K.C.R.

[alphabet man]

Kootenay Colours Ride or was it Kootenay Kolours Loop (shrugs shoulders

 THe time is nearing, I was out for a ride on the poor neglected Sprint today and I noticed some thing floating gently down to the road, a YELLOW LEAF   which can only mean that the KCR is drawing near if anyone is interested, how would the first weekend in October be for a loop around Libby then back to little old Elkford for some BBQ, or if any one else has any ideas lets hear em.

Last Fall

[Lazarus]

I'm a definite 'maybe'...  Might have a little change in circumstances coming up but the timeline is uncertain at the moment.  I'll advise when I know more...    Don't want to jinx anything.

[bubba zanetti]

It is a great ride.

[ToadRide]

It's a definate fershure for me as long as I have my new bike. DAMMIT! DAMMIT!

[hungryman]

How about the second Sat in Oct?     This shift work gets in the way of every event.   I'll end up riding the same route a day late and B-B-Q short

[alphabet man]

How about the second Sat in Oct?     This shift work gets in the way of every event.   I'll end up riding the same route a day late and B-B-Q short

 2nd Saturday is Thanksgiving (family will be home) and my wedding anniversary not sure if it would be wise for me to plan a bike event on that day

[bubba zanetti]

Have to keep an eye on the trees. My long term weather prognostication is for a big ridge of high pressure to move in and maybe stay for a couple of weeks. Should be near 30 here in a week. So ... maybe  the week after thanksgiving will be about perfect. We have been lucky the last two years with great weather.

I am in for surgery on my knee tomorrow so should be well healed by October to ride ...  

[alphabet man]

1st or 3rd weekend is fine by me

[ZED]

Thanksgiving would be best for us due to weather/travel/timing to get to the area.  We're in for whenever it is provided:
1.  All the work that's been piling up while I've been on holidays doesn't get in the way. (They went and scheduled another project and two more training courses on me while I was out riding.   )
2.  The passes aren't too frosty to make it there.

So, we'd love to join you, but we won't know until the last minute.
Anxiously watching the thread though.  

...
I am in for surgery on my knee tomorrow so should be well healed by October to ride ...  

Man!  Who'd you have to b@#$ to get that kind of scheduling?    You'd likely be on a two year waiting list for that kind of thing here.  
Glad to hear your going to be on the mend soon.    Looking forward to Dualsporting with you folks next year.

[hungryman]

3rd is actually even better for me.
There is at least one rhubarb pie in the freezer.

[Lazarus]

Still don't know if I'm in or not and probably won't know for at least a couple more weeks...  Waiting to see if a job offer comes through.

[ToadRide]

With a "release date" of the 18th, it's looking like I might have the F800GS by the end of the month. So I still might see you guys for your little hop. That would now be part of a bigger plan. I'm thinkin of taking off for three or four weeks and ambling my way all the way to Key West, then back across the Gulf States to the Pacific and back up the coast. Just a spark in the the kindling right now but, you only live once, right?

[bubba zanetti]

With a "release date" of the 18th, it's looking like I might have the F800GS by the end of the month. So I still might see you guys for your little hop. That would now be part of a bigger plan. I'm thinkin of taking off for three or four weeks and ambling my way all the way to Key West, then back across the Gulf States to the Pacific and back up the coast. Just a spark in the the kindling right now but, you only live once, right?

Do it Doug. That would be an adventure for sure.  

[ToadRide]

Found out some more "stuff" on the 800 last night. The release date is actually the 17th. The is when they ship them out from the east coast warehouse that they are SITTING IN! Can you believe it? They are here. They are sitting here in a warehouse because some BRILLIANT BMW exec decided to hold them to that date! And I am now no.10 on a list of 18 presold bikes at my dealer. That probably means it will be into October before I get mine. I'll still do the trip but, because of snow and all, I may be forced to ride the coast down to get by the rockies. Keep you posted.

[bubba zanetti]

Worse case Doug, you may have to make that a spring trip. Which would be quite sweet to ride into warmer and warmer territory. Still, must be frustrating. So near and yet so far away. Enjoy the anticipation if you can.

