Trip Ideas coming from Kamloops

[dakar72]

Hey DS folk in the Kootenays..
A couple of us from Kamloops are hoping to do an extended weekend trip down your way in August. Would anyone have a 'easy - moderate difficulty' (ie mostly double track) route that they could recommend from say Hwy 6 (Cherryville), needles ferry and maybe over to Slocan or even Kootenay lake? Camping is fine but fuel stops would be needed every 300k anyway. Any ideas would be appreciated, plus I'll browse some of your posts for ideas.
Thanks a bunch!

 

[Nasookin]

Hey Dakar72.... I've got an 07 Dakar, I live in Nelson.
There is some great routes starting at Cherryville....the highway over to the Needles ferry is great twisty pavement for starters. From the Needles ferry, if you head toward Nakusp, look for the signs to Arrow Park Ferry, take the short ride over to a great gravel road heading north up to the Galena bay ferry, cross over again, then head for Trout Lake/Meadow Creek/Kaslo on another great gravel/dirt road.
Stay at one of the campsites between Kaslo and Lardeau, right on the lake. Davis Creek is a beautiful site to camp.
I've got some photos of the Nelson to Trout Lake part of this trip here:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=570784

 

[ktmken]

If you want to try something a little different instead of turning left at Fauguier when you cross the ferry at Needles, turn right and go to Applegrove and then over the powerline road.
I went with a group of 3 vstroms,1 transalp,1 650 BMW, KTM 690 Super Moto and my 950 Adventure.
Beautiful country and you can either come out at Passmore or Slocan City.
Recommended!

 

[ktmken]

Just a tip..if you stay at the Valhalla Inn in New Denver, there is a discount for motorcyclists

KTMKen

 

[Nasookin]

Hey ktmken, I've never been over the powerline ... but have heard about it. Could you describe the level of difficulty? Any idea how long it would take a couple riders to do? Any more pics?
Thanks!

 

[ktmken]

There is one section that is a little tricky. It is kind of rocky and steep, but the Vstrom 1000 and my KTM 950 all loaded up with camping gear had no problems at all with this section.
I would say that this section was "moderate" I know of quite a few people that have ridden this pass with GS 1200's.

In the picture the bike that has "tipped over" is the BMW 650.

What kind of bikes will you guys be riding and what is the skill level of the group?

 

[ktmken]

The pass from Applegrove to Passmore is only about 70 kms. We stopped a lot for pictures and chatting, so it probably took us 2 hours.

KTMKen

 

[ktmken]

"In the picture the bike that has "tipped over" is the BMW 650."

woops, I did a little snooping around and I realize now that you are riding a BMW 650.
I was not trying to drop any kind of hint.

All bikes tip over, not just BMW 650's

KTMKen

 

[The Pope]

How about Idaho Peak from Silverton? Very nice view. I drove up in my car and was wishing for my bike the whole time!

 

[dakar72]

Geez, I only just found your replies in here now... guess i better set up my notifications better!! It's funny, I ended up attempting this route solo on the last possible weekend last fall and I missed the turnoff. Thanks for the ride report and I hope to get there this summer for sure. I imagine it will be some time to see the high country snow free..
Cheers.