Topic: Cross Canada (B.C. to N.S) on a '73 750K

[Operator]

Well, after some encouragement from fellow members, I have decided to post here in the travel section.

Trip is a still in the planning phase, scheduled for Jul/Aug 2013. It is a joint birthday gift to me and my bike (we will both be turning 40 that spring)

Plan on shipping the bike to Vancouver, or thereabouts, and riding to Halifax. Expected duration is about 2 weeks depending on time off for work.

I have started to map a general route but will mostly be sticking to the Trans-Canada Highway, partially for nostalgic value, partially so I won't require a GPS. I can follow signs with the best of them and Canadian highways are not complicated (except in Montreal).

I am canvassing members for points of interest along or near the T.C.

I will be tenting it for most of the trip, although I have already had a few offers of a roof and a beverage (both encouraged as well).

As I progress I will post my route and schedule, as well as my kit list.

Any suggestions in regards to spare parts and such are welcome. My tool list is pretty much complete as I have a tendency to carry everything I would require for a complete teardown and rebuild whenever I travel more than 100km from home anyway. (not that I have the knowledge to actually do it, I just find it is easier to ask for help if I have all the tools)

One idea was given to a friend who did a long trip was to pack a box with clothes and spare parts and then had someone ship it to him by bus to his halfway point. I am not completely sold on this idea as I would like to be self sufficient right from the start. It is a consideration though.

Anyway, thanks for the interest and I will do my best to keep anyone who is interested up to speed on my progress.

Thanks for watching

Go Easy

Operator

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

I'd start at Victoria on Vancouver Island, head north to Nanaimo and take the ferry to Gabriola Island, stop at Seaweb's and tell Derek I said hello  Take the ferries to Vancouver.

I think you're ride will depend on how much of a straight line you wish to travel. Take more time in BC and Alberta. Beautiful mountains and scenery. Vancouver - Sea to Sky hwy to Whistler - then head to 1 - to Banff through the Park - maybe head to Jasper, tour the glacier then double back to Banff. Worth seeing twice with a different perspective each way. Take some time up to this point cause it's going to get boring compared to what you've just seen. Spend a night in Calgary before heading off into the plains. That's where the boring starts. I've been as far as Regina. Flat Plains in the middle of nowhere but you can make up some time. That's as far as I can take you. If you were to take a southern route then Crows Nest Hwy is good too. Stop in Waterton Park and maybe cross over to Glacier Park.

[Operator]

Thanks for the info

For now it all goes into the plan file to be sorted later....

[Duanob]

I'm with JRG, the islands are fantastic riding and the view from a ferry or two is pretty cool. I'm pretty partial to the west since I was born and raised here. I would spend some good time riding from the coast to the rockies and see everything you can. The Banff to Jasper parkway is probably the best ride on the planet! it's freakin' beautiful! And from what I know I think Edmonton is nicer than Calgary anyday. The you take the 16 (YellowHead?) head back to the number one just west of Winnipeg.

As far as the prairies go, it's like a stuck bandage, you know it's going to hurt but the quicker you get it over with, the better you will feel. I've never been as far as Windypeg but I'm sure the scenery picks back up by then. Have a great trip and post often, there are lot's of us that will live vicariously through you!

[gregk]

ive been through both the major routes thru BC and i have another recommendation.  Vancouver to Ashcroft via # 1 (and maybe catch some drag races at Ashcroft) then to Kamloops and Vernon via # 97.  Vernon to New Denver via # 6.  New Denver to Balfour  ( # 31 and 31A)  cross Kootenay lake via the ferry ( free) and south on # 3A to Creston.  This section # 3A was voted as the " best bike road " in BC. 
you can then travel north to Cranbrook and Golden to get to the Icefields parkway ( road between Banff and Jasper) 
Like everyone alse has said, the rest gets a little boring - and I was born in the prairies! 
Stop by on your way thru.

greg

[seaweb11]

You are welcome here for a night or 2.   Problem is you won't want to leave 

Ask Jerry

[Operator]

Thanks for all the suggestions and highway options. On the most part the Trans Canada #1 will be by route, but I am sure there will be a couple of detours along the way.

My biggest issue is that I will not have a huge amount of time (2 wks)
I would love to have twice that but work will not allow.

I'm looking at about 375-400 Kms a day which gives me some leeway when it comes to things like possible breakdowns and the occasional "day off". I am sure there will be times when I just need to stop rolling for a day.

