aroundoz

I am jealous and sounds like an excellent adventure. I also was amazed at the change in tone once this was moved to touring and glad you now know that you have a great trip planned.

The bike scene is alive and well in Van but I don't think you will find much in the way of touring bikes. You will find most everything else you will need at MEC but not the bike. You would do much better by going south to Bellingham or even better, Seattle, if you don't mind missing that section of riding. . I live in Canada just north of the border but go south for all of my bike wants. I like patronizing the locals but you will save quite a bit and have a better selection especially in regards to a touring bike. If you find what you want and one shop doesn't have your size, most likely another will. You might even want to check out craigslist if you are thinking of buying used.

Have a great tirp.

Grobat

Hey lads,

I'm in Vancouver now, getting ready, waiting for the bike, planning my trip.
I just wanted to say that I'll be starting from Alaska instead of Vancouver, at the beginning of june I think, and I'm looking for companions for that Prudhoe Bay to Vancouver section. Anyone interested contact me!

hardtail

Wow! What's the deal on the road forum? Never visit there, but a real bunch of pessimistic naysayers if the early replies to this thread are anything to go by.

Grobat,

Good luck with your trip. Get a good quality bike that fits you. Good quality rack and panniers also essiential. Don't skiip on quality in those areas.

I've spent 6 months in South America (Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Chile) with very rudimentary Spanish. No problems although if you do speak Spanish so much the better. Anyway if you're French then I'm sure Spanish won't be too much of a problem for you.

Be careful of motorists in the Canada and the US. Some ass***** don't like cyclists.

Stay safe and enjoy.

Bon Voyage!