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[GtreetSlide]

OK, just finished putting together my new Bushtec trailer and wiring for it along with heated gear circuits.  

I want to leave SD around the 2nd or 3rd week of May and head across Canada to Alaska. We will do a loop around inside Alaska and then head back home. We will camp about 2 out of three nights with a motel break in there. Figuring about 4 weeks for the trip.

I want to see the Rockies in Canada, but also want to see something different on the way home across Canada.

Feedback? Suggestions?

jim

[martys]

Sorry Jim but I can't help you out there, maybe the West coast Boyz will chime in and help you out.  If your ever heading around the Great Lakes though I might be able to help you with that trip.

Marty

[GtreetSlide]

Thanks!

[Grizzly]

On your trip two roads that are "not to miss" adventures are...

Going to the Sun Hwy. in Glacier NP in Montana, then head north into Alberta and at some point coming back south from Alaska

Trans Canada Highway #1 from Spences Bridge through the Fraser River Valley south to Hope, BC

Both are amazing roads to ride, and the ride from Spences Bridge is my all-time favourite ride!


Have a great trip!

 

[2k]

One of the best in world.....Icefields Pkwy between Jasper & Banff

[StevesCVO]

Those pics are spectacular. Looks like a trip i would like to make one day

[willymax4]

we didn't go to alaska last summer but we did ride to jasper alberta by way of sturgis, glacier and banff.
we left out of north dakota and once we rolled into canada, the trip took on a new flavor.
the mountains seem more rugged and the air is a bit crispier in the morning but by mid morning we  were dressed down to vests and jeans
we ran into people from all over the globe and had lots of enjoyable conversations with any one willing to chat.
it's deffinetly a trip i would do again.

[ultrafxr]

One of the best in world.....Icefields Pkwy between Jasper & Banff

Without a doubt.  Do not miss this one.   

[GtreetSlide]

Thanks everyone. We are getting really excited as time draws near. Only about 9-10 weeks out from departure time and looking forward to a great adventure in Canada and Alaska.

Just finished the wiring harnesses and hitch for the Bushtec trailer and wired in connectors for heated jacket liners and gloves if needed. The last two foot of snow just melted off here in the Black Hills of South Dakota, so just got in my first ride of the season on my Deuce (it's my Hotrod, LOL). Now I just need to load up the Bushtec on my Street Glide and get used to pulling some extra weight around. Probably do some more VTunes with current map and possibly another map that has more retarded timing. Not sure how the current map will pull with it's agressive timing and hauling Mama and the Bushtec. Hopefully, we will get a few more warmer days soon to get that out of the way. I'll take the TTS, cables, and a laptop just for the heck of it.

We are still in the process of digesting all this and other input along with the Milepost guide. Haven't nailed down the routes completely yet, but starting to weigh all the options. Got the tent and two sets of sleeping bags to do some camping along the way. +20 and -30 bags should cover any extremes I hope. We will try to keep everything on a schedule of 4 weeks total. I'll post the final route decision and approximate timelines just in case any members want to run a few miles with us or stop and eat and chat awhile. I've done a lot of miles in the saddle, but age is creaping up on me, so I'm planning to take my sweet time and really enjoy the places and the people.

We really appreciate the feedback on this and other threads, and hope we get to meet and ride with some of you along the way. Till then, Thanks and have a good one!

jimbob

[GtreetSlide]

I know it is asking a lot, but here are my tentative route choices so far. I will be going one of these routes on the way up and the other on the way back.

Factors I need help with as far as which route is best coming and going due to the weather at that time of year;  Bagger with Bushtec trailer (Camping) - Leaving SD about third week of May – home by third week of June. Basically, I am thinking warmest route on the way up?

Route A
Great Falls – Lethbridge - Calgary – Banff – Jasper - #40 to Grande Cache – Grand Prarie – Dawson Creek – Fort nelson – Watson Lake – Whitehorse – Route C or D from here…

Route B
Great Falls – Lethbridge – Cranbrook – Castlegar – Osayoos – Hope – Spence Bridge – Cache Creek – Prince George - #16 to Kitwanga – 37 to just West of Watson lake on #1 - Whitehorse – Route C or D from here…

Route C
Haines Junction – Tok…

Route D
Via Dawson City – Tok…

Thanks, jim

[2k]

Another thing is them Canuks are proud of their country. I rode for 3 weeks and didn't see the first piece of litter. To me that speaks volumes!!!

[Hawg]

Both routes look great, I would base my choice on the weather forcast at the time.

[rganz]

I think Hawg is right. Both routes are great .  Route A may be drier because it is on the eastern slopes of the Rockies but no guarantees. Both offer great riding. If you need anything when going through Grande Prairie send me a note.
Rob

[GtreetSlide]

I would also agree that both these routes are great choices. I haven't gone as far north as you are going, but I have ridden both these routes within the last two years so here are my thoughts. Route B Cranbrook to Castlegar will take you through some higher elevations meaning possible cooler temps and you may encounter snow near Creston. The roads are narrower, and you will need to be on the lookout for big trucks, animals and rock slides. Gas prices are about 10 cents per liter higher in BC. Also BC has a 12% or 13% sales tax on everything you buy.

Route A would be my preference with a couple small detours that are noted above. If you are spending a night in Lethbridge, my wife and I would love to meet and show you folks the sites. By the way if you are from South Dakota the weather here should be similar at that time of the year. However, like South Dakota, it can also be unpredictable.  

You could take Route A to Alaska and take Route B on your return.    

Thanks! That info is a big help. I'm taking a PC with me just in case I stop anywhere with Internet that I can check in and maybe post some updates. I have two phones, but not sure if either will work in Canada. One is tracphone and the other is NetOne.

The weather here changes hourly, and I have plenty of rain gear and heated gear too. Plus the trailer will allow me to haul extra clothes, tent, sleeping bags, and glove/boot dryer, LOL. Needed that once in Colorado going over a pass that went from rain to sleet to snow. The road was solid ice before we hit the top of the pass, but the grainy pattern caused by sleet and then some snow on top made it ridable. besides, we were soaking wet as my rainsuit had ripped to shreds in high cross winds (and heavy throttle hand). I was real close to hyperthermic. When we reached the motel my boots made a squishing sound as I walked. Luckily, another friend had grabbed a room for us and cranked the heater wide open knowing the condition we were coming in. I'm much more sane now and would rather sit a bad storm out than meet it head-on. I have had some hard miles in my time though, part of the adventure sometimes.

I hope I get to meet some of you along the way. My wife Maggie needs regular people fixes. I could ride forever without ever stopping. So, We compromise and stop to enjoy it along the way.

jb

[willymax4]

as far as cell phones go , yes they'll work in canada but unless you're on some sort of international plan,it can get pretty expensive to use them. something like a dollar a call plus a dollar a minute. that doesen't sound too bad but when you gab as much as i did ,i was kind of shocked when i got my bill.
my laptop came in very handy for searching for and reserving rooms.