And yes Seaweb, I am planning a stop on Gabriola....just because you invited me. 

[jneuf]

Depending on how much time you have, I mapped out a decent route for you to get through Manitoba (would be much more scenic than taking the boring #1 highway)....plus, some great campgrounds/lakes/national and provincial parks along the way! Most people know Manitoba as the #1 highway, because that is the quick way through...However, north of the #1 it's really a beautiful Province...lots, and lots of beautiful lakes....

This route through the Province is about 650-700 kms...which might be more time than you planned on spending in Manitoba, however, it would make for more of an exciting trip...If you're looking for some company along the way, I'd be more than happy to join you on the trip through the Province!

[Operator]

jneuf

Thanks for the map

It will be added to the planning wall as it looks like it would take some of the boredom out of that part of the trip.

[Magpie]

If you're planning a stop in Victoria, we have room for you.
Cliff.

[jneuf]

jneuf

Thanks for the map

It will be added to the planning wall as it looks like it would take some of the boredom out of that part of the trip.

No problem at all! However, if you do happen to make the trip through MB on the #1 and stop in Winnipeg, you're definitely welcome at my place.

[BeSeeingYou]

I would recommend Highway 17 out of Sudbury to Sault Ste Marie then over the top of Superior to Thunder Bay and on to Kenora where you can pick up jneuf's route.  For a little side trip I would suggest turning south on Highway 6 about 50 kilometers west of Sudbury to the town of Little Current on Manitoulin Island.  Spend the night here so you can tour around the island the next day.  Great little town, I love it there and the island is very nice too.  Highly recommended.
Rossport at the top of Superior is a tiny little town that you may miss as it is on a little side spur a mile off the highway.  Stop in for lunch and take a break at the small town dock and gab with the sailors who may be tied up there.  I may even be there as we always stop in here on our sailing trips to that part of the Lake.

[Operator]

srust,

Thanks for the info, I have done the tour of Manitoulin by car but not on a bike, my biggest planning issues are from BC to the ON/MB border. Everything east of MB I know like the back of my hand but have yet to set foot westward. My reasoning for starting in BC is so that from the moment I start, I am heading home...provides a little more motivation to maintain a schedule. That and hopefully my wife will meet me in ON and finish the last leg with me.

[FunJimmy]

ive been through both the major routes thru BC and i have another recommendation.  Vancouver to Ashcroft via # 1 (and maybe catch some drag races at Ashcroft) then to Kamloops and Vernon via # 97.  Vernon to New Denver via # 6.  New Denver to Balfour  ( # 31 and 31A)  cross Kootenay lake via the ferry ( free) and south on # 3A to Creston.  This section # 3A was voted as the " best bike road " in BC. 
you can then travel north to Cranbrook and Golden to get to the Icefields parkway ( road between Banff and Jasper) 
Like everyone alse has said, the rest gets a little boring - and I was born in the prairies! 
Stop by on your way thru.

greg

Greg's got it nailed with this route. You'll get the best of the best and not compromise your schedule as much as the alternatives. If you need a guide, I’m your guy. I can get you from Vancouver to Creston in two (fairly long but unforgettable) days.

You don’t need no stinkin camp ground, you have in invite to stay at our place in Vancouver as well, and if I can help with a shipping destination for the bike, just let me know.

Cheers
FJ

[Operator]

Thanks FJ,

I may take you up on this as I will likely ship the bike in advance a few days. I want to make sure it is there before I get there. I would hate to lose a few days of traveling(vacation) time sitting at a loading station waiting for a delayed rail car.

[FunJimmy]

Thanks FJ,

I may take you up on this as I will likely ship the bike in advance a few days. I want to make sure it is there before I get there. I would hate to lose a few days of traveling(vacation) time sitting at a loading station waiting for a delayed rail car.

Yup, I hear you. You can have it shipped to my work.
There is a full time shipper/receiver there with a fork lift (if required) and it would be kept in a heated warehouse till you arrive for your trip.

Just let me know.

[Operator]

FJ,

You just got nominated to be my new best friend!

What kind of business is it? I am starting to look into the most cost effective (and safest) method to get the bike out there in one piece. Maybe your shipping/receiving staff could provide some insight.

Thanks again for the offer.

Operator/Jason

[FunJimmy]

Jason

Are you familiar with the Destination Highways series of books?

Several years ago, these guys set out to ride every road in B.C. and rate them based on a criteria of six different elements.

