Re: Trip Planning: Summer 2013

Posted by free2ride on Apr 25, 2013; 11:03am
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/Trip-Planning-Summer-2013-tp4039727p4039851.html

sgtslag wrote

If possible, consider traveling through Ontario, along the north shore of Lake Superior...  It is gorgeous!

I don't know how many times I've done that trip . . . always 4 wheels though. we used to travel Ottawa to Winnipeg twice a year along that highway [sometimes crossing at the Soo on the "southern route"]. If I come back through Canada I'll be hitting that stretch for sure.

I think that I have driven the TransCanada from end to end over time, with the exception of about 300 km in Britich Columbia which I'll do this summer. some time I'll have to go east on the bike -- was supposed to be last year but didn't work out.

We circled Superior in '09, in July:  average temperature of 56 F, rained all four days through Canada

and I am hoping for better travel weather, of course.

The Canadian highway heading west, into Winnepeg, after you leave Ontario and enter into Manitoba, is incredibly boring, flat land, which is very much like I-90, through SW Minnesota

It gets no more interesting heading the TC west either . . . until you hit Alberta. Flat flat flat . . . and straight.

We never had an issue finding a motel in Canada, but the Northshore Area of Minnesota can be more challenging: fewer motels (maybe), and plenty of resorts, and cabins -- which may be booked solid all Summer...  Just be prepared to look for a place to stay before it gets too late in the day.  

While my plan is to ride early stop early with a little exploration along the way, this is a good reminder . . . thanks. I've done my times of sleeping in the car when I didn't stop early enough [no such option this summer!] . . . and I'm not taking a tent along.

The Northern Minnesota Iron Range area is quite majestic, plenty to see, as well.  The North Shore region (referring to Lake Superior's shorelines) is fantastic, similar to southern Ontario, though not as wild; there are many rivers draining into Superior, with State Park hiking trails to explore (along MN Highway 61, running along the shoreline) -- don't miss these, if you are in the area!

A very real possibility now with your recommend!

If you travel this region, be aware that MN Highway 1 is curvy enough to make a dog vomit

If that isn't a "you MUST ride this road" I don't know what is!

Thanks!