Out of here, July 26th, o'dark thirty. 10-11 days, four guys on Harley's. Our trip will take us thru Ely, NV on #93, north thru the 'Sawtooth Range" ( ID #75) onwards to GNP #93 to (east side of Flathead Lake, MT #35) #2, thru Glacier National Park, 89, 17, etc. towards Longview, Canada, AB#40 into Canmore. Hwy #1, Banff & Lake Louise, into Revelstoke and Kelowna. Back thru eastern WA, OR. (or farther west, if weather permits). 8 months of planning is coming to frutition. Got some great suggestions from our WA & OR friends, suggesting routes out of Canada for our return (see previous thread...WA, OR riders...need suggestions, in the Trip Forum). Those that contributed, thanks again, for the input.

Got the bike and gear in the 'Bluegrass Stage'...just needs a little fiddling. New "shoes", and oils.

Us four did a previous trip to Colorado (and some before) and we have similar riding habits, respect for each others space, and not opposed to doing the miles necessary...also, like to leave the trip 'loose'...don't want to end up in a motel (reserved) at 3 PM and wish we were still 'riding'.

My picture taking and posting, is not the best. I will do the best I can, keeping in mind those that offered their suggestions.

 

Sounds like a great route up through Canada. I could make a few suggestions for things to see along the way...
- In Longview have a beer and something to eat on the deck at the Longview Hotel.
- On route through the Kananaskis country on Hwy 40 stop at the Kananaskis golf course for a round of golf. It's an amazing course set at the base of a moutain that towers 3000+ feet right beside the course.
- When you get to Banff, you should pull into the townsite and drive up to the Banff Springs hotel. It's a very elegant place, looks like an old england castle or something. Definately worth seeing.
- When you get to Lake Louise, go up and see the lake it's quite nice. Then take the side road up to Morraine lake and the Valley of the 10 peaks. It's a touristy area, but it's that way because it's touted as one of the most beautiful places on the planet. So you can see it and decide for yourself. It's nice.
- Half way between Lake Louise and Field there is a rest area half way down one of the long hills. It's called the spiral tunnels. You can stop there and from the rest area see the trains going in and coming out at the same time at a higher elevation. It's interesting.
- Going through Rogers pass on the way to Revelstoke, remember to take your sunglasses off before you hit the tunnels if it's a bright day. Saftey first!
- When you get to the summit of the Rogers pass stop at the visitors center. They have a great display in there and lots of interesting facts about the pass. For example they have a model of the mountain that shows how the train goes through the mountain, plus the history of it.
- When you get to Revelstoke, about a mile before you reach the townsite you'll see a turn off to Mt Revelstoke. You should take it, it's about a 4000 foot climb up a windy switch back road that takes you to the top of the mountain.
- The road from Sicamous to Osoyoos travels along several large lakes that have some really nice beaches (and young girls), you might want to stop for a beach day. If you guys are interested I can tell you some more details.
- Also when in the Okanagan, stop at a road side fruit stand and sample some of BC's home grown fruit.
- The Okanagan is also wine country. If you're interested in wine there are many, many wineries in the Kelowna area.
- Watch for the Ogo-Pogo in lake Okanagan. It's a pre-historic looking sea monster that lives there. Jaques Crusteau himself led an expedition looking for it. Didn't find it but keep your camera handy just in case he surfaces when you're there.

Hope I gave you a couple ideas. Have a great trip.

 

Great choice you made going up through Longview, Alberta. I watched Open Range last night and was reminded that film was shot there. Beautiful country.

 

They shot the Clint Eastwood movie "Unforgiven" just out of Longview. They say that the chair he sat in when he visited a certain restaurant is hanging on the wall. I've never seen it.

 

I agree with Zeus, especially on the climb up Mt Revelstoke!

One alternative to add, or add to your next trip...
at Revelstoke you could steer south and go to Nakusp, then west to Vernon. Some natural hot springs, a biker-friendly campsite/resort, and some great twisties.

Dmn, there are some great roads to ride, and so short of a summer....

 

Unforgiven...another fine movie. Now that I think about it, much of Brokeback Mountain was shot in that area as well....... Not that there's anything wrong with that.