Gsxrgirrl does Banff, Alberta

[NoGall]

Earlier this year, I had this craving to see huge mountains. So, a plan was hatched to make a 10-day run for Banff, Alberta. It would also give gsxrgirrl a chance to visit her country, Canada, and the mountains she grew up with. Why just 10 days? I wish I could do more days, but it’s just not possible to be away any longer than 10 days consecutively for my job. Eventually, the plan evolved to be a birthday-ride for one of our best riding buddies as well, and we were scheduled to leave first week of July with 4 other riders. However, due to last-minute work obligation, gsxrgirrl and I weren’t able to make the July departure date. The two of us had to move our trip back a couple of months to the end of August. We left Hercules/Pinole on 8/26, and returned on 9/4. In that time, we logged 3,137 miles on the odometer. Meet some real nice people. Saw amazingly huge mountains and scenery. Had great eats along the way. We had a blast. Hope you will enjoy the pics. :teeth

The route:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2687845-routes.jpg

[NoGall]

Day 1, 500+ miles

The forecast for the weekend was 100+ from Redding and on. So, to avoid hitting Redding at noon, we left my house in the dark on Saturday morning. Got on I-80 and headed for Winters on 505 for gas and coffee.

Gsxrgirrl and her 600 c.c. rocket:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2687870-1_01.jpg

[NoGall]

At Winters' Chevron station, we got to enjoy a couple of balloons being launched while enjoying our coffee and pastries.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2687872-1_02.jpg

[NoGall]

From 505, our plan was to run up I-5 to Weed for 97. I-5 was pretty empty at that hour, and we made good time to Cottonwood (just before Redding) for a fill-up and break. We then cleared Redding shortly after that. It was only about 10 or 10:30, we could already feel the heat.

The section of I-5 between Redding and Weed is somewhat fun. While taking a short break at one of the rest stop, we meet a Japanese tourist who was very interested in our bikes and plans. Even though he could barely speak any English, we did gather enough that he was doing a car tour of Southern California, and is on his way back to Seattle. Back home, he rides a CBR600RR. He was quite enthusiastic about our ride.

In Weed, we had a nice but short lunch. No time to linger... We continued up 97, and made our way toward Crater Lake. Along 97, Mt. Shasta could be seen. We stopped at one of the vistas for some pics:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2687909-1_03.jpg

[NoGall]

Obligatory bike p0rn:

Gsxrgirrl's GSXR600 and my ST1300

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2687914-1_04.jpg

[Hooli]

Nice! Makes the Vegas run look like nothing...

[NoGall]

We then arrived at Crater Lake sometime after. There was a small fire in the park, and the smoke could not be missed. Traffic wasn’t bad for a Saturday.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2687926-1_06.jpg

[NoGall]

Originally posted by Hooli
Nice! Makes the Vegas run look like nothing...

Different kinds of fun :thumbup

[NoGall]

Beautiful, ain't it?

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2687931-1_07.jpg

[NoGall]

Leaving Crater Lake on the North side was fun. Downhill and some nice turns... Too bad neither one of us could afford another ticket :laughing

Getting back on 97, we marched on to Bend, OR. We were getting somewhat tired at this point from the straight and warmth. It took another two pit stops before we arrived in Bend.

Things got pretty interesting at this point...

We had a reservation at the Motel 6 just South of the town. As we pulled up, it was a scene from MTV's Spring Break... Girls in bikinis running wild. Young ones walking around with drinks in their hands. WTF? Turns out, the strip joint across from the motel (I sure know how to pick'em, don't I :laughing) was hosting a concert. The theme was battles of the local head-banging bands, and the six Super Stripers. (By the way, this is the Motel 6 in South Bend :thumbup)

It's good that our evening entertainment was taken care of. Sorry guys, no pics. I didn't think of the camera at the time. :zzz


Day 2, 490 miles

We got back on the road around 8'ish. More 97 for today. The stretch of 97 between Bend and Washington border was quite pretty and scenic. Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Hood were the two dominant and constant figures along the way. Lots of bugs.

Made a stop in Moro just before crossing into Washington.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2687965-2_01.jpg

[NoGall]

While having our breakfast, I made a mental note that two local LEO's just left the joint. That turned out to be helpful.

With the promise of another 90+ day, we loaded up on water and headed out. The road leading out of the town was quite fun. I kept my speed reasonable knowing that one of the two LEO's could be just waiting down the road... I was right. However, the twist here is I royally screwed up his freshly sprung trap.

I came over the crest finding him just turned on his pretty blue and red... attempting to make an U-turn to catch another speeder southbound. In the middle of his manuever, he was startled by my presence (coming up behind him), so he quickly pulled back over to the side of the road. I had a chuckle.

As we moved on down the road, I motioned to Gsxrgirrl to keep an eye on her 6 o'clock, and we both slowed to the speed limit. Sure enough, the Man decided to tail us all the way to the state line. I guess I really pissed him off. :laughing That's too bad, because the road was twisty all the way to the state line.

We saw a bit of Columbia River Gorge as we crossed into Washington. The traffic was somewhat heavy. Quite a few LEO's on the Washington side was busy writing tickets already.

This stretch of 97 is fairly scenic (the rugged and waste-land kind) and entertaining as it winds through Yakama Indian Reservation. The closer we get to Yahkima, the hotter it got. Out comes the the camel pack. North of Ellensburg, we get into the green zone again. We then hooked up with Hwy 2 that took us through Leavenworth (a Swiss town filled with tourists) toward I-5, just north of Seattle. If it was on a weekday, 2 would be a fun road to ride.