Twistieness   # value/30
Pavement      # value/20
Engineering    # value/10
Remoteness   # value/10
Scenery        # value/15
Character     # value/15

The final ratings are added up and the appropriate designation is given to that route. DH1 or Destination Highway #1 is given to highway 3A from Kootney Bay to Creston and was suggested by Greg several posts back.

Since publishing the B.C. edition several years ago, the Destination Highways team have mapped out Washington, Oregon and Northern California.

I would certainly suggest ordering the B.C. edition for your planning purposes or at least check out their web site at http://www.destinationhighways.com.

Cheers
FJ

[gregk]

The final ratings are added up and the appropriate designation is given to that route. DH1 or Destination Highway #1 is given to highway 3A from Kootney Bay to Creston and was suggested by Greg several posts back.


FJ

i am fortunate enough to live on the east side of the mountains from this road.  We use it as part of a Sunday ride.  The surface has been upgraded and is super smooth now, but you can also get caught behind someone with a motor home and a boat trailer and it makes for a slow ride as there is no provision for passing.  It is a very busy road during the summer months and traffic can be neverending with the ferry crossing to Balfour.  This tends to dump a whole load of cars on to the road at one time. 
Don't get me wrong, it's a great ride, just take your time and enjoy the scenery.  Or ride it in the spring or fall when the traffic has died down.

[FunJimmy]

i am fortunate enough to live on the east side of the mountains from this road.  We use it as part of a Sunday ride.  The surface has been upgraded and is super smooth now, but you can also get caught behind someone with a motor home and a boat trailer and it makes for a slow ride as there is no provision for passing.  It is a very busy road during the summer months and traffic can be neverending with the ferry crossing to Balfour.  This tends to dump a whole load of cars on to the road at one time.  
Don't get me wrong, it's a great ride, just take your time and enjoy the scenery.  Or ride it in the spring or fall when the traffic has died down.

Greg

Sounds like it's time for some HP motor work to make short order of those double yellow passes.  

That or a short break to allow the traffic to get a long way down the road before setting off to reel them back in again.

FJ

[Cqyqte]

After having seen the movie "One Week" I too have had the urge to make that trek from East to West.  I live in Toronto essentially and would have to trailer it from there to the East coast then ride to Victoria.  I have nothing stopping me as I am retired and have the time.  I however, am not looking at being constrained by 2 weeks as 500 km days can really take there toll.

I wish you all the best and will watch this planning thread and maybe just maybe run along beside you.

[Operator]

After having seen the movie "One Week" I too have had the urge to make that trek from East to West.  I live in Toronto essentially and would have to trailer it from there to the East coast then ride to Victoria.  I have nothing stopping me as I am retired and have the time.  I however, am not looking at being constrained by 2 weeks as 500 km days can really take there toll.

I wish you all the best and will watch this planning thread and maybe just maybe run along beside you.

I definitely plan an going through the Toronto area, it is my home town after all, as part of the big trip, but I am hoping to be on a course for 3 weeks in May/June timeframe just outside of Barrie. We may have to get together for a ride or two.

[754]

Those 500K days, do take their toll.. takes FOUREVER to get any distance...

 Even on a rigid frame I would have a hard time only doing 500 a day..

 Better to do 7-900 or more and stop for a day or two when you feel like it.. like hanging out in the OKanagon Valley..

[Tom in Newcastle......Ontario]

Operator/Jason.............just a thought , take members phone numbers(that are along your route) with you.

I'm east of Toronto(Newcastle,35/115 and 401,along #2),and have a trailer........,no 750 parts but may be able to help in a breakdown..


Tom

[Operator]

Operator/Jason.............just a thought , take members phone numbers(that are along your route) with you.

I'm east of Toronto(Newcastle,35/115 and 401,along #2),and have a trailer........,no 750 parts but may be able to help in a breakdown..


Tom

Thanks for the offer, hopefully I won't need the trailer, but I will likely be looking for company along the way.

I think we've all been there, at least I have been, after a while it's sometimes nice to just ride alongside another bike for a few kliks. If it happens to be another SOHC, all the better........

As far as the phone numbers go, I am going to wait until a couple of months before takeoff to do that as things change, people move, and members come and go.

I do however have faith there will be more than enough fellow Canucks still around at that time to help guide me through our beautiful landscape.

Thank You for all the offers along the way so far, and I am nowhere near departure yet. From the offers so far it looks like I will be couch surfing more than camping. I am beginning to wonder if the tent is just going to be extra weight.