The route
CMG: I saw a lot of photos of water crossings. How did these affect the trip? Were they dangerous?
KL: Yes a lot of water crossings, but most not very deep. We were worried about snakes (none in New Zealand). We pre-walked a few, but overall, they were not a problem.
A lot of people say Canada’s prairies are boring. Are they more exciting to ride across off-road? What makes it different to trail-ride across Manitoba/Saskatchewan, as opposed to the street?
That was not our experience. As per Ted, it is an expedition not simply a ride and we enjoyed 99 per cent of the route. Certainly the remoteness of the back country was most enjoyable.
What were the similarities to the TAT (Trans American Trail), and what were the differences?
The TAT was about five weeks and 9,000 km; the TCAT, two full months and 18,000 km, but both included sandy deserts and snowy high country. To a point, ADV riding is the same wherever, but I think we had more interaction with local folk in the States due to the number of small towns we passed through.
While the trip passes through a lot of remote territory, does the TCAT also give riders a chance to visit major Canadian cities along the route as well?
We had two rest days in Ottawa, and some time in Vancouver at the end. Otherwise the route was mainly small towns or minor cities (thankfully).
[…] Trans Canada Adventure Highway spans 5,000 miles and crosses all 10 Canadian provinces, but this time around sticking near […]
I am in Brandon, MB. I have a 2020 Honda CRF250L that is stocka and has 2,000kms on it now. All kms have been on pavement basically, I bought it brand new. I would like to join if there are any plans for 2023 as I already used up most of my holidays. Even if I could only join for part of the trip if possible.
can this be done with a 4×4 or only a bike?
I believe it is designed for either.
Hello, I love your article.
Inspired me to follow in your tracks. I was wondering, is there a GPS map available?
Travis, where you from buddy…??? Have you got plans for 2020 TCAT…????
where I can buy a map for the alberta and bc section…thanks…Eric from Calgary on wr 250r
Hey guys! Just wondering if the TCAT would be feasible to do with an off road truck!?
Best to ask the organizers directly. I do believe lots of it was designed with trucks in mind.
Thank you!
Has anyone done the Vancouver Island section of the TCAT recently who can provide a map or at least some directional pointers ? looking to do it summer 2018 as a trial for the rest of the trail …one day.
I have read many articles on the TAT and TCAT, and never get tired of the reads. Not many of us can take months out or our lives to do something as epic as this, so I appreciate the effort those Kiwi’s put into it! I live in the “boring prairies”, but if I had time to meander across our massive country, it would be a dream come true.
Small bore 250cc bikes seem to be the right choice to do most everything!
Bro I am in Winnipeg. I am looking to take a stab at the eastern section next year. Got a 2001 klr650 that I shall be working on to get it ready.
So far its just me.
Actually, it’s mostly from Thunder Bay to Sioux Lookout where the washouts have occurred in the Northwestern Ontario section the rest of the route is in better shape.
Wow. Loved this interview Zac. I know the TCAT between Thunder Bay and Kenora is washed out in places and virtually impassible currently. I’ve hosted a few riders who have tried to conquer the original section solo with no success (and ultimately suffered both broken bones and bike in the process). Riding it solo isn’t advised, as mentioned. I must say that I’m proud that a bunch of Kiwis did this on WR250Rs though. There’s very little that the WR250R can’t do.