Author Topic: 2,500+ miles; 1976 CB550; one woman (Read 13368 times)

Mooshie · « **on:** August 17, 2012, 09:33:50 PM »

Some have told me that I should post my recent trip on my 1976 Honda CB550 (called Dash) in this area. I didn't want to re-write the darned thing but if anyone wants to take a gander here it is on the blog I kept while riding. Enjoy. I can't wait for my next adventure which will be PCH1 to Washington.

http://backdoormotoadventures.wordpress.com/

scottly · « **Reply #1 on:** August 17, 2012, 10:16:12 PM »

Hey Lisa, no need to re-write the whole blog, but if you could post some bigger pics here, I, for one, would like to see them!

Stev-o · « **Reply #2 on:** August 18, 2012, 02:28:07 AM »

Great trip and write up! It is an adventure that you will never forget. Reminds me my my 3000 mile bike trip years ago...

FunJimmy · « **Reply #3 on:** August 18, 2012, 09:50:23 AM »

Awesome adventure. I love trips like that.

Don't stop in Washington.
My wife and I extend a welcome to Vancouver.
You could include the famous Sea to Sky highway to Whistler too.

Cheers
FJ

Mooshie · « **Reply #4 on:** August 18, 2012, 02:41:44 PM »

British Columbia?

This trip is getting longer and longer...ha ha Now I will have to look into the Sea to Sky Highway. Thank you for the tip FJ

Pecantree · « **Reply #5 on:** August 27, 2012, 08:05:32 PM »

Great writeup, more pictures!
Thanks

andy750 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 27, 2012, 10:37:16 PM »

An excellent read Mooshie and the photos are very good! Looking forward to your next adventure!

cheers
Andy

Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er · « **Reply #7 on:** August 28, 2012, 11:06:17 AM »

Nice trip Mooshie. I know you had a great time. I've covered many of those miles and it's always enjoyable. Now as far as BC goes the Sea to Sky, Vancouver and Whistler are great also. Plan your trip back down the Fraser Valley

. You may as well cross over to Victoria at Port Angeles, ride up to Nanaimo and take the ferry to Gabriola Island then the ferries to Vancouver. I know a great host there that would be glad to take in another rider for the night. Goes by Seaweb aka Derrick.

curemode2002 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 28, 2012, 01:04:47 PM »

Awesome trip Mooshie! Reminds me of my woes on the relay ride this year but tons of fun nonetheless.

Duanob · « **Reply #9 on:** August 29, 2012, 02:30:45 PM »

Quote from: FunJimmy on August 18, 2012, 09:50:23 AM

Awesome adventure. I love trips like that.

Don't stop in Washington.
My wife and I extend a welcome to Vancouver.
You could include the famous Sea to Sky highway to Whistler too.

Cheers
FJ

She will have to! Gas is so bloody expensive up there

Filling a 550 up there will be like filling a truck down here!

j/k of course! If you do to BC drive up 101 to Port Angeles and take the ferry across to Victoria and then ferry across to Vancouver. best scenery and roads around. I-5 is long, boring, and sucks the high hard one.

70CB750 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 29, 2012, 03:12:27 PM »

Nice! Congrats!

Mooshie · « **Reply #11 on:** August 31, 2012, 08:27:41 PM »

This is turning into another adventure...

Thank you for your positive comments and support. I just love that 550-but I never really thought about going to BC. I will have to look into your suggestion Jerry--Dash might enjoy a ferry ride rather than a tow.

ofreen · « **Reply #12 on:** September 08, 2012, 02:58:35 PM »

I enjoyed your write-up and photos. It expressed very well what this motorcycle touring thing is all about.

Mooshie · « **Reply #13 on:** September 10, 2012, 03:37:52 PM »

Thank you. I can't wait to get on the road again. In early October I'm back on a 3 day ride through Gold Rush country. Then next year off to tackle the coast AND BC (which I have all but decided I am definitely doing). See how powerful suggestion is? Just a couple of replies and now my trip has been extended considerably.

Znabb · « **Reply #14 on:** January 19, 2013, 03:41:57 PM »

Excellent write up and great photos! Loved the turkey at the gas station.

I hope to someday ride the coastal road from San Fransisco to LA.

