Exploring Sudbury Area.

It will depend on how high the river is that follows the road. Last year, there were 2 spots that were about a foot deed. It's where the river overflows over the road, so its a gravel bottom.

There is much less snow this year, so I'm 'assuming', the water level will be lower.

Anyone interested in doing a run up Portelance Rd up to Shining Tree and back tomorrow May 1st?
Meet at Rockies at 9;30.

I couldn't make the ride, but a couple guys did. Still lots of snow on the road, with 1 high water spot. It ate another BMW (dropped it and watered-out), the same spot where it ate 1 (GS) last year.

Hi guys, if anyone is interested, a couple of us are planning a ride up in that area this summer.
We want to see if we can get our bikes to the top of Ishpatina ridge, the highest spot in Ontario.
People generally portage there, but there is an overland route that we think can be conquered on dual sport bikes. It won't be easy, it will take a strong sense of adventure, and may not even be possible on the first try.
We are thinking that mid July would be the best time to go, as we need to cross the sturgeon river, and need water levels to be low.
We plan to back country camp, and hope to complete the trip in three days.
Unlike other rides, there is the added bonus of being the first to get a motorcycle to the highest point in Ontario, we may even get a wiki page mention out of this! Haha.
If anyone would like to join us, or offer some information on riding this area, let me know!
http://www.ontariohighpoints.com/ishpatina-ridge-overland/

Unfortunately motorized vehicles are not permitted in the Provincial Park in which the ridge sits. See attached
http://www.ontla.on.ca/library/repository/mon/18000/272962.pdf

Oh I see. I saw an ATV bridge in the trip report so assumed otherwise. Thanks for destroying my hopes and dreams. (Just kidding)

I am planning to ride from Sudbury / Capreol area. Old Porpoure Mine Road to Rockies. Portelance Road to Shining Tree. Shnining Tree to Timmins on the Grassy Lake Road. Accomodations at Post 392 about 50 k from Timmins. https://www.facebook.com/Post-392-lodge-1710393542579526/
Then back. Date yet undermined. Three day trip. Anyone else interested. I am in Cambridge and would trailer to Chateau Guay in Sudbury ( near Royal Distributing ) day before departure. Should be suitable for big or small bikes with range of 150 klm between fuel stops.

Yes! Definitely interested! When were you planning to go?

Rehashing an old thread. Anybody planning on making this trip again this season? I'm looking to ride the Capreol to Shining Tree route. Cheers

Actually Jake, thanks for rehashing this tread. I was thinking of riding this area. Anyone know if my KLR will make this? What about camping and stuff.

Also anyone tried this in May or is this a bad time. May holiday may be an option for me.

I've ridden this route twice from Capreol up to Hwy 560 just short of Shining Tree. Never made it to Timmins as the weather turned bad on both rides.

It is all logging roads up to hwy 560 so you should have no problems on a KLR other than spring wash outs. You can camp just about anywhere along the way up, but May is black fly month!

Thanks for that good advise. May is out for this trip then. Should i be concerned about Bears, Cell phone reception and such? Thanks again.

Cell phone reception was next to nil when I was last there.

Yes I saw a bear, lynx and moose on my ride.

Yikes!!!!! Definately looking forward to this now. Thanks.

Don Jasper, I have done a bit of riding up around Sudbury and North Bay. I think I have only ever ridden a KLR when up there. The bike will do it you just have to commit yourself. Put a set of trakmasters on it and you should be fine.

Thats a thought thanks. How long will they last though? I currently have the shinko on. Will the difference be noticeable and provide a sefer ride? Lots of questions and thanks.

Don Jasper, June is the worst month for bugs. Early May is OK but there will be high water levels, July is good riding, best month is August. I’ve not been all the way up Portelance but if it’s good logging road all the way then 50/50 tires would do ok I would think.

Thanks Algee. Not sure how much of the route i will eventually do but all info is helpful. Will see how August shapes out.

It depends on what Shinko you have on. The trakmasters is a pretty aggressive tire so wouldn't last as long as 50/50 tire likely.

Point taken. At the moment, I am having to ride to my start route and sometime its hundreds of kilos away hence my question. I am currently running E804 and E805. Intend to report back on what worked for my KLR just feel sorry for the poor sod that will help me pick my Shrew back up through this saga.