The heat and the traffic today just took all the energy that could be used for taking pics. No pics today for the Washington stretch. Nevertheless, it's a beautiful stretch that I would not hesitate to ride again.

We arrived at our motel in Bellingham a bit after 7pm. A quick, but excellent steak-and-potatoe meal was had. A quick chain clean-and-lube, and miscellaneous fluid checks... Off to bed we went.

[NoGall]

Day 3, 400+ miles

This was an exciting morning. We had the border crossing to look forward to. We left Bellingham at 9am, and got to the border checkpoint on I-5 quickly. Getting through was a breeze. Since Gsxrgirrl is Canadian, the Canadian custom agent just asked if I was with her, and off I went. I guess Canadians don't have border concerns as we do :laughing

The comedy today was... Before we headed out, I asked Gsxrgirrl if I should pay any attention to my GPS, figuring she would know how to get around in her own backyard... Well, we got lost immediately after the checkpoint :laughing We ended up spending about 45 minutes (being stuck in a construction zone under the baking Sun) to find our way back. GPS ON from this point on out :laughing

Trans Canada 1, here we come. We had a bit of traffic to deal with, but the further east we were from Vancouver, the easier it got. By the way, the speed limits are low around here, so it is even that much important to find a rabbit.

We got to Hope in no time. Here, we had a quick gas stop, and exchanged some good old USD for some funny monies before heading up Fraser Canyon.

By the way, I did learn that Rambo was filmed in Hope.

Getting a quick lesson from Gsxrgirrl on them funny monies:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688100-3_01.jpg

[NoGall]

The first part of Fraser Canyon, the road took us through it on the west side of Thompson River. We immediately started climbing into avalanche country. The road was twisty and scenic. I think we went through three avalanche tunnels, which were kind of cool as they were blasted through the mountains. A bit later, the road took us onto the east side of the canyon, and the fun continued. The closer we got to Hell Gate, the hotter it got.

We found a roadside deli for lunch. The food was good, but the service took forever. We waited about 30 minutes for our burger and grilled-cheese, and they had only 5 customers at the time. Gsxrgirrl wasn't kidding when she warned me that people are on a much slower pace here :laughing I just thought maybe the cook had to kill a cow to make my burger right there and then.

After lunch, the road and scenery took on an entirely different feel. The road is twisty and fast. Although we were still running along the river, the landscape became rugged and barren. At some point on the decline, a what looks to be a local blew past me, and became my rabbit. Off I went... Yeeehaaaaawwww. Our own 96 in NorCal has got nothing on this road.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688136-3_02.jpg

[NoGall]

Train...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688142-3_03.jpg

[NoGall]

Looking back toward where we just rode through:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688144-3_04.jpg

[NoGall]

It was hot here. We were thoroughly cooked by the time we got to Cache Creek. Our faces were like red cherry tomatoes. Water, Gatorade, gas and off we went. It was a bit after 3pm, and we still had a couple of hundred miles before making Revelstoke.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688154-3_05.jpg

[NoGall]

Lake Savona was very green and pretty. It was a nice change from Cache Creek. We rode slowly through this area to enjoy the sights. Soon enough we got into Kamloops -- a small city. We ran into the commute traffic, but it wasn't too bad. I missed lanesplitting though.

With the Sun steady on its descent, and another 200 Km to Revelstoke, we kept on moving. Wouldn't want to be caught in the mountains without some daylight. We made another water break up on Jade Mountain near Sorrento. The general store we stopped had a good view of Shuswap Lake. As we were heading into the mountains, I took a couple of minutes asking the owner some questions about the road ahead. We were still about two hours away from Revelstoke, and I was worried that we would run of daylight soon.

Once we got back on the road, we were lucky to find another rabbit -- a woman who is in a hurry to get home. We kept pace -- 20% above the speed limit. Did I mention that this stretch of 1 is twisty and fun? She took us all the way to Salmon Arm in no time.

Gas, and go again. After another 32Km, we were greeted by the mountains. Huge mountains on the horizon. The temp dropped to a comfortable 72F. We were in cruising mode at this point as we were the only two people heading east on this road. Animals were the biggest concern. And we're still losing daylight...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688198-3_06.jpg

[929rider]

Very nice pictures, thanks for sharing

[paladinnorcal]

Great pictures. Looks like something from Motorcycle Escape magazine.

[Climber]

:thumbup Very nice country that you rode through, I've been over most of those roads (in a car) and love the scenery along the way!

I'm really impressed with the kind of mileage that Gsxrgirrl was putting in on a gixxer, definitely not a bike that most would choose for long mileage like that! :thumbup

[NoGall]

Eventually, we caught up to a commercial trucker. He was flowing through the twist and turns like a pro -- can't say the same about most motorists. With the dwingling light, I made a decision to stay behind him at a good distance, so that he could maul down any errand animal instead of us.

We paced him the entire way through the Enchanted Forest. Everything is enveloped in a blue-ish gray, with an occasional shot of orange and red through the trees from the last remaining light. We past quite a few small lakes which were gorgeous and serene in this light. This stretch of road between Malakwa and Revelstoke is by far the prettiest and most spiritual to travel through on a bike. I would not hesitate to do this road again.

