Opinions on this Route?

[ricks.06]

I am leaving in a few weeks for a 3 week jaunt from ATL through the Black Hills, Glacier, Idaho, BC and back. Any suggestions on this route would be much appreciated.

 

[HIGHLANDER]

Why Vancouver and REALLY why Prince George ?

I'd head north from Glacier, through Kaloomps / cental BC ( best roads and scenery ) and head east to the Icefied Parkway.

 

[canucklehead-biker]

Looks like a helluva ride. Any particular occasion, or just because it's there?

Can't comment much on the first few legs. After Rushmore, the road up through the Black Hills to Deadwood is nice. Looks like you've got the Beartooth penciled in, which is definitely worth it.

Assume Glacier includes the Going to the Sun road (lots of construction, expect delays). Slow, but the views are well worth it.

Hwy 20 through the Cascades is beautiful. Be aware that they impound vehicles for doing 40 kph over the limit in BC. That means 130 kph on most of the route there will get you on foot. They've been impounding bikes all summer for being too "spirited".

From Vancouver, I'd take 99 up through Whistler and on to Lilloet and Pavilion, then 97 to Prince George (looks like that's what you've got planned). From Jasper, you can come south on the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise and Banff then head east, unless you have a reason to be in Edmonton. The stretch from Edmonton to WInnipeg is boring as hell, unless you like bald-assed prairie. Not many options though if you're coming back through Canada.

Watch out for moose between Winnipeg (well, Kenora really) and Thunder Bay. They are almost as plentiful as the mosquitoes, only they hurt more when you hit them.

Hope this helps

Griff

 

[jhedges]

You might consider going up the West side of Michigan, up the U.P. and around, instead of going through Chicago. That looks like a great trip.

I can see why Vancouver, it appears to be a great place.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

I am leaving in a few weeks for a 3 week jaunt from ATL through the Black Hills, Glacier, Idaho, BC and back. Any suggestions on this route would be much appreciated.

...and REALLY why Prince George ?...cental BC ( best roads and scenery ) and head east to the Icefied Parkway.

Looks like a helluva ride. Any particular occasion, or just because it's there? From Vancouver, I'd take 99 up through Whistler and on to Lilloet...

The stretch from Edmonton to WInnipeg is boring as hell, unless you like bald-assed prairie. Not many options though if you're coming back through Canada.

Watch out for moose between Winnipeg (well, Kenora really) and Thunder Bay. They are almost as plentiful as the mosquitoes, only they hurt more when you hit them.

You might consider ... the U.P. and around, instead of going through Chicago.

You must have your reasons for the stops on your itinerary...?

But, I agree with some who ask why? Edmonton is out there -- and all across western Canada may test your sanity? :blink: Although pretty/scenic (in a woodsy way), the warning advice about the Kenora to Thunder Bay leg is to be heeded.

So, 3 weeks? That's a route that'll use it up...

Just makes some wonder, tho -- why Winner SD? Why Canadian emptiness? Why Milwaukee/Chicago?

Good luck on your long ride.

 

[ricks.06]

Looks like a helluva ride. Any particular occasion, or just because it's there?

Can't comment much on the first few legs. After Rushmore, the road up through the Black Hills to Deadwood is nice. Looks like you've got the Beartooth penciled in, which is definitely worth it.

Assume Glacier includes the Going to the Sun road (lots of construction, expect delays). Slow, but the views are well worth it.

Hwy 20 through the Cascades is beautiful. Be aware that they impound vehicles for doing 40 kph over the limit in BC. That means 130 kph on most of the route there will get you on foot. They've been impounding bikes all summer for being too "spirited".

From Vancouver, I'd take 99 up through Whistler and on to Lilloet and Pavilion, then 97 to Prince George (looks like that's what you've got planned). From Jasper, you can come south on the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise and Banff then head east, unless you have a reason to be in Edmonton. The stretch from Edmonton to WInnipeg is boring as hell, unless you like bald-assed prairie. Not many options though if you're coming back through Canada.

Watch out for moose between Winnipeg (well, Kenora really) and Thunder Bay. They are almost as plentiful as the mosquitoes, only they hurt more when you hit them.