[ToadRide]

How's the knee, Jim?

[bubba zanetti]

How's the knee, Jim?

Hurts like hell right now. In bed with my laptop and about to watch Faster 2 to distract myself. It is done and the doc says i should be able to ski this year.  Short term pain ... big  gain for me.  Being off my feet for a days is no biggy compared to babying my knee for the past year plus.

[ST1300Rider]

Found out some more "stuff" on the 800 last night. The release date is actually the 17th. The is when they ship them out from the east coast warehouse that they are SITTING IN! Can you believe it? They are here. They are sitting here in a warehouse because some BRILLIANT BMW exec decided to hold them to that date! And I am now no.10 on a list of 18 presold bikes at my dealer. That probably means it will be into October before I get mine. I'll still do the trip but, because of snow and all, I may be forced to ride the coast down to get by the rockies. Keep you posted.

I feel your pain...... Honda did the same thing to the ST1300. It did turn out that there was a reason, but at the time it was infuriating.

[ST1300Rider]

Hurts like hell right now. In bed with my laptop and about to watch Faster 2 to distract myself. It is done and the doc says i should be able to ski this year.  Short term pain ... big  gain for me.  Being off my feet for a days is no biggy compared to babying my knee for the past year plus.

   Either you know someone, or the much maligned Canadian system works well in your part of the country. That's an amazingly short wait time. Heal quick and do the rehab..... Trust me, do the rehab.  

[ToadRide]

Remember my first knee surgery back in the 80's. The one where they took a timber axe and hacked into it. That took a whole year of painful rehab. The cleanup surgery a couple of years ago was the micro. The only rehab was get on it and use it a few days later. Nice.

[Sputnik]

weekend of Oct 18 is a maybe for me. Koocanusa area is some of the best riding in Montana IMHO.
look forward to meeting some of the BC crowd.
Ivan.

[bubba zanetti]

It is great riding for sure and if folks can make it they will not regret doing the ride. In fall it is just that bit more wonderfuller.  

[bubba zanetti]

Bump ... the leaves are red, orange and yellow here ... must be time for a ride soon ...

[hungryman]

Bump ... the leaves are red, orange and yellow here ... must be time for a ride soon ...

Bubba ~ still a little early yet. Just got home from looping the lake ( someone had to check it out) and it is still pretty green.

From Loop the Lake Oct 2 08

From Loop the Lake Oct 2 08

From Loop the Lake Oct 2 08

[bubba zanetti]

Interesting that there is more colour here. Thanks for the update and pics. I am in no rush, especially with the next weeks weather being so wet. Temps overnight are still pretty warm so I assume we are looking at the end of the month or early November. But ...  

[bubba zanetti]

I have a bunch of stuff coming up at months end and sorta/kinda need to plan a fall colours ride or ... not.

What about the 25th ... too late ?  too cold ?  I scraped the window on the van this morning for the first time and overnight temps look below freezing for the next few days.

I might have to do my own ride ... which would likely be hitting a couple of forestry lookouts and taking some pics ... Idaho Peak and somewhere I cannot remember ...

Whatcha think ??

[Sputnik]

I have a bunch of stuff coming up at months end and sorta/kinda need to plan a fall colours ride or ... not.

What about the 25th ... too late ?  too cold ?  I scraped the window on the van this morning for the first time and overnight temps look below freezing for the next few days.

I might have to do my own ride ... which would likely be hitting a couple of forestry lookouts and taking some pics ... Idaho Peak and somewhere I cannot remember ...

Whatcha think ??

Earlier post suggested 1st or 3rd weekend in Oct....i.e. weekend of the 18th. At this point, 18th/19th looks OK for me. Not sure about 25th. There may be no fall colours left by the 25th??? In my part of the world, by Halloween it could be -20C or +20C and the only fall colour (singular) could be brown. Rode to work today...wind is freaking cold. See which date works for others.

[hungryman]

I'm still counting on the 18th.  Long range forecast is cold but dry.  WHITE, although not the desired colour was added to Elkford landscape this afternoon

[ZED]

Not going to make it in any form this year! 