We got to Revelstoke just before it went completely dark. Checked into our motel. And had Emo's for dinner :toothless

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688213-3_07.jpg

[NoGall]

Food! Gsxrgirrl had a Kokanee... and I had some very feminine sounding drink...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688217-3_08.jpg

[NoGall]

The next morning, we took a walk into town for some coffee and pastries. It's a smallish tourist town, but un-pretentious. I liked it alot. Everything a travelling motorcyclist would need (coffee houses, hardware stores, auto-parts, laundromat) is within steps. Next time, I think I will use Revelstoke as my basecamp.

If you are ever in this town... This motel is the place to stay. Inexpensive. Not much to look at from the outside... but feels like Hilton inside.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688227-4_01.jpg

[NoGall]

Day 4, 178 miles

After a stroll through town, we finally got on our way at 10am. Continuing east on Trans Canada 1, we headed for Banff. Now, we were beginning to see the giants...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688232-4_02.jpg

[NoGall]

Around every bend, there is something to look at. Something to make you feel really really small... Bikes at rest atop Rogers Pass:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688234-4_03.jpg

[NoGall]

Looking west from Rogers Pass:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688238-4_04.jpg

[NoGall]

Towering over me...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688243-4_05.jpg

[NoGall]

On our way to Kicking Horse Pass:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688245-4_06.jpg

[NoGall]

Did I say HUGE?

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688247-4_07.jpg

[NoGall]

Rush hour at Mt. Cathedral

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688248-4_08.jpg

[NoGall]

A view of a peak from Kicking Horse Trail

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688250-4_09.jpg

[NoGall]

Another view of Mt. Cathedral from Kicking Horse Trail

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688252-4_10.jpg

[Climber]

:thumbup Great pictures!

I love the mountains up there...they are real mountains, not the hills around here that they call mountains. :laughing

[cydobomb]

Good report, thank you. Good job running the GSXR, I too run a "hardcore" sportbike for touring, and find it comfortable and perfect for the job. Kudos.

[NoGall]

We spent alot of time stopping for scenery today. After all, this is why we are here. The mountains are massive. The mountains we are used to seeing as Californians are more like hills next to these giants. I was completely overwhelmed. They are so huge, it's often difficult to find a spot to focus on. The youngest peak being 525 million years old... Get your mind around that one.

We got to Banff sometime in the late afternoon (Sulphur Mountain in background):

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688265-4_11.jpg

[NoGall]

Bow River flows through town

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688269-4_12.jpg

[NoGall]

Rundle!

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688271-4_13.jpg

[NoGall]

I can't remember which one this is... Cascade? Looking back toward town:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688273-4_15.jpg

[NoGall]

The Trading Post... been here for 120+ years.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688276-4_14.jpg

[NoGall]

Gotta go get something to eat... Will be back with MORE mountains.

[CykoKlr]

Originally posted by NoGall
Gotta go get something to eat... Will be back with MORE mountains.


Who the hell said you could go eat??????????/

Get back to the pictures. NOW:laughing :laughing

Amazing views. I wanna go.

[hiosilver]

Great pics! Beautiful country - I went to Banff from Vancouver by train in '88 and thoroughly enjoyed it. I imagine that by motorcycle it is even nicer. I recall walking through one of the neighborhoods in Banff early one evening and when we rounded a corner we came upon a huge bull elk munching on somebody's front lawn. He did not look very friendly so we gave him a wide birth!

[OldCat]

Damn Tom looks like a great trip! Sunseerie, musta been nice to get home eh hoser?
Awesome pics you guys! Waiting for more....

[NoGall]

Banff... I am sure in the old day, it's just an unpretentious town. Today, it's very much an upscale resort town. Nevertheless, people here seemed very friendly and helpful. We had a room at the Rundlestone Lodge -- somewhat lower on the price scalse as it's on the outskirt of the town. It's about 3/4 of a mile from the town center, which isn't far to walk by any means, especially after being on a bike for days. We did pony up a bit for a room with a hot tub... That was hugely popular after the days we spent on bikes. A great way to relax the aches and pains.

That night, it started to rain... and the temp dropped fast...

Day 5, 0 mile on bike

We woke to heavy rain the next morning... That kind of threw a wrench into our sightseeing schedule. Oh, well... Monther Nature doesn't go by anyone's schedule. So, we made the best of the situation by... Renting a small car to get around today.

Banff Springs Hotel:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688492-5_01.jpg

[NoGall]

Bow Fall

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688495-5_02.jpg

[NoGall]

Yup, we are doing the major touristy sights today. After BSH, we headed up to Lake Louise. Here is a shot of the Chateau Lake Louise:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688502-5_03.jpg

[NoGall]

Lake Louise... I was somewhat disappointed that we couldn't be here on a sunny day to see the mountains beside it.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688507-5_04.jpg

[NoGall]

We then wandered up to Moraine Lake:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688511-5_05.jpg

[Kensaku]

Awesome. :thumbup

[NoGall]

We also decided to go back to Kicking Horse Trail by Mt. Cathedral to see Takakkaw Fall:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688519-5_06.jpg

[NoGall]

Getting closer...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688523-5_07.jpg

[NoGall]

Can you hear it roar?

