Living the dream - road trip style.

[beast]

http://bp0.blogger.com/_cywO7CTEfek/SEeXY7PkhKI/AAAAAAAAALE/qQE_SnNSqOQ/s400/summer08.jpg

Next Tuesday (June 10) my roommate, girlfriend, and I will depart on a two month long road trip of epic proportions. We're going everywhere, doing everything, and it's going to be a blast. The jeep is loaded with our fishing poles, bikes (of course!), cameras, camping gear, and hiking boots. We've got a list of places to visit but no real agenda, leaving ample time and flexibility which equals mucho fun. We may hit up a BC Cup race or a Whistler Dh event if we're in the area at the right time.

Possible destinations:
1: Yellowstone NP, WY
2: Big Sky, MT
3: Calgary, AB
4: Canada Olympic Park, AB
5: Banff NP, AB/BC
6: Panorama Resort
7: Golden, BC
8: Kicking Horse Resort
9: Glacier NP, BC
10: Silver Star Resort
11: Kelwona, BC
12: Sun Peaks Resort
13: Kamloops, BC
14:: Mission, BC
15: Whistler, BC
16: Vancouver, BC
17: Seymour
18: Fromme
19: Cypress
20: Vancouver Island, BC
21: Seattle, WA
22: Portland, OR
23: Sequoia/Kings Canyon NP, CA
24: Tahoe, CA
25: Reno, NV
26: Las Vegas, NV (To win all of our money back! Well, maybe.)
27: Home (Just in time for school to start)

While in BC, we'll moving moving west to a new location every few days or so, but will likely stay at Whistler and Vancouver for longer.

So stoked.

If you're in one of the locations above and wouldn't mind showing a few like minded riders around for an afternoon, we'd really appreciate it! (or if you know of any amazing trails, rivers to tube down, mountains to hike, lakes/streams to fish, etc)

[rideit]

Give me a shout if you make it down to the Teton Valley, I would be happy to show you around.

[SuperChief]

Theres a new dirt jump and skate park in Whitefish, it looks like you'll be going through there on the way to the port of Rooseville. Plus you should sidetrip through Glacier Park's Going to the sun Highway.

Ridemonkey TR (http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=202445)... Not mine

Safe travels.

Edit: Looked at your map again looks like when you go from Big Sky you'll go from Bozeman to Helena, Great Falls and on up to Sweetgrass. it's flat prairie land and not to scenic from Great Falls to the border. You should go all the way to Missoula and then north up HWY 93 to experience the most congested clusterfuck of a road in MT due to the popularity of big lakes and mountains. (worth it though) You can get to Calgary or Banff from Port of rooseville/eureka, MT and get to see alot better scenery by staying out the prairie on the east side of MT, (West Dakota). Theres also some nice natural hotsprings between Skookumchuck and Fairmont. Whiteswan is the name.

http://www.britishcolumbia.com/images/Maps/Regions/bc/bc_bcr.gif

Link to map (http://www.britishcolumbia.com/Maps/?id=8)

[RedWolf]

I'm sure you realize this, but I feel like I gotta say it anyway - if you're driving through southern Utah and not riding, you're missing out!

Other than that, I'm really just super jealous...

[Rontele]

i wish i was in college.

[Damian Sanders]

I'm sure you realize this, but I feel like I gotta say it anyway - if you're driving through southern Utah and not riding, you're missing out!

Other than that, I'm really just super jealous...

Heck....what about some skiing in utah...?

[Eldo]

Looks like an awesome trip sched. Taking two months is a great idea.

Just a heads up if you are planning to do the lift serviced mountain biking at resorts in the Cnd Rockies like Kicking Horse, Panorama, Fernie etc... most don't open until June 27. So drive slow on the way north.

[beast]

Give me a shout if you make it down to the Teton Valley, I would be happy to show you around.

Considering Eldo's tip, we're in. Plus the high country stuff is always a treat. We'll likely come down after Yellowstone, putting us in the Teton area around the weekend of June 14. I'll shoot you a pm soon. Thanks!



Theres a new dirt jump and skate park in Whitefish, it looks like you'll be going through there on the way to the port of Rooseville. Plus you should sidetrip through Glacier Park's Going to the sun Highway.

...

Edit: Looked at your map again looks like when you go from Big Sky you'll go from Bozeman to Helena, Great Falls and on up to Sweetgrass. it's flat prairie land and not to scenic from Great Falls to the border. You should go all the way to Missoula and then north up HWY 93 to experience the most congested clusterfuck of a road in MT due to the popularity of big lakes and mountains. (worth it though) You can get to Calgary or Banff from Port of rooseville/eureka, MT and get to see alot better scenery by staying out the prairie on the east side of MT, (West Dakota). Theres also some nice natural hotsprings between Skookumchuck and Fairmont. Whiteswan is the name.

Perfect. Thanks for the tip! We dig nice jumps, skateparks, hot springs and scenic drives. We'll adjust accordingly ;)

[shirk]

Give a shout when you arrive in Vancouver and we'll show you some stuff if we are around.

