Road trip across Canada: bike versus car?

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So, I think I'm finally going to take that road trip across Canada this summer.

Originally, I wanted to go by motorbike. But, I've been thinking that going by car has more advantages (can pack more things, don't have to deal with the weather, won't get as tired, etc). Any thoughts for those who've taken the trip? Will going by bike make my experience that much more (or less) memorable?

I'm doing this trip solo, btw, if that makes a difference. And, the farthest I've gone with my bike is to Port Dover this past summer.
 
Split the difference and take a side car or get the **** out.
 
I've taken a similar solo car trip to the Pacific in 2009 and had a blast. There are many advantages of taking the car, some you've mentioned, in addition you have a roof with you that can turn into a "motel" if needed, it's more comfortable in extreme weather, can cover more ground, easier to lock, easier when it's getting boring. However, you will never get that kind of connection with the landscape as if you were on a bike.

If in doubt, take the car and see what is out there. Then you will know where to come back later on two wheels.
 
killerkeith said:
Personally I'd like to see OP grow a pair and take his bike.
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Both trips could be equally satisfying for different reasons. Prolly GTAM would be the last place to ask about a car trip if easily offended. Bike trip would be more challenging, so ya, a pair would be nice to have.
 
31Smokinjoe said:
If it is about the destination and a timeline take the car if it is about the experience take the bike
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+1 for this ^^

If your only goal is to go to a destination from point A to B, I'd take the car.

If you have some scenic waypoints or nice roads you want to ride along the way, take the bike.

But on a bike you have much less storage and things are easier to steal. You have to be concerned about how to pack it so that it wont fall off, so that it wont get wet, so that it wont get damaged.

I find that I'm more physically tired but less mentally tired when going long distances on a bike. If I drive 2-3 hours in a car, I start spacing out because its so static and boring.

We really need to know the purpose of your trip before giving further advise.
 
You might have more chances of chicks hosting you for epic nights of passion if you ride you bike. Cause bikes are cool.
 
killerkeith said:
I would take the car. Motorcycling sounds like a Tim Horton's hobby to you.
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I couldn't agree more.

If you have to ask this question, I don't think it's about the trip to him, so much as it seems the destination.
 
I'd say get some longer rides in (further than Port Dover) before you go and attempt this type of trip on your own. A lot can go wrong and you better know what you're doing.

Try some overnight camping for a 3-4 days, long day rides (600km+) and see how you feel. Then decide. You might find out that you hate it and it's better to decide nearby then halfway into your trip that it's not for you.

Mind you if you live in Ottawa and your trip to Port Dover was fine then you're good to go...you don't state where you are.
 
I'd probably get some longer trips under your belt before tackling a cross-country trip on a bike. Do a round trip to Thunder Bay and see how it feels. 3 days in to a 2 week adventure is a terrible time to discover you're not up for it.

Beyond that, I'd say it depends on how much time you've got, and your tolerance for saddle time. If you're already flirting with taking the car at this point, maybe it's better to go that route.
 
Depends on how well u pack & plan. Some ppl can do it some can't. I I remember I went on a 3day trip with just a change of undergarments, it was the best time of my life
 
RockerGuy said:
Depends on how well u pack & plan. Some ppl can do it some can't. I I remember I went on a 3day trip with just a change of undergarments, it was the best time of my life
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+1

If it can't fit in the tank bag and backpack, you don't need it.
 
BNKN said:
Both trips could be equally satisfying for different reasons. Prolly GTAM would be the last place to ask about a car trip if easily offended. Bike trip would be more challenging, so ya, a pair would be nice to have.
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Some of us manage to tour quite well without a "pair" - or at least that kind of pair, thank you ;-)

On a serious note it is a little like asking - should I have this apple or this orange? Which do you feel like doing? There are lots of threads about long-distance riding and there is no doubt that it takes more planning and leaves you open to a lot more variables. I don't have a car licence, only my M, but I go on road trips occasionally with others in cars - and find the experience lacking (except for the times we hit rain/sleet/hail, etc.)

Also it depends on how much time you have? On a bike its really nice to have that wiggle room - that you can knock it off early, or stay an extra day here and there.

And there are other options - if I did have a G licence and a car I might seriously consider trailering the bike across country and only riding in the good parts :-)

Really the best advice you've gotten here so far is to hop on the bike for a mini tour - hope for a shot of inclement weather to give you the true experience - and then weigh your options so more. Remember they are your options - doesn't really matter a FF what others like (or think).
 
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BeastieGirl said:
And there are other options - if I did have a G licence and a car I might seriously consider trailering the bike across country and only riding in the good parts :-)
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That is my plan but I didn't have the balls to mention it.
 
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