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688527-5_09.jpg

[NoGall]

The rain was getting heavier... and it got very chilly at the same time. We decided to head back to Banff for an early dinner. We found this Korean BBQ place... and boy, did it hit the spot after days of meat and potatoes. What can I say? It's tough being a Damn Asian living in a world of Whities :toothless

A quick note about Canadian motorists... Those we encountered are very polite and slow... They are quite okay with being stuck behind another slow moving truck. Once in a while, we do encouter some fugged up maneuvers, but they were usually harmless.

More hot tub for the night, and hoping the weather would cooperate tomorrow.

Day 6, 150+ miles

The next morning, we woke to this view outside of our balcony:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688561-6_01.jpg

[NoGall]

Overnight, all of the peaks received a fresh coat of snow. In August! The temp was about 38F. Once it got to about 42F, we hopped back on the bikes and headed out. Today, we were doing the Alternate 1, or the old Trans Canada, from Banff to Lake Louise, and then from there to 93 North to Jasper. We were optimistic about the weather, but we got rained on as soon as we left Banff, and for a good stretch on the Old 1.

After some time, it did warm and dry up...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688571-6_02.jpg

[NoGall]

If you want wild life sighting, Old 1 is your best bet. Not too many miles after this last pic, we came upon a number of motorists stopped and gathered around this one bend... Two moose! One moma moose and one baby moose. I wasn't quick enough to get the camera... But those things are sure huge. Moma moose's head clears a raised 4x4 no problems. Baby moose comes up to the top of roof. Cool.

Most of the mountains along the Old 1 are obscured by fog/clouds at the time.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688603-6_03.jpg

[NoGall]

So we hurried up to 93 North to see if the condition changes. Our original plan was to head on to Jasper via 93 North -- Icefield Parkway (you need a park pass to travel on this road). After buying the passes and clearing the checkpoint... More mountains:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688609-6_04.jpg

[NoGall]

No rain. But it was very cold as we climbed up in altitude.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688611-6_05.jpg

[NoGall]

Gsxrgirrl warming her hands on the GSXR's exhaust pipe:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688616-6_06.jpg

[NoGall]

Crowfoot at Bow Lake

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688618-6_07.jpg

[NoGall]

Looking north to Jasper...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688621-6_08.jpg

[NoGall]

The temp continued to drop from 42F... We had monitored the average temps (64F to 54F) for weeks before we left. We were prepared for the 50's or even high 40's, but not low 40's and high 30's. Add in the windchill factor, we were bone cold. A few more miles after Bow Lake, we reached the snow line. We decided to abandone the plan to reach the Icefield, let alone Jasper. We tried, but this was getting too cold to be safe.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688632-6_09.jpg

[NoGall]

It was a disappointment, but there is always next year. So, we did the most sensible thing and turned around for Bow Lake.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688634-6_10.jpg

[NoGall]

We enjoyed a nice and simple lunch at the famed Num-Ti-Jah Lodge... a nice cup of much needed hot-chocolate... and sat by the lake... watching the world goes by.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688638-6_11.jpg

[NoGall]

Here is a shot of Bow Glacier... That's ice, baby!

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688643-6_12.jpg

[NoGall]

While sitting by the lake, we thought maybe we should head back to Banff for the gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain since most of the mountains here are still obscured by fog or clouds. So, back to Banff we went. We went back on Old 1 again, hoping to see something new.

Pilot Mountain in the middle:


http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688648-6_13.jpg

[NoGall]

You could live here your entire life and still not learn all the faces of a mountain. A map of the peaks can be helpful:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688655-6_14.jpg

[NoGall]

Castle Mountain

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688657-6_15.jpg

[NoGall]

Couldn't figure out what this one was... a bit after Castle, and on the west side of 1.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688660-6_16.jpg

[NoGall]

Back in Banff, on the gondola up Sulphur Mountain, here is a shot of the face of Rundle:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688667-6_17.jpg

[NoGall]

She got all giddy because it was cold. Freaking Canadian.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688671-6_18.jpg

[NoGall]

Looking west from top...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688675-6_19.jpg

[NoGall]

More...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688677-6_20.jpg

[NoGall]

Sharp...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688682-6_22.jpg

[NoGall]

Overlooking the town of Banff... You are encircled by the mountains. You should be able to make out the Banff Springs Hotel just below Tunnel Mountain in the low center of the pic, and Bow River.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688686-6_21.jpg

[NoGall]

We then went back for the hot tub. Packed it in early as this was our last night in Banff. Gotta cross back to the US tomorrow.

Day 7, 410 miles

We were a bit sad leaving Banff, eventhough the weather kind of sucked. I had a great time here, and Gsxrgirrl got to visit her old stomping grounds. I was also a bit upset because the forecast for this day and the following days is bright, sunny, and hot :wow :cry I did, however, manage to get a good shot of Castle Moutain on our way out:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688707-7_01.jpg

[NoGall]

From 1, we got on 93 South for Radium Hot Springs. The temperature slowly climbed to more comfortable ranges as we shed altitude.