[brannen]

i did some of those areas last year on my trip, found here
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97087
i can tell you what i liked the best
Rides
CO - Monarch Crest - Salida area, Hartman Rock - Gunnison, anything in Crested Butte and Fruita
WY - Happy Jack - Laramie
MT - missoula trails
OR - McKenzie R Trail - Bend/Eugene, North Umpqua Trail - Roseburg, Klamath Creek - Bend, Phils - Bend, Middle Fork - Oakridge
WA - Falls Creek Falls - St Helens, Post Canyon - Hood River, Tiger Mtn Grand Ridge - North Bend
UT - Moab, obviously

I would also make sure not to miss Glacier NP. I went to Teton, Yellowstone, and arches as well, and still like Glacier the best.

jealous, im not leaving on this years tour of cali until late august

[DerJaeger]

Awesome trip! Add Bend and Moab into the mix, although Moab might be a bit on the hot side at that time of the year.

You might want to invest in a copy of "Don't Waste Your Time in the Canadian Rockies" and cherry pick a few hikes around there. Also, don't forget to do some hikes/scrambling around Whistler as well as riding, especially if you're there in August/September. I almost actually like Whistler better in summer...

And maybe plan for a Chilcotin epic... gotta do that too.

[NlytendOne]

For the Oregon inclined...


OR - McKenzie R Trail - Bend/Eugene, North Umpqua Trail - Roseburg, Klamath Creek - Bend, Phils - Bend, Middle Fork - Oakridge

I'd be happy to show you around the local digs if the timing is right. The XC riding is summed up pretty well above. I know the McKenzie River Trail like the back of my hand. The Dread and Terror section of the North Umpqua Trail is a nice ride, and the Oakridge riding is also pretty sweet.

If you're looking for something a little more exciting, Blackrock at Falls City is awrsome. Also, the trails outside of my little town of Corvallis have some great downhill XC riding, especially in the summer. Falls City is 40 min from here, as well. Give me a shout if you're interested - I can usually ride a bike without falling over.

Have fun :D

[PowStompper]

Feel free to track me down in Tajo. I know every square inch and would be glad to show you around or point you to someone with the day off.

[beast]

Give a shout when you arrive in Vancouver and we'll show you some stuff if we are around.

Deal. Wish we could hang out long enough to make the maggot gathering. I guess we can provide the video and pics to get everyone excited for Sept, though!



I would also make sure not to miss Glacier NP. I went to Teton, Yellowstone, and arches as well, and still like Glacier the best.

We'll be hitting up both Glacier NPs, in addition to Yellowstone, Banff, Kings Canyon/Sequoia, and Teton. VERY excited for all of those.




Awesome trip! Add Bend and Moab into the mix, although Moab might be a bit on the hot side at that time of the year.

No thanks on Moab. I'm from Grand Junction and know exactly how toasty it can get in August. Gotta make it back in time for school, too ;) Maybe in Oct...


For the Oregon inclined...

Are any of those near Portland or Hood River?


Feel free to track me down in Tajo. I know every square inch and would be glad to show you around or point you to someone with the day off.

Bingo. Expect a pm late July/early August. Thanks for the offer!

[ruhiks]

A bike trip of epic proportions for sure.

But no Nelson, Rossland, Fernie?????

[brannen]

Hood River = Post Canyon, sick little skinnies and some nice gaps. can be shuttled really easily

[mntlion]

some really nice and with no people XC riding in jasper, lake louise, and banff.

PM me for info.. I might have time for a ride too.

[RootSkier]

Ah, no! Don't go that close and not check out the West Kootenays!

[fish]

out of curiousity... how much will a massive roadtrip like this cost?

[NlytendOne]

Are any of those near Portland or Hood River?



BlackRock at Falls City - Hour south of Portland on I-5.

Coast Range XC - Hour and fifteen south of PDX on I-5.

Some of the other riding is located a ways off of I-5, but more south.

:biggrin:

[JeffreyJim]

Have a good trip B. That looks sooo sick.

You should have bought some oil futures back a few months ago to hedge against 6 dollar gas.

Ha.

Whatever, you can't put a price on a trip like that........

[beast]

Trip update! http://bturman.blogspot.com/


fish - Trip cost is expected to be ~$1400 before lift tickets. There are three of us, though. With tickets, ~$2400.

ruhiks - We'd hit up Nelson, Fernie, and Rossland if they weren't so far off our route. Can only cram so much into two months...

[Art Vandelay]

pics

picasaweb.google.com/stcabay

[spankthepow]

im jealous...my Jeep is halfway across the county sitting in storage for the summer. that and the lack of good riding out here in GA (compared to CO at least) makes me want to cry at night.

[skadams.ca]

Drop me a PM when you're heading over to the island and I'll do my best to point you in the right direction....

[iscariot]

A bike trip of epic proportions for sure.

But no Nelson, Rossland, Fernie?????