Mooshie · « **Reply #15 on:** June 08, 2013, 07:01:04 PM »

In July riding from Central California through Oregon, Washington, into British Columbia and dropping back down on my way home. Any roads that SHOULD NOT be missed? For my trip north taking Hwy 1 then once in BC going to Nanaimo toward Hope BC. On to Creston BC then dropping back on to Walla Walla Washington across the Columbia River (route 84) toward Salem. Coming back to California has not been decided (playing it by ear at this point).
Any suggestions would be appreciated. thanks

FunJimmy · « **Reply #16 on:** June 08, 2013, 07:41:38 PM »

Mooshie,

Nanaimo is on Vancouver Island and not the direction I'd advise unless you have someone you are planning on visiting. It's a nice city but other than he ferry ride over, it doesn't have much to offer a motorcyclist. I can help you with some awesome route suggestions though. How much time can you allow to get to Creston?

ofreen · « **Reply #17 on:** June 08, 2013, 07:56:02 PM »

Quote from: Mooshie on June 08, 2013, 07:01:04 PM

In July riding from Central California through Oregon, Washington, into British Columbia and dropping back down on my way home. Any roads that SHOULD NOT be missed? ... On to Creston BC then dropping back on to Walla Walla Washington across the Columbia River (route 84) toward Salem.

You may want to consider this route on the way back.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=63295.msg1331849#msg1331849

Slightly east of what you are describing, but not much, and worth it. Lots of good ways to go once you get to the southern end of it to make your way back to Cali. If not, there are many better ways to get from Walla Walla to Salem than taking I-84 (ugh) across. Get a good road map of Oregon and pick a road. Most all of them are good.

Mooshie · « **Reply #18 on:** June 09, 2013, 10:49:24 AM »

Quote from: FunJimmy on June 08, 2013, 07:41:38 PM

Mooshie,

Nanaimo is on Vancouver Island and not the direction I'd advise unless you have someone you are planning on visiting. It's a nice city but other than he ferry ride over, it doesn't have much to offer a motorcyclist. I can help you with some awesome route suggestions though. How much time can you allow to get to Creston?

Hi FunJimmy: Plan on arriving in Victoria (through Port Angeles) on 7/10 and have until 7/12 to get to Creston BC. I can cut out Nanaimo (I just wanted to go because I liked the name) but if you have other ideas on getting to Creston I am open to hearing them. I was a tad worried about being able to get gas along BC as I heard that some routes don't offer gas stops. Thank you for any help on this. I figure this may be the only time I am in BC so would prefer to listen to those who know it.

Quote from: ofreen on June 08, 2013, 07:56:02 PM

Quote from: Mooshie on June 08, 2013, 07:01:04 PM
In July riding from Central California through Oregon, Washington, into British Columbia and dropping back down on my way home. Any roads that SHOULD NOT be missed? ... On to Creston BC then dropping back on to Walla Walla Washington across the Columbia River (route 84) toward Salem.

You may want to consider this route on the way back.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=63295.msg1331849#msg1331849

Slightly east of what you are describing, but not much, and worth it. Lots of good ways to go once you get to the southern end of it to make your way back to Cali. If not, there are many better ways to get from Walla Walla to Salem than taking I-84 (ugh) across. Get a good road map of Oregon and pick a road. Most all of them are good.

Ofreen: Isn't the Columbia River Hwy supposed to be a great ride (scenic?) Thanks for the link for a route home. That looks very promising.

Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er · « **Reply #19 on:** June 09, 2013, 11:10:41 AM »

Look up Seaweb. Take the ferry at Nanaimo to Gabriola. He has a nice place overlooking the water and is very hospitable. Perhaps he could ride with you a few kms.

ofreen · « **Reply #20 on:** June 09, 2013, 11:51:34 AM »

Quote from: Mooshie on June 09, 2013, 10:49:24 AM

Ofreen: Isn't the Columbia River Hwy supposed to be a great ride (scenic?) Thanks for the link for a route home. That looks very promising.

It is nice in vicinity of Columbia Gorge. But being on the interstate is nothing special. Plus if you going to Salem, contending with traveling through the Portland area is not much fun.

Mooshie · « **Reply #21 on:** June 09, 2013, 12:27:50 PM »

Do you have a suggestion of better road/s to get to Salem from Walla Walla (or thereabouts)?

FunJimmy · « **Reply #22 on:** June 09, 2013, 09:11:48 PM »

Mooshie,

Victoria is nice but the cost of ferries from Port Angeles to Victoria then Victoria to Vancouver doesn’t make sense to me. My recommendation would be to sail (ferry) from Port Townsend to Whidbey Island. If you get laid over, Port Townsend is a wonderful historic port city with great restaurants and pubs. On Whidbey Island take Hwy 20 north to Deception Pass. You won’t be disappointed. Then you can also include the historic (and a favorite) Chuckanut Drive to Bellingham. Finish your day an hour north in Vancouver or forge on a bit longer and stay in Whistler! Now you’re starting to get setup for some of the best roads in BC, according to Destination Highways.

http://www.destinationhighways.com/whatisdh.htm

Fuel stops in BC aren’t an issue. The farthest distance between fuel stops might be 80 miles, but I’d be surprised if you had to go that far. I’ve never had any issues on my 550 so you should be fine too. If you’re up to riding two full days to Creston, I’ll show you the best we have to offer.

