Question - Backroads Mapbook

[Crongo]

Hello,

Looking through my Backroads Mapbook to plan some trips for this summer and I wondered if anyone knows more about the motorcycle routes they show? For example, the Ashcroft motorcycle route west of Cache Creek. I lookedit up on the net an foundno info. Who designates these routes? How would I get more info as to what they are like. Thanks.

Crongo

[skidmark43]

Come to the 'Dead Zone' ride on June 28th. We cover some amazing trails in that area.

Mark

[250ccforme]

Crongo wrote:
Hello,

Looking through my Backroads Mapbook to plan some trips for this summer and I wondered if anyone knows more about the motorcycle routes they show? For example, the Ashcroft motorcycle route west of Cache Creek. I lookedit up on the net an foundno info. Who designates these routes? How would I get more info as to what they are like. Thanks.

Crongo

Keep the salt shaker handy when using the Backroads books. There tends to be quite a bit of outdated info. There is no substitute for local knowledge; ask a few locals before venturing into unknown territory. Even with locals you have to keep your spidey senses fine-tuned to sort out the BS.

[dooveman]

I was riding through the mira canyon area when a local told me to follow him out. He was so bad at directions we went completely the wrong way. We lost an hour of time and it was getting dark. My gps didn't show the way out but I suspected which way and the local said no, it was the other way. Sometimes, and I repeat sometimes, the locals claim they know more than they really do. And even when they start questioning themselves, they don't want to announce they are wrong. So it can take awhile before they admit they are lost.:spl:

A few different sources of maps are good andseeing that the trail you are currently on has fresh tracks is good as well.

[250ccforme]

dooveman wrote:
I was riding through the mira canyon area when a local told me to follow him out. He was so bad at directions we went completely the wrong way. We lost an hour of time and it was getting dark. My gps didn't show the way out but I suspected which way and the local said no, it was the other way. Sometimes, and I repeat sometimes, the locals claim they know more than they really do. And even when they start questioning themselves, they don't want to announce they are wrong. So it can take awhile before they admit they are lost.:spl:

A few different sources of maps are good andseeing that the trail you are currently on has fresh tracks is good as well.

TracBack is a great feature of a GPS. If nothing else it gets you back to where you strarted, usually some form of blacktop.

[The Pope]

250ccforme wrote:
Keep the salt shaker handy when using the Backroads books. There tends to be quite a bit of outdated info. There is no substitute for local knowledge; ask a few locals before venturing into unknown territory. Even with locals you have to keep your spidey senses fine-tuned to sort out the BS.




+1 on that. you have to be very careful with the backroads books. i usually try to decyfer the roads after a ride and don't use it too much for actual navigation. main roads are fine, just the secondary roads they aren't so clear on. trust your gut man.

[Yak_KLR650]

Calling the local Ministry of Forest District office and talking to the engineering officer or tech can generate lots of good info on forest roads. The recreation officers (now with Ministry of tourism) are also located at the Forest Service district office and have additional info on trails.

[Crongo]

Do you think that these are official designations when they are marked as "Motorcycle Routes'? If so, I wonder how a route/area gets designated? I can think ofareas where this could be a good thing to pursue to be able to keep riding areas open. I guess I better ask the Forest Service for starters. Thanks.

Crongo

[Yak_KLR650]

Areas may be designated as "motorised" or "non-motorised" by various means. The Recreation Sites and Trails Branch of Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts can designate motorised/non-motorised restrictions and closures under Section 58 of the Forest and Range Practices Act. Land Use plans can designate acceptable uses (Bear Creek RMZ - motorbikes) on the west side of Okanagan Lake is one example. Cranbrook West Access Management Plan is another. The "motorcycle" trails shown in the backroad mapbooks are often areas that have been historically used by, or are suitable for motorcycles, or ATVs. Assuming their data is accurate (don't assume) those trails have not been restricted to motorised travel.

Always check locally, don't ignore posted closures, don't jeopardise future access.

And, yes, I work for the province in this field (Manager of Backcountry Recreation)

[dooveman]

And watch out for signs that say "Detour" and point toward a tunnel. A coyote may have painted the tunnel entrance on the side of a cliff.

http://www.cartoongallery.com/Webstore/images/T/82122.jpg

[Dorky]

dooveman wrote:
And watch out for signs that say "Detour" and point toward a tunnel. A coyote may have painted the tunnel entrance on the side of a cliff.

http://www.cartoongallery.com/Webstore/images/T/82122.jpg



:):hf::):hf::)

Haah! Thanks for the flashback.

[JavaJude]

Yak_KLR650 wrote:
Areas may be designated as "motorised" or "non-motorised" by various means. The Recreation Sites and Trails Branch of Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts can designate motorised/non-motorised restrictions and closures under Section 58 of the Forest and Range Practices Act. Land Use plans can designate acceptable uses (Bear Creek RMZ - motorbikes) on the west side of Okanagan Lake is one example. Cranbrook West Access Management Plan is another. The "motorcycle" trails shown in the backroad mapbooks are often areas that have been historically used by, or are suitable for motorcycles, or ATVs. Assuming their data is accurate (don't assume) those trails have not been restricted to motorised travel.

Always check locally, don't ignore posted closures, don't jeopardise future access.

And, yes, I work for the province in this field (Manager of Backcountry Recreation)


Yak, excellent information. Thank you for posting it :tup:

[Crongo]

YAK_KLR650,

Yes, thank you for your information. That clarifies a few things I was wondering about.

Crongo

[RT1000]

250ccforme wrote:
Crongo wrote:
Hello,

Looking through my Backroads Mapbook to plan some trips for this summer and I wondered if anyone knows more about the motorcycle routes they show? For example, the Ashcroft motorcycle route west of Cache Creek. I lookedit up on the net an foundno info. Who designates these routes? How would I get more info as to what they are like. Thanks.

Crongo

Keep the salt shaker handy when using the Backroads books. There tends to be quite a bit of outdated info. There is no substitute for local knowledge; ask a few locals before venturing into unknown territory. Even with locals you have to keep your spidey senses fine-tuned to sort out the BS.

I have to agree with 250cc......Thats book is outta date.:mad3:

Also good for main roads, but not secondary or less.

I've had a few bad experiences using that book, once on the bike andtwice trying to find a lake for fishing in the truck. I dont trust it anymore....LOL:)