I can tell you without hesitation that I am a fan of the metric system. For me, this started years ago when I bought my first KTM dirtbike and all of the nuts and bolts were metric. I can now look at any metric nut or bolt and guess the size with scalpel-like precision. Those seat bolts, 8mm, that bolt there, that’s a 17mm, oh and those clutch perch nuts, those are 10mm, thank you very much!

I guess I’m in love with the illusion that I’m getting there quicker, going faster, paying less for fuel (even though at $1.44 per liter it’s way more per gallon) and I’m way more svelte on their scale (81.64 kg versus 180 lbs) using the metric system.

Here’s another example; (officer) Mr. Chesney do you know why I stopped you today? Yes sir I do! I was traveling above your maximum limit for speed. (Officer) Just how fast do you think you were traveling today? Well, in the states where I live I typically go 10 mph over the limit but what I love about your country, is, that works out to 16.9 km/hr! It seems like I can go way faster here. (Officer) Mr. Chesney, I can’t believe that you would be so forthcoming about your decision to violate the posted limit? I’m afraid I’m going to have to issue you a citation. Officer, I completely understand and respect your decision but let me tell you why I chose to speed in your country;

A couple days ago my father’s motorhome broke down twice in three days and the nice people here took the opportunity to get us back on the road as quickly as possible at a cost of about $2600.00 U.S. or about $2,709.00 Canadian. Ya see officer, I’m trying to get to Anchorage by the 16th to see my wife. I haven’t seen her for a month now and those three days we spent broke down have put us behind schedule. So, doing the math, I have calculated that I will need to run on average, 10 mph more (does that sound better to you?) to make it there on time. (officer) it sounds like you and your family have had quite a time here so far, tell you what, just obey the posted limits would you please! Officer, I wish I could but the truth is, as soon as you’re out of sight I’ll be doing my conversion of the metric system again for speed. Could you do me a favor and radio ahead and let the others know?

Oil change for Killer

Sign Forest at Watson Lake

The officer laughed as he shook his head while walking away and said “just slow it down a bit eh”

MM