Cheers
FJ

ofreen · « **Reply #23 on:** June 10, 2013, 07:28:58 AM »

Quote from: Mooshie on June 09, 2013, 12:27:50 PM

Do you have a suggestion of better road/s to get to Salem from Walla Walla (or thereabouts)?

You bet. I'll get you some suggestions when I can sit down to a PC.

Mooshie · « **Reply #24 on:** June 10, 2013, 02:25:09 PM »

FunJimmy thank you for your suggestion of an alternate route. And yes I have 2 full days to get to Creston so I will gladly take your suggestions and if you want to join in on the ride for a bit that would be wonderful as well. I am traveling through with a friend on a BMW as he doesn't think it is safe for me to ride alone.

Ofreen: thank you as well. Looking forward to what you come up with.

Stev-o · « **Reply #25 on:** June 10, 2013, 03:19:01 PM »

+1 for riding the Whistler area. Skied there a few years ago, just beautiful.

I'm sure you know this but friendly reminder: you'll need a passport to cross over.

FunJimmy · « **Reply #26 on:** June 12, 2013, 07:36:43 AM »

Here's the route suggestion.

Includes the Sea to Sky Hwy to Whistler
Duffey Lake Road
Monashee Mountains
New Denver to Kaslo
Kootney Lake

Mooshie · « **Reply #27 on:** June 12, 2013, 05:20:04 PM »

That looks wonderful Jimmy. When I get home I am going to take a closer look

Stev-o · « **Reply #28 on:** June 12, 2013, 06:32:29 PM »

Looks like a fantastic route. When is the estimated milage?

Mooshie - is this a solo trip or meeting up at some point?

Schnell · « **Reply #29 on:** June 13, 2013, 10:05:26 AM »

The icefields parkway is not to be missed. A great road. Between Jasper and Banff.

http://www.icefieldsparkway.ca/index.html

Mooshie · « **Reply #30 on:** June 13, 2013, 11:15:59 AM »

I am preparing to leave CA on July 7th. It was going to be another solo tour but a good friend of mine said he was not comfortable with me riding 4000 miles alone so he is making the trip with me. I only added BC because of this thread and other forum members so the mileage grew considerably. Ha ha. Hopefully jimmy will ride with us some of the way and of course if other members want to join in that would be welcomed.

FunJimmy · « **Reply #31 on:** June 13, 2013, 12:56:30 PM »

I'd love to ride with you in BC.
Could also meet you in Washington so you don't miss Chuckanut Drive too.

Mooshie · « **Reply #32 on:** June 13, 2013, 02:40:16 PM »

That would be great Jimmy. Where were you thinking in WA would be a good place to meet up? I will put that in my final itinerary.
I think I will call this The You Meet the Nicest People On a Honda Tour!

FunJimmy · « **Reply #33 on:** June 13, 2013, 04:16:44 PM »

Quote from: Mooshie on June 13, 2013, 02:40:16 PM

I think I will call this The You Meet the Nicest People On a Honda Tour!

Depending on what time you're coming from Port Townsend, I'd likely meet you in Oak Harbour.

andy750 · « **Reply #34 on:** June 27, 2013, 01:13:41 PM »

Mooshie when are you leaving on your trip? Waiting patiently

BTW great photos on your blog of you at the riding school - good cornering!

Mooshie · « **Reply #35 on:** June 27, 2013, 02:39:16 PM »

Planning to leave on 7/7/13 but the real ride will begin on 7/8/13. I am going to start another thread probably tonight on just that trip. Of course I will link to my blog because that is where I will be posting throughout the ride. Hoping to pick up some SOHC-4 riders along the way

Thanks for the compliment on cornering. I am trying to get more comfortable with the "lean" and Streetmasters has been kind enough to take me under their wing and help me. I have been lucky in that I took the class last year but have been able to ride with Walt Fulton and others who instruct (Rocky who is going with me on this ride is one of their instructors as well) many times since that class and have learned a lot. It helps because I was not comfortable in twisties before and now I look forward to them. I have to be proficient for when you make your way out here Andy...I need to keep up.

FunJimmy · « **Reply #36 on:** June 27, 2013, 04:21:16 PM »

Looking forward to your Canadian leg of the trip.
Could you post a link to the new thread here?

Caio
Jimmy

Stev-o · « **Reply #37 on:** June 27, 2013, 04:59:38 PM »

Quote from: FunJimmy on June 27, 2013, 04:21:16 PM

Could you post a link to the new thread here?

+1. Enjoyed reading your blog last trip.
If I can't go, reading is the next best thing.

News:

Author Topic: 2,500+ miles; 1976 CB550; one woman (Read 13368 times)