Canadian Maritimes Ride 2007

[tmcgee]

VtSTROM-K5 (Jack) is going to take a shot at planning a route.

Suggested stops this side of the border:

Delorme, Yarmouth, ME
Camden, ME
Castine, ME
Acadia NP, ME
West Quoddy Head, ME
Lubec, ME (bridge to Campobello Island, New Brunswick)
Eastport, ME
Calais, ME

[jackpiner57]

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/popcorneater.gif

[VtSTROM-K5]

Be a challenge for me as I rarely even rely on maps or printed directions..and since my GPS is basic Etrx. I only use that for mileage & speed info... :-|
SSOOooo wish me luck...I'll most likely start on it sunday morning ...:confused:
Oh! before I forget I was wondering if anyone might want to get a "Tech" Day scheduled for some Saturday or Sunday in the Spring to get some basic stuff done like Explain & See how to remove the Fairings, What & Where adjustments are made when doing a T.B.S. & T.P.S.. Etc.....I put this up because I am not all that comfortable with the "Inner workings" of the EFI and such..:???:

[babooka]

I wanna do Cabot Trail in June.

[tmcgee]

I wanna do Cabot Trail in June.

WooHoo....looks sweeeeeeeeet!

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/1411/800pxcabottrailtx3.jpg

[dmf109]

Oh! before I forget I was wondering if anyone might want to get a "Tech" Day scheduled for some Saturday or Sunday in the Spring to get some basic stuff done like Explain & See how to remove the Fairings, What & Where adjustments are made when doing a T.B.S. & T.P.S.. Etc.....I put this up because I am not all that comfortable with the "Inner workings" of the EFI and such..:???:

Jack- sounds like a good idea. I think that would be a fun and useful time.

Now all we need is someone with a good garage... *cough-jackpiner57-cough*

[VtSTROM-K5]

We could get tom to bring his TBI " Ballancer rig and I have a two bay Garage with most of the tools needed .. Then after all the work is done we could take a ride around Lake George:rolleyes::-D
Speaking of tech ,
JohnS, hows the " Cafe Bike " project doing??? photos ??? please :)

[JohnS.]

The Cafe is on hold temporarily. I'm having a much harder time than I anticipated on coming up with a wheel and spoke set to the get the front end to do what I want. By dropping the wheel size, keeping the forks, and extending the rear end, I can get trail figures from 5.25" down to a more Strom-like 4.25 without having to cut the frame or swap out triple trees (which are $$$). I need to re-use the hub for the speedo and front brake. Suzuki made a 19" wheel, but I really wanted 18. If I have to punt for the 19, I may be extending my design knowlege to include triple trees. I'm learning a lot about motorcycle chassis design though...

I've got most of the other stuff in my head, as far as rearset pegs, reworking the rear brake cables, clip ons, etc... So, we'll have to wait and see. Trouble is, until I get the front end right, buying any of this other stuff is moot, as it could really blow my budget.

That, and I'm studying about 2-3 hours/night lately, with the end being in April. So, the last pictures I posted are about where she stands now, except the motor has been out and back in to remove a few widgets.

Take care all... John.

[dmf109]

The Cafe is on hold temporarily. I'm having a much harder time than I anticipated on coming up with a wheel and spoke set to the get the front end to do what I want. By dropping the wheel size, keeping the forks, and extending the rear end, I can get trail figures from 5.25" down to a more Strom-like 4.25 without having to cut the frame or swap out triple trees (which are $$$). I need to re-use the hub for the speedo and front brake. Suzuki made a 19" wheel, but I really wanted 18. If I have to punt for the 19, I may be extending my design knowlege to include triple trees. I'm learning a lot about motorcycle chassis design though...

I've got most of the other stuff in my head, as far as rearset pegs, reworking the rear brake cables, clip ons, etc... So, we'll have to wait and see. Trouble is, until I get the front end right, buying any of this other stuff is moot, as it could really blow my budget.

That, and I'm studying about 2-3 hours/night lately, with the end being in April. So, the last pictures I posted are about where she stands now, except the motor has been out and back in to remove a few widgets.

Take care all... John.

John- I wanted to cafe this bike when I had it but the 'Strom stole me away one day at a showroom in March 2004.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l224/dmf109/Stuff/883R.jpg

As to the maritime ride. How busy is Rt 1 in mid-north ME during the time we plan to ride? I rode it a few weeks back and was surprised how empty it was (Christmas break and beautiful weather).

[VtSTROM-K5]

The last time I was in that area on a bike was Aug, 1981 .:( NO Memory of it would apply to the current traffic conditions .:rolleyes:.
But it sure was beautiful country:-D

[tmcgee]

As to the maritime ride. How busy is Rt 1 in mid-north ME during the time we plan to ride? I rode it a few weeks back and was surprised how empty it was (Christmas break and beautiful weather).

It doesn't get annoyingly crowded until the end of June, and north of Ellsworth, it's rather sparse even then. Many of the touristy places like Bar Harbor (still worth visiting any time of year) only start opening up around Decoration Day, and it's July by the time it's full tourist season.

Even so, you can still find several hours of solitude in the middle of August if you get up and out at dawn. Vacation people want to sleep and shop, neither of which interests me when I have any time at all to get away.

[livstrom]

Leaving Long Island on 6/28 to 7/2. Destination Cabot trail 1 Wee and 1 1000, and 2 Hardleys somewhere in the back.

[tmcgee]

Leaving Long Island on 6/28 to 7/2. Destination Cabot trail 1 Wee and 1 1000, and 2 Hardleys somewhere in the back.

Let us know when.

[tmcgee]

This looks like fun:

http://www.geocities.com/translab99/

[RedAnt]

I really want to take a trip up the coast sometime this summer.

That "translab99" link looks amazing, but I can't help wondering if my butt would hold up for a dozen days! That last trip to the 1k isle area was about a 1000 mile trip for me, and in 2.5 days that was too much seat time. I think I really like about 300 miles per day. Maybe if all I saw was amazing vistas I wouldn't notice my butt was getting sore?

livstrom's end of June date seems as good as any to me at this time. How open to company is your group? Sounds like there's some interested people from the VT trips we took last year, and I don't believe you can find a better group of guys.

I haven't seen any other dates suggested besides that end of June one. Anybody else have any other ideas?


[upon re-reading the thread I realized the opening post sort of pointed a finger at the trip organizer. My post above seems kind of oblivious to that (mainly because I was at the time). I like the trip idea, I'm very interested. I'll try to stay tuned.]

[tmcgee]

I really want to take a trip up the coast sometime this summer.

Only one?

It doesn't take much suggestion to get me to ride to Maine, and I spent last night with my nose buried in the Nova Scotia section of the Lonely Planet Guide for Canada.

[RedAnt]

Only one?

It doesn't take much suggestion to get me to ride to Maine, and I spent last night with my nose buried in the Nova Scotia section of the Lonely Planet Guide for Canada.

Well if you're going to twist my arm, I might make two.

[Keith Falkner]

In the spring, I will haul my Wee-Strom to Toronto. I plan to start east on about June 24. I hope to go via Ottawa ON, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine (especially the interior), Fredricton NB, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Island, ferry to Argentia Newfoundland, exploratory voyages ending at Port aux Basques Newfoundland, ferry back to Nova Scotia, Bathurst NB, Matapedia Québec, and back up the St. Lawrence River to the Thousand Islands and finally Toronto. I have travelled some of this route in the 1950s, some in the 1970s, some in the 1990s, and most of it never.

The exact route and predicted dates are not yet known. I think the focus of the trip will be Newfoundland, because there is so much to learn and see there. Only three states cover more area than Newfoundland and Labrador; they call Newfoundland "The Big Island" with good reason.

Some messages here referred to the Trans Labrador Highway, from Goose Bay Labrador to Baie Comeau Québec. That is a serious trek, including 500 miles of dirt/gravel, and is too difficult for this old fart. If you contemplate a visit to Newfoundland and Labrador, visit www.ridetherock.com and you will learn a lot. You can skip my posts there, because most of them are about what you have just read, or else in praise of the V-Strom.

The Newfoundlanders are cheerful and helpful, and will give you advice about their home. Drop in or sign up; you will be welcome either way.

Keith

P.S. added on March 3 2007

I hope to take the ferry on June 29 from North Sydney NS to Argentia Newfoundland.

I am still deciding about riding across Labrador. I know I can make it, but I do not know whether the experience will be worth the effort.

[tmcgee]

In the spring, I will haul my Wee-Strom to Toronto. I plan to start east on about June 24. I hope to go via Ottawa ON, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine (especially the interior)

The mountains of northern Vermont, NH, and western Maine are gorgeous. There's a scenic byway up to Jackman, Maine. I did an 800 mile solo loop in 30 hours last fall from Boston to Acadia, over to Moosehead and Jackman, and back to Boston. It was just ahead of peak foliage and past summer crowds. My only regret about the interior of Maine is that motorcycles are not allowed in Baxter State Park. The northern third of the state is a huge tree farm and most logging roads are closed to bikes.

[Keith Falkner]

Thanks, tmcgee, for the news about Maine. My simple map of Maine shows Baxter State Park, just north of Millinocket. Lots of the roads are marked "Private" and some bear a notice saying "permit & fee required". I will leave those alone.

