So I'm heading out to BC next week and I have a question for those that have ridden around in southern British Columbia.

How realistic is it to expect to get from Langley BC to Cranbrook in one day! It's only supposed to be around 800 km but I've be told that it will take alot longer than I think it will because of the mountains!

I figure if I can get from Winnipeg to Edmonton in a day (1300 km/750mi), then 800km/500mi to Cranbrook shouldn't be a poblem! Or am I missing something?

Any advice?[/align]

__________________
Mike
02 FLHTCi
Stage II 95" w/SE Slip-ons

Hey Gzr...

I live in Cranbrook and have made the trip to and from the Lower Mainland numerous times.

You're right, its about 800 km. I would suggest taking hwy. 3 east - its an awesome ride! Going via hwy. 1 to Golden, then south to Cranbrook is about 1050 km and not nearly as scenic. Less traffic on #3 as well!

Ride safe!

__________________
Cheers,
Craig.
____________________________________
2008 FLHTCU Ultra Classic - Deep Blue Pearl

I've done most of that road, although not all of it. (Vancouver to Castlegar). Highway 3 road is mountainous at times, but pretty easy most of the way. Worst part is coming out of Langley, IMHO. Should take about 10 hours of riding, not including breaks.

Mike

__________________
Mike
2008 Road Glide
SE 103 stage II Kit

Thanks for the replies guys.
&nbsp\\;
I'm going from Wpg to Edm on day 1, Golden on day 2, Langley day 3 (via #1 to Cache Creek and then south on 99 to Langley).
Trip home will be along #3 thru Osoyoos to Cranbrook. Next day continuing on #3 &amp\\; hooking up with #1 at Medicine Hat to Regina, and final day will be southern Sask and Mb back to Winnipeg.
&nbsp\\;
Any other advice for scenic detours along the southern route?

__________________
Mike
02 FLHTCi
Stage II 95" w/SE Slip-ons

If I've got this right your BIG day is gonna be Golden to Langley via HWY #1 and 99. (I'm assuming you mean to ride #1 from Golden thru to Cache Creek then onto 99 towards Lillooet, on to Pemberton, Whistler, and Vancouver to Langley)
Langley to Cranbrook is a long day but way easier than the Golden/Langley day IMO if the above route is what you have planned.
If it were me, (and it's not) I'd remain on #1 from Golden right through to Chilliwack, then head south thru Sardis and follow the road along the U.S./Canada border to Langley. (eventually Zero Ave) Or maybe even stay north of the Fraser River (skipping Hope) and go thru to Maple Ridge and take the Albion Ferry (free) across to Fort Langley from there.

I've done Vancouver to Nelson lots of times in partial day rides but Cranbrook is a bit further. Since that's where you're headed, catch the ferry from Balfour (I recall it's free) just north of Nelson across to Crawford Bay and ride Hwy 3A down to Creston. From there it's just a quick jaunt to Cranbrook. If you get out of Langley at a sane hour you can make Cranbrook before the wildlife hits the roads at dusk. You'll see a serious bunch of roadkill between Grand Forks and Nelson....and not the kind you'll want to tangle with, whether in a cage or on a bike, believe me.

He**, I'll ride with ya.

CN

__________________

I'm doing a similar ride this summer but a different route.

Winnipeg to Vancouver

Day one to Moose Jaw via #2 out of Winnipeg.

Day two to Cranbrook.

Day three to Kamloops via Kootenay park, then onto transcanada.

Day four to Vancouver via Whistler.

I'll meander back east through Washington, Idaho, Montana.

__________________

2002 FLHTPI
Rinehart TD
SE AC PC III

&nbsp\\;
Careful on #2. I try to avoid it. The last time I was on it it ws pretty rough, even on a touring bike. Nice country though.
&nbsp\\;

&nbsp\\;
Thats an awesome route. I remember going thru there 15 yrs ago and it was breathtaking along #3.
Montana was funny though. The never ending state as I called it. Got used to coming arond corners and seeing a cow in the middle of the road!

__________________
Mike
02 FLHTCi
Stage II 95" w/SE Slip-ons

Hows the highway from Whistler to Vancouver? Lots of construction because of the olympics???

__________________
Mike
02 FLHTCi
Stage II 95" w/SE Slip-ons

I was on #2 last summer until turning south to Killarney. It was in good shape, but I haven't been west of that point.

The #1 is in good shape, but I've traveled that stretch of highway dozens of times. Just looking for a bit of a change in scenery.

I figure that I'm never more than a short ride north to the #1 if 2 becomes ugly. Thanks for the heads up.

Good question. BC Highways has a good site just for the Sea to Sky highway outlining construction schedules and suggested times of travel. Certainly construction will be a factor, but proper timing looks like it will mitigate some issues.

http://projects.ch2m.com/TrafficUpda...nal-travel.htm

Enjoy your trip next week. Ride safe.

__________________

2002 FLHTPI
Rinehart TD
SE AC PC III

The ride from Crawford Bay to Creston is the best rated road for motorcycles in B.C.&nbsp\\; Definately worth the hour detour. Be careful on your run from to Edmonton, I've done that run in one day in a car and it's very easy to get bored and have your mind start drifting&nbsp\\; right about the time you enter animal alley (Saskatchewan).
&nbsp\\;
Ride Safe

__________________
Keep your booger picker off the bang switch until you want a loud noise. DVC