1.  The forcast here (and to get over the mountains) is
        Frost Frost Frost Frost       
        Frost Frost Frost Frost 
        Frost Frost Frost Frost
(sung to the tune of the monty python Spam! song of course.  Gotta keep the spirits up.)

2.  No way I can get away from work.  We're swamped with all the projects I carefully project managed so that they didn't have to be completed during peak riding season.

 

[Sputnik]

Long range forecast for Fernie / Sparwood etc. shows 18th/19th may not be optimal...
http://www.theweathernetwork.com/fourteenday/cabc0094

[bubba zanetti]

As long as it is dry I will ride. Last year it was -10 when I left the alphabetman's house in Elkford.



But for this kind of scenery ... it is worth it  

[Sputnik]

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/fourteenday/cabc0094

18th:  rain
19th:  rain and snow

Here's hoping for a change in the forecast.  

[bubba zanetti]

Forecasts in this part of the world, that far in advance, are rarely accurate. We shall have to see and keep our fingers crossed.

I rely on this. If the jet stream is north of us count on good weather, south of us it will be very iffy and if it is over us it will be very wet.

http://wwwagwx.ca.uky.edu/aen599/twc_jets.htm

Keep an eye on the Highway 3 web cams here ... recently added are Salmo and Christina Lake.

http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/bchighwaycam/index.aspx

[Sputnik]

From former posts I gather the route is something along the lines of the Koocanusa Scenic Byway (west and east sides of Koocanusa).
http://byways.org/explore/byways/2135/travel.html
Can someone post a map/description of the typical KCR route. What other arrangements are typical, e.g. overnight somewhere in Fernie, Libby, Yaak (MT), Cranbrook, Elkford, or what?
Thanx.

[hungryman]

As long as it is dry I will ride. Last year it was -10 when I left the alphabetman's house in Elkford.



But for this kind of scenery ... it is worth it  

That's no way to treat the Sprint. I'm just around the corner and can offer indoor parking!  Plan to wire the vest into the FJR tommorrow. Been fine so far but time has come.

[alphabet man]

 hehe I got one of them
 

[ZED]

Ooo, ooo, ooo, it's a post a "picture of your cold bike" thread.  I'm sure I've got several around here...





Bubba - Remember to schedule time to get the KLR all wired up for your heated gear in time.  Also remember it doesn't likely have quite the same alternator output as the Triumph.  I know mine is good with heated grips and gloves , but I haven't tried adding anything else to that (yet).

[bubba zanetti]

Already got my vest wired in and it works pretty good though it is getting old too.  

I think I will bring along a gross of Canadian Tire chemical pocket warmers and some duct tape just in case. Works pretty good in a pinch and as an added benefit, I get a Brazilian Wax for free.  

[bubba zanetti]

The ride is .... south of Elko BC, across the border on 93 and the cross Koocanusa lake. From there, depending on time we can ride round the lake. West side very technical, East side very fast .. or .. hit the forestry road that goes to Yaak and then to Libby.

I usually crash in Elkford as sleeping at altitude helps my sinuses ...oh ... and the cost of a room is a bottle of rum or scotch ...and I am cheap.    But that is up to the Elkford folks ... if you want a motel ... I would suggest Fernie or Sparwood.

[bubba zanetti]

Lots of colours showing up here ... Aspen mixed in with the Ponderosa Pine on the mountain above our house. No Tamarack up there but I saw some today on my brief ride and it is barely yellow.

[alphabet man]

Forecasts in this part of the world, that far in advance, are rarely accurate. We shall have to see and keep our fingers crossed.

I rely on this. If the jet stream is north of us count on good weather, south of us it will be very iffy and if it is over us it will be very wet.

http://wwwagwx.ca.uky.edu/aen599/twc_jets.htm

Keep an eye on the Highway 3 web cams here ... recently added are Salmo and Christina Lake.

http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/bchighwaycam/index.aspx

 Kind of chilly here right now but if Bubba shows up I will ride (barring snow or ice )

[bubba zanetti]

 Kind of chilly here right now but if Bubba shows up I will ride (barring snow or ice )

I would say there is about a 90% chance I will be there. Cannot ride till saturday morning so not sure how much riding other than there and back. But it is a tradition to freeze my butt off and I am a big supporter of tradition. I find that a liberal dose of single malt the previous evening allows one to tolerate even the lowest temps in the morning and maintain a fluidity of motion.  