We made an obligatory stop at teh Divide:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688719-7_02.jpg

[NoGall]

The obligatory bike-straddling-the-Divide shot:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688724-7_03.jpg

[NoGall]

We looked for a good road sign for Waterboy. We thought this would be perfect. Took us a while to find one that still has all of its legs.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688734-7_04.jpg

[NoGall]

Try this out for size...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688735-7_05.jpg

[NoGall]

You don't need a pass for 93 South, but it is still very scenic. Check out the snow line ... That's how high we were yesterday.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688739-7_06.jpg

[Daredevil]

man those are some good pictures and so far an awesome story!!!
i remember hearing you guys talk about this on a north bay ride. i hope i have the chance to do this one day, looks beautiful

[NoGall]

I've got all day...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688744-7_07.jpg

[NoGall]

Closer to Radium Hot Springs

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688749-7_08.jpg

[NoGall]

This stretch of 93 South continues to descend from 5,000 ft to about 2,000 feet. The end of it, just before Radium Hot Springs, has nice sets of twisty stuff. Not bad at all.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688753-7_09.jpg

[NoGall]

I missed a couple of pic opportunities in Radium Hot Springs. I thought about turning around for them, but we just didn't have time today. We had to make Moscow, ID before dark.

93 turns into 95. It continued to be scenic all the way to the border. We had a quick lunch in Skookumchuck, and moved on down the road.

We passed this place called Fort Steele. Seemed like an interesting place for a stop next time. Another water break in Yahk, and we were at Kingsgate or Eastport, ID checkpoint.

Now, this place is manned by the US custom agents. They took their duties more seriously than their Canadian counterparts. They checked every car... every trunk... and questioned every driver/passenger. This meant a long line of vehicles and about 30 minutes sitting under the baking sun.

When it was our turn, it didn't take long at all. It was almost a breeze. For your info., by January 2007, you will need a valid US Passport to cross back in.

Idaho. Cheap cigs. It's about $7 a pack in Canada. I was tired of smoking Export. So, it was great to buy a $4 pack of American cigs in Bonner's Ferry.

95 was pretty and entertaining up to about Sandpoint, on Pend Oreille Lake. After that, the closer we got to Post Falls/Coeur d'Alene, the more fucktarded the drivers became. I had never seen more White people driving like a bunch of FOBs from Asia until this day. Suddenly, we found ourselves switching to full-time combat/survival mode. Maybe it's just our luck... that we happened to meet all the fucktards in Idaho for the two days we were there. Motorists we met were generally rude, hurried, distracted, and unclear about the right-of-way concept... and can't drive twisty to save their own lives. Felt very much like the Bay Area. I guess when you have an overgrown population of Bay Area transplants up there... It's about expected.

Other than that, it's a beautiful and scenic state. South of Coeur d'Alene was a whole lot of fun to drive. The twisty bits that cut through the rolling and golden hills reminded me of Sonoma. The whole way smelled like fresh cut corn. We made a gas stop just north of Plummer at an Indian casino. The road continued to be fun until Plummer. LEO's were everywhere to be seen in and near Plummer.

On our way to Moscow, ID:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688806-7_10.jpg

[NoGall]

Rolling hills...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688809-7_11.jpg

[NoGall]

Getting dark...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688811-7_12.jpg

[DMc]

Thanks for the memories! When do we go back? :teeth

[NoGall]

It had been the first long day on the return leg. The congestion we ran into south of Bonners Ferry added more time to the day. We had a quick dinner at the restaurant inside the hotel, and went to bed.

Day 8, 300+ miles

We packed up and left at about 9am that morning. Only 300 miles, we've got time, we thought. The plan today was to head down 95, through Nez Perce , and connect up with 55 along Payette River and Cascade Reservoir.

We stopped at this vista:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688861-8_01.jpg

[NoGall]

There, Old School meets New School... These two gents are from the Sacramento area, making their way north to Sandpoint. We exchanged information on road conditions, and moved on...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688867-8_03.jpg

[NoGall]

Looking down at the road from Lewiston Hill:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688872-8_02.jpg

[NoGall]

Dropping down from Lewiston Hill, we found ourselves in some scenic and twisty bits through Nez Perce Indian Reservation. Somewhere in the middle of it, we smelled smoke from a forrest fire somewhere. It stayed smokey and continued for miles and miles. I couldn't figure out whether it was a forrest fire, or it was ranchers/farmers doing controlled-burn clearing. On our approach to Grangeville, we thought there was a mountain to the west, but couldn't be sure from all the smoke. It was so bad that our eyes started to water... In Grangeville, we found out from the locals that there were several forest fires to the East of 55. As a youngman aptly put it, "Man, the entire state is on fire, yo!"

We met a nice and elderly local gent who was very interested in my ST1300. He rides an 80's Wing himself. Gave us a tip about a canyon road leading to White Bird. That sounded promising. It did also cross my mind that Lolo is but 50 miles to the East... Oh, well, there is just not enough time for that on this trip.

After our lunch, we decided to check out the canyon road to White Bird. The turn off for it is on top of a hill. We looked at all the smoke trapped in the canyon and decided this wasn't the day for it. So we continued on 95... This downhill portion of 95 isn't bad at all. Mostly medium to highspeed sweepers. I simply let the gravity do the work... minimum throttle... and built up cornering speed as we descended from the top. Fun.

I don't have much memory of the next 60 or 70 miles before New Meadows. I don't remember it being boring, or particularly memorable. At New Meadows, we had to decide whether we wanted continue on 95 or switch to 55. 55 looked promising, but we were concerned about the smoke from its East. After checking with a few bikers who came from that direction, we gathered that the smoke wasn't really bad until Horeshoe Bend, just north of Boise.