I remember battering my way across Vancouver Island on a logging road. Let me tell you, that is the ideal place to be driving a rental car! I will let the heroes knock holes in their oil coolers.

I have the beginnings of a plan for my trip. After leaving Toronto about noon June 24, I want to wend my way through New England and the Maritimes, reaching North Sydney NS in time to catch the ferry to Argentia Newfoundland at 3:30 PM Friday June 29. Five days and 150 minutes (Eastern to Atlantic Time) may not seem like a lot of time for the trip, but that is a day more than it took me to go from Whistler BC to Toronto ON, so I suppose I can do it, compromising on sightseeing.

I think my eastward voyage sort of meshes with the plans outlined in this thread. I would be pleased to be part of a fragment of the Maritime jaunt that is being planned here. I will watch for details.

If I do not get enough Maine going east, then I will count on Maine still being there when I go west to Toronto.

Keith

[RedAnt]

I though this trip would be planned during the cold lonely winter, but it's getting closer to early riding weather now. Anything known yet that I could start drooling over?

[tmcgee]

First, here's a travel guide: http://www.motorcycletourguidens.com/

I also found this on the BMW MOA site (credit to Rudley, Westfield MA):

On the Cat, it works like this:

They provide racheting straps. The bike is placed on it's sidestand, in gear to prevent movement. The racheting strap is secured to the deck via recessed welded attachment points, passed over the seat, and attached on the other side. Rachet is then used to tighten the strap down.

I've travelled on the Cat 4 times with this method,with nary a problem.

HOWEVER............

Saw a fellow last year who racheted the strap over his harley down so tight, that when it came time to disembark, he couldn't get it to release!!!

Try & get to Beartown N.S. Its beautiful!!

[VtSTROM-K5]

The plan was for me to plot out the trip......Well I have never been in the Maritimes . so it's one of the " Places I would like to go" . I was Happily supplied w/ a Copy of Garmin CityNav. Version 8( Thank you tmcgee :-D) and I seem to have had no luck running the program on My Gateway "Abbacus" , & heres what has transpired since then....
Recvd G.C.Nav. Great....... X'cept well, it wouldn't run...Called garmin help line ( they were very polite at explaining that
a] I'm an ID10T.
2] dvd's don't run in a CD R drive
c] that prompted a purchase for a DVD read/write drive.
that arrived ..:).along with 28 1/2 " snow....:( now the wait till--------->
4] Had my nephew the IT Guru install the new drive Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!:D
1]week later I loaded the disc and spent all freekin day today trying to make the program load w/o locking up the compuker ....:(.
A call to gatekeepur-tek-supported:rolleyes: 22 min of them running MY computer from somewhere in IOWA :confused:...and they determined that My grafix card is the problem ,along with my processor and ........................NOW!
I have a headache and I'm out of SAM ADAMS:(

Please X'cept my apollogy at this time .......I have to go get beer now:???:

[tmcgee]

I have a headache and I'm out of SAM ADAMS:(


Go for the Molson, eh?

[VtSTROM-K5]

I was thinking "la-Brodeur" :rolleyes:

[dmf109]

I, for one, am pretty excited! It's now March! We're over the hump. It's getting closer and closer to riding weather. Actually, nice enough to ride here today, except I'm getting over the flu. I think St. Patty's Day will be a go. Oh, and that maritime thingy too. :p

[RedAnt]

No problem on the wait, just anxious.

Once you get the computer going feel free to bounce questions off me. That was the software I used for our 1k Isles trip. It took a little bit to figure out the tricks. I'll also volunteer to convert it to KML and provide the online viewable googlemap link for people, if you want it.

Things I can remember that makes that program really nice to plan trips:

1. Once you have a route (auto mapped) you can simply drag the route line over to someplace more twisty and automatically re-route the trip through that point. Once you get the hang of it it works really slick.

2. Zoom in on each waypoint you place near an intersection. It is kind of a pain to be following the GPS and have it turn you 50 feet the wrong way down an intersection only to U turn and go the other way. I tend to drop the waypoint before the intersection, that way you get an early warning of it and avoid the bad turn indicator.

Good luck on the computer.

[VtSTROM-K5]

No problem on the wait, just anxious.

Once you get the computer going feel free to bounce questions off me. That was the software I used for our 1k Isles trip. It took a little bit to figure out the tricks. I'll also volunteer to convert it to KML and provide the online viewable googlemap link for people, if you want it.

Things I can remember that makes that program really nice to plan trips:

1. Once you have a route (auto mapped) you can simply drag the route line over to someplace more twisty and automatically re-route the trip through that point. Once you get the hang of it it works really slick.

2. Zoom in on each waypoint you place near an intersection. It is kind of a pain to be following the GPS and have it turn you 50 feet the wrong way down an intersection only to U turn and go the other way. I tend to drop the waypoint before the intersection, that way you get an early warning of it and avoid the bad turn indicator.

Good luck on the computer.
I won't be getting the computer upgraded.......I can either revamp the computer or I can go on the maritimes run Not finacially feasable to do both at this time and since I've allways gone w/o the computer generated trip logs prior to this I'll have to continue for the time being .....
So anyone else want to plan it ????

[RedAnt]

I won't be getting the computer upgraded.......I can either revamp the computer or I can go on the maritimes run Not finacially feasable to do both at this time and since I've allways gone w/o the computer generated trip logs prior to this I'll have to continue for the time being .....
So anyone else want to plan it ????

Sorry to leave this thread hanging, but I seemed to have come down with some sort of plague! Weather gets good and I get sick (that'll piss ya off).

Anyway I'm very interested in this trip, enough to actually do more planning. I've read the few links posted so far as well as a really humorous ride report on advrider of a couple on a Burgeman and a Rebel. I don't know of any real target areas, so lets see if we can come up with a list. :rolleyes:

Goals learned on the 1k isle ride:

1. Less than 350 miles a day.
2. Some time either around the campfire or for an after dinner ride.

Questions I would love more answers to:

1. What are the MUST SEE places?

2. What should we expect for weather conditions? Sounds like anything?

3. What are some good target dates?

4. How many days to we need or want to target?

Who's listening?

[tmcgee]

I would think the Campbell's Condensed version of the trip would be to Bar Harbor/Acadia and then the Cat to Yarmouth, around the island countercockwise (so the ocean view is unrestricted by oncoming traffic) and back to Maine either by land (my pref.) or Cat. Any variation of this works for me.

Weather in Maine in June can be quite raw, and temps can get into the 30's at night. Days 50's and 60's most of the time.

[jeffV]

I have been considering this ride myself and am anxious to learn all I can about this trip. I live in central PA and figure on leaving on a Thursday or Friday evening, riding to somewhere near Albany New York and then proceding to Portland Maine. I then plan on taking the Cat to Novia Scotia. My plans are up in the air from there on. I was thinking of taking the land route back to the states. I plan on being out 9 to 10 days. Spending the nice nights camping and the crappy nights holed up in a motel.

[VtSTROM-K5]

I would think the Campbell's Condensed version of the trip would be to Bar Harbor/Acadia and then the Cat to Yarmouth, around the island countercockwise (so the ocean view is unrestricted by oncoming traffic) and back to Maine either by land (my pref.) or Cat. Any variation of this works for me.

Weather in Maine in June can be quite raw, and temps can get into the 30's at night. Days 50's and 60's most of the time.
I'm all for the Land route Over & Back:D 50's & 60's means not overheating in the 90+ heat and 30-40's means verry little bug problems ( Black flies,Skeeto's)
I dont know about a 190.00 ferry ride tho' :???:... It's Just that thats a lot of 5.8 gal fill ups for Me & the Vee :rolleyes:

[jackpiner57]

I'm all for the Land route Over & Back:D 50's & 60's means not overheating in the 90+ heat and 30-40's means verry little bug problems ( Black flies,Skeeto's)
I dont know about a 190.00 ferry ride tho' :???:... It's Just that thats a lot of 5.8 gal fill ups for Me & the Vee :rolleyes:

+1:mrgreen:

[tmcgee]

I dont know about a 190.00 ferry ride tho'

I've wanted to take the ferry for 30 years, but every time it gets down to it, I spend the money on something else.

[RedAnt]

OK, Now that a few people have reported in I'll see if I can come up with something. I kind of like the idea of at least one Cat run but we'll have to see what type of break we can get for: one-way vs round trip. Also if we can get a group rate or some early order price breaks.

I was a little worried about the number of days a trip like this might take. Perhaps if we offer a couple of options: (a) round trip on the Cat, (b) One way Cat trip, (c) Cat free? Those options would also likely increase the number of days required for the trip. My guess is that even the SHORT version might end up spilling over a weekend. I guess I'm thinking Friday afternoon-Sunday?

If I remember correctly there are also at least two location you can catch a boat: Portland and someplace near Bar Harbor. So far I've only heard a suggestion for Portland.

[dmf109]

I thought this trip was going to be planned as a week thing?:confused: I can't imagine it being done in a weekend and enjoying it. Plus, I had my heart set on a week of Jack's midnight serenade!

