Solo Long Ride MB to BC, Nervous and Excited

Highway of tears missing women were primarily First Nations (our PC term for Aboriginal people here). These women were mostly persons at risk. Though one should never let their guard down, travelling alone. Canada is very safe. Gas, food, and lodging in BC is easily aquired. Now . Taking the Alaskan Hwy up to Alaska, I don't know but from MB to Rupert, you are good to go.

Scubalong recently rode through here and up to Alaska so he would be a good reference source. Post a thread so we can keep track of your progress. Who knows. I might be able to meet with you for some of your ride, if I am around. I'm off to MB on mid June not to return till mid to end of July.

 

Well, you know I'll ride along with you while you're in Manitoba if I'm around then and you want the company, and I might even be able to swing part of Saskatchewan depending on time. As you know, I'll be meeting up with my friends from VA and OH in South Dakota at the beginning of June.

I hope to entertain Randy for a bit while he's visiting the Province and his family out here in mid-June. Not sure if I'll have gotten around to finishing up my VF1000F by then for him to ride - but I'll try!

I cannot comment on the # of fuel stops along #16 (Yellowhead Route) outside of Manitoba, but within Manitoba you should be good. Just fill up every time you can as the gaps between towns will be much longer, and many of the towns are very small to the point where they may not have a gas station.

Lots of camping spots up here all over Manitoba, but there are a few that are better than others. I would suggest you stay a night in Riding Mountain National Park if you have the time. It's beautiful up there and you pass just to the South of it on #16.

If you can - try and explore the Kenora / Keewatin area of Ontario (right along the Manitoba border) or at least the Whiteshell in Manitoba along the Canadian Shield. Some of the most picturesque lakes are in this area. It starts about 45 minutes from where I live.

... and of course ... you're more than welcome to my garage and bike lift if you need to do some maintenance.

 

Would your budget stretch to hotels rather than camping? That is where you would be most vulnerable.

Extreme kudos to you.

 

besides the usual tire plug kit, tool kit (with extra wire), air pump etc.. I'd recommend a spare voltage regulator. I have a spare stator coil with cover gasket just in case since they tend to go up in smoke at the same time. the charging system is probably the weakest link after things like a flat tire. You don't want to have to place a parts order in the middle of nowhere.

personal safety? a good knife, gps transponder (Delorme Inreach, Spot etc..) bear mace, a bright flashlight that exceeds the output of car highbeams (this ain't no maglite https://youtu.be/HrN2mYGAVG8?t=161)

 

When we went up to Alaska, I rode on a 1980 Suzuki GS750L. It would only get between 180-200 k.m/tank! I never ran out of fuel, nor did I even come close. There are plenty of gas stations if you are going to Alaska. Don't be skipping gas stations a lot, as the one 50 k.m's up the road may be closed or out of fuel, etc. As for personal safety, don't give it a second thought. I have travelled all over Western Canada and into the States without a problem. If you have a problem with your bike, you can always order parts and have them sent to the nearest place the Greyhound stops, or to the nearest town that a courier goes to. Get it sent "Rush" or "Overnight Express". The one thing I would take is a repair kit for tires,with a way to reinflate the tire, and be confident enough to use it. That's one thing non motorcycle people won't touch, is motorcycle tires. Also, probably best to have good tires on your bike at the start of your trip, as it's a long haul. When we went, we both camped and stayed in motels, depending on weather and mood. Lots of really nice camping though. A note- when they repair the highway, they lay gravel over the asphalt, for up to 25 k.m.'s at a time, then re lay the asphalt. It is very dusty, when dry, or kinda of soupy when wet. Brush up on your gravel riding skills. Also, bring some good "Deet" bug spray! If you are passing through Edmonton, and need a hand with something, or want a place to change your oil or tires or something, I'd let you do it at my place. If you have a problem, look me up, or get my number before you go, in case of Emergency. I do have a truck and could come rescue you. Edmonton is the last big City before going up North. Have fun.

 

Riding alone is the best, you will meet so many great people along the way.
Camping is wisely available in CAN, Yukon and Alaska. Wild camping would be my choice :wink:
In the state most of the popular camp site all book up. So plan to end your ride before dark so you have more time to search for available space. Late May early Jun You might encounter rain and snow in some part of Yukon and Alaska.
During summer majority of the roads will be dig up so be prepare. I would switch out the tires for dirt friendly. Scorpion Trail would work. As for gears I would recommend to layer up due to the temperature change.

