From Prince Rupert we begin our Discovery Route to the southwest.  The route is mainly dirt roads taking us by several remote hunting and fishing lodges.  These are the type of lodges that many adventurers use float planes to travel to these places. 

The ride has a mix of lodges and motels.  Riders will travel an average of 200 miles each day, some longer and some shorter.  There are hard and easy options and several optional out and backs for the rider seeking even more adventure.

And just to top off the week, on our last evening we will  be staying in the old mining Ghost town of Bralorne.

 Party at Sally'z Pub!

For those that want to study the ride in great detail, you can see the ride details document below.

"British Columbia has some of the best back-country riding in the world. 

 We are lucky to be able to come here and ride.  Thanks Canada, you rock!"

Self Guided Trail

This ride is designed to be a self guided adventure. Riders install a custom GPS microSD Card into their Garmin GPS unit. The routes are then displayed as the rider travels along.  Navigation is made easy.  Riders can choose to follow along at times or can choose among hard and easy options.  Or riders can simply choose to ride off the routes and return to them later.  For many, this allows them to just experience the trail without the burden of getting lost.

Do this ride yourself:  Purchase Rider Packet and GPS microSD Card for this ride

Note: A Full Rider Packet consists of printed ride descriptions and paper ride maps and a custom GPS microSD card for your Garmin or BMW GPS unit.

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Notes:  I suggest you plan and order early.  Normally I ship within a week.  But sometimes I run out and it can take me several weeks to get new cards and maps.  And sometimes I am out riding and building new adventures so that can be hard too. I list the Option for 2 SD cards because many riders like to carry a backup card or a cheap backup GPS in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

How does the ride navigation work?

This is a self-led GPS ride; all riding is on your own.  You are responsible for your own riding.  You will be given a GPS map file and instructions on how to use your Garmin GPS unit.  People will hook up in small groups of less than 6 riders and tend to ride together.  You are not encouraged to ride alone.  You are responsible for your own riding and yourself. 

 (see my ride Navigation Video)

Are you right for this ride?

When something goes wrong on a ride, would your riding friends say that you are more likely to need help or more likely to give help?  You should be in the more likely to offer help camp.  This ride is filled with riders that are more likely to give help, so most of the time the riders never need help.  Additionally there is all the normal stuff, come prepared to maintain your bike, fix your bike on the trail, repair flat tires, deal with bad weather and rain and make a joke or two.

How do I make the GPS stuff so easy?

I develop very high quality ride maps custom for our ride, they come from much of what I and others have ridden.  I take the best from all my rides and make new ones. 

(See my Custom Ride Maps Video)

Note from me, gpsKevin

My goal for this ride is simple,  great riding, so you can count on great routes and places to ride.

But in addition: The ride is about discovering new places, meeting new friends, seeing new parts of the world.

Thanks

gpsKevin

FAQ's

Q:What will the weather be like this time of year?

A: In August, the weather is most often nice. That is why I go this time of the year. It could be a little cold in the morning and in the mountains.  Sometimes there can be rain. Wet and muddy routes can force us to change our routes.  Come prepared with extra gear for cold and wet. Also inland it can sometimes be hot.  Come prepared bring extra gear.

Q: Would this be a good ride for new riders?

A:  No, this ride is for intermediate and experienced riders only. The riding has easy route choices and tough route options. Each evening we will study the following day's choices. You will find lots of supportive people at the ride.

Q: If I truck my bike to Bellingham is there a place to leave my truck for the week during the ride?

A: Yes, I will be leaving my van at the Bellingham Airport long term parking during the 9 days. It is cheap and near the start.

Q: Do I need a Passport?

A: Yes, we will be crossing the US and Canada border a couple of times, both countries require passports

Q: What are Motel room arrangements?

A: Rooms are double occupancy, meaning each rider shares a two queen bed room with another rider.

Q: What bikes are right for this ride?

A: Target bike for this ride was my Yamaha Super Tenere. Bikes including and in between the Suzuki VStrom, the BMW 1200GS and the KTM990 all can do well by choosing the easy or hard route options. Frankly even some can do this ride on a dual sport bike, if they seem to have magic to haul very little gear and still keep themselves safe and comfortable.

Q: Will I do this ride again next year?

A: No, sorry I hardly ever repeat rides as I love to develop and discover new places and rides each season. And I have a long dream list of rides now. So this is likely the only time for this ride. Remember: Every time we say no to a ride that is one less ride in life

Q; What do I do if I don't have a Garmin GPS?

A: Buy one, you need it, we will show you how to use it. You can get a great one for under $200 bucks. ( See gpsKevin's gps recommendations)

Q: Do I need insurance?

A: Yes, you must carry proof of medical insurance and liability insurance for yourself/motorcycle.

Q: Is there a Support Truck following the ride?

A: No, the ride is unsupported.  Riders need to come with a newer bike in good condition and well tuned up with new tires and plenty of tools to effect their own repairs along the trail.  Riders need to ride conservatively with plenty of margin as to not hurt themselves.

Q: Is the riding really on my own?

A: Yes, but everyone hooks up and rides with a friend, or a new friend or me.