Hope this helps

Griff

Just cuz it's there. I've done Yellowstone and Beartooth several times (awesome). BC once, but never the Black Hills. Looking forward to that area, since it will al be new. I try to take 3-4 weeks off a year for a longer ride. Next year is Prudoe Bay!

Thanks for the tips!

Why Vancouver and REALLY why Prince George ?

I'd head north from Glacier, through Kaloomps / cental BC ( best roads and scenery ) and head east to the Icefied Parkway.

Great suggestions! I'll pull out the map tonight.

 

[ricks.06]

I am leaving in a few weeks for a 3 week jaunt from ATL through the Black Hills, Glacier, Idaho, BC and back. Any suggestions on this route would be much appreciated.

...and REALLY why Prince George ?...cental BC ( best roads and scenery ) and head east to the Icefied Parkway.

Looks like a helluva ride. Any particular occasion, or just because it's there? From Vancouver, I'd take 99 up through Whistler and on to Lilloet...

The stretch from Edmonton to WInnipeg is boring as hell, unless you like bald-assed prairie. Not many options though if you're coming back through Canada.

Watch out for moose between Winnipeg (well, Kenora really) and Thunder Bay. They are almost as plentiful as the mosquitoes, only they hurt more when you hit them.

You might consider ... the U.P. and around, instead of going through Chicago.

You must have your reasons for the stops on your itinerary...?

But, I agree with some who ask why? Edmonton is out there -- and all across western Canada may test your sanity? :blink: Although pretty/scenic (in a woodsy way), the warning advice about the Kenora to Thunder Bay leg is to be heeded.

So, 3 weeks? That's a route that'll use it up...

Just makes some wonder, tho -- why Winner SD? Why Canadian emptiness? Why Milwaukee/Chicago?

Good luck on your long ride.

The only "must see" is the Black Hills area, since I haven't been there and Glacier. My riding buddy threw the map out a few weeks ago and I'm finally getting around to reading it carefully. I have seen BC so I may suggest that we swing south from Idaho and go through Moab. Haven't been there in years. Another guy is flying out and renting and wants to stop in Coeur d'alene for a round of golf . I'll do some local riding that day. After that, no set plans. I'm open for anything.

 

[twistedcricket]

Double check your crossings from SD to NE and NE to IA. Some of those roads may still be closed to flooding. The bridge at Decatur, NE in to Onawa, IA has a wire-deck and costs $.75 to traverse. (exact change appreciated by the old dude at the gate) That appears to be the crossing, as far as I can tell from the map. You can cross there still, I think, or you could dip further south to Blair, NE and cross the USHWY 30 bridge (I just rode that yesterday, it's open).

If you'd like to avoid slab in IA let me know. There are some nice county roads to ride.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Stay the hell away from Chicago.

There, I just saved your trip.

 

[beemerdons]

Stay the hell away from Chicago.

There, I just saved your trip.

+1, Gunny; Good Call, Wheatie! Have Fun ricks.06, ride safe and show us the photos!

Stop at the boyhood home of Old Michael in Manitoba, an FJR Forum Historic Shrine!

 

[HaulinAshe]

The price you will pay for the painful traverse across the midwest, earns you the reward of better roads and scenery than your upward leg dictates.

If you can swing the time, I'd go west across southern Kansas and then run north through Colorado. Two days in Colorado, perhaps including Rocky Mountain Park, will make the entire trip worthwhile.

Personally, if I had to choose between the Black Hills of SD and even one day in Colorado... Colorado wins every time. But I think you can do both with one extra day of travel time.

Your route going West, is very close to a route I used coming back East in 2009. Here's a satellite view for you. Just look how close you will be to some truly awesome riding! Just 1-2 days further south on the way out is my vote.

 

[wheatonFJR]

^^^^ Wise words from the Ashe Hauler....

 

[ricks.06]

Awesome feedback fellas. The only reason I am heading through the Black Hills is because I havent done it. I have been all over Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and etc.

Got some friends in Chicago that I was going to visit., but I may fly up after I get home. Other than the few listed highlights, I am wide open.

Keep the suggestions coming! Thanks

 

[UHOH]

What a great ride. PM sent.

enjoy. super route as is. if my suggestions help - great.

hope for a concluding trip report to read / watch.