[VtSTROM-K5]

I can't see the trip lasting less than 4 days... Looking at the atlas were going to see 1500 miles or better depending On routes & points of interest ....:confused:
jackpiner57 could offer a better perspective as to the mileage and the route He chose ( not to invite us :rolleyes:) to ride

[tmcgee]

I can't see the trip lasting less than 4 days...

I don't know why, but when the road signs in Maine say 60 miles, and you're not on the interstate, it takes two hours to get there. A reasonable trip does have to be close to a week if the ferry is out of the picture. Riding solo, I took 3 full days to Eastport and back to Boston. The return trip was a high speed run.

Rough idea (this would actualy be a complete itinerary for my type of planning):

Day one: Acadia is 300 miles from Boston or Keene, NH
Day two: Acadia and MDI (Mount Desert Island), head north?
Day three: Head north, Schoodic Penninsula, Lubec, Campobello Island (Canada), Eastport, Calais
Day four: bridge to PEI
Day five: Nova Scotia
Day six: Nova Scotia, head home
Day seven: continue riding southwest

[RedAnt]

I don't know why, but when the road signs in Maine say 60 miles, and you're not on the interstate, it takes two hours to get there. A reasonable trip does have to be close to a week if the ferry is out of the picture. Riding solo, I took 3 full days to Eastport and back to Boston. The return trip was a high speed run.

Rough idea (this would actualy be a complete itinerary for my type of planning):

Day one: Acadia is 300 miles from Boston or Keene, NH
Day two: Acadia and MDI (Mount Desert Island), head north?
Day three: Head north, Schoodic Penninsula, Lubec, Campobello Island (Canada), Eastport, Calais
Day four: bridge to PEI
Day five: Nova Scotia
Day six: Nova Scotia, head home
Day seven: continue riding southwest

I think the ONLY way it could be done in a few days would be to take the Cat both directions. Not knowing anything about the schedule except that I know they offer an overnight trip, I figured shortest trip would likely have night crossings on Friday and Sunday nights.

That said I would really like to ride some of the northern sections and ride at least one way. There is a trip linked early on this thread that was done in the 90's and looked like it went much further north than we would want. But that trip looked really nice.

I'll pull out the laptop and see what it looks like. But I like the idea of a 8-10 day target for the full Cat-less trip.

[tmcgee]

The Cat is 3 hours from Bar Harbor (Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu) to Yarmouth and 5.5 hours from Portland (Fri, Sat, Sun) to Yarmouth.

The land route is 11 hours from Bar Harbor to Yarmouth and about 14 hours from Portland to Yarmouth.

Fees and schedule: http://www.catferry.com

[dmf109]

The Cat is 3 hours from Bar Harbor (Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu) to Yarmouth and 5.5 hours from Portland (Fri, Sat, Sun) to Yarmouth.

The land route is 11 hours from Bar Harbor to Yarmouth and about 14 hours from Portland to Yarmouth.

Fees and schedule: http://www.catferry.com

Hmmm. $63 isn't too bad. To be honest I'm neither for or against taking it. I'm thinking on the way back it'd be pretty nice to kick back and relax after days of riding.

Are we still planning on mostly camping? I think sneaking in a night or 2 of stealth camping would be cool :).

[jackpiner57]

Hmmm. $63 isn't too bad. To be honest I'm neither for or against taking it. I'm thinking on the way back it'd be pretty nice to kick back and relax after days of riding.

Are we still planning on mostly camping? I think sneaking in a night or 2 of stealth camping would be cool :).

$63.00 for you, plus $75.00 for the bike. Plus $10.00 security fee. Plus $25.00 fuel surcharge.

I plan on camping out every night. I'd rather get a room than set up camp in the pouring rain though.

Unauthorized camping is fun! And cheap. I know of a few spots we could do that.

[VtSTROM-K5]

I don't know why, but when the road signs in Maine say 60 miles, and you're not on the interstate, it takes two hours to get there. A reasonable trip does have to be close to a week if the ferry is out of the picture. Riding solo, I took 3 full days to Eastport and back to Boston. The return trip was a high speed run.

Rough idea (this would actualy be a complete itinerary for my type of planning):

Day one: Acadia is 300 miles from Boston or Keene, NH
Day two: Acadia and MDI (Mount Desert Island), head north?
Day three: Head north, Schoodic Penninsula, Lubec, Campobello Island (Canada), Eastport, Calais
Day four: bridge to PEI
Day five: Nova Scotia
Day six: Nova Scotia, head home
Day seven: continue riding southwest
This sounds like the way to go :eek:
Leave the Manchester N.H. area on a sunday morning & return on the following Sunday???:???:

[RedAnt]

Well after looking at a lot of miles of map I can see a trip coming together. I'll try to get the maps posted but here's what I looked at:

Dover, NH to Saint John 339mi 8:20
nice back roads through interior Maine.
Leaves us at the Northern most Ferry crossing, rates are a little cheaper.

Saint John to Digby 399mi 9:33
Covers same are as boat by taking the land route.
Reasonable back roads not interstate
Seems like too much for a day.

Digby to Monestery 471mi 11:00
Counter clockwise around the island on the Southern edge.
Too long for a day but I'm taking little back roads nearest the water.

Monestery loop of Cape Breton island 413mi 10:10
Outer perimeter loop of entire island
Easy to cut off if we're not interested.

Loop of Prince Edward Island 523mi 13:00
Hard to get a clean loop here, but i believe I did it with a couple of dirt roads.
again easy to trim if we just are not interested.

End of Prince Edward Island to Barre VT 525mi 12:40
This is just for completeness and
follows the route up until around Waterville/Augusta

It's a little scary when you look at all the options, but I can see a couple of plans coming together. It looks like there would be a chance for somebody to take a Cat out of Portland (say Friday night) and catch up to the group going by land after a good 3 days of riding. There's at least enough for 2 to 5 days riding the island and probably another 2 days home. That would make the LONG versions a 10 day trip. It might be possible to make it a 7 day trip with a single Cat voyage, and maybe even a 6 day round trip on the Cat out of Portland.

Should I post the perimeter maps for first comments or do we have other obvious changes?

The average weather looks good enough from June (45-65F) through August (55-75F). But I know I'll be bringing gear for cold & wet just in case.

Here's a link to the GooleMaps map http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.sr.unh.edu/~rea/stromtrooper/NovaScotia.gdb.kml

[dmf109]

$63.00 for you, plus $75.00 for the bike. Plus $10.00 security fee. Plus $25.00 fuel surcharge.

$63.00 + $75.00 + $10.00 + $25.00 = ..... a lotta dough! I say let me relax AFTER I get home. That money could buy me a sweet pair of riding pants!

I plan on camping out every night. I'd rather get a room than set up camp in the pouring rain though.

Every time I camp with that tent of mine is like camping in the rain :mad:.

[dmf109]

Hey Rob, Good job yet again with the route planning!

Are we all in consensus that the trip will be a week long?

If yes, let's get the route nailed down. Then I think it'd be fun to add sightseeing stops (The Transportation Museum at Owl's Head is a worthy stop- lot of WWI planes).

Then we need to settle on dates for vaca timing.

Then we need to arrange campsites/hotels. Or at least get a plan together for places to stay when the weather goes to hell.

Lastly, we'll need to post this trip and see how many Strommers we get!

[VtSTROM-K5]

$63.00 + $75.00 + $10.00 + $25.00 = ..... a lotta dough! I say let me relax AFTER I get home. That money could buy me a sweet pair of riding pants!



Every time I camp with that tent of mine is like camping in the rain :mad:.


Dan you need a better ventilated tent something along this line :)
check out these & sell yous to someone on E-bay:rolleyes:
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39204227&memberId=12500226
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39282796&memberId=12500226
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=189513
the last 2 are not the roomiest tent's but they are verry lite and small & this all are well ventillated.

as for time: May27th to June 3rd ; June 1-10 ok ; 17th to 24th ok :-D
hope we get a good turn out for this one too! :cool:

[RedAnt]

Hey Rob, Good job yet again with the route planning!

Are we all in consensus that the trip will be a week long?

If yes, let's get the route nailed down. Then I think it'd be fun to add sightseeing stops (The Transportation Museum at Owl's Head is a worthy stop- lot of WWI planes).


I think we're looking at a week (including both weekends).


Then we need to settle on dates for vaca timing.

Then we need to arrange campsites/hotels. Or at least get a plan together for places to stay when the weather goes to hell.

Lastly, we'll need to post this trip and see how many Strommers we get!

The dates are going to be a little tricky I'm sure, that's a lot of time and I'm sure my schedule is just as tight as everyone elses.

I echo back the stuff about camping and rain. I figure in a 9 day trip we will see rain. It would be nice to plan on the option of staying indoors a few nights. I know there are some really good B&B's on the big island so perhaps scheduling a night at one would be a good thing.

I think this trip is going to be gear intensive. We will all need to be prepared to ride in 45F wet weather, because it seems like we might find some. To me that means overpants needed, and some good glove options too. I don't own any heated gear but it I did it would be going on this trip.

