Hey! I want to share a story from one of my recent trip that you might find both exciting and a little educational, especially if you’re a beginner rider or just love the idea of a one-day journey on two wheels. I set off with my buddy Andy for a fantastic loop from Vancouver, through the scenic Manning Park, up to Merritt, and then back to Vancouver—all in one day.
Let me tell you, we had an amazing road trip, but as with any adventure, there were some learning moments (yep, I had a small spill, but more on that later). So, grab a coffee and sit back while I take you through our trip, sharing some tips and experiences along the way that will hopefully help you on your next ride.
The Plan: A one day Trip from Vancouver to Merritt
First off, let’s talk about the trip route. If you’re looking to test your long-distance riding skills on some of BC’s most beautiful roads, this loop is an excellent choice. We started in Vancouver and rode out through Manning Park—which is a must-see for any nature lover—and then on to Merritt, a charming little town nestled in the mountains, before heading back to Vancouver.
Here’s a rough breakdown of the trip route:
- Vancouver to Manning Park: About 200 km (2.5-3 hours) of mostly highway riding.
- Manning Park to Merritt: Roughly 120 km (about 2 hours) with some winding roads and fun twisties.
- Merritt back to Vancouver: Around 260 km (3 hours), including highways and some fantastic scenic roads.
It’s a lot of ground to cover in one day—around 600 km—but it’s absolutely doable if you start early and keep a steady pace. We kicked off at 8:00 AM and got back by 8:00 PM, tired but thrilled.
The Bikes: Yamaha FZ-07 and KTM Duke 390
I was riding a Yamaha FZ-07, which I had rented for the day, while Andy was on his trusty KTM Duke 390. If you haven’t ridden either, here’s a quick rundown:
- Yamaha FZ-07: A fantastic middleweight bike with a punchy 689cc parallel-twin engine. It’s nimble, torquey, and super fun for both highway cruising and taking on twisty roads. It’s a great choice for riders who want something powerful but manageable.
- KTM Duke 390: The Duke is a bit smaller in displacement at 373cc, but don’t let that fool you. It’s light, agile, and great for spirited riding, especially in tight turns. Perfect for a newer rider or someone who enjoys flicking a bike around.
With our bikes sorted and a beautiful day ahead, we hit the road.
Vancouver to Manning Park
Starting from Vancouver, we took Highway 1 out of the city. The early morning traffic was light, and there’s something about that crisp morning air that just makes everything feel a little more alive, you know? Riding out of the city felt like a perfect way to break free from the hustle, and within an hour, we were in Hope, where we stopped for fuel and a quick coffee.
From there, we took Highway 3, which winds through Manning Park. This stretch of road is pure bliss—long sweeping curves, stunning mountain views, and the smell of pine trees as you climb higher in elevation. It’s the kind of road that makes you fall in love with motorcycling all over again.
If you’re new to riding, Manning Park is a great introduction to highway riding combined with some moderate twisties. Just keep your speed in check and stay relaxed as you take those curves—don’t let the excitement push you too hard, especially on unfamiliar roads.
The Incident: A Gravelly Mishap in Princeton
Now, this is where things got a bit interesting (or, as I like to say, my learning moment). After we left Manning Park and started making our way toward Merritt, I noticed a small, unpaved road near Princeton that I thought might be a shortcut. I had a hunch it wasn’t the best idea, but hey, curiosity got the better of me, and I veered off.
Andy got my warning to stay on the main road—”Don’t follow me”—and thankfully, he listened. Before I knew it, I hit a patch of loose gravel and, well… down I went.
It wasn’t a hard fall—no injuries, just a few scratches on the FZ-07’s fairings and exhaust. But here’s the lesson: gravel is no joke, especially if you’re riding a street bike. Always respect the road conditions and your bike’s capabilities. Loose surfaces like gravel can catch you off guard if you’re not cautious, especially on a heavier bike like the FZ-07.
Luckily, I was wearing my gear—jacket, gloves, boots, and helmet—so I was well-protected. If I hadn’t been, a minor spill like this could have ended up a lot worse. That’s why I always say: “All the gear, all the time” isn’t just a catchy slogan. It’s the best way to ride safely.
