Canadian Twist
Head For The Rockies
 I've
been living and riding in Puget Sound for three years and I've never once
heard someone mention the Canadian Rockies. Sure, everyone talks about doing the
Cascade loop, or the Olympic Peninsula, but there seems to be a foreign world
few in Puget Sound have ventured out in.
The Canadian Rockies rival the Alps as one of the most
awesome places to ride in the world. In six hours you can be there (including a
stop for lunch). Gorgeous straight-aways, tight twisties, bears, goats, elk,
quaint towns and resorts await you in an area that is low in traffic and high in
fun.
Ride This
You could spend all day riding for two weeks and never
cover the many miles of roads through this area. In fact, it seems British
Columbia and Alberta are blessed with more miles of highway than people in the
population. For this reason, resurfacing does not occur as often as needed and
there will be times when you'll hit stretches of road that feature patched
potholes and worn surfaces. Bear with them as they soon take a turn for the
better, usually within a few miles.
You like twisties? You'll be in heaven here. Highlights
include the stretch of road between Kaslo and New Denver, and the hairpin turn
that lies just below the Glacier tourist attraction on the Ice Fields Parkway
between Lake Louise and Jasper.
Traffic? What's That?
The best times to go are early June or late September. At
this time, the roads are little traveled... so little, in fact, that on a recent trip in
June you'd have thought it was a national holiday - all weekend! There were
stretches of 5-15 minutes when we'd never pass a soul, coming or going in any direction.
Free Ferries - Toll Highways
Ferries in this area are free, and, as it is in Puget
Sound, motorcycles go to the front of the line. An area of the Trans Canadian
Highway in B.C. is a toll area, and at the time of this writing motorcycles paid
$5 to run the stretch that knocks two hours travel time off the sprint between
Kamloops and Seattle.
Wild Things
This area of Canada is so abundant with roadside wildlife
you'll realize you're in a perpetual zoo every mile you ride. It's not uncommon
to see bear, elk, deer and mountain goats. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled at
all times and slow down if you spot any of these in your view so that you can
enjoy their incidence and not be one of theirs. And in case it hasn't
crossed your mind, just because a bear is tame enough to walk around by the road
doesn't mean you're going to be able to walk up to him and shake his hand.
Keep the, "Hello Mr. Bear," stuff in the back of your mind only, please.
Kilometers vs. MPH
You're on the metric system here. All speed and distance
postings are in Kilometers. A kilometer is .62 of a mile. If the road sign says
it's 100 km to the next town, do the math and you'll know it's 62 miles.
As for the speed limits, few pay attention to them, however
citations are handed out if you get caught. American citizens are required to
pay their fines, but the citation does not transfer to their US record. If you
have an unpaid citation in Canada on your record, and get stopped, you could be
deported. 
The Weather
As is the case with any mountain zone, conditions can
change rapidly. You know that electric gear you stashed in the closet last
spring? Well, even if it's summer, pull it out and pack it with you. Some
passes can get down to the 30's in the summer months.
A Perfect Match
When you take your bike to Canada, be certain that your
paperwork is in order. Your driver's license information should match that
of your registration on the bike. If it doesn't and you get probed at the
border, or along the way, there's a good chance you will be turned around.
Visas are not required for American citizens to enter the country. By all
means, don't try to cross the border with a firearm in your possession.
Canadian Riviera
The Canadian Rockies are filled with small towns and
resorts that can accommodate you as you make your way through at whatever pace
you choose. You'll find peace and quite in areas like Jasper and Lake Louise,
and if you need a little more action stay a night in Banff or Kamloops.
150 Cents On The Dollar
As is always the case when you enter Canada, you'll be
dealing with their currency exchange. At the time of this writing the Canadian
dollar averages about 1.50 to the US dollar, so don't let those menu prices
scare you. Your credit card will provide the best exchange rate so the more you
use it the better off you'll be when it's time to pay for it all. Of course, it's
handy to have some Canadian currency in your pants for quick gas stops and toll
highway fees. This is most easily accomplished when you hit an ATM if your card
is globally accepted (most major banks ATM cards are).
Getting There
From Seattle, you can reach the Canadian Rockies by heading
north up I-5, taking 97 north out of Wenatchee, taking 395 or other back roads
through eastern Washington, or using I-90 into Post Falls and using back roads
northward through Idaho. Consult a map for more details about which roads have
border crossings.
Sooo... What are you doing next September?
Patrick Thomas/Summer 00
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