[RedAnt]

As for tents I've like my Sierra Designs tents. They are good quality and don't cost too much more. I also like EMS but only if your timing matches up with a sale. I've use the Clip Flashlight tent for years of backpacking. I haven't used it yet on the bike because it's a little small for two (couples only). http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39198381&memberId=12500226

Most of the ones listed in the last post do not have room for a full sized twin air mattress. In the Canoe and on the Bike I like the option of a little more space and the BIG mattress. I've come to like the free standing two pole designs with two long side entrances and vestubules like this: http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39198475&memberId=12500226
I like the NorthFace pole design better in the following tent, but I think it tappers too much to fit a big mattress, and side doors are much easier. http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39199029&memberId=12500226

I also find that most of these tents are too hot in the summer heat if you have to have the fly over you. The better designs allow for the fly to be pealed back when possible and when not possible for both vestibules to be left open for cross ventilation when some dew protection is required.

[jackpiner57]

This one is a really nice looking tent. I wanted this one originally, but it won't fit into my little Givi sidecases. Pack size is 18.5"x 6". I think it will fit in your side case.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=39195294

I know you guys will think I'm crazy, but here is an idea. If we want to set up in the rain, one of us can bring a fairly large tarp. With one man in each corner, we can hold it over the man that's setting up his tent.:-)

[VtSTROM-K5]

This one is a really nice looking tent. I wanted this one originally, but it won't fit into my little Givi sidecases. Pack size is 18.5"x 6". I think it will fit in your side case.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=39195294

I know you guys will think I'm crazy, but here is an idea. If we want to set up in the rain, one of us can bring a fairly large tarp. With one man in each corner, we can hold it over the man that's setting up his tent.:-)
I most of the time carry a 16' X 16' nylon tarp for setting up under and for a place to eat outside of the tent as that is Verbotten!!!
The tarp is packable and the cordage is on a flat wind spool..
I personally use this tent as It allows for my gear to be inside:
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39204227&memberId=12500226

[dmf109]

Dan you need a better ventilated tent something along this line :)
check out these & sell yous to someone on E-bay:rolleyes:
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39204227&memberId=12500226
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39282796&memberId=12500226
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=189513
the last 2 are not the roomiest tent's but they are verry lite and small & this all are well ventillated.

as for time: May27th to June 3rd ; June 1-10 ok ; 17th to 24th ok :-D
hope we get a good turn out for this one too! :cool:

Well, I borrowed my buddy's tent for that October ride and it did fine. As for vaca timing, I get 6 hours a pay period. That flu I had blew away all my time, SO, I'm looking at June at the earliest.

So, is June still a working point? I know Bruce mentioned vacation timing before; I think we need to get a date settled and see who can make it.

And then we Ride! Woohoo!

[VtSTROM-K5]

funny thing happened @ work today:???:

after completing the assesment of my first project of the day i went to the truck to get a ladder . went to leave the dorm & as I stepped out onto walk my left foot went out from under me..:confused: & down I went on my posterior and my left wrist..:mad: You know, the one that pulls the clutch:(
I had it X-Ray'd :Not broken :-D but need to wear a brace for a week or so...:???:
so now I have to be carefull not to do more harm.........

[tmcgee]

& down I went on my posterior and my left wrist..:mad: You know, the one that pulls the clutch:(
I had it X-Ray'd :Not broken :-D but need to wear a brace for a week or so...:???:

Ouch. Sometimes I wear a wrist brace from Futuro that I got at one of the drugstore chains. It doesn't help the pain, at least not right away. It's useful for reminding me I'm having a problem and to take it easy and not use that wrist. It's effective at doing that.

[VtSTROM-K5]

Tom ,I'm getting the brace today and "should be ok " for work by friday if :???:
If I take it easy till then:-D So I'll B here keepin an eye on the comp. and watchin speed ch. & discovery :mrgreen:

[RedAnt]

Tom ,I'm getting the brace today and "should be ok " for work by friday if :???:
If I take it easy till then:-D So I'll B here keepin an eye on the comp. and watchin speed ch. & discovery :mrgreen:

Do what they tell you and get better soon.

Do they have any idea how long you might take to get back near 100%?
We're still picking dates for this trip and currently I've been leaning towards late June? Is that too early for you?

I also need to find out when bike week is up there. I do not think we want that much company on our island trip, so we'll want to avoid that period of time.

[RedAnt]

It's tough to find information on this sort of thing, but this URL seemed to be the closest thing I could find.

http://souwestbikers.com/index.html

[VtSTROM-K5]

Do what they tell you and get better soon.

Do they have any idea how long you might take to get back near 100%?
We're still picking dates for this trip and currently I've been leaning towards late June? Is that too early for you?

I also need to find out when bike week is up there. I do not think we want that much company on our island trip, so we'll want to avoid that period of time.
I should be back to 100% late april & back to work thurs or fri this week ??
Got a brace today and I tend to mend rather quickly in these situations ...
Guessing I can get the Vee out in the next couple weeks:rolleyes:
the end of june first part of july would be good...as thats when Vacation time comes back to a few of us...
But We'll have to go west in May I guess & see if GWH can find us some roads to travel in the fingerlakes area:-D also act as a shakedown tour to see if we still remember what to bring:???:

[blue flame]

Wow ! This sounds like a great time ! Two brothers and I spent a week and a half riding N.S. in August 04. I picked up my new WeeStrom in April, ( at Hillside Motorsports, in W.R.J., VT ) and had a couple thousand miles on it before heading out. One brother rode a GPZ 1100, one rode a rented H-D, and I on my Strom. We rode through New Brunswick...no boats on this trip ! Fun going North, through little towns along the coast. Less fun Southbound, out route 2 then down to Calais.

High point of the trip was definitely Cabots trail ! After riding it "clockwise" on Sunday, we decided it was too good to just do once, so we changed a bunch of reservations ( we motelled all the way ) and rode it "ccw" the next day ! Beautiful either way ! Be sure to pack rain gear...It rains a Lot up there . Don't miss the little road out to Meat Cove, way at the North end. Also don't miss the Clam Chowder at The Chowder House in Neil's Harbor !

If you're interested in getting a little mud on the beasts, We took a right turn as we were coming South into Inverness, found a great logging type road, and spent a couple hours "dirtin' it". ( ever see a GPZ in mud up to it's axles ? ). We came back to pavement down near Mabou Mines.

This is getting way too long... Just GO and HAVE A BALL !!

[JohnS.]

Jack, Heal well... I neglected my throttle wrist after a sprain some years ago, and after 6 months of PT, I was told that was as good as it would get, and I should get used to the residual pain and expect early arthritis. It has gotten somewhat better, but I have my days with it. I've never tried to use it to get out of a speeding ticket though.... Hm....

I'm still planning a mid-May ride through parts of the Adirondacks and into the Catskills, you guys cna feel free to use that t shake down your gear. But there's the little thing of this F*&^ Test that I'm STILL studying for. Tomorrow Night: Thermodynamic Analysis of Refrigeration Cycles. I was hoping for Aerodyamic Analysis of Motor Cycles, but I'll take what I have to I guess...

Take care, JohnS.

[jackpiner57]

Get well soon Jack! Be abstemious man.:D

JohnS.,

Don't forget the second law of thermodynamics, explanatorily written by Rudolph Clausius: "The entropy of an isolated system not in equilibrium will tend to increase over time, approaching a maximum value at equilibrium."

A transformation whose only final result is to convert heat, extracted from a source at constant temperature, into work, is impossible.

Heat cannot of itself pass from a colder to a hotter body.:mrgreen:

Good luck!

[VtSTROM-K5]

Jack, Heal well... I neglected my throttle wrist after a sprain some years ago, and after 6 months of PT, I was told that was as good as it would get, and I should get used to the residual pain and expect early arthritis. It has gotten somewhat better, but I have my days with it. I've never tried to use it to get out of a speeding ticket though.... Hm....

I'm still planning a mid-May ride through parts of the Adirondacks and into the Catskills, you guys cna feel free to use that t shake down your gear. But there's the little thing of this F*&^ Test that I'm STILL studying for. Tomorrow Night: Thermodynamic Analysis of Refrigeration Cycles. I was hoping for Aerodyamic Analysis of Motor Cycles, but I'll take what I have to I guess...

Take care, JohnS.

John, good luck on that test man ....as with most thing's you are confronted with I.E. Thermodynamic Analysis of Refrigeration Cycles vs.Aerodyamic Analysis of Motor Cycles, You could combine them and plot out why if you were to ride today you'd freeze :rolleyes:
As for me....:confused:
the Doc has me on Celebrex as the swelling was /is significant. All my fingers on the Left hand are about 70% larger than the Right hand and I can bend mi fingers about 60deg. from strait...I expect to be back to work on thursday..but I won't be working it very much for a while one thing is good tho... I'm ambidextrous in most things

[tmcgee]

Sounds like shrinkwrap would be more useful than a brace.

[VtSTROM-K5]

Sounds like shrinkwrap would be more useful than a brace.

Tom, the fingers only LOOK like sausages !:o so the shrinkwrap is out;)
The brace is to keep me from trying to use the hand too early and doing any more harm .. 10 minutes of ice every 45/min. seems to have helped a lot.

[RedAnt]

That hand sounds bad. Please take care of yourself and get better quickly.

[RedAnt]

... We rode through New Brunswick...no boats on this trip ! Fun going North, through little towns along the coast. Less fun Southbound, out route 2 then down to Calais.