After dusting myself off and laughing at my own bad decision-making, I got back on the main road and caught up with Andy, who was waiting at the next fuel stop. Lesson learned, and no real harm done.
The Reward: Merritt and the Ride Back to Vancouver
By the time we reached Merritt, it was mid-afternoon, and we stopped for lunch. Merritt’s a quaint town, perfect for a quick bite and a refuel before heading back toward Vancouver. After all the excitement of the morning, it was nice to relax for a bit before gearing up for the ride home.
The ride back was smooth and uneventful—just the way you want the second half of a day trip to be. We took Highway 5, also known as the Coquihalla Highway, which is mostly straight and fast—perfect for a more relaxed ride after a day full of twists and turns.
Explore my adventure from Vancouver to Whistler!
What I Learned (and What You Can Too!)
There’s a lot to be said for pushing yourself on a motorcycle, but the key is knowing your limits and respecting the road. If you’re a beginner or just getting into longer trips, here are a few things I learned on this ride that you might find helpful:
- Stick to the Plan: When you have a route, try to stick to it. I went off-course on that gravel road, and while it wasn’t a big deal, it could have been. Stay on roads you’re comfortable with, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the terrain.
- Know Your Bike: Whether you’re riding your own bike or renting, make sure you’re familiar with how it handles, especially on longer rides. The FZ-07 was a great fit for this trip, but I needed to respect its limits (like avoiding gravel).
- Take Breaks: We made sure to stop every couple of hours, even if it was just for a quick stretch and some water. This kept us alert and focused, which is crucial on longer rides.
- Wear Your Gear: As I mentioned earlier, wearing the right gear made a huge difference when I had my little spill. Never compromise on safety, no matter how short or simple the ride seems.
- Ride Your Own Ride: Andy’s Duke 390 is a completely different bike from the FZ-07, and while he could take corners a little quicker, I made sure to ride at my own pace. Don’t feel pressured to keep up with someone on a different bike or at a different skill level.
Final Thoughts for New Riders
If you’re new to riding or thinking about doing your first long trip, my advice is simple: Go for it! But go prepared. Know your route, respect your limits, and, most importantly, enjoy the ride. Motorcycling is about the journey, not just the destination, so take in the sights, feel the road beneath you, and let the ride teach you.
And if you have a small mishap like I did, don’t let it discourage you. It’s all part of the learning process. Every ride makes you a better rider, and every experience—good or bad—teaches you something valuable.
The Full Picture: Advantages vs. Disadvantages
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Scenic Routes: Beautiful views of mountains, forests, and lakes throughout Manning Park and beyond. | Long Hours in the Saddle: Riding for 12 hours can be exhausting, especially for new riders. |
| Challenging Terrain: Great for practicing cornering and handling on twisty roads. | Gravel Roads: Encountering gravel can be tricky and lead to accidents if not careful. |
| Adventure: A fulfilling sense of accomplishment after completing a long loop. | Risk of Falling: Riding on unfamiliar or uneven surfaces (like gravel) increases the risk of mishaps. |
| Comradery: Sharing the ride with a friend adds to the fun and helps with safety and encouragement. | Weather Changes: The weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. |
| Good Practice for New Riders: A solid mix of highway and mountain roads makes for excellent practice. | Riding Pace: For new riders, maintaining focus and concentration for the entire trip can be challenging. |
| Multiple Break Spots: Plenty of scenic spots for rest, fueling up, and stretching along the route. | Bike Wear and Tear: Long rides and minor accidents (like mine) can lead to cosmetic damage on the bike. |
| Refreshing Stops: Manning Park and Merritt provide great places to relax and take in nature. | Traffic in Urban Areas: Traffic can be heavy near Vancouver and surrounding cities, especially during peak hours. |
| New Experiences: If you’re renting a bike, it’s a great way to try a new model like the Yamaha FZ-07. | Lack of Wind Protection: On a naked bike like the FZ-07, you may face more fatigue from wind exposure during long highway sections. |
So, what are you waiting for? Plan that next trip, gear up, and get out there. The road is waiting for you.
Ride safe, and see you out there on the open road!
DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@Motorbikes101