Travelin Man
Member
I'm new to this forum, purchasing a 2011 FJR ABS in February and, due to all the rain in the NorthWest (no complaints, everywhere else is burning up), finally got to take my all time favorite ride on the new FJR last week. 750 miles round trip over 3 days from Woodinville, WA. and the FJR performed like a dream under diverse terrain (2 mountain passes, extreme twisties, some sections of gravel), the bike took whatever the road threw at her although a new seat is already under serious contemplation if it doesn't get more comfortable within the next 500 miles.
Day 1: Easy Day_180 miles of great road, little traffic, and gentle twisties_Depart Woodinville, WA. and travel up to Hope, British Columbia. Took Chuckanut Drive up from Mt. Vernon to Bellingham and then crossed the U.S./Canada border at Sumas where the real ride begins through the Frasier River valley on excellent roads, lots of available stops, and glimpses of the mountains that you'll be crossing on day 2. From the U.S./Canada Border, take Hwy 11-East to Hope, British Columbia. In Hope, there are many basic/affordable hotels and camping options available......the town is bike friendly and hosts a summer bike rally each year.
Day 2: Only 260 miles but a long day in riding hours (Up to 7-1/2 hours) while the scenery rewards those that take the risk of remote areas and varied road conditions. Take Hwy 1 from Hope, British Columbia up to Cache Creek, to Lillooet, and ending the day at Whistler, site of the last Winter Olmpics. Most of this ride is in a very remote area and I saw bear, deer, and elk within the first 1-1/2 hours of morning riding. From Cache Creek, take Hwy 99 South to Lillooet, and then Hwy 99 to Whistler and call it a day. While 260 miles doesn't seem like much on an FJR, the going can be slow as you go through 2 mountain passes while the journey takes you through high mountain dessert, sweeping valleys, gentle curves along the Frasier River, ending up in a world class (and expensive) resort town. While road conditions are generally good except for the last leg, minor rock slides and wildlife (Big wildlife, as in Elk) on the road are common so you need to be on your best behavior. The most challenging section is the last, from Lilleoot to Whistler. While this final leg is only 82 miles, it can take you up to 2-1/2 hours (that's riding time, no breaks)as there are challenging twisties (some of which are 300+ degree turns), single pass wood bridges, and the risk of getting behind slow traffic is likely. The reward is sweeping vistas, high desert, and mountain views that make the fatigue more than worth it. This ride is not for those with a fear of heights as you follow some very steep cliffs on portions of the ride. The area truly is remote and there is no cell phone coverage in much of this day's ride so keep an eye on your gas tank and fill-up before you really think you need to.
Day 3: Return home to Woodinville, Washington from Whistler, British Columbia_250 Miles: Leave Whistler on Hwy 99 South toward the border toward Vancouver on the Sea to Sky Hwy, one of the most scenic Hwy's in Canada. Outstanding road with gentle curves, lots of options for gas & breaks as the journey brings you past rivers, waterfalls, and the ocean always on the right. Choose your favorite ride home as you make your way south of the Canadian border. Whidbey Island was my route of choice as I wasn't quite ready for big cities and the ferry ride back to Edmonds sounded great. This final day is a great way to work out the stiffness from the prior day's challenge.
Highly recommend this ride as it puts the FJR to the test (twisties, elevation gain, and varied surfaces, all of which demand quick response, sure handling, and a big gas-tank). I am even happier with my FJR after this ride than when I first got it, except for that nagging seat issue to which I welcome suggestions if I'm to cheap to buy the Russell seats that seem so popular on this forum ;-)
Day 1: Easy Day_180 miles of great road, little traffic, and gentle twisties_Depart Woodinville, WA. and travel up to Hope, British Columbia. Took Chuckanut Drive up from Mt. Vernon to Bellingham and then crossed the U.S./Canada border at Sumas where the real ride begins through the Frasier River valley on excellent roads, lots of available stops, and glimpses of the mountains that you'll be crossing on day 2. From the U.S./Canada Border, take Hwy 11-East to Hope, British Columbia. In Hope, there are many basic/affordable hotels and camping options available......the town is bike friendly and hosts a summer bike rally each year.
Day 2: Only 260 miles but a long day in riding hours (Up to 7-1/2 hours) while the scenery rewards those that take the risk of remote areas and varied road conditions. Take Hwy 1 from Hope, British Columbia up to Cache Creek, to Lillooet, and ending the day at Whistler, site of the last Winter Olmpics. Most of this ride is in a very remote area and I saw bear, deer, and elk within the first 1-1/2 hours of morning riding. From Cache Creek, take Hwy 99 South to Lillooet, and then Hwy 99 to Whistler and call it a day. While 260 miles doesn't seem like much on an FJR, the going can be slow as you go through 2 mountain passes while the journey takes you through high mountain dessert, sweeping valleys, gentle curves along the Frasier River, ending up in a world class (and expensive) resort town. While road conditions are generally good except for the last leg, minor rock slides and wildlife (Big wildlife, as in Elk) on the road are common so you need to be on your best behavior. The most challenging section is the last, from Lilleoot to Whistler. While this final leg is only 82 miles, it can take you up to 2-1/2 hours (that's riding time, no breaks)as there are challenging twisties (some of which are 300+ degree turns), single pass wood bridges, and the risk of getting behind slow traffic is likely. The reward is sweeping vistas, high desert, and mountain views that make the fatigue more than worth it. This ride is not for those with a fear of heights as you follow some very steep cliffs on portions of the ride. The area truly is remote and there is no cell phone coverage in much of this day's ride so keep an eye on your gas tank and fill-up before you really think you need to.
Day 3: Return home to Woodinville, Washington from Whistler, British Columbia_250 Miles: Leave Whistler on Hwy 99 South toward the border toward Vancouver on the Sea to Sky Hwy, one of the most scenic Hwy's in Canada. Outstanding road with gentle curves, lots of options for gas & breaks as the journey brings you past rivers, waterfalls, and the ocean always on the right. Choose your favorite ride home as you make your way south of the Canadian border. Whidbey Island was my route of choice as I wasn't quite ready for big cities and the ferry ride back to Edmonds sounded great. This final day is a great way to work out the stiffness from the prior day's challenge.
Highly recommend this ride as it puts the FJR to the test (twisties, elevation gain, and varied surfaces, all of which demand quick response, sure handling, and a big gas-tank). I am even happier with my FJR after this ride than when I first got it, except for that nagging seat issue to which I welcome suggestions if I'm to cheap to buy the Russell seats that seem so popular on this forum ;-)