High point of the trip was definitely Cabots trail ! After riding it "clockwise" on Sunday, we decided it was too good to just do once, so we changed a bunch of reservations ( we motelled all the way ) and rode it "ccw" the next day ! Beautiful either way ! Be sure to pack rain gear...It rains a Lot up there . Don't miss the little road out to Meat Cove, way at the North end. Also don't miss the Clam Chowder at The Chowder House in Neil's Harbor !

If you're interested in getting a little mud on the beasts, We took a right turn as we were coming South into Inverness, found a great logging type road, and spent a couple hours "dirtin' it". ( ever see a GPZ in mud up to it's axles ? ). We came back to pavement down near Mabou Mines.

This is getting way too long... Just GO and HAVE A BALL !!

Compared to my posts this one was short! I really appreciate the details and best parts of your trip. Feel free to email anything you think might make our trip better, if you don't want to post it here.

I'll try to locate those places on the map and give them some priority. My current thinking is to plan an overnight someplace in Maine near a lake, and the second night perhaps on Prince Edwards Island. That would place us well for a trip down the island on the 3rd day. It would be ideal if we could end up near one of the Ferry points (just in case somebody wanted to join in late).

I would then guess we would ride the next couple days on the big island and finish up with a day on Cape Breton Island. I just want to make sure we hit the GOOD spots. My brother and his wife did a 2up trip on his Ducati a few years ago. I want to touch base with him and pull this same info from him as well.

BTW was there any reason you picked August?

[RedAnt]

I'm still planning a mid-May ride through parts of the Adirondacks and into the Catskills, you guys cna feel free to use that t shake down your gear.

I like the idea of a couple of shorter rides before this big one. That's kind of why I'm thinking end of June. That would give us all a chance to shake out some new gear before such a long trip.

Before we had the snowstorm I was looking forward to a ride down south towards Bruce. There was early talk about doing something on St Patty's day, but I believe the snowstorm snuffed out that trip.

[VtSTROM-K5]

redant ; We had discussed exactly that..But I ended up workin , & jackpiner57
I believe had some work to do. dmf109 ,I'm unsure what he ended up doing...
I 'll find out tomorrow as to how long before I can use my hand.
I think that the second weekend of april would be a good time frame to go south tho...:D

[dmf109]

redant ; We had discussed exactly that..But I ended up workin , & jackpiner57
I believe had some work to do. dmf109 ,I'm unsure what he ended up doing...
I 'll find out tomorrow as to how long before I can use my hand.
I think that the second weekend of april would be a good time frame to go south tho...:D

Yeah, the snowstorm ruined any riding for me last weekend. I hope this coming weekend to finally do some of the preride maintenance. Then all I'll have to do is wait for the nice weather.

Hey Jack, how's the hand today?

[VtSTROM-K5]

Hello all , the hand is on the mend :D I just returned from the doc's & the have cleared me for return to work :neutral: ......On Tues.
The "trauma" wasin the wrist joint & tendons connecting the hand 2 arm :roll:
I still have to wear the wrist brace & ICE it every hour for 10-15 min.
but I still can't bend the wrist from side to side or back w/o PAIN:(
Snow's melting like my heart for Allysa Millano on a St4 tho:D:roll:

[RedAnt]

Hello all , the hand is on the mend :D I just returned from the doc's & the have cleared me for return to work.

That sounds like great news, at least right upto the work part.:D

[jackpiner57]

Hello all , the hand is on the mend :D I just returned from the doc's & the have cleared me for return to work :neutral: ......On Tues.
The "trauma" wasin the wrist joint & tendons connecting the hand 2 arm :roll:
I still have to wear the wrist brace & ICE it every hour for 10-15 min.
but I still can't bend the wrist from side to side or back w/o PAIN:(
Snow's melting like my heart for Allysa Millano on a St4 tho:D:roll:

Here you go Jack. It's the best I could do.:D Get better soon.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/AlyssaMilano.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/ducati_st4s.jpg

[VtSTROM-K5]

Here you go Jack. It's the best I could do.:D Get better soon.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/AlyssaMilano.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/ducati_st4s.jpg
ROFLMAO !!! THANKS TOM,I NEEDED THAT!

[RedAnt]

I spent too much time this morning cutting up the perimeter path with a daily trip. I didn't have time to summarize all the days travel distances and times but it seemed to work out well as a 9 day trip.

I believe I have all days under 350 miles, and almost no highway travel, so we could make up time there if we wanted.

Basically it's two days up, and two days back. I planned all campgrounds (I think). There is one campsite we stay at two nights, so the Southern NS leg could be done without gear. It hits all the islands, although Cape Breton is done clockwise due to logistics of lodging.

Here's the map link: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.sr.unh.edu/~rea/stromtrooper/NovaScotia_take2.kml

Note that it's a big map and takes awhile to load (in the meantime you're shown an error), just wait for the map and hit "continue" if asked.

[geralds34]

I looked at your Mapsource file, here are a few options for you:

Day 2:
From St John, head out to St Martins, then towards Sussex. Take 114 thru Fundy national Park, go out to the light house at Cape enrage, then Moncton/Shediac and PEI. Watch yourself in Moncton, really bad spot for bike accidents-no idea why.

Day 5:
Check out Peggy's Cove, we were able to rent a 3 bedroom mobile home there for an even for about $80 in Sept, great view. We meet some fellow local riders, and discussed your proposed route east via Ship harbour- and they said not to bother; the road is so far from the water there is no view. We headed towards the Halifax Airport, and took the 212-357-224-289 to New Glasgow, then out to Cape Breton.

I took Advocate Harbour from N.B. to Peggys Cove, small back roads, single lane wood deck bridges, great views, no traffic.

Day 6:
I didn't make it to Meat Cove(Capstick area), supposed to be well worth the time it takes to get their.

Day 8/9:
I'd hug the coast in Maine a bit, then head north towards Rangeley etc. Whitehorsegear book; Motorcycle Journeys Through New England details great routes in Maine/NH/VT.

Some of my photos and maps of trips in that area are posted here;
http://geralds34.smugmug.com/Motorcycles

FYI - I believe the St John/Digby ferry is no longer operating, just incase you an inclined that way.

Any ?s , shoot me an email.

[tmcgee]

It looks good, Rob. Scaring up 9 days will be the tough part. I do work for myself and sometimes the boss is a jerk... :rolleyes:

[VtSTROM-K5]

It looks good, Rob. Scaring up 9 days will be the tough part. I do work for myself and sometimes the boss is a jerk... :rolleyes:
The only way I could do it would be to leave my house on a friday morning and meet up with you all In Dover that evening & return the sunday following I.E. Leave the 1st, return the 9th:-D that way I'm gone 9 days but only
use 5 vacation days:mrgreen: works for me.....when do we leave???

[RedAnt]

The only way I could do it would be to leave my house on a friday morning and meet up with you all In Dover that evening & return the sunday following I.E. Leave the 1st, return the 9th:-D that way I'm gone 9 days but only
use 5 vacation days:mrgreen: works for me.....when do we leave???

That was kind of the plan. I suspect day1 would be a Saturday. That way it's a one week vacation Monday-Friday (day 3-7). People traveling a distance are welcome to camp in my lawn Friday night. You can even use the pool in the morning for a quick dip!

Keep in mind that for people who can't get the time you may be able to join or leave the trip at the Portland-Yarmouth Ferry point of the trip. I think day6 (Thursday) would be the highlight of the trip. In order to get there from Portland I think you would need to get on a Ferry in Portland Tuesday night for the overnight run to Yarmouth. Then Wednesday you could either try to catch up (not suggested) or just meet the group that night. If anybody decides to do this I'll make up a route for Wednesday that should hit the good spots and skip the slow sections that the group might take. This plan would only require somebody to only miss 3 workdays (Wednesday-Friday). But you could also take the ferry back an probably be home on Saturday evening, if that makes a difference.

I've been to a lot of bike shops recently with my step brother and friend (both new Strom owners after this past weekend). I've talked to a few people that have taken NS trips and have some ideas that I want to see if we can include. I also want to check into the ideas posted above in this thread. I also sent out a few email messages to others here who have indicated they too have enjoyed a NS trip.

[RedAnt]

I've heard different things and may try to get a passport, but according to the following URL they are not needed until next year.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

A current backlog for passports is causing the normal 6 week processing to take closer to 10 weeks. I think the earliest dates for this trip would be to leave on 6/23, which is 12 weeks away. If you want to get a new passport you should start the process very soon.

In the past I've always carried a birth certificate and my license to go between Canada and the US.

[tmcgee]

Keep in mind that for people who can't get the time you may be able to join or leave the trip at the Portland-Yarmouth Ferry point of the trip.

Well, count me in for some/all of it. I do have to keep in touch with my voicemail, and if I have to bail mid-trip, I will. It's no big deal.

Anyone know which cellular system they use up there?

[jackpiner57]

Well, count me in for some/all of it. I do have to keep in touch with my voicemail, and if I have to bail mid-trip, I will. It's no big deal.

Anyone know which cellular system they use up there?

My Verizon cell worked well up there. It's a tri-mode phone.

Also, be sure to get an insurance card or endorsement that says it covers you in Canada. They will put you through hell if you don't.

[tmcgee]

In the past I've always carried a birth certificate and my license to go between Canada and the US.

