Ontario to BC roadtrip April 20th '07 one way

Hey there

I am planning a moto trip to BC starting April 20th '07 leaving from Kingston Ontario. I have a tree planting contract lined up for May and im planning on riding there as quickly as i can, maybe 4 days. Is there anyone crazy enough to accompany me on the trip. I ride a '86 XJ 700, not the biggest ride but it is mint, bought it with 6000miles now has 8000.

please let me know of anyone who may want to go

 

Where in BC are you going to end up?

 

Being a native of the area, I can attest that unless you get some REALLY nice weather, riding a motorcycle through northwestern Ontario in mid-to-late April is a bad, BAD idea.

I grew up in Thunder Bay, moved to southern Ontario in 2000. In 10+ years of motorcycle ownership up there, I never once had the bike on the road before mid-to-end of May. Temps in northwestern Ont don't even start to stay in the positives until early May.

With amazingly good weather, lots of luck, and a full set of electrically heated clothing it might be do-able -- but it's gonna be COLD.

And once you hit Manitoba it's pretty likely to get worse until you hit BC.

Save yourself hassle, danger, and possibly your life -- have the bike shipped out there and take a plane/train/bus. Talk to a local m/c dealer near you - they quite possibly might be able to arrange shipping to a dealer out in BC for you.

 

I totally agree with Altus, I've lived in Northern Ontario all my life and seen some major snow storms in late April that have closed the highways, especially hwy 17 north of Sault Ste. Marie. Not the best time of the year to travel.

 

Originally from northern Quebec and I agree with these guys . Was in Rouyn-Noranda about 14 years ago in the first week of May for my grandfather's funeral , and had to bolt almost right from the funeral home and head south . Snow started up and I rode like hell to outrun it , it followed me in through Temiskaming all the way pretty much to Mattawa .

That time of year is very unpredictable up there !

 

I'm a BC/Alberta resident, have been for decades. Ship the bike! I've also crossed the continent a dozen times (by car). I agree with above, Ontario comments, and would add, if by fluke you make it to the rockies in April, the mountian weather that time of year is extremely unpredictable! A crossing (just the mountians) in April, I would rate as hazardous to your health! Where are you headed when you get here? maybe some of the members can be of assistance.

 

Yeah i am just hoping for the best weather wise for when i leave.
I've decided to cut through the states around Michigan in order to bypass northern Ontario. I'm guessing it will still be a little hairy but warmer south of Lake Superior.
Also my trip will end up in Prince George BC.
thanks for the info though, but i will be making the trip solo at this point regardless of conditions. I'm crazy like that, hell im going to plant trees.

-chow

 

I lived there for 6 yrs when I was a kid. Got my first motorcycle and learned to ride it up there in the bush/back roads.

 

Don't know anyone in the Prince George area, take pictures, and give us the highlights of your adventure. Enjoy the long sit, you"ll miss it when planting trees!