The Classic Vancouver Lilloet Loop on a KTM 390 Duke

This is the tastiest blend of scenic and twisty tar, and all at an intermediate level, that a sortie out of Vancouver has to offer a rider. And at just over 580km, it’s the perfect single-day rip on the KTM 390 Duke.

Try to leave Vancouver early in the morning so as to not become a molecule in the serpent known as the Lion’s Gate Bridge morning gridlock. Grab a wake-up coffee at Good Karma Café at Horseshoe Bay and then hop onto 99 northbound for the twists and dramatic sea-to-sky turns as you blast onward to Squamish.

Here, you'll bid farewell to the sea and say hello to more and more sky and peak. Worth a mention to bring your woollies and full rain gear along for the ride. Even in highest summer, expect any weather, and several times a day.

As you make your way through Whistler you could stop, marvel at the amazing mix of commercialization and beautiful landscapes and perfect people – and contribute to it by taking breakfast there – or charge onward, as you still have a long way to go.

If you skipped Squamish and Whistler, Pemberton also makes a great rest point, as you’re only two hours or so into your adventure so far. The Blackbird Bakery might have your number.

Onward past Lilloet Lake, Joffre and Duffey Lakes Provincial Park you’ll wind it out, devouring the curves and scenery, battling yourself over which of the two requires more of your attention – until you finally hit the apex of the ride at Lilloet.

Check out The Kitchen @ Fort Berens Winery for a mid-day feed.

Now get ready to ride the Fraser River Valley on Hwy 12, which eventually connects with the Trans-Canada Highway at Lytton. From here you’ll plummet southward through Keefers, Hell's Gate down to Hope with incredible mountains, tunnels and twists keeping you smiling like a demon the entire way.

On and on it goes, through Spuzzum, Yale, Dogwood Valley and Haig until you, like the mighty Fraser River, descend into Hope.

You might want to grab a caffeine recharge here at the Blue Moose Coffee House.

Now you’ll exit the TCH and take 7, aka Lougheed Hwy, as you hoon your way back down into the lower mainland area through Mission, Maple Ridge, Port Moody and back to town.