You can get a copy pretty fast this way, but it's more money than City Hall.

https://www.uscerts.com/

[Keith Falkner]

Canada will still welcome you without a passport, but you may have problems crossing back into the U.S. of A. without a passport.

It seems that your taxes are now working to make life harder for you.

Ugh.

Keith

P.S. Thank you for the advice to get a certificate showing my valid insurance is also valid in Canada. I guess Canadians' taxes are working the same way.

[VtSTROM-K5]

OK, I need to schedule my time off prior to next wed April 4th and as the junior man I want to be sure of the dates for this trip so , Are all in agreement for june 23 - jul 1st as the dates ???? :???:
I realize we will departing as a group on the 23rd but I'll probably leave here after work on the 22nd and camp somewhere that night.....
:) Looks as tho' I'll be starting my Phys. therapy tomorrow or thurs:confused:

I can't wait to try out the new Nelson-Rigg SB-900s :mrgreen:

Also, anyone thinkin about a Finger Lakes tour for May??
:mrgreen: Dinosaur B-B-Q anyone??

[RedAnt]

OK, I need to schedule my time off prior to next wed April 4th and as the junior man I want to be sure of the dates for this trip so , Are all in agreement for june 23 - jul 1st as the dates ???? :???:
I realize we will departing as a group on the 23rd but I'll probably leave here after work on the 22nd and camp somewhere that night.....:).


After I posted that date I realized that I should have said it was an example. I don't have any reason to pick that exact date. I had mentioned the last week of June a few times as the earliest time it should be warm enough (according to weather.com min,ma&avr temps). And I'm excited about going!:D

It seems to me that we do not want to leave 6/30 (due to the 7/4 holiday). I also have something planned for late July that rules out leaving on 7/14 or 7/21. Does anybody else have a date that we should rule out?

Currently on the table starting dates are: :confused:
6/23
7/7
7/28
8/4
8/11

I can't wait to try out the new Nelson-Rigg SB-900s :mrgreen:

Also anyone thinkin about a Finger Lakes tour for May?? Dinosaur B-B-Q anyone??

Another date consideration that I checked on was Stromette. At one point I believe she indicated interest in this trip. When I checked her web schedule it looks like she'll only be in our area in May to mid June? I think that's too early for this trip. :(

Perhaps we should find out what her plans are in May, she should be able to show you how to use that new luggage! :-D

[tmcgee]

I could handle a week or even two weeks earlier in June if anyone wants to look in that direction.

[jackpiner57]

Also, anyone thinkin about a Finger Lakes tour for May??
:mrgreen: Dinosaur B-B-Q anyone??

I'm there Jack. I've been wanting to do the Finger Lakes for quite a while now. And, I never say no to BBQ, even if it is Dinosaur.:mrgreen:

[VtSTROM-K5]

After I posted that date I realized that I should have said it was an example. I don't have any reason to pick that exact date. I had mentioned the last week of June a few times as the earliest time it should be warm enough (according to weather.com min,ma&avr temps). And I'm excited about going!:D

It seems to me that we do not want to leave 6/30 (due to the 7/4 holiday). I also have something planned for late July that rules out leaving on 7/14 or 7/21. Does anybody else have a date that we should rule out?

Currently on the table starting dates are: :confused:
6/23
7/7
7/28
8/4
8/11



Another date consideration that I checked on was Stromette. At one point I believe she indicated interest in this trip. When I checked her web schedule it looks like she'll only be in our area in May to mid June? I think that's too early for this trip. :(

Perhaps we should find out what her plans are in May, she should be able to show you how to use that new luggage! :-D I believe that Stromette might be one of the Few Women I've EVER met that could teach me a thing or 2 about packing:mrgreen:
I know that this is a hardy crew and I think that I'll get a listing of what weeks are already taken at work and try to fit in from there ..But come on people You camped out in the middle of October!! Early June couldn't be that bad, Could it?:confused:

[VtSTROM-K5]

I'm there Jack. I've been wanting to do the Finger Lakes for quite a while now. And, I never say no to BBQ, even if it is Dinosaur.:mrgreen:
Kool , I've aranged NO COST camping for up to 12 tents in Elbridge ..
OH & by the way the B-B-Q is great.....the secret is to slow cook the Dinosaur for 30,000 years and baste each new millenia;)

[RedAnt]

I know that this is a hardy crew and I think that I'll get a listing of what weeks are already taken at work and try to fit in from there ..But come on people You camped out in the middle of October!! Early June couldn't be that bad, Could it?:confused:

Here's the link I used for average temps.

http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/wxclimatology/daily/CAXX0183?climoMonth=6

I guess I don't have any real complaints about 6/9 or 6/16 either? I just expect we'll see some rain and wind on the trip and the higher temps seem like they would go better with that. We'll be exposed a lot and out there for a lot of days. But perhaps I worry too much.

[garry]

Jumping in late and didn't read the whole thread, but Scott ("SWriverstone") has just posted a pictorial ride report of his trip up from this past October on ADVrider and Sport-Touring.Net. He took his KLR650 up from Martins Ferry, WV and was on the road for 25 days. Great trip. You might find some useful info or at least get more inspired/psyched for the trip from the photos...

I'm sure Scott would answer questions too. Nice guy.

[VtSTROM-K5]

I know that this is a hardy crew and I think that I'll get a listing of what weeks are already taken at work and try to fit in from there ..But come on people You camped out in the middle of October!! Early June couldn't be that bad, Could it?
OK ,
I didn't meen to come across the way it read (even to me ) after looking at it.:shock:.I'm not Carved in Stone set on June. I just need to get a time frame as I work @ Green Mtn. College. and the end of May thru the 4th of July week are very tight as to vacation availability ..Mid July thru end of august Is not as difficult to do ...I just don't want to schedule a week and find that we as a group can't make the trip:???:
SO, I'll get the dates that are not avail. and try to work out with all of you when we Can go---:-D-

[jackpiner57]

Kool , I've aranged NO COST camping for up to 12 tents in Elbridge ..
OH & by the way the B-B-Q is great.....the secret is to slow cook the Dinosaur for 30,000 years and baste each new millenia;)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/drif.gif

[RedAnt]

With input from a number of people I've cleaned up a few things so that we can do the Cabot Trail counter clockwise. There is even an option that allows another pass at it either direction if you really want to.

Here's the map (same as before wait past the errors and you're rewarded by a map). There really are no errors, it's just a lot of data.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.sr.unh.edu/~rea/stromtrooper/NovaScotia_take3.kml

Here's the breakdown as calculated by Garmin:

Day (Miles) Hours:Min
1 (273) 6:52
2 (297) 6:56
3 (348) 8:57
4 (336) 7:20
5 (301) 6:36
6 (290) 7:26
7 (233) 4:38 Short day unless you opt for one of choice below
+(48) 1:02 To see the Alexander Graham Bell Museum
+(199) 4:39 Reride the Cabot Trail a 2nd time (either direction)
8 (304) 7:16
9 (218) 6:03

Note that it appears difficult to get any number of Garmin software routing systems to aggree on what the correct route is. For "Routing Preferences" I used "Faster Times" and one click away from "Prefer Minor Roads". How we'll ever get a number of GPS's to aggree will be a fancy trick.

I have NOT yet looked at the information from the ADVRIDER post listed previously. Thanks for the info, I will check it out when I get a chance!

[tmcgee]

I've been in touch with a colleague who lives in Halifax. If all goes well, I'll be taking some time out to catch up with him. I'm collecting a list of questions about the area for him and if anyone here has any to add, let me know.

[tmcgee]

Note that it appears difficult to get any number of Garmin software routing systems to aggree on what the correct route is. For "Routing Preferences" I used "Faster Times" and one click away from "Prefer Minor Roads". How we'll ever get a number of GPS's to aggree will be a fancy trick.

Yeah, no fooling. I can't get the Zumo to go the same way twice. Ever time you do a firmware update you gain features and lose some you used to have. This isn't Zumo specific. It happened on all my other Garmins as well.

[RedAnt]

Here's the map (same as before wait past the errors and you're rewarded by a map). There really are no errors, it's just a lot of data.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.sr.unh.edu/~rea/stromtrooper/NovaScotia_take3.kml

Here's the breakdown as calculated by Garmin:

Day (Miles) Hours:Min
1 (273) 6:52
2 (297) 6:56
3 (348) 8:57
4 (336) 7:20
5 (301) 6:36
6 (290) 7:26
7 (233) 4:38 Short day unless you opt for one of choice below
+(48) 1:02 To see the Alexander Graham Bell Museum
+(199) 4:39 Reride the Cabot Trail a 2nd time (either direction)
8 (304) 7:16
9 (218) 6:03


I just did some calculations for day3. I noticed that day3 does include a Ferry trip. Here's the link to that Ferry schedule: http://www.peiferry.com/route_schedule/

I think we would be shooting for the 1pm Ferry. It's about 3:50 from the start of that day until the Ferry terminal. There are places we could cut off the trip to make up the time if we ran late. The ferry ride is $37 and takes about 75 minutes. That seems to already be scheduled in the trip times for day3.
It would mean we would need to get an early start on day3. But that is one of our longest days, and the first one that has us at the destination, so an early start is probably a good idea anyway. I've signed up for there specials and hope to see if we can get a deal by booking early and being a small group.

