Spent some time with YouTube and Mr. Riepe today. He has the same whit and humor (sardonic and twisted) as anybody I ever called a good friend. Gonna read the books. Fan, sure. Heck...., we might even be related!
Made in as far as Jasper last September before I had to race a cold front back to Texas. Montreal to Vancouver is on my bucket list. About 12K round-trip from Austin. If I make it to Vancouver.., maybe a pint and pie at Yaletown Brewing Co.?
Mr. Riepe regards the original K bikes, as you've probably surmised, as a manly man's bike with R bikes reserved for those riders with chronic constipation.
Apart from the general condition of the roads in Montreal, I love that city.
As far as Yaletown Brewing is concerned - you're talkin' my language!