Off to 55 we went... The first 40 or 50 miles were just as staright as any man can tolerate, and wasn't very scenic. With the holiday traffic, we wondered why we had bothered with this. Things did get better after Cascade, more twists and turns, but even that was short lived. Lots of white water rafters along the road though. Every pull-out is busy with parked cars and rafters... Traffic... It could have been a much better experience were we here on a weekday.

This turned out to be our longest and most trying day. When we finally got into Caldwell, ID, we decided we should get out of Dodge as early as possible the next day.

[NoGall]

Day 9, 450+ miles

To avoid any traffic... To avoid the heat... To avoid going West into the Sun for too long... We got up at about 4:30 am. Showered, packed up the bikes, and got on the road at 5:30am.

Today, we were to continue on 95 out of Idaho and across Nevada.

The first hour we were completely in the dark. It wasn't too chilly until we started to climb and descend into the canyons of Oregon. It was cold. As the first ray of sun hit our backs, we could almost feel its warmth. The brighter it got, the better we got to enjoy the canyon twisty.

In those first couple of hours, we hated every time we descended onto the canyon floor. It's cold down there, where the sun hadn't reached there, around 42F.

On a straight just before Jordan Valley, OR, I did get to test my ST's top speed though :laughing Arriving in Jordan Valley before the world came alive... The gas station owner had the "Where did you guys come from at this hour?" look on his face.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688991-9_01.jpg

[NoGall]

A really dirty girl...

Do note the poor woman's heated grip.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688996-9_02.jpg

[NoGall]

There is not much to do after Jordan Valley but go straight... forever, and getting rained on... occasionally.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688999-9_03.jpg

[NoGall]

High plain drifters...

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2689003-9_04.jpg

[NoGall]

Yah... That's straight.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2689004-9_05.jpg

[NoGall]

Smiling... Just before we were to hit more straight on I-80 :laughing

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2689008-9_06.jpg

[NoGall]

Bike p0rn:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2689011-9_07.jpg

[NoGall]

She really likes this picture. I have no idea why.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2689013-9_08.jpg

[NoGall]

Once we hit I-80, we went as fast as possible to make our way to Genoa, NV., but not without a food stop in Winnemucca. We did manage to find the Gridle amongst the casinos for a quiet and enjoyable meal. Good food too.

I-80 was a blessing to "Let's get there and get out of this heat ASAP!" On average, we were maintaining about 75 to 80 mph. The miles were being taken down in record time. The strong wind was causing Gsxrgirrl some problems. We got off onto 95 again in Fernley... passed the raceway... Gas and water in Silver Springs... Off to our final stay, Genoa, NV.

Bikes at rest in Waley's Hot Springs:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2689028-9_09.jpg

[NoGall]

Day 10, 230 miles

We rode home via 88, some backroads (courtesy of Halfwing and Company), and 12. Traffic was a cluster fuck everywhere. Worst than expected, even for a holiday weekend. We left Genoa at 9:30, but didn't get home until 4:30pm.

No pics today either. My CF card took a dump the night before. Imagine the look on my face when seeing "No image" message on your camera upon relpay. I just about had a heartattack on the spot. All 9 days of pics gone. I was smart enough, however, not to take any new pictures in the event that the images could be rescured/retrieved.

I didn't let on what had happened to Gsxrgirrl -- didn't want her to ride distracted or upset going home. I generally don't get upset over losing images... but this time, it's different. We had our excellent adventure recorded on it, and some shots I really hated losing... such as the one where she was looking into the sunset by the side of the road.

Anyhow, to make a long story short... Wolf Camera in Pleasant Hill was able to retrieve all but 3 of the 160 images. Bravo! The lesson here is to take more than a few CF cards for longer trips. Once you have had a couple of days stored, take it out for safe keeping, and pop in a new one.

Now, these images mean that much more to me. I hope you have enjoyed them as well.

[DogBoy]

Roooooaaaarr! The crowd goes wild!

Great write-up and photos. Thanks for posting all this. Really enjoyed your commentary.

[Mickey_D100]

Good Lord what a trip! Kudos to you both. :thumbup Beautiful photos. :)

[NoGall]

Thanks, everyone!

Danny, yah, we have to do this again next year. Maybe the Southwest in the Spring, and then Revelstoke in September.

Steve, hope to see you at Berryessa soon.

[Sane_Man]

Loved the pictures!! :thumbup

Looks like it is possible to go on a 10-day ride without carrying a steamer trunk full of clothes and other un-needed junk.

[Sportbiker]

awesome writeup & pics. I can only dream of doing such a trip. thanks

[Slowest_One]

great photos and commentary Tom! :thumbup

[cbrf3]

Wow, awesome pics!! I would love to go on a trip like that, seems like it would be so much fun, not sure if I could do it on my 600rr though..

[stevet]

Tom, how many bikes do you have now?

[NoGall]

Originally posted by stevet
Tom, how many bikes do you have now?

Just two :toothless

[Ezekiel]

Definitely looks like a great trip! Do you find it difficult to make yourself pull over to snap pictures while you're riding? Beautiful pics, looks like a great scenic route! I hope to try it myself sometime. Did you lube the chain on the GSXR every night? If so, how?