[alphabet man]

I would say there is about a 90% chance I will be there. Cannot ride till saturday morning so not sure how much riding other than there and back. But it is a tradition to freeze my butt off and I am a big supporter of tradition. I find that a liberal dose of single malt the previous evening allows one to tolerate even the lowest temps in the morning and maintain a fluidity of motion.  

 May I suggest that if you ride here Sat. on #3 then we ride Sunday to Yaak Montana and you keeping going west along yaak river (very nice ride by the way) and re-enter BC at Creston and I will head back to Rooseville
DD

[bubba zanetti]

 May I suggest that if you ride here Sat. on #3 then we ride Sunday to Yaak Montana and you keeping going west along yaak river (very nice ride by the way) and re-enter BC at Creston and I will head back to Rooseville
DD

And so preserve your scotch and save Elkford from my negative influence ??? Jeebus, grapeshoes ... holy moly shoeflies .... !! I am being turned out into the cold !!!

[alphabet man]

And so preserve your scotch and save Elkford from my negative influence ??? Jeebus, grapeshoes ... holy moly shoeflies .... !! I am being turned out into the cold !!!

 Maybe you did not understand, ride hear Sat. I assume you only have Sat. and Sun.  Sat. evening we will enjoy a single malt and  BBQ, on Sunday we will escort you 1/2 way home via Montana. We would (others may) never turn Bubba out into the cold, well except for last time when you left and it was -10 but that doesn't count.    

[bubba zanetti]

Clearly, I will be taking the ferry and ride down the lake ....

Kootenay Pass this morning ... and so it begins.

[KLRchickie]

Clearly, I will be taking the ferry and ride down the lake ....

Kootenay Pass this morning ... and so it begins.

 I'm not ready  

I had to take a CAR to my meeting this morning... something to do with a layer of frosty snow on the seat of the motorcycle I had planned on riding.  I slipped & fell on the icy boards of our deck this morning so I do think staying OFF two wheels was the better choice...  

[Lazarus]

Clearly, I will be taking the ferry and ride down the lake ....

Kootenay Pass this morning ... and so it begins.

Wow...  I just came over the pass yesterday afternoon and it was clear.  Then blew the transfer case on the old Explorer going over Paulson and coasted it all the way down the hill into Christina Lake where I sold the carcass this morning to the local mechanic but that's a whole other story...  

[bubba zanetti]

Forecast is looking ... ah .... rideable ....  

[bubba zanetti]

Yep ... be leaving here Saturday morning and catching the 9:50 ferry to Kootenay Bay. Will ride down to Creston and follow 3 to Elkford.

Weather looks to be 30% chance of showers Saturday but fairly warm and Sunday Sunny with a frosty start and a beautiful afternoon.

   Looking forward to the ride.

Oh and I am riding the KLR so if you see the Michelin Tire man on a green KLR say Hi !!!

[Sputnik]

Sounds like it's a go then  . I'm looking forward to a beautiful Fall ride. Major Chinook happening here right now, so hope the 100km/h winds forecast for the Crowsnest past subside tonight. Where/when shall I meet up with the Kootenay bunch? PM or email me.

[bubba zanetti]

give the alphabet man a PM and he can advise you best on rendezvous times etc ...  

[bubba zanetti]

Kootenay Pass is 4c this morning at 6am.    So I will head that way and thus leave a bit later .... yawn. See you at the Moyie Lake Pub ...     mmmm chish and fips !!!  

[lizzabet]

all safe.......rum, beer and scotch flowing freely  

[bubba zanetti]

Home at 12:30 today after a sunny and at times cold ride. Fernie was a lot colder than Elkford.

