More amazing motorcycle roads
I woke early in Cache Creek to darkness outside, with a plan to see the sun rise over the mountains towards Revelstoke. As I left the hotel carpark, the air was still very cold as I headed towards Kamloops, and BMW’s heated grips were very welcome as the miles started to pass by. The sun rising over small town of Savona was a very special moment because it totally changes the shapes and colours of the landscape as the road wound around the mountains and fields towards Kamloops.
After stopping at Kamloops for fuel and a quick bike check, I continued the journey towards Revelstoke, and really starting to get in to the relaxed grove of the mid-morning riding and slowly rising temperature. After travelling about an hour I noticed a sign for Sprokkets Café at Sorrento, and the temptation of motorcycles and coffee was too much to resist. Unfortunately the Dreamcycle Motorcycle Museum was closed, but the warm welcome and food at the café was reward enough.
Suitably refreshed, I settled in to a relaxed pace again, passing through Sicamous before arriving at Revelstoke in the early afternoon. Due to my slightly early arrival my room was still being made up at the lovely lodge I’d be staying at for the next couple of nights, so I enjoyed a lazy few hours looking taking in the amazing mountain ranges whilst enjoying some cold refreshing drinks on the veranda. After unpacking I decided have a relaxing afternoon Revelstoke, enjoying the busy coffee shops and stocking up on a few provisions for the following day.
During the evening I also bumped in to my previous evening’s dining companions at the Lodge, and spent the evening comparing riding experiences and plans over dinner. Whilst they were heading towards Nelson as their next overnight destination, I’d planned a roundabout route that would take in more of the surrounding area before heading to Nakusp.
I headed out early in the morning to best first visitor at the Revelstoke Railroad Museum, which is short ride from my hotel, and a must see for someone who’s worked in the railway industry for over 20 years. The museum is relative small compared to some of museums I’ve visited within the United Kingdom, but it’s very interesting and only requires a couple of hours to cover all the exhibits.
After the museum, I headed towards the Sky Parkway (Meadows in the Sky Parkway), which takes approximately 1 hour of riding (including stopping for pictures) to reach the park and summit area. The road to the summit is very picturesque, with views of the valleys and mountains as you meander through the twisting roads. You will also see a few local bikers on sports bikes taking in the switchbacks, so keep a lookout for them! After spending an hour relaxing and walking one of the visitor trails, it was time to head back down to Revelstoke for a lunch before heading to Nakusp.
On travelling from Cache Creek to Revelstoke, a local to the area mentioned that I had to explorer the area close to Nakusp, and take the free ferry ride. After finishing lunch at a lovely little café in Revelstoke, headed towards route 23, and onwards towards Shelter Bay to catch the ferry. Route 23 was an amazing road, which virtual no traffic, with amazing sweeping bends alongside the Arrow Lake. I reach the ferry assembly point at Shelter Bay approximately an hour after leaving Revelstoke, and excited to travel on more of route 23 to Nakusp.
The ferry trip across the lake takes approximately 40 minutes, and you are treated to some amazing views across Arrow Lake. It was a beautiful sunny day, and the lake was completely still and tranquil as we departed the ferry at Gelena Bay.
The road from Gelena Bay to Nakusp tracks alongside Arrow Lake, and provides amazing views and sweeping bends, and an absolutely magical ride on a motorcycle. The town of Nakusp is a quiet little town, with a very friendly laid back feel, with a lovely beach cover area which provide a great rest area overlooking the lake.
After spending a couple of hours at Nakusp it was time to head back to Gelena Bay to catch the return ferry, and the final ride for the day back to the Hotel in Revelstoke. An awesome day’s riding, followed by a well-deserved beer and meal.