[DMc]

When I went in July I brought the Steamer trunk. I finally figured out what was useful though. I just hope I can remember for the next trip. That's one of those geriactric issues. :teeth
I'm glad you saved your pics. That woud have sucked big time. Good advice on the multi-card usage. If you have a iPod you can dump your pics onto it with a adaptor. I brought my laptop:wow

[NoGall]

Originally posted by Ezekiel
Definitely looks like a great trip! Do you find it difficult to make yourself pull over to snap pictures while you're riding? Beautiful pics, looks like a great scenic route! I hope to try it myself sometime. Did you lube the chain on the GSXR every night? If so, how?

You definitely have to make a commitment to stop and take photos. Sometimes, it's hard... because you have been looking at the same scenery for miles, and you kind of let slide what's special about it.

Chain... Yes, we lubed and cleaned the chain every night, or as soon as we get off the bikes for the day. We packed some rags, a mini-can of WD 4D, and a small can of chain lube.

This tool will make it easy for you to raise the rear tire (for free spin) -- it weighs only 6 oz. and packs to the size of a small tape recorder:

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Quick-Stand-p-16846.html

Best money I ever spent. No more rolling 20 or 30 feet in a parking lot. If you already have spools on your swingarms, it should work just fine. I have also seen some guy's homemade solution, using the same concept, via a PVC pipe.

Here is a better pic of how it works:

http://www.motorcycleradar.com/quick_stand.htm

[DogBoy]

-snip-

This tool will make it easy for you to raise the rear tire (for free spin) -- it weighs only 6 oz. and packs to the size of a small tape recorder:

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Quick-Stand-p-16846.html

Best money I ever spent. No more rolling 20 or 30 feet in a parking lot. If you already have spools on your swingarms, it should work just fine. I have also seen some guy's homemade solution, using the same concept, via a PVC pipe.

Here is a better pic of how it works:

http://www.motorcycleradar.com/quick_stand.htm [/B]

I'm going to get one of these for traveling solo.

If you are riding with others, its easy to just lever the rear wheel off the ground using the sidestand (it won't hurt anything) and have another rider spin the wheel and spray the lube on the chain.

[Kaju65]

Wow! What a fantastic road trip! Great pics too. You certainly got the wheels turning in my head to plan my own road trip.;)

[NoGall]

Originally posted by DMcTriumph
When I went in July I brought the Steamer trunk. I finally figured out what was useful though. I just hope I can remember for the next trip. That's one of those geriactric issues. :teeth


According to Honda, all I need is an Allen wrench for the ST :laughing That's the only tool that came in the OEM tool pouch.

Originally posted by DMcTriumph
I'm glad you saved your pics. That woud have sucked big time. Good advice on the multi-card usage. If you have a iPod you can dump your pics onto it with a adaptor. I brought my laptop:wow

Laptop would be great for email too...

[Cali]

Great pics, thanks for sharing

[gsxrgirrl]

.
NoGall and I had a most brilliant trip.
.
Being back and seeing my mountains again was awesome..especially getting there on my 600...:laughing
.
actually my bike was rather comfortable..aside from getting a numb arse at times..

:laughing
.
thanks everyone for having a squint and enjoying the photos and commentary which took Tom quite a long time to compile!
.
cheers!

[halfwing]

Thanks for the link Tom! I enjoyed every word.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/halfwing/SMILEYS/allhail.gif @ gsxrgirrl


Did you pick up an old Honda CB?
Were you on 26 this Monday, behind a bunch of sports?

Sorry, no Hwy 26 for a couple of weeks now. I did find time to do this though. CLICKY (http://www.sporttouring.info/WEB_PAGES/RIDE_PHOTOS_PAGES/2006_RIDE_PHOTO_PAGES/AUG_2006_NOR_CAL_BORDER_RIDE_PHOTO_COMMENT_PAGE.ht ml)

Glad you're home safe and enjoyed your trouble-free trip!

[gsxrgirrl]

Originally posted by halfwing
Thanks for the link Tom! I enjoyed every word.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/halfwing/SMILEYS/allhail.gif @ gsxrgirrl



Sorry, no Hwy 26 for a couple of weeks now. I did find time to do this though. CLICKY (http://www.sporttouring.info/WEB_PAGES/RIDE_PHOTOS_PAGES/2006_RIDE_PHOTO_PAGES/AUG_2006_NOR_CAL_BORDER_RIDE_PHOTO_COMMENT_PAGE.ht ml)

Glad you're home safe and enjoyed your trouble-free trip!
.
thank you for the compliment and thank you for reading and enjoying!
.
tom has told me much about you and the ride he did with you guys on the passes..oy! fast guys and fast roads..:laughing
.
on the way home we took 26...what a lovely road...we almost had a chance to enjoy it fully except for aunt bee and her daughter who were dutifully blocking the way and refused to pull over... :laughing
.
no matter...he says we will go back and do 26 soon!
.
perhaps some day i can come out on a ride with you all..
.
cheers!
.
ps...clicked on yer linky..what a hoot!

[mrtnz]

WOW!!! Gorgeous pictures! Fantastic stories! Awesome adventure! I am so envious of your trip!

THANK YOU FOR SHARING! :thumbup

[budman]

AWESOME write up :thumbup

Sharing the adventure was really cool.... thanks!


:smoking

[Sane_Man]

Originally posted by gsxrgirrl
.
NoGall and I had a most brilliant trip.
.
Being back and seeing my mountains again was awesome..especially getting there on my 600...:laughing
.
actually my bike was rather comfortable..aside from getting a numb arse at times..

