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81

Routes / Re: GDMBR from Banff to Whitefish

« Last post by Iowagriz on July 21, 2017, 10:34:30 am »

Pete - you are correct, Lodgepole Pine Road will get you back to the main route just north of Butts Cabin.  Approx  mile 75.8 on the map.

These might help.  My morning ride from Elkford, thru Sparwood and then pavement to Fernie:
https://www.strava.com/activities/1067108405

And the afternoon portion to Butts Cabin:
https://www.strava.com/activities/1067108490

Lodgepole Pine Road was a good climb.  BTW - I've heard of others taking Lodgepole to the intersection of Wigwam, then south on that to connect to the route at the Wigwam Camp/Rec site (mile 114.6).  But you would miss Cabin Pass, which was very scenic.

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General Discussion / Re: GPS Tracker

« Last post by John Nettles on July 21, 2017, 10:08:28 am »

I have used the Inreach.  Expensive but highly accurate and the wife really likes that I can text her or she me.  Note that it can take up to 20 minutes (usually around 10) for each round trip message (question then response) though so ensure all your questions and answers are thought out.  Depending on the plan you select, you can track as frequently as 2-minute intervals.

It also has a cool map that tracks where you have been/are showing the speed and elevation.  It is highly accurate.  Once, I went off the road for a "nature break" and she wondered if I had wrecked or something since it was 20+ feet off the road.  The battery life is pretty good.  Two AAA rechargeable batteries last about 5-6 days on the 10-minute tracking mode assuming I turn the device off at night.

Consider where you tour is going.  If you will have cellular data service fairly often (say along the coast), I "think" you can get phone apps that will do the same thing.  However, if you do more remote touring, i.e. Great Divide, northern central plains, Alaska, etc., then a satellite tracker may be the way to go.  All depends on what you need.

My big gripe with the InReach is that you have to pay $25/year for the "subscription renewal" in addition to any plan.  Plus if you use the freedom plan (month to month), you have to pay $25 to start the plan again each time.  So in other words, you go on one 1-month (or less) tour a year, it is $50 plus the plan cost and then you can cancel the plan.  If you did say, two separate 1-month tours a year, it would then cost about $75 plus the plan costs assuming you cancelled the plan between the tours.  Considering all this is automated through the website, I think that is a bit steep.

However, for me, since my lovely wife wants to be able to get a hold of me no matter where I am, I am unfortunately forced to keep it.  Otherwise, I would seriously consider the Spot.

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Routes / Re: GDMBR from Banff to Whitefish

« Last post by zzzz on July 21, 2017, 09:44:53 am »

Question for Iowariz:

I leave next Friday from Banff on the GDMBR. After I read your answer regarding the detour you took I pulled out my map to check it out. South of Fernie & Morrisey Rd, there is a Lodgepole River Rd, which may or may not run into a Lodgepole Rd (obscured by text), which may be contiguous to Harvey-Lodgepole Rd., which runs back into the official route at Flathead Rd.

Are these 3 variations on the Lodgepole name in fact 1 contiguous road that you are referring to as Lodgepole Pine Rd & when I turn off 3 I can stay on it till I get back on route? Or is it more complicated then that?

Thanks,

Pete

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Routes / Re: Two Weeks/Early Oct/900 miles max

« Last post by jamawani on July 21, 2017, 09:30:24 am »

Las Vegas to Santa Fe?

That said - - - if you want to go somewhere warm with rain chance next to nil - - -
then the chances of fire late in the season will be high. Goes without saying.

From Vegas you could ride into southern Utah and catch - Zion, Bryce, and Grand Escalante.
Then you could do the north rim of Grand Canyon - services may be reduced, but still open.
I would then suggest a ride thru Monument Valley to Bluff, UT and Cortez, CO.
Then take in the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings and head towards Taos & Taos Pueblo.
Last, the High Road route to Santa Fe and, maybe, the Turquoise Trail into Albuquerque, if time allows.

This route would not be sizzling hot like the Southern Tier or at risk of early snow like the central Rockies.
Maybe a hot day or two, maybe a chilly night with a frost (desert air) - plus aspens and cottonwoods in fall colors.

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Routes / Re: Two Weeks/Early Oct/900 miles max

« Last post by zzzz on July 21, 2017, 08:14:52 am »

Hi:

I don't know if you've already been to these place but the loop of Grand Canyon to Monument Valley to Moab (Arches NP & Canyonlands) then over to Hanksville where in quick succession you hit Capital Reef NP, then Grand Staircase, Bryce Canyon, and finally Zion NP simply can't be beat. I've been thru this are in late September a couple of times and the weather was pretty good and the crowds are diminished although there is always a lot of people at Arches and GC in particular. I haven't calculated the milage but I'm guessing it should be close to 900. If your short and have time at the end you can spend a couple of days doing the iconic hikes at Zion (Angels Landing, The Narrows, Observation Point). A large portion of this ride is a section of ACA's Western Express Route.

If you've already been to these places or you want REALLY remote, Big Bend is a pretty special place. I've never ridden there but spent 2 weeks hiking it 30 years ago and I still remember it as one of my favorites.

Pete

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Routes / Re: Two Weeks/Early Oct/900 miles max

« Last post by paulsinbc on July 21, 2017, 12:14:35 am »

That's the advice I got two years ago and that I was referring to. Except I started in Portland.  From Vancouver two weeks would be a push.  And maybe it was from you, among others, because your name does look familiar. 

In any event, I want to go where it's warm and the chance of rain will be close to nil.

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Routes / Re: Two Weeks/Early Oct/900 miles max

« Last post by John Nelson on July 21, 2017, 12:07:50 am »

If BC means that you're somewhere near Vancouver, then in two weeks you could ride down the Pacific Coast to the California border.

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General Discussion / Re: On Pacific Coast.. to stay in San Fan or keep moving?

« Last post by Daveymac on July 21, 2017, 12:03:01 am »

Thanks John for your feedback!

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Routes / Two Weeks/Early Oct/900 miles max

« Last post by paulsinbc on July 20, 2017, 11:47:41 pm »

That's my criteria and I am having a hard time deciding where.  Then I had an aha moment and remembered how you helped me out two years ago so here I am again. 

Some ideas are Southern Tier from San Diego to El Paso.  One thing I like about an AC route is meeting other riders. 

El Paso to San Antonio via Big Bend (probably top of the list right now).  After spending a year touring in Australia, wide open desert scenery has its hooks in me. 

St George UT to Denver.  Maybe getting a little late for this one. 

Las Vegas to Albuquerque via southern Utah. 

I probably cant go wrong with any of those but as always, I would love to hear about some roads or highways that are outstanding.  I am open for anywhere in the southern US that will still be warm to hot. 

Thanks!

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General Discussion / Re: On Pacific Coast.. to stay in San Fan or keep moving?

« Last post by John Nelson on July 20, 2017, 11:07:17 pm »

I chose to ride through SF from Samuel Taylor State Park to Half Moon Bay, for the reasons you stated. I didn't want to pay SF prices. There's a nice campground at Half Moon Bay, but watch out for the raccoons there.