My camera packed it in just near Elko which is fine because every pic on this trip but two are out of focus.   Shame because I saw a herd of Mountain Caribou yesterday and was hoping to share a good shot. I will spend some time later and see I can't fix them up a bit.

Time for a new camera.

Thanks for the hospitality and good company alpha and liz.    Good to meet you Sputnik and hungryman.  

The Kootenays are stunning this time of year ... stunning.

One ... one photo worth sharing .... near Elko BC on a cold Fall day .... my dying camera destroys a beautiful, vibrant shot.

[hungryman]

Good to meet you too Bubba

Sputnik and I did the K.C.R part 2  "To Yaak and Back"   Quite the piece of road from the bridge to Yaak!  
We ate lunch at the Yaak River Tavern then went south to Libby and up the east side of the lake.
Larches are in full yellow now

From Yaak and Back

Sputnik in action

From Yaak and Back

From Yaak and Back

From Yaak and Back

[Sputnik]

An excellent weekend of riding, though very chilly this morning and this evening. Thanks to Alpha and Liz for their hospitality, and to all for some good company. Made it back to Lethbridge by 9PM after some 12 hours riding today with the last 2 hrs in the dark and freezing cccccold....

[Sputnik]

some additional photos....
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/messages/viewthumb/15421039441-1224698924-46137/gallery/page/1/15/
 

[alphabet man]

Well it was great having you guys sorry I couldn't join you on sunday I was busy


 Anyway I can't let you guys have all the fun so Ralph and I are heading down to Libby on Fri. morning  

[ToadRide]

My God, what have you done! "And all the King's horses and all the King's men...."

[alphabet man]

Had a great ride today around Kocanusa beautiful sunshine and great Autumn colours  Temps from -6  to +12 Celcius

[alphabet man]

[czechmate]

Well it was great having you guys sorry I couldn't join you on sunday I was busy


 Anyway I can't let you guys have all the fun so Ralph and I are heading down to Libby on Fri. morning  
[/Looks like the lowering kit for Liz is in the works....RIGHT? :lol:quote]

[czechmate]

Obviously,I don't spend enough time on computer since I can't "reply with quote" without messing it all together.....HELP  

[alphabet man]

Obviously,I don't spend enough time on computer since I can't "reply with quote" without messing it all together.....HELP  

 I would say that's a good thing. Yah geetin a little carried away the KLR but having fun with it

[czechmate]

Before our last house move, I spent half year looking for one with tripple garage. Now I see what a "rec room" means.....I could've done with one of those

[bubba zanetti]

Bump !!

Lets do it again !!  

[canban]

Bump !!

Lets do it again !!  

Dates, Routes ........????

Displaced easterners welcome?

[bubba zanetti]

Dates, Routes ........????

Displaced easterners welcome?

Usually mid October and yes, even West Coasters are welcome.  

[KLRchickie]

  You are NOT allowed to talk about fall yet!  The leaves are NOT allowed to change colour yet!

We just arrived home this afternoon from nearly 5000km of HOT riding through BC, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Washington, BC & (due to the fact that we live here, dammit) windy Alberta.  We are sooooo not ready for fall...!

[bubba zanetti]

Well then ... someone better organize a Banff run .... hmmm ?

[KLRchickie]

hmmmmm..... just did the Pass Creek Road, 31A, Creston, Cranbrook, Radium, Canmore etc. ride in the last couple of days.  Didn't see anyone from ST-N there...

[bubba zanetti]

bump to illicit ... er ... elicit  interest ... like.

[Sputnik]

Just had a weekend out riding in the Rockies....damn was it cold on Sunday (about 2 degrees C I think).  Unbelievably cold for August. There is fresh snow in the mountains, and the Fall Colours have started to appear---in August.
Near Fernie there are yellow leaves falling off the trees already....

Time to start thinking of KCR 2010.  Anyone? Anyone?

[bubba zanetti]

Ivan ... I think you should start a new thread or PM the alphabetman to do so ....  

[alphabet man]

   BBQ on my deck after the ride, just let me know when maybe by then we will have fresh Elk steaks

[bubba zanetti]

You really need to start a new thread on this as this is a very old post.