Western Canada - Biking The Coquihalla

Hi Everyone

I want to bike from Hope up to the old toll booth to prep for a Rocky Mnt tour. I will camp somewher over night and come back the next day. Has any one done the Coq. and if so what was it like. I could do the fraser canyon but if I can pull off the Coq it would be better. 50 km's to the old booth so I figure 1 day of climbing. Any thoughts

Thx

There's good info' on CGOAB (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=3Pb8N&page_id=64855&v=7P). Also try searching/posting to the touring forum.

It's not a matter of whether it's possible, but a matter of is it safe? How about the more scenic Hwy 3 to say... Princeton? I've seen a few cyclists going that route.

It`s possibly safe.

I've cycled from Hope to the toll booth and back. I parked my car by the R.C.M.P. station and headed out quite early and made it to the toll booth for lunch (packed), then rode back to Hope. I don't see why most riders couldn't make the round trip in one day, especially if they are using the run for training. The only part of the highway that gave me some concern was north of the snow shed because there is a concrete barrier right against the edge of the slow lane used by the large trucks (no shoulder at all) When a transport came grinding up toward me, I would stop and lean against the barrier until it passed. I rode on the outside of the snow shed itself. The main problem with riding back toward Hope after noon is the usually strong headwinds coming up the valley. My records show that I only was able to reach 35 mi/hr. down the steepest grades through the snow shed area and had a nasty time of it battling my way back to Hope. Because of these winds, I would suggest riding beyond the toll booth to complete your day, camp, then return early enough to race down the hills before the winds pick up by mid-morning. Even with the wind annoyance, it was a good ride, enjoy! ( take lots of water )

Thx Lew

This will also be a trip to try out my new touring bike. Curious to know what crank you have for climbing. I'm thinking of a 46-36-26.

Thx

I ride a monaco devinci with 53/42/30. I have quite muscular legs from years of mountian back packing, so find the 30 low speed gearing adequate for even the steepest highway hills while carrying the extra touring gear. On the other hand, my riding partner is a runner and finds the 26 better for him.

I bought a Trek 520 which I'm loving. I'm gonna wait until after Labor Day and lake a run up there.