Ride to British Columbia

I'm hoping to ride from central Minnesota to British Columbia next summer (2011). I've made a couple of longer distance rides both from Minnesota to Bozeman Mt. Yellowstone and all that. I'd like to reach the Pacific and go through the Canadian Rockies. Just looking for any of you who may have encountered unusual things or situations that I should watch out for or I can prepare for. Thanks

3 things to be prepared for: heat, cold, and traffic.
The high plains of Montana can get into the 100's during the day and the mountain passes below freezing at night. Same for the interior of BC. You might want to take the Trans-Canada highway through the Rockies from Calgary to Vancouver. If you like a wild west good time, hit the Calgary Stampede in July. There will be lots of RV's, motorhomes, and trailers both in the US and Canada. If you're not in a hurry, enjoy the scenery and the friendliness of your northern neighbours.

I to think the temperature extremes will be the biggest issue you will have to deal with. I think you have made some long distance trips in the past so you are probably very familiar with packing for the trip.

Temp extremes can be dealt with by layering, but that adds a little bit of bulk to the packing.

The biggest thing is the weather changes . I went from to hot ,to rain to to hot to cold all inside of 3 hrs . Make sure you have good rain gear . I also spent 1hr baking in the sun waiting to get threw construction . It is very scenic though and well worth the inconveniences . The silver wing handles the Mountains no problem .

Thank all of you and keep the cards and letters coming. Yes I've dealt with the weather extremes already. Any advice on things to carry. I'm sure you may have a simple suggestion or two that could come in very handy.

First thing that comes to mind is a cel-phone, but there are likely to be areas that you travel through that have no coverage. There is a neat product "SPOT Messenger" http://www.findmespot.com/en/ that could be quite handy, although it comes with a subscription price if you get some of it's more useable features.

Resist the urge (not a need, in my opinion) to carry or "tow" a tool box and a spare parts store. A couple of screw drivers, an adjustable wrench, and a set of hex keys are all I've ever carried, been used once, in error, it is after all a Honda. If, for your piece of mind - a tire patch kit and some way to inflate (CO2 or small inflator, Something like: http://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt-250-psi-compact-air-compressor-4077.html ). Accidents can happen and things can break - have some cash.

Kim and I also travel with our computer and some other electronics. Some hotels do not provide enough outlets so we carry a small extension cord that permits us to charge things at night. I've just realized our vice is the electronics we carry instead of tools.

nomad,

I recalled a discussion from a while back that provided some good long distance riding tips.

https://www.silverwing600.com/rides-and-stories-f10/preparing-for-a-long-distance-trip-t324.htm#2376

You might want to consider a Russell seat (although I really don't qualify to give advice on long-distance travel since I have never done that). I'm going to call them this week & see if they can cut me a break since it's late fall/winter. They guarantee you'll ride comfortably or your money back, and they mean it.

Jim A

jimmyjohn wrote:

You might want to consider a Russell seat (although I really don't qualify to give advice on long-distance travel since I have never done that).
Jim A

I have, and I have both "stock" and Russell Day Long comparison on one of my BMW's. There is no real reason not to have a Day Long. Since they make them on the pan from your bike, it will fit when you get it back. (as opposed to the competition from Hollister).

I rode to the west coast from the middle of Colorado and back home on the stock seat. While it was very comfortable for the first day (about 400 miles) it got more and more like a thinly padded 2x8 board as the days wore on.

That convinced me that a Day Long was needed.

The second long trip was from home to Friedricksburg, Texas. This time we were two up. This time was on a Day Long. Neither of us had any complaints. Nuff said.

When the second BMW became a Swing, I immediately sent the stock seat to Russell and got a Day Long back. While my long distance days are probably behind me, the Day Long is still the best place for my butt.

:flower:

(Note to Dale: Remove the )) on your harbor freight link for it to work.)

My personal favorite for tire repair are slime products. In particular a smaller compressor:

Slime Tire Inflator You can usually find it for around $25 online.

Keep us posted on your trip as I am seriously considering a Pacific to Atlantic road trip in summer '12. Would have done it this year but touring back and forth to Alaska from Vancouver somehow got in the way. Regards...Max D.