When I was first planning the route I didn't notice it had a ferry, I just thought it was another bridge.

I think I located one more ferry on day4 near "Lahave". It looks like one of those 1000 foot ones that are part of the Canadian highway system. It would looks like about 20 miles to go around it, if we didn't like the wait or how it looked.

[RedAnt]

Here's a direct link to the SWriverstone thread listed above.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=216338

You should really read the first page and look over the pictures from the Cabot Trail (gallery 10 on the smugmug link).



I posted this trip plan and asked for comments. He replies at the end of the thread and suggest he would like his daily mileage total is more like 200mi/day.

I agree with him fully that I would rather have the totals between 200-250mi/day for the good parts of the trip. I would also really like to see a free day someplace in the day5-7 range. To be honest I was pretty happy to keep all the days below 350miles, most are less than 300 miles, and a couple below 250.

At this point I think we should fix the dates and get idea of interest in the trip?

I'm open to changing the trip around more if that means we could pick up a few more people. I guess everything is still on the table, so make suggestions.

1. Are we still interested in the first couple of weeks of June? Leaving on:
(a) 6/2
(b) 6/9
(c) 6/23 (my first date suggestion)

2. Should we consider using the ferry from Portland and cutting down the number of days required?

3. Should I cut out Prince Edward Island and use the time for (a) shorter days, or (b) an extra day to rest on say Cape Breton Island?

[tmcgee]

The ferry leaves from Portland at 0800 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Same time from Bar Harbor the remaining days. Return trips to Maine are at 1600 and the ferry overnights in Maine.

Consider me a satellite rider. I'm ready for this trip, but it's fairly certain to be only 5 or 6 days for me. I can't possibly go downeast without stopping at Acadia, and I intend to meet with a colleague in Halifax for several hours. Other than that, I'll join you when I'm able. :mrgreen:

[VtSTROM-K5]

Rob, & All . My window of oportunity for early june has already closed,
I can do : (c) 6/23 or 06/30 or 07/07

[RedAnt]

Rob, & All . My window of oportunity for early june has already closed,
I can do : (c) 6/23 or 06/30 or 07/07

As long as you're good for that much time in the saddle should we just pick the 6/23 date.

If I remember that date was doable but harder for tmcgee.

Is there anybody else that could be interested??

My thoughts on this trip are leaning toward cutting out PEI and having a little more time on Cape Breton Island. Any thoughts?

[VtSTROM-K5]

As long as you're good for that much time in the saddle should we just pick the 6/23 date.

If I remember that date was doable but harder for tmcgee.

Is there anybody else that could be interested??

My thoughts on this trip are leaning toward cutting out PEI and having a little more time on Cape Breton Island. Any thoughts?
Sounds ok to me as long as it's after 6/23... cut out PEI and have more time on Cape Breton Islandsounds good also .... after all If we see ALL of it this trip we won't have a reason to go back again..:rolleyes: Right??:mrgreen:

[tmcgee]

As long as you're good for that much time in the saddle should we just pick the 6/23 date.

If I remember that date was doable but harder for tmcgee.


That date works fine, but I'm anxious. Maybe I'll have to go in May too. :-D

[IthakaBound]

I'll jump in on this if there's room. Any June departure date is not an issue for me. Heck, at this point no departure date is an issue.

[VtSTROM-K5]

Rob. Not to hijak the thread but I just realized the avatar your using is from the 1000 Island trip looking west @ Lyon Mountain from Chazy Lake:)
Nice Photo:cool:

[tmcgee]

I'll jump in on this if there's room. Any June departure date is not an issue for me. Heck, at this point no departure date is an issue.

There hasn't been too much show of hands yet. Waiting on a date, I guess. I've been getting my border crossing paperwork together. I've also read an article or two about people who've been denied Canada entry because of arrest records for minor offenses going back 40 years that are now accessible to border agents.

I know a guy who was denied entry two years ago for a drunk driving conviction 20 years ago. Sad thing is that he's been sober ever since that wake-up call.

[VtSTROM-K5]

There hasn't been too much show of hands yet. Waiting on a date, I guess. I've been getting my border crossing paperwork together. I've also read an article or two about people who've been denied Canada entry because of arrest records for minor offenses going back 40 years that are now accessible to border agents.

I know a guy who was denied entry two years ago for a drunk driving conviction 20 years ago. Sad thing is that he's been sober ever since that wake-up call.
Are they looking at the arrest or a Conviction???:confused:

[tmcgee]

Conviction. I was arrested in NJ once for vitamin C. No, really, that's what it was. It mighta had something to do with my hippie van with California plates.

[VtSTROM-K5]

Tee We gotta swap stories !!!!

[RedAnt]

I guess we should just set the starting date as 6/23/07 and start making plans.

Currently there are three hands raised. I know tmcgee has stated he has some places he plans on jumping in and out. Are there any other ideas that I could work into the trip? One of the tmcgee destinations is a friend in Halifax the other was a stop in Maine. I'll take a look at the trip back and see if we could adjust things so we hit your favorite Maine stopover. If we plan to camp there do you have a place you want to use. If I remove the Prince Edward Island part completely, I bet we could plan for a day near Halifax where you could break off for a visit.

Does anybody else have something they would really like to add? The not taking one of the ferry's over is a little of VtSTROM-K5 bias towards not spending the money. I tend to agree, but it also adds four days to the trip. Perhaps we should consider the Ferry one way, which may give us an extra day up there? I also know now that it's ~3.5 hours for you to get to Dover from your house. Again you're welcome to pitch a tent on my lawn Friday night. If it's clear there is a hamock on the deck. That is an open offer to anybody going.

IthakaBound do you have anything you would like to see on this trip? Now is the time to get your signature on the trip plan.:mrgreen:

I'll try to take a look at a few of these options in the next few days.

[VtSTROM-K5]

How is the time frame affecting other Stromtroopers???
I can go anytime after the 22 of June till October if other people need a different window of opportunity to go speak up please . This is a trip for as many troopers as we can get..:-D . Going will be great, but I would HATE to go and find out some others wanted to go but couldn't fit the time frame :???:

Now as for the Ferry , Well ,I can take it ... I just like riding the VEE better :rolleyes:
(I spent 4 years of Sea duty in the USN and frankly the ferry is Ehh.;) )

But seriously, please speak up anyone & everyone.....:mrgreen::mrgreen:

[RedAnt]

Actually it doesn't look like the Ferry is a good option anyway. If we took it from Bar Harbour we can't go until the weekday. Portland does have weekend trips but it's longer and there less of a draw to hanging around Portland. For the length of our trip it seems like just leaving out Prince Edward Island helps.

I've redone the trip leaving out PEI, and getting us close to Halifax earlier. By doing this we get to ride to Peggy's Cove and have a short (instead of long) day on day3. It also means that the second night we would end up in a B&B which might be nice too. Day2 is a little longer but we wouldn't have to setup camp and the end of it could be done in the evening because the last 1.5 hours is plain highway.

On the way home I routed us to Acadia. tmcgee should look over that part give me a better route for the start of day9.

Here's the map (again wait for it to load)

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.sr.unh.edu/~rea/stromtrooper/NovaScotia_take4.kml

** indicate changes from take3**

1 (273) 6:52
2 (309) 5:51 **Changed dest, more miles shorter time**
3 (209) 5:02 **All changed much shorter, known good sights**
4 (330) 7:00 **Minor changes**
5 (301) 6:36
6 (290) 7:26
7 (233) 4:38 Short day unless you opt for one of choice below
+(48) 1:02 To see the Alexander Graham Bell Museum
+(199) 4:39 Reride the Cabot Trail a 2nd time (either direction)
8 (306) 5:52 **Changed dest, shorter by 1+ hour**
9 (259) 6:03 **Acadia loop, added about 20 minutes**

I think this makes the days a little shorter and leaves out the ferry ride from PEI. It also leaves us around Halifax for more days, which may help tmcgee see his friend. It also lets us get in some of the known good stuff by Peggy's Cove.

I was searching for something to do on the way home and ended up going further North on "take3", but since tmcgee was planning on see Acadia anyway, I just reworked us to head there instead.

This should be getting pretty close. I like the way day2 ends with a B&B, and day3 and day4 are at the same campsite. It would be easy to camp/B&B/hotel on day5. Depending on weather and soreness we can even trim out a lot of day6 and head straight for the Cabot trail in the morning.

[jackpiner57]

As a training North American Monkey Wrench Throwing Champion 2007, I submit this.

http://www.marine-atlantic.ca/en/schedule/nsypab.asp?month=7&year=2007
http://www.grosmorne.com/main.htm
http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/nl/meadows/index_e.asp
http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/Search/PlacesToStay.aspx

My house to Sydney,CBI = 16hrs. 30min. includes gas stops and quick sandwiches. 819mi. IBA type ride. OR take 2 days to Sydney.
Ferry from N.Sydney,CBI to Channel-Port Aux Basqes,NL = 7 hrs.
Ride from Channel-Port Aux Basques to Sally's Cove in Gros Morne Nat. Park = 4 hrs 9min.
Ride from Sally's Cove to L'Anse Aux Meadows = 4 hrs. 45min.

