down. They were both experienced and knowledgeable about the proper way to handle the lift of a motorcycle. However, the curb was too close, and they didn't have the leverage required to properly do the lift. As they both reflected on what to do next, Sami noticed a fire station just up the road. Madi attempted to reach out to the firefighters to ask for help. She explained the situation and what was required of them. The firefighters were more than happy to come and assist two damsels in distress.

​It took just a moment for them to get Sami's motorcycle upright and away from the curb. The firefighters took a minute to admire the motorcycles, noticed the plates from Ontario, and started a conversation about their road trip.

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By this time, the conversation shifted to the weather. On the western horizon, it was so dark it looked like nighttime. They had to get on the road quickly to reach their destination before the next downpour. They crossed the Saskatchewan (SK) / Alberta (AB) border.

​Family Roots and Reversal

They finally pulled into the Best Western in Edmonton (AB). They unpacked, freshened up, and met Sami’s relative, Aunt Joan, in the restaurant. They had a lovely lunch. As Sami and Aunt Joan were having a well-deserved conversation about history, events, relatives, and important facts, Madi wrote all the information down so Sami would have all the details for the future.

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After visiting for a few hours, it was time to continue on their road trip. Sami told Aunt Joan they would reconnect with her on their way back, probably in a few days.

Shelter from the Storm

​They drove west of Edmonton, but they didn't get too far. The skies were angry, it was dark out in the middle of the afternoon, and the wind picked up. They pulled into a Boston Pizza for a quick mid-afternoon break. They were barely in the door when the Manager greeted them with sandbags and a mop. He told them there was a storm warning, and the water was pooling in the entrance already. After mopping the floor dry, he placed sandbags to keep the doorway closed tightly. They took seats at a table by the window so they could keep an eye on their motorcycles.

It was bad; they had no idea what the outcome would be from this moment on. Two truck drivers came into the restaurant and asked if those were their motorcycles. They said they parked on either side to help to block the wind from the motorcycles. Sami and Madi were very appreciative.

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The radio was on, but the music was interrupted by a newscast stating that there were tornado watches in several areas in and around Edmonton, all the way to Calgary.

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After a few hours, they both had been researching their cells for weather conditions, moving forward with their road trip. Continuing toward Calgary was not a good idea. Sami and Madi decided to cancel the rest of the road trip and to head back.

The Homeward Stretch

Once the rain and winds died down, they went back to the Best Western for another night. Sami contacted Aunt Joan and gave her a rundown of their day. After a day like today, they were both exhausted and needed hot showers and comfy beds.

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Finally, the sun was out. It looked like a wonderful day. The winds were manageable. They loaded up and headed east on the open road. They had time to go to the Red Line H-D shop in Saskatoon (SK). It was a quiet night. Sami and Madi were a little disappointed to be heading east already. Sami's positivity radiated as she realized that she was closer to picking up her new H-D.

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After being on the road for an hour, they pulled into a gas station along the highway near Guernsey (SK). Madi tried to reach her relatives, but there was no answer. A fellow rider pulled into the gas station and noticed the Ontario plates. He asked about their road trip. Madi told him that her biological family was from here. After asking for the surname, he guided them to the local bank. There was Madi's biological cousin. She was shocked, but very happy that they stopped in. They continued east, the weather was very favorable, and they enjoyed their ride.

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They pulled into the Best Western in Winnipeg (MB). They were very tired after a long day of riding. The next day, they loaded up and headed to Thunder Bay.

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Again, a long day of riding, but they were built for this. They were both in their element. Quick stops along the highway, their usual gas up, quick snack, a bathroom break, and move on.

​The Final Leg

​They finally arrived in Thunder Bay (ON). Sami couldn't wait for the next morning. She was picking up her H-D. Sami’s son and family were in Thunder Bay for a family wedding. They met with him to unload all the gear Sami didn't need for the next few days. Her new H-D wasn't equipped with the storage her current bike had. It was a blessing in disguise that it all worked out for the best. They booked into their accommodations and rested for the rest of the evening.

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Yes, today was that day. Sami picked up her H-D. It took a few hours to get all the little finishing touches done. They had all day to get things done. It was so exciting!

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The next morning, they loaded up the motorcycles and headed out. It wasn't raining, but it was windy and cold. Just a few kilometers out of Thunder Bay, they stopped for a quick viewing of the Terry Fox Monument.

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They were back on the road again when, nearly fifteen minutes into the ride, Sami pulled over. She parked her motorcycle on the edge of the pavement and ran into the bushes. She wasn't feeling very well. Without being too descriptive, and still feeling bad for Sami, it was hilarious to see her move that quickly and encounter the challenges of traveling in the northern country. Madi couldn't stop laughing at her cousin's misfortune. After a while, Sami came back to her motorcycle, and they went on their way.

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Today wasn't a big riding day. Sami needed to adjust to her new motorcycle. They stopped in White River (ON), visited the Winnie-the-Pooh statue and the gift shop, and got a room for the night. After a few hours of rest, they had dinner in the hotel's formal dining room. It was an early night.

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The next morning, it was raining. The downpour started just as they finished loading up the motorcycles. With only one armful of gear left to load, Madi tripped on a two-by-four on the floor in the doorway. It was a bad fall, and she hit her knee hard on the ground.

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As she tried to get her bearings to get up, she noticed Sami in the background, laughing so hard she could barely talk. She tried to ask if she was okay, but no words would come out. Madi was upset at first because she couldn't get up, and she obviously couldn't count on Sami to help.

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Once Madi realized she wasn't seriously hurt, she started laughing along. It was hilarious the way it all went down, literally. They finished loading, put on their rain gear, and off they went.

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The next stop was Agawa Trading Post. They went through their usual routine, and Madi checked her leg. There was a huge bruise on her knee the size of a basketball. It didn't look like anything was broken, but it had started to throb.

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As they were leaving, four women were surrounding Sami and Madi's motorcycles. They were so happy to have finally caught up to them. Apparently, they noticed them all the way from Thunder Bay, where they were from. They loved Sami's pink H-D. They were interested in their road trip plans. After a while, they left in their blue four-door sedan, waving as they pulled away.

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Their next stop was in Sault Ste. Marie (ON). As they pulled into the Husky gas station, the blue sedan was just ahead of them. They reconnected with their newfound friends, had a quick lunch, refueled, and hit the road again. The women knew Sami and Madi's road trip ended in Sudbury, but they were heading further into Southern Ontario.

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At every stop, they connected with their traveling buddies; the four women became their watchful eyes on the road. They finally arrived in Sudbury. With a quick toot toot and a wave, Sami and Madi hit the off-ramp and headed home.

The lifelong dream was fulfilled. That night, as they unpacked their gear, Sami asked, "So, was that a hundred kilometers?" Madi looked at her bruised knee, the new pink H-D in the driveway, and the odometer showing thousands of kilometers, and laughed. "The longest hundred kilometers of my life!" Sami was right, they had done it, one hundred kilometers at a time, held together by the road, two motorcycles, and with each other, parallel souls.

Scenery along the Great Lakes shoreline

VW landmark

Agawa Trading Post

Waiting for the storm to pass