The Trans-Lab is Overdone. We want to Ride the Rock.

[Canuman]

Originally Posted by Littlepeter

I think it would be hard to get from one end of NS to the other on continuous gravel. You could cut across Cape Breton on the Highland roads, but would still have to slab it a bit to get the NL ferry.

I've ridden Nova Scotia on both bicycles and motorcycles over the past 25 years, and I agree with you. I plotted out a preliminary route through some country I haven't visited in many years. There is a fair share of pavement involved, but it is through some scenic areas, so I don't mind so much. Having ridden through the interior of the Nova Scotia mainland on other occasions, I am far more interested in the coastline. I haven't yet been down the eastern shore of Cape Breton, so that's going into the plan.

[Canuman]

Originally Posted by dresda

Unfortunately their folding backroads maps have been replaced with the Rand McNally version which I don't like as much. I do find old Mapart ones in the stores though so if you want me to keep an eye out I can pick them up for you.

I would be particularly interested in one for Newfoundland, if you happen to find one. Thanks!

[Canuman]

There's a pretty good team coming together for this one. If any of you civilized types from north of 45 what in on all or part of this, we need translators, eh?

[sailer]

I have a route that will keep you on Gravel (rail trail) from west of Amherts NS to Picto, NS

which goes by my Family Cottage. in Wallace NS

I know of some stuff that I did, really nice, some-what maintain, gravel road stuff , on the west side of rock about 1 hour north of ferry. (was not rail trail) over a couple small mountain passes, very nice stuff, did not see one car for 3-4 hours, up to Deer Lake. in the Lewis cliffs area

from there rail trail is next to high way. ( with in a mile ) for a while, which is good cuz if you do not like it just get off

Then Rail trail cuts a corner on your way to where Ice burgs are.

I have some really good pics of ice when i was there last year.

some day when I learn how to post pics here, I will show you all.

we can meet up some time with some maps and I be happy to show you, just bring my cord

I am up at Dartmonth Hickcock Hospital about once every two weeks, for at least next 2 months for my follow up stuff, thats kinda close for you.

I am headed up to the cottage for thanks giving (the us one, Canada Thanksgiving was last weekend) I will grab some maps and trail maps from local genral stores.

[Canuman]

Originally Posted by sailer

I have a route that will keep you on Gravel (rail trail) from west of Amherts NS to Picto, NS

which goes by my Family Cottage. in Wallace NS

I know of some stuff that I did, really nice, some-what maintain, gravel road stuff , on the west side of rock about 1 hour north of ferry. (was not rail trail) over a couple small mountain passes, very nice stuff, did not see one car for 3-4 hours, up to Deer Lake. in the Lewis cliffs area

from there rail trail is next to high way. ( with in a mile ) for a while, which is good cuz if you do not like it just get off

Then Rail trail cuts a corner on your way to where Ice burgs are.

I have some really good pics of ice when i was there last year.

some day when I learn how to post pics here, I will show you all.

we can meet up some time with some maps and I be happy to show you, just bring my cord

I am up at Dartmonth Hickcock Hospital about once every two weeks, for at least next 2 months for my follow up stuff, thats kinda close for you.

If you just pm me your address, Phil, I'll send you the extension cord. I'd like that route.

I'm a bit concerned about the rest of your message. I suspect the get-off we're not supposed to mention was not so free of damage as it appeared?

I don't much like hospitals. The last time I was in one yelling for morphine, there were plenty of sick people about. I checked myself out, as I couldn't take the strain. They wouldn't turn the lights off so I could sleep. They sent me a bill anyway.

[sailer]

I am here to report I am of sound mind,

what off are you speaking of ???

I don't remember saying any thing about any off in my post about your ride to great white North

there is a very nice Steak house down the street http://www.jesses.com/

thow the food court in DarmothHickcock is inpressive.
the $25 Cord is not worth $12 in shipping, and I do hope our paths do cross again at some piont

[Canuman]

This thread needs some pics. I've plotted out the route for the first day, using some information provided by inmate Dockingpilot based on information provided by the New Brunswick Dual Sport Club. I've been up this way on my K75, but I'm very excited to explore the coastal forests. A must stop is Leprau Falls, and another is that great seafood place in St. Martin.

The Route:



Leprau Falls:



Fantastic Seafood Chowder Just Up The Road:



YUM!

[Canuman]

Can't Go To Canada Without Some Of This:

[Canuman]

The Canuman. Navigator, Raconteur, and Agent Provacateur:



AtlasEXP: Cultural Commissar and Special Envoy for US/Russian Relations and Gear Hound:



Jackpiner57: Master Fabricator and Insane Off-Road Manxman. He may be related to the HRD of Vincent fame. In the front of the frame with the deadly weapon.



8GV. Tireless planner, pilot, navigator and who knows what else? I know this man is a good hand in an emergency. Just ask Devo2002. Here, he's trying a little two-stroke goodness:



The Divine Ms. Barb, aka Barbsironbutt. Unfortunately, she knows she can't find time for the entire loop. She's hoping to run some of the NB and NS sections with us. We rode NS and the Cabot last year and had an amazing, memorable ride.



Any of you other FFs want a piece of this ride?

[willys]

We too have a small tight group going east next summer to ride the rock and attempt the rail trail as far as we can...all on heavily loaded KLRs....sorry but that is what we have.....lol. Probably mid to late Aug. to try and stay clear of the bug invasion ans also try and get some warmer dry weather....we are tired of getting soaked and freezing.....It should be a fantastic adventure. We did the Trans-Lab 2 summers ago and loved the Rock so we decided to go back for a 2 week exploration next summer.....Can't wait!!!

[dresda]

When are you planning to go, Canuman?

[Canuman]

Willys and Dresda:

I've been checking the historical forecasts, and and I think that the last week of July and the first week of August are what we're going to shoot for. I've given more than my share of blood to the wee winged creatures on several continents. I'm old and evil enough to know that you still can have an adventure without sleeping in six inches of water. Much beyond the first week of September, it's going to be frosty nights up there.

Willys, I'd like to meet face-to-face if possible. Dresda, it would be a pleasure to see you and your Mister once again! I haven't forgotten our deal on the Passap. If nothing else, I have a late August teaching gig in Michigan. If we don't meet before that, I'll be trucking across Ontario with a van full of highly classified fiber gear. I could hide the Passap from the Douanes pretty handily.

Cheers,

Tim

[dresda]

My co-worker from St. John's says the best time of year there is late August, early September. I've been in late June (wet and chilly) and late August (awesome sunny warm weather).

Maybe you should see if you can come for the Soiree? I don't know what the date for that is but its a heck of a shindig....

[Canuman]

Dresda, I see you've met Dan, aka VTBimmer! "Shut Up and Ride."

[Canuman]

Ok, if we plot it in the last weeks of August or the first of September, are you in Steph? I think it would be great fun, and I can keep the boys amused locally until then. Old folks boogie. Everyone goes in prepared, everyone comes out alive with nothing broken and no ambulance calls. Run what you brung. I'm leaning toward the DRZ, Good run, good conversation about the fire, and a ride report that makes all the others weep, with lots of pretty pictures?