 

Here is the link to my unfinish report :sad:

http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthread.php/48997-Alaska-ans-Beyond

 

No offence, but that is incredibly naive to say. Anyone travelling alone anywhere in the world, no matter how "safe" it is should take their personal safety very seriously indeed. Unfortunately this applies even more so to a woman.

 

I would look for roads off the hiway that are big Gravel Pits that were used for building the Hiway. Always had the place to myself (cheap camping).

Bear Spray ($20) is a real good idear, keep unruly critters away, including Humans.
Never had a problem with critters though, don't think they like the smell of Petroleum.

I got a cheap 12V Air Compressor from Walmart, bustd off the plastic housing (its pretty small inside) and solder on extended wires, replace cigarette lighter plug with Alligator Clips. But you probably won't need it. If you leave with fresh Tires/Chain you should be OK.

Get the small packs of Baby Wipes, wipe your Face, Hands, Face Shield,,..

Going to the Sun road in Glacier should be Plowed of Snow by then.
Jellystone Park averages 8000' up, can get cold at night.

June should be good, July/August things get stupid in the Parks.
The Banffff Tunnel Mtn Campground (over 1300 sites) fills up, its a Zoo.

You'll be the Star of the road up there, eveyone wants to talk to you; (where are you from?, where ya going?, how fast is that bike?,,,.. )
One guy came out of his big 5th wheel trailer in the morning with cups and a pot of hot coffee, that was neat,,..
My wife did a Bike trip on her own thru the BC interior on her 84 GS400e (way back).
When she'd stop at a lookout/pullout, every one came over to see her, her bike and,,.. "How fast is that bike?, where are ya from?, where ya goin?,,.."

Probably the worst that happens is your bike falls over, breaks a lever (bring spares).
You can get by with a broken Mirror or Signal.

If you come by Calgary, look me up, we can do a Mid Trip Maintenance (change Oil, adj Chain,,..)

 

Never been to those places, no advice on those roads. I agree on what to bring with you as far as spares and parts; I'd also bring spare fuses, basic tools, a first aid kit, and base layers.
The key to a long, exciting and successful ride -I think- is to have a positive attitude and to learn and make the best out of adversity when/if it happens. Safe travels.

 

Anne-Marie

Wow - that should be a great trip - so just do it!

I am sure the folks your side of the pond are best placed to advise on any places to go/avoid. However I guess some of the general motorbike touring stuff we have on our website might help with planning your first really long trip - such as the packing list here.

http://www.lifford-cooke.com/motorbiking/

Inherently many riders take far too much on their first long trips and only figure out the really essential stuff after a few trips. If you are riding solo then perhaps the most important suggestion to make is to be realistic in terms of your planned daily mileage, especially if you need to allow time to put up/take down tents, pack the bike and also pick up food and fuel every day. Ideally on such a long trip try to build in a few spare days, just in case you wake-up to find a full day of torrential rain is forecast. If you have spare time, its probably better to delay setting off until the weather clears, rather than have to press on in potentially horrible riding conditions just to keep to a set schedule.

PS Depending on your progress, you could of course expect a warm welcome if you swing by Atascadero for the Memorial weekend and join this years R3!

Take care




SkiMad

 

Be sure to ask Randy how to use your debit card at Canadian gas stations.

 

LOL Rob, you beat me too it. Sounds like a lot of good advice from those that are in the know. One thing that stands out for me is to pace myself, to many times I had to be somewhere at a particular time and I know I missed a lot of cool stuff. So like what Skimad brought up is the time, don't get yourself in a spot where there isn't enough time, take it all in stride. I'd also would just for the sake of knowing check with motels /hotels on given routes, I know that a fresh shower feels great and gets the juices following. in all that I'd say jump on and go, sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders done your home work, this isn't your first rodeo by what I read, just a tad longer. If it works out, post up as you go along, that way we all know you're doing ok. lots of folks here that would be more than happy to lend a hand especially for a gal

 

Oh yes I forgot about this annoying process :sad:
Get a smart chip card before head out. Save you a lot of headache

 

Was just rembering, that Canadian Border Services considers Bear Spray a Weapon.
You might be OK to DECLARE IT at the border, and they might let it go, or they may confiscate it, but then you go on.
If you forget to declare it, and they find it, you are in Trouble.
You could just buy it here. When I bought one, I had to fill out a Federal Form.
Funny how they won't let you bring yours in, but you can still buy it here, might be a Certification Issue.
Quite a difference between what we consider Weapons and their Availability (and need).