Best of the Kootenays!?

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GSHighlander

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A few of us (10+) have planned a ride through your beautiful part of the world starting June 29 and running through July 2. Here's a link to our thread on ADV Rider: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=220894.

We’re dyin’ to know about what the area has to offer!

 We’ll be leaving from the Seattle area on all manner of DS machines on June 29 and plan to stay overnight in Nelson that evening after 520+ miles under the wheels.

If anyone could point out some “must-see” places and “must-ride” roads, we’d be very appreciative. A pub or brewery wouldn't hurt either!

And, if you’re ever down our way, drop me a line and we’ll sort you out as well!

Thanks in advance for the info!
 
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GSHighlander

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Hey bubba zanetti!

Wow, thanks for the quick reply.

At the moment, we're thinking that we want to camp each of the four (4) nights. However, this is the current thinking and the trip is a couple months away so that could change.

After 520+ miles, a hot shower and a bed will probably sound pretty nice. However, I know this will be Canada Day weekend so we're remaining realistic regarding availability.

Any suggestions for camping or hotel/motel?
 
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bubba zanetti

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I am a friend of DantesDame, actually she was just here this past weekend and stayed at my house. I am a newbie to the Kootenays so not the great sage you may be hoping for for roads, however KootsRoots is a local and will chime in I am sure.

If you are considering camping, there is a nice campground about 1/4 mile from my house in Castlegar. Pass Creek Park ... hey if Dante says you are a good bunch, I might have you over for a burger and beer !!!

Pass Creek Regional Park
Castlegar, BC
Phone: (250)304-2062
30 large individual camping sites, firewood, 3 barbeque huts, handicap washrooms, hot showers, sandy beach, creek fed swimming pool, large open fields, soccer field, ball field.
Ideal for group functions.

The New Grand in Nelson is a great hotel and hosts the Annual Nelson RAT (Riders Association Triumph) Raid where literally hundreds of Triumphs descend on Nelson ( I have a Triumph Sprint ST ). Great bar , nice rooms. But I would book early.
http://www.newgrandhotel.ca/

The campground here is quite nice, close to the city and quiet. There is also Syringa Creek Provincial about 10 miles outside Castlegar but no hot showers.

I host the Kootenay Borscht, Burn and BBQ along with a couple of other folks ... have a look

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,3227.0.html
 
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GSHighlander

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Hey bubba zanetti!

Great info! Thank you.

I also heard there's a brewery in town (Nelson). Any good?

I'm not sure what sort of shape we'll be in after 520+ miles but I know I, for one, will be thirsty!

DantesDame will be joining us, by the way. Although she's slightly on the fence due to work obligations, she is helping me with the route. I hope thoughts of the open road will be enough to push her off the fence when the time comes.

She just posted a nice report about last weekend. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=224319

So, who's sausage was that? :D
 
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bubba zanetti

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Ahh yes ... Brewery ... they make a lovely bunch

http://www.nelsonbrewing.com/face.html

But mostly we drink
kootenay.jpg


We have great beer ... be careful it is strong ...

There is a road from Needles to Highway 6 .. I will see if I can find it for you guys ... sounds awesome.

I am leaving Friday for San Jose to pick my new to me DR650 and ride it home. Should be an adventure. I will post some pics here ... that will be my return to dual sport after a 15 year hiatus ... looking forward to it !!!!
 
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GSHighlander

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Ahhhhh....have brewery, will travel! A lot of our micros down here (IPAs, mainly) are getting into the 7% alcohol range, which cuts down on the trips (literally) into the woods at night. Nothing worse than trying to pry oneself out of a Kermit Chair repeatedly…

I heard about a road that goes over to and down the west side of Whatshan Lake en route to Needles. There's also a ferry off HWY-6 before the left bend in the Columbia River. Ever heard of the road? I was told it was very scenic…

Good luck with your new DR650 and ride back from CA. If you need help with anything through Seattle and you can’t reach DantesDame, give me a holler! :tup:

 
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sector

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GSHighlander,
I've been following the adv thread as it unfolds for awhile. I had not planned to join up with you because I was going to be in Rossland. But, now that you are bringing the ride to me, I wouldn't mind hooking up with you guys in Nelson, or somewhere and riding with for a ways with you guys!
 
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GSHighlander

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Hey sector!

The more the merrier!

Let's keeep in touch and as our plans solidify I'll let you know the route and timing; or just follow the thread! Nelson is a definite stop on Friday, June 29th, however. I think we need to sort out accommodations. Camping vs. Hotel!?

It'd be great to have you along for some of the miles! :tup:
 
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sector

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GSHighlander,
What I will probably wish to do is ride up to Nelson Sat AM and connect with you guys as you are pulling out. Ride all day Sat, and camp or hotel it, whatever, and ride back to Rossland the next day. I can probably recommend some camping, but onlyafter checking in with some of my friends. I have lived in the Kootenays for many years of my life, but only camped on the mtn tops. There are, however, camping places on the lake between Kaslo and Nelson. I will just will have to go get the info.
 
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GSHighlander

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Sweet! I've head of that campground; the link looks cool. Isn't that where most of the Triumph Riders campout during their weekend?

About how far out is it from Nelson?

Also, how are the cops up there? Got lot's of 'em? Are they cool to bikers?
 
