TRAVERSE Issue 03 - December 2017 | Page 60

my white-haired friend admitted with a chuckle. He went on to tell me the old Coalmont Hotel wasn’t open. Despite its regal appearance and fine upkeep, my new friend told me its future was uncertain. “The Hurley”. It’s one of those roads that, when you mention it to local adventure motorcyclists, they simply nod in understanding. Sure, British Columbia is full of gravel for- est service roads like it. But the rep- utation of “The Hurley” precedes it- self. Leading me out of the Pember- ton Valley, not far from Whistler, the Hurley River Road “FSR” climbed up switchbacks that kept going…and go- ing. Rocks bounced off my KLR’s bash plate as I stood up on my foot pegs, TRAVERSE 60