Exactly my thoughts

[beast]

We made it to Fernie. The pass through glacier np was closed so we figured why not... I was immediately blown away by the mtb culture up there - chicks on dirtjumpers, twelve year olds throwing down in the skatepark, all mountain bikes everywhere... but to be honest with you, the riding kinda sucked. We hiked three of their supposedly gnarly trails only to ride a few steep sections, tons of silly little log rides, and lots of broken/aged stunts. Booo. The town trail map needs updating, or maybe we just needed a guide who knew where the goods were.

We're now in Calgary and plan to spend a few days.

PS - Missoula and Whtefish have got it going on! More pics and a quality update to follow.

[Dr. Crank]

We made it to Fernie. The pass through glacier np was closed so we figured why not... I was immediately blown away by the mtb culture up there - chicks on dirtjumpers, twelve year olds throwing down in the skatepark, all mountain bikes everywhere... but to be honest with you, the riding kinda sucked. We hiked three of their supposedly gnarly trails only to ride a few steep sections, tons of silly little log rides, and lots of broken/aged stunts. Booo. The town trail map needs updating, or maybe we just needed a guide who knew where the goods were.

We're now in Calgary and plan to spend a few days.

PS - Missoula and Whtefish have got it going on! More pics and a quality update to follow.

Too bad about Fernie. Sounds like the Cdn. leg isn't off to an amazing start. If you didn't like it in Fernie, you're not exactly going to be blown away by the riding in Calgary. Just do a lot of day trips to the mountains, such as K-country (maybe that's what you're planning on doing anyways). Best to stay in the mountains, but whatever, maybe you have free digs or something.

[kidwoo]

Go ride Kamloops you pussy.


Logs are for cabins.:D

[ruhiks]

Make sure to check out Moose Mountain while you're around Calgary. It's about 45 min West.(i think)

I'm sure any LBS will help you out with directions.

[mntlion]

PM me for banff and lake louise info (more XC/light FR stuff, no shuttles)

[mtnmayheim]

Good Luck with NorCal.. that whole part of the state is on fire... you could always check out idaho (city of rocks or tamarack)...

[mntlion]

how was the banff area? moose mnt fun?

[beast]

Banff has been awesome. Skipped out on Moose due to lots of rain in the area.

Oh, someone in the banff area tagged our car a few nights ago. Yes, we've got change ;)

Trip update: http://bturman.blogspot.com/

[mntlion]

ya I tagged your jeep ;) Saw it, and the stickers, and the bikes. How was the steak at the elk?

[Professor Chaos]

Sounds like it will be, and is turning out, to be a sweet trip.

When your in Van Id be down for some days of riding on Fromme and Seymour with you and your peeps. Dont hesitate to give a shout beforehand.

Keep the TRs coming.

[iscariot]

Check out Rossland. It will not disappoint.

General Overview by Johnny Smoke of Bushpilot Tours.

The “Golden City” owes its existence to a violent past. Not too long ago, geologically speaking, this part of B.C. was much closer to the coast. Like the present day coast of the province, active volcanoes were a common sight. Volcanoes tend to erupt, and eruptions tend to create deposits of rare minerals. In this case, it was gold. While it may appear to be situated on the side of a mountain, Rossland is actually built inside the crater of an extinct volcano that erupted materials rich in gold ore. The legacy of the gold rush in Rossland is many miles of rough trail formerly used to service the hundreds of mining claims staked over a hundred years ago.

Many of the original miners were from Scandinavia, so it was only natural that they would ski the fantastic mountains in the area. There have been skiers in Rossland since the 1870’s, and the Jeldness Cup is still contested every winter, just as it has since the 1890’s. Red mountain, just a mile up the road, has contributed more members to the National Ski Team over the years than any other ski area. Really, it is a bit of a surprise that it took until the 1980’s before anyone thought to ride bikes here in the summer.

Now Rossland is the self-styled “Mountain Bike Capital of Canada.” Legendary local riders such as Elladee Brown, Chris Lawerence, Dave Swetland and the first woman World DH Champ Cindy Devine have helped solidify this reputation. One ride here and you will see why. The ground here is rocky, the trails are steep, and if it isn’t achingly hot and dusty you’re probably here in the winter and up to your armpits in powder. Highlight trails for the free ride set include The Flume, which descends the back side of Deer Mountain to Patterson, and the old Dewdney Trail which is accessed via the old Cascade Highway to Christina Lake. A shuttle service is available at a modest rate, and local guides are pretty easy to come by. Most will show you around for the pleasure of doing so, so show them the pleasure of buying a round.

Like many small towns Rossland typically offers great eating, but turnover among restaurants is high. The Steamshovel offers solid pub fare and the Mountain Gypsy serves up more organic alternatives. The Sunshine Café has been serving up killer breakfast for decades.

Weekends usually see some live entertainment at the Uplander, but mid-week is typically pretty quiet. Staying up late is usually difficult in any case, as you will be too punched from the big terrain of the Kootenay to party that hard.