I might be heading that direction next weekend from Calgary. Just a bit shell shocked at the cost =) (still broke from traveling)

If I ride out there I will be doing it all offroad from Longview to Crawford bay going over 5 mountain passes if anybody is interested. The last leg of the trip will be taking the spectacular 31 to Kaslo then across and up to Nakusp at the blistering speed of 100km/hr. (as fast as I go on my bike)

Those who want to join should be well versed in technical dual sporting. My return trip will be taking some unknown trails which adds to excitement and adventure.

Hi Shibby,

Sounds like a great trip. Just an FYI, a lot of the usual logging roads in the Kootenays are still being brought into operating condition after all the rain and flooding in June. They are behind, but slowly fixing the roads as the summer wears on.

For your route, the road from Kimberley to Gray Creek is technically closed or at least it was a couple of weeks ago when I rode up there. You will have to ignore some signs, ride through a gate, and will see a couple of spots where the road has been washed out a bit and a fairly short section has sagged 18 inches or so. Highway 31 had one section down to one lane but I would guess that it's probably fine by now. Main route travel is pretty much fine, but some of the logging roads used to access some of the more remote hikes in the area are still not open. Happy travels.

Thanks for the info. I knew Grey Creek Pass had some slide debri and washout from run-off, but wasn't aware road work started. I know last year they were closed to and were fine with a few bikes going through... Well, by fine they allowed it. Only so much you can say to determined people =)

Some of the other passes are being cleared as well, and others I anticipate to be good as I've had friends already do them.

I'm still at 50/50 with the trip, but I wouldn't mind heading out that way even if it wasn't to the meeting.

Smoky the bear says watch out for fires!!!
 

If you are going back roads, keep your eye open on the fire alerts, and be prepared to divert to an alternate route.
http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/Wild...ws/OneFire.asp

Two years ago we had to re-route our planned trip back to Vancouver Island due to some big smoke around Vernon, and apparently there was another fire near Vernon again just recently.

With the VERY hot/dry weather this year [ ? Global Warming ?] major forest fires almost anywhere in BC are a distinct possibility.

Good luck on your "overland" route ... sounds exciting.
TTFN
LAZ 1
[;{)

Fire is rarely an issue. I've been doing these trails for years now. Just a way more exciting way to get where you want to go.

Only issue is snow, avy debri, and washouts. Possibly high run-off rivers but for the most part there are bridges.

Edm /Calgary group
 

We've got a group of about 5-7 riders coming from Edm/Calgary. Departing Calgary on Thursday morning, going to give Grey Creek a shot on the way to Nakusp.

Sulphur creek
 

If you are coming across Hwy 3, consider turning off jus north of Fernie on the Dicken Road, then immediate right onto Hartley Road which turns into Sulphur Creek road. Gives you a cross mountain route to Marysville/Kimberley. Hooks up with the Bull River road. Tis a nice route that adds non slab on the run towards Gray Creek...
S

Edmonton,Calgary group
 

Hey rob1313,
Just pulling together my last minute plans to head to Nakusp and noticed your post. GCP was one of my goals a few weeks back when I was in the area
but all the info I was getting said that it was at best only passable with a dirt bike or quads with winches, not a fully loaded tiger 800xc. I am planning to head out from Edmonton area on Wed. afternoon and stay with a buddy in Cochrane, heading out for Nakusp early thursday am. Likely would have just headed on the Trans Canada to Revy then onto the ferry and Nakusp.A 3hr traffic jam through Rogers pass 10 days ago on the way to Whistler and a group going in from the south could get me to change my route.Have you got info that confirms Grey creek pass is now open? and would you allow a HU newb to join your group? I'm just entering my registration today!!
Cheers,
Gary

Check the Grey Creek Pass on ADVrider for up to date info.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=360569

Might want to skip to the end.

Good Day All;

Tracey and I will be heading out from Calgary on Wed mid-afternoon if anyone else wants to ride along.

We are on the Ural, so not spectacularly fast!

Looking forward to the weekend. We are speaking about our sidecar ride to Argentina as well as a 'philosophy of cooking' and 'Around the world on 12 kilos' Traceys' take on how and what to pack.

Cheers
Miles and Tracey

Btdt
 

Shibby,
I had read that report on ADV (probably after I posted here) and that is encouraging news. Likely will not attempt by myself with a loaded Tiger and stock rubber on the way to Nakusp without dated photo evidence or a BC forestrty verbal good to go. I wrestled my loaded KLR up an embankment where there once was a bridge on the Atlas haul road last summer. Not fun with an older model abused lower back.

:rofl:

I hear ya! Remember you can always air down if you haven't already to get you out of somewhere ulgy. You could ride a bike at 7 PSI no problem, just watch out for harsh pumps that might flat you and always be prepared to fix a flat.

Most people think they have to run 30PSI offroad which is ridiculous. Airing down to even 16/17 PSI will make a HUGE difference and you can still rail bumps without issues (always run HD tubes). I prefer 12-13f and 10-12r and a sub 350-400lb machine. I know a lot of people go much lower then me too!

Unless I can find a dog sitter for this weekend it's looking unlikely I'll make the event. Can't seem to get my friends involved either because they are going to Baja again in October. Sadly I can't afford that type of fun again.

For a Tiger and easy riding I'd also suggest Sulphur/Hartley pass. It's a road and even a motorhome can drive it if it could make the corners. From there you can head to Cranbrook/Kimberly or for a slightly longer route you can go up the bull river FSR towards Monroe and Whiteswan. Scenic ride for sure and once again as easy as it gets. Free natural hot springs for a mid day soak if that interests you too (Lasiuer?). Slab it down to Kimberly and you can take the Grey Creek or keep slabbing it around.

Thanks
 

Thanks Shibby, I'll do some research on the routes you suggest and if I don't do them this week solo, I'll Be sure to check them out on my next trips. one way or another I have to wear out this stock Rubber so I can get some 50/50 tires on the XC. What with retail price of the bike and all the Farkles I can't justify switching out relatively new tires yet. I am with you on the pressure drop thinking what with my motocross and cycling background there is no doubt that it works,I just tend to be to lazy or into what I'm doing to do it
proactively most times.:mchappy:

OK, this is it! I'm leaving from Victoria tomorrow morning (Wednesday, Aug 22).

The "plan" (I use the term very lightly) is to get out of the big smog, aka Vancouver as quickly as I can. Then up the Coquihalla Highway to exit 228 where I'm hoping to take the Tulameen FSR down to the Tulameen River road into Coalmont. Then make my way to the Okanagan area and try for some "traverses" along the logging roads to connect with the logging roads north of Grand Forks to Edgewood.

Anyway, that's the general idea and not something solid.

If anyone is in these areas around the same time, I wouldn't mind the company. Otherwise it'll just be me, Ellie (my 650GS) and the bears :-)


...Michelle
www.scrabblebiker.com

PLAN B ... Overnighting in Vancouver and earlty start Wed AM
 

Michelle,
call me on my cell,
maybe we can ride together from Van to points west,
or at least meet up in Hope for lunch at HOME restaurant??
Larry Z