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koots_roots

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hey, sounds like an epic trip. i

havent stayed at toad's roack but i know the owner. its about 20mins out of nelson and only a few minutes away from ainsworth hotsprings (worth checking out).

the cops are rather relaxed here for the most part and their isnt many in the rural areas (if any at all) you can always count on the odd one to give you grief (no different anywhere else i guess)...watch for the odd speed traps.

well, there is tons to see and do but depends on the kind of DS riding your into. what kind of bikes are you folks going to riding?

as for the road down whatshan lake, assuming your coming from nakusp, you want to catch the arrow park ferry. this will get you over to the east side of the arrow lakes and link up with the road your after. see attached pdf of the area (top ferry line is arrow park and bottom one is needles).

see this for ferry details. (though it says 22km north of kamloops which is wrong...i think its more like 22km south of nakusp).
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/marine/Inland_Ferries_Maps.pdf

also, if it not just about being on the bike and beer (i know, what else is there? :hb:)
there are alot of other things to see and do.

in nelson, check out the museum (touchstones) across from the hume if your interested in learning more about the area. i would recommend it if you can spare an hour. the Nelson brewery tour is fun too and make some great brews (i am found of bubba's brew choice too!) and mike's place (in the hume) is the nicest pub in town , IMO. for coffee, got to go to Oso Negro...just follow the flock or ask anyone.
restaurants are everywehre in nelson and can be a tough choice. i would say all seasons, redfish grill, the thai place, baba's (indian) or max and irma's are all worth a visit.

post back here closer to the date and maybe a few of us can rendeavous with ya's.:tup:
 

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GSHighlander

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koots_roots wrote:
hey, sounds like an epic trip. i

havent stayed at toad's roack but i know the owner. its about 20mins out of nelson and only a few minutes away from ainsworth hotsprings (worth checking out).

the cops are rather relaxed here for the most part and their isnt many in the rural areas (if any at all) you can always count on the odd one to give you grief (no different anywhere else i guess)...watch for the odd speed traps.

well, there is tons to see and do but depends on the kind of DS riding your into. what kind of bikes are you folks going to riding?

as for the road down whatshan lake, assuming your coming from nakusp, you want to catch the arrow park ferry. this will get you over to the east side of the arrow lakes and link up with the road your after. see attached pdf of the area (top ferry line is arrow park and bottom one is needles).

see this for ferry details. (though it says 22km north of kamloops which is wrong...i think its more like 22km south of nakusp).
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/marine/Inland_Ferries_Maps.pdf

also, if it not just about being on the bike and beer (i know, what else is there? :hb:)
there are alot of other things to see and do.

in nelson, check out the museum (touchstones) across from the hume if your interested in learning more about the area. i would recommend it if you can spare an hour. the Nelson brewery tour is fun too and make some great brews (i am found of bubba's brew choice too!) and mike's place (in the hume) is the nicest pub in town , IMO. for coffee, got to go to Oso Negro...just follow the flock or ask anyone.
restaurants are everywehre in nelson and can be a tough choice. i would say all seasons, redfish grill, the thai place, baba's (indian) or max and irma's are all worth a visit.

post back here closer to the date and maybe a few of us can rendeavous with ya's.:tup:
Click to expand...

Whoa, lots of good info there! Thank you!

So the Whatshan ride is on the east side of the lake and not the west as I've been thinking. Is that right?

I'm going to treat this ride, since it's going to be lots of miles in a short period, as a reconnaissance mission. I’m going to absorb all the wonderful info that everyone is sharing, try and get to as many of the spots as possible, and make a note of those areas and things I want to experience on a future ride.
There is so much going on in your general area of the world that I look forward to making multiple trips up north and getting to know you all better in the process.

Thank you, thank you for the info and good juju! Keep it comin'!
 
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koots_roots

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oopps, i meant west of arrow lake (as the map illustrates). sounds like a great trip....like i said, post some details of your trip and maybe ill be around to join you in a daytour or something....followed up with some local brews of course :hb:
 
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GSHighlander

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You've got yourself a deal koots_roots! And, bring some friends!
 
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GSHighlander

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Wow, Canada Day is proving to be challenging in terms of finding a place to camp!!!

Does anyone have any bright ideas about where 20+ ADV Riders could bed down under the stars for the night on June 29???

Toad Rock is sold-out, has been for months, and the Provincial Parks appear to be requiring a three night minimum given the Statutory Holiday Weekend status....whatever that means.

Man, I thought it'd be a walk in the park to find a campground and a place to pitch a tent! :shoot:

I'm all ears and would really appreciate any help you all could provide.

Does anyone know of someone with some acreage, a winery, or a farm?

Thanks!!!
 
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sector

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GSHighlander,
If you can't find one space for everyone and have to split up, I have room for a couple tents in my backyard and 3-4 people in the house, in Rossland. It's about an hour away from Nelson.
 
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koots_roots

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my friends may have room for you...they run a multi-sport shop and tours in cresant valley (south slocan - its halfway between castlegar and nelson). they have a full service campground also and dip in the slocan river at cresent valley beach (right there) is sooo refreshing after along day of riding. check out there website here

http://endlessadventure.ca/

the dam inn is good pub just down the road. tell em 'grazer' sent you calling!
 
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