Riding beautiful British Columbia & posting from the road...

[eye.surgeon]

This week is our annual summer trip to British Columbia, staying at my parents' 'cabin' on Mara Lake. My kids love it.



It also happens to be the epicenter of some great riding. It's pretty much equidistant from both the rugged coast to the west, and Banff and Jasper to the east. In between there is plenty of fun stuff as well. Today I rode to Nakusp, on a hidden jewel of a road called hwy 23 that I haven't been on since I was a teenager riding a Honda VFR interceptor. Serviced only by a ferry, the road is virtually abandoned riding west, in between the cluster of cars getting off the ferry at the top of each hour.

This my ride for the day. My 74 year old fathers Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 1500. A far cry from my usual ride, with handling and brakes that border on the frightening, but enough torque to tow a boat and an extremely comfortable ride that will idle at highway speeds all day long. I can definitely see the appeal of the big cruiser even though it's not my ride of choice.



The road surface is excellent and cars are far between, mostly logging trucks. Notice the glacier.



The scenery is truly breathtaking.


Passing the chalet at 3 Valley Gap. Switzerland anyone?



The rail line that made BC possible...



Much of the water here glacial, rich in minerals and a striking emerald color.



Picture endless roads like these all to yourself...





Blanket creek...





Being on a cruiser I took these roads at about 70% my normal GT speed, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Smelling the roses a little more.


Made it back to the cabin for lunch, about 200 miles round trip.
Some good riding today. I'll be here another 5 days so hopefully I'll put on a few more miles.

[2on2off]

Rod:

Now thats a road to ride. I hope to be up that way in September.

I couldn't find Mara Lake or 3 Valley Gap on my map but I was able to find Nakusp, highway 23 and Blanket Creek.

It looks like 23 goes a little further north and then dead ends. Does 23 eventually turn to dirt or dead end? I marked what I thought was your ride in green which is about 100 miles one way.

Keep the post coming. I'm collecting roads I want to ride when in Canada and this looks like an especially good ride. Thanks for the great pics of what is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to ride anywhere.

[eye.surgeon]

Hi Jim, this is the fun part of the ride I took today--



It doesn't really take you from anywhere to anywhere, but it wouldn't be hard to hit it as you are riding the transcanada highway, as it's right off that. As you are going, for example, from the coast to ride highway 93 from Banff to Jasper which is absolutely awesome, this is just a turn off the road. The ferry is free as well .

If you haven't already, you may want to look through helmetdance's article here on his rides into western Canada as he has a detailed route that looks delicious. The article is awesome as well. I agree with you that BC has some amazing riding and the people here are great.

[2on2off]

Thanks for the info Rod. The article from Helmetdance will be very useful in planning.

Have a great time in B.C.

Originally Posted by eye.surgeon

Hi Jim, this is the fun part of the ride I took today--



It doesn't really take you from anywhere to anywhere, but it wouldn't be hard to hit it as you are riding the transcanada highway, as it's right off that. As you are going, for example, from the coast to ride highway 93 from Banff to Jasper which is absolutely awesome, this is just a turn off the road. The ferry is free as well .

If you haven't already, you may want to look through helmetdance's article here on his rides into western Canada as he has a detailed route that looks delicious. The article is awesome as well. I agree with you that BC has some amazing riding and the people here are great.

[ZTS-Ceptor]

eye surgeon ..... we are out there every year and your right the roads and scenery are always beautiful ....... Three Valley Gap is approx 20km west of Revelstoke BC Threevalley Gap

The hotel is beautiful and if you get a chance they have helicopter rides there too .... worth a ride if you the time and a little extra cash

[matthewp]

Nice report Rod! Great way to spend your vacation, some on the bike but a good bit with the family. Very nice.

[eojmo]

Great pictures Rod, I 'm going to be located in Victoria BC for a year starting sept and hope to pick up a bike in the first few weeks.I'll be looking for something with bag's and suitable for long distance cruising,maybe even a Vulcan to travel these fantastic roads and a lot more of Canada. The scenery is breathtaking,my only challenge will be adapting to the cold weather after the warmth of Aus.