:laughing
.
thanks everyone for having a squint and enjoying the photos and commentary which took Tom quite a long time to compile!
.
cheers!

Sunseerie, I didn't know you were "Hill People"? :wow

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688707-7_01.jpg


:p

[gsxrgirrl]

.
hill people...how polite!
,
:laughing

[reefbaby]

that is such a great looking trip, thx for all the photos.......!!!!!!!!!

[cruzinZ]

Brings back some of my memories of the Banff trip I took a few years ago. The mountains are truly speticular.... espically during the weed days. There is very light traffic if any at all up there.

Thanks for posting up your pictures and write up on the trip.

[Catalinathunder]

WOW! What an awsome trip you guys... and Tom that new bike is beautiful...congrats.

RB

[nomoduc]

AWESOME pics!!!!!!! I'm sure we are all envious. I sure am. That would be cool, a nice group ride like that. Maybe not long, just a weekender somewhere... Anybody want to get one together?!!!!

[NoGall]

Originally posted by nomoduc
AWESOME pics!!!!!!! I'm sure we are all envious. I sure am. That would be cool, a nice group ride like that. Maybe not long, just a weekender somewhere... Anybody want to get one together?!!!!

If I tell you that I can only afford instant-ramon bowls for dinner for the rest of the year, you won't be too envious ;)

This is the best time to get out for a weekend trip, or a long-day ride... Take a break from whatever your favorite run and get out there to higher elevations for some Fall scenery.

[Waterboy]

Originally posted by NoGall
We looked for a good road sign for Waterboy. We thought this would be perfect. Took us a while to find one that still has all of its legs.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/177/204/2688734-7_04.jpg

Awesome! Gee, Thanks you guys! :laughing

[NoGall]

Originally posted by Waterboy
Awesome! Gee, Thanks you guys! :laughing

:thumbup

[lefty]

WOW!!!!!

You two are really hardcore (especially the beautiful Lady on the GSX-R!!!).

Thanks for sharing your great trip with us.

[Waterboy]

Tom and SS, I finally got a chance to read it all. What a great trip! All I can say is "Wow!" I hope someday before I die I can do a trip like that. :laughing

[Kalvin00]

Simply awesome. I enjoyed every shot. Thank you for the write up and pics.

[Rayman]

wow thats hardcore on a sportbike....i get stiff/tired just riding 50 miles to SJ :lol:

i gotta do something like this one of these days, looks to be very relaxing, glad u guys had a good time

[gsxrgirrl]

.
actually my redcoat ( what i call my new gixxer ) was not uncomfortable at all....
.
the only problem i encountered was a bit of soreness in the bum to inner thigh area..seriously. and this was due to the type of gear i was wearing, which was mesh underneath... kind of akin to wearing fishnet stockings and having your toes fight back!
.
i do confess..i normally wear my vansons..but after consideration determined that wearing those would not be wise on a trip like this...so henceforth after "discovering" the mesh issue...i nicked a pair of toms shorts...yah..sexy..totally. ask him! :laughing
.
truly i had no issues with back, neck, arm, etc...discomfort...and the best thing of all was my little redcoat can really rock...
.
when we were coming down the fraser canyon which is completely awesome ( and blows northern cal 96 out of the water ) my little redcoat just sang...and ditto on the run from jade to revelstoke...that was pure heaven...the mountains were silent but watchful...the road and scenery heavensent...and 99% of the whole run was just tom and i...
.
the feeling i experienced, and i am sure tom did as well, was one of acceptance...and passage...
.
i am from the north, and i am familiar with the inuit and what they believe..the mountains have magic and if you have any sense of yourself you will feel it...
.
:)

[NoGall]

Originally posted by gsxrgirrl
.
i nicked a pair of toms shorts...yah..sexy..totally. ask him! :laughing


I've got pics. :twofinger

[gsxrgirrl]

Originally posted by NoGall
I've got pics. :twofinger
.
bugger off!! i hope not..not in those shorts anyway!:laughing

[DukeD]

you two are damn lucky to have each other to take trips like this together on. We all envy you, cherish each other!

Thanks for the awesome photos and write up,

[RacerRob]

Thanks for taking us along, it's like I was there. Great story telling. I can't ride like that (too many racing injuries) someday maybe a crusier of some sort will allow.

That gondola shot over Baniff gives an idea of the scale of things!

Simply awesome

[kevo]

:thumbup

[sw7xboi624]

awesome ride! Great pictures and commentaries. Thanks for sharing.

[Cohort]

you two are damn lucky to have each other to take trips like this together on. We all envy you, cherish each other!

Thanks for the awesome photos and write up,


I agree!

[TeamZigen]

awesome ride! Great pictures and commentaries. Thanks for sharing.

+1^^^

[Blacknblue]

Wow.

[dwarf]

I went to Banff and have seen some of these places in person. I wish I had the experience of driving their on a motorcycle though

[budman]

This indeed is a great write up..!

Honorable mention for a 2007 Barfie..

I hope to see more of these in the future.. we already have some good one going in 2008

This does indeed belong in the best of barf :hail

:smoking

[Lupin]

Fun write up! Great Job!

I've done pretty much that run a couple of times on bikes now and its awe inspiring each time. The Rockies along highway 1 in Canada feel pretty big in a car, but on a motorcycle, they tower over you reducing you to a mere speck.

"the mountains have magic and if you have any sense of yourself you will feel it..." Very true and great words.