Road condition? Lytton to Lillooet via dirt.

RoscoeP23

New member
I am planning on getting back into dual sport riding after a bit of a layoff. I just turned 75 and plan on using gravel roads mostly or easier routes, searching for a bike right now. Looking at the DR650 which I have had before or maybe something like the Yamaha 700 Tenere? I would like to take the cable ferry at Lytton and drive to Lillooet if that road is in my ability? I have driven the Highline road and the Hurley pass with no problems but want to avoid single track or real technical stuff. Has anybody been on that road out of Lytton?
 

Dr.Suzy

New member
Great to hear you’re getting back into the sport! I rode this route with two others about five years ago (650 DR, 650 Honda XR, and a big BMW adventure bike). The road conditions were fine just slow with all of the switchbacks as you cross so many tributaries to the Fraser. We’ll do this again for sure and we are in our 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. Sorry I didn’t reply sooner. Good luck!
 

RoscoeP23

New member
Great to hear you’re getting back into the sport! I rode this route with two others about five years ago (650 DR, 650 Honda XR, and a big BMW adventure bike). The road conditions were fine just slow with all of the switchbacks as you cross so many tributaries to the Fraser. We’ll do this again for sure and we are in our 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. Sorry I didn’t reply sooner. Good luck!
Hey, thanks for your reply and I did get a 2023 DR 650 again and have been doing upgrades on it. Didn't get in much riding yet but plan on lots in the spring. Also plan on taking a couple of riding training sessions to get back in the groove. Cheers Ross
 

Dr.Suzy

New member
Hi Ross. Super to hear you got back in the saddle with the DR. I just want to add some suggestions of great rides that might assist you in your planned trip from Lytton to Lilloet on the west side of the Fraser. You might include these in a circuit. 1. The Hat Creek Road south of HW 99 connects to HW1 through the Oregon Jack Valley. 2. The Kirkland Ranch Road that roughly parallels the HW 1 but is over on the east side. It runs down to HW8 from Ashcroft to Spenses Bridge - a nice ride too. All the best. Gord
 

RoscoeP23

New member
Hi Ross. Super to hear you got back in the saddle with the DR. I just want to add some suggestions of great rides that might assist you in your planned trip from Lytton to Lilloet on the west side of the Fraser. You might include these in a circuit. 1. The Hat Creek Road south of HW 99 connects to HW1 through the Oregon Jack Valley. 2. The Kirkland Ranch Road that roughly parallels the HW 1 but is over on the east side. It runs down to HW8 from Ashcroft to Spenses Bridge - a nice ride too. All the best. Gord
Hey Gord, thanks for your reply with that info, if those roads you mentioned are not to difficult I will try to include them on a trip this summer. Cheers Ross
 

majorbedhed

Member
Agree with both recommendations - the Hat Creek road is a beauty. The other road mentioned from Ashcroft to Spences Bridge shows on my map as the "Drinkwater Road" just FYI. Welcome back!
 

Dr.Suzy

New member
Hi you guys. I was just checking on Google Earth. That awesome ride starts about six kilometres south of Ashcroft on hw 97c as you head towards Highland Valley/Logan Lake. Turn right down Kirkland Ranch Road- this takes you by the Sundance Guest Ranch. From there just follow the main dirt road that roughly parallels the Thompson River. You will be on the East side of the Thompson until you hit the pavement near Spence’s Bridge. Enjoy the ride! Gordo/Dr. Suzy
 

Dr.Suzy

New member
Just to clear up some confusion… majorbedhed and I are both correct. From the south it’s called Drinkwater Road and from the north it’s Kirkland Ranch Road. Either way a great ride on the east side of the Thompson River between Spence’s Bridge and Ashcroft. Very little snow this year so might be doable soon. Enjoy. Hey, anyone know when the Highline Road is doable?
 
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