A 9 day trip with 2 nights in Gros Morne Nat. Park and 2 nights in Raleigh.

[jackpiner57]

Sorry, I didn't mean to throw anyone off track. ;)

[Willie]

A bit of info for anyone traveling to NFLD via Port aux Basques ferry run. Consider booking the night crossing and a dorm sleeper ($16) or cabin for up to 4 people ($99). By doing so you will arrive on the rock about 7am and have the full day ahead of you. The other alternative means traveling after dark and this is a real adventure in NFLD. The reason is we have a high population of moose on the island and these 1000lb 7ft speed bumps have a nasty habit of waiting in the shadows and darting across the road when a vehicle approaches! If possible, avoid traveling after dark.
On a lighter note the Cabot trail, eastern NS shore and Gros Morne park are exceptional rides. Allow some extra time for these rides as you will probably want to stop and smell the roses more than expected. I have enjoyed these rides in the past and plan on repeats this summer.

[jackpiner57]

A bit of info for anyone traveling to NFLD via Port aux Basques ferry run. Consider booking the night crossing and a dorm sleeper ($16) or cabin for up to 4 people ($99). By doing so you will arrive on the rock about 7am and have the full day ahead of you. The other alternative means traveling after dark and this is a real adventure in NFLD. The reason is we have a high population of moose on the island and these 1000lb 7ft speed bumps have a nasty habit of waiting in the shadows and darting across the road when a vehicle approaches! If possible, avoid traveling after dark.
On a lighter note the Cabot trail, eastern NS shore and Gros Morne park are exceptional rides. Allow some extra time for these rides as you will probably want to stop and smell the roses more than expected. I have enjoyed these rides in the past and plan on repeats this summer.

Hi Willie,

Thanks for the information!

How is the road from Sally's Cove to L'Anse Aux Meadows? Is it really rough? If so, how bad?

[RedAnt]

As a training North American Monkey Wrench Throwing Champion 2007, I submit this.

http://www.marine-atlantic.ca/en/schedule/nsypab.asp?month=7&year=2007
http://www.grosmorne.com/main.htm
http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/nl/meadows/index_e.asp
http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/Search/PlacesToStay.aspx

My house to Sydney,CBI = 16hrs. 30min. includes gas stops and quick sandwiches. 819mi. IBA type ride. OR take 2 days to Sydney.
Ferry from N.Sydney,CBI to Channel-Port Aux Basqes,NL = 7 hrs.
Ride from Channel-Port Aux Basques to Sally's Cove in Gros Morne Nat. Park = 4 hrs 9min.
Ride from Sally's Cove to L'Anse Aux Meadows = 4 hrs. 45min.

A 9 day trip with 2 nights in Gros Morne Nat. Park and 2 nights in Raleigh.

It sounds like another trip to me. The link to advrider I posted earlier in this thread was a 30 day ride of the Rock from PA. It was really good, but I skipped over much of the Newfoundland info because I was having a hard enough time fitting in all that we have planned.

In fact the other ride report listed earlier in this one makes me what to visit the Gaspe peninsula area, as that looked amazing.

I also have a hard time swallowing a 800+ mile day on a 9 day Vacation. Someday I would like to do a high mileage run someplace, but I'll want just a day of it and then some downtime.

Last fall when we did the 1K islands area I had a couple of 420+ mile days and they didn't give us enough time to stop and enjoy the area. After doing three days of it I was ready to get off the bike. If I'm going to take a week off of work I want to enjoy the area, stop frequently to take pictures, stretch out the ride so that by day 8 or 9 I'm not dieing to get off the bike.

[VtSTROM-K5]

As I Said before , If we see everything this trip what would we see next time???? ...:???: ;)

It sounds good to me. When do we leave??

[dmf109]

Any idea on when the trip will be? I'm still a little short on vacation time, so right now it's looking iffy for me. So, if I can't make the whole trip, I'll definitely shoot for part of it.

[RedAnt]

Last week jackpiner57 and I sent a few PMs between us of his input. He really wanted to go straight to Meat Cove and then hit other stuff if there was time. He hoped to get way for 4 or 5 days instead of 9.

I then explained how I didn't start out with 9 days, it just works out that way because it takes 2 long days to get to Meat Cove and 2 days to get back (even if you use the Ferry). That means once you ride there and have one day to ride around you're gone for 5 days for one good day of riding. Once you make that 2 good days of riding you are at 6 days and you rush back home to work for a day before the weekend. With 9 days it's not a rush and you can actually enjoy the trip up and back.

I just played for about an hour or two with MapSource and managed to reorder the trip so that it could be done with Meat Cove early on. In fact I made two more changes after finding out we could camp at Meat Cove.

Changes to "take4"

I can change around my original day6 to end in Meat Cove, making use of the extra time to circle the Northern part of Bras D'Or Lake and jump onto the Cabot Trail near the "take4" ending point for day6.

On day7 we start out in Meat Cove and continue along the Cabot Trail down the west coast. Eventually ending up the same place as the old day7, just a longer day (350mi 7hrs) and none of the prior options.


Straight to Meat Cove (plan B)

Day3b (260mi 5:10) going directly to Meat Cove from the East side.

Day4b (223mi 5:45) (the old day6 backwards) by using the newer route above I could even preserve the CCW loop direction on the Cabot Trail.

Day5b (302mi 6:40) (day5 reversed) the SE side of CBI would be done in the CW direction. There is also no way to cut the end part short as the shortcuts would all exist at the start of the day.

Day6 (331mi 7hrs) would be the exact same as old day4. Note this day starts and ends at the same campsite and can be done without gear.

Day7 (315mi 7hrs) (day3 backwards and extended) Again the shortcuts are on the wrong end of the trip. On the plus side when you end a day with highway it's OK if it's dark out.

To be honest I'm not sure what it gains us. To me it only really makes sense if somebody needs to make this into a 7day trip. Does anybody work weekends?

Once i have some more time to look over this stuff again I'll see if there's anything else better about do the other order. I think there are some pluses and minuses to either order. I'm not really partial to one over the other.

In my "take4" order (with the Meat Cove changes) the hours per day went:
7, 6, 5, 7, 6.5, 5.5, 7, 6, 6

In the above option it's:
7, 6, 5, 6, 7, 7, 7, 6 ,6

Anybody have any thoughts?

Day one is currently set for 6/23/07. I think once Jack officially asks for it off the date is set, and I'm not sure he has done so yet.

[VtSTROM-K5]

OK Guys , I'm submitting my time sheet tomorrow...

[tmcgee]

Last week jackpiner57 and I sent a few PMs between us of his input. He really wanted to go straight to Meat Cove and then hit other stuff if there was time. He hoped to get way for 4 or 5 days instead of 9.

It looks to me like a few of us (Dan, Tom, me) are realistically looking at 4 or 5 days (maybe 6) rather than 9. I can handle high mileage days on the up&back days. The question then becomes, which days of the full 9 become good rendezvous days?

[RedAnt]

It looks to me like a few of us (Dan, Tom, me) are realistically looking at 4 or 5 days (maybe 6) rather than 9. I can handle high mileage days on the up&back days. The question then becomes, which days of the full 9 become good rendezvous days?

Seems to me that there are two options:

1. Everybody rides up in a mad rush for Meat Cove, ride for a day or two around Cape Breton Island (CBI) and then the short trip people head back (quickly?), and the longer trip continues along more leisurely.

2. We go up in two clumps, one fast one slower. Meat up there someplace and ride for the day together then continue on separate tracks home.

In case 2 I would choose to be in the slower group and enjoy my vacation.

From Dover, NH to Capstick is 851mi 15hr 40min (everybody else is further away)

I really doubt we would want to make that trip in ONE day. About the only way I see that working is if we leave Friday night and drive say 5hrs at night up Rt95. That would leave us 10-11 hrs of driving on Saturday. It really doesn't make sense to me to drive to Meat Cove on Saturday night because we would miss a GREAT section of the Cabot Trail by driving it at night. If we stopped about 3 hrs short of Meat Cove we could at least drive the Cabot Trail pm Sunday during the daylight hours. Scheduling time to return home (assuming 2 days) means your done if you only want to go for 4 days. A five day trip would allow for either more time around Meat Cove or a trip to the eastern coast of CBI.

I really don't mean to sound negative about doing it this way it just makes it really hard to schedule a reasonable trip because it's just too far away to do in 4 days.

Are there any other suggestions that might cut it down?

[VtSTROM-K5]

If anyone has a time constraint that they can not get around in the
June /July time frame and still wants to go, this is the time to put your hand up and let us hear what you need to make this work. ;)
As far as a 4-5 day " speed run " I'll opt out on that one..:neutral: . I want to go and see the Maritimes provinces .. If it turns out were going to rush up and back , I'll just ride thru the Vt./ N.H. / Maine areas at my own pace.. and do the Canadian provinces later.. 250-275 miles a day is reasonably paced ..
I submitted my request today and should have an ok by thursday at the latest....:D

[dmf109]

I think a 2 clump run may be doable- one fast, one slow, or start at different times, or whatever. Frankly, I have no problem with a mad 12 hour dash somewhere, as long as I know there's a rest at the end and some nice sites. But, if the whole trip turns into really long days, and that's it, then no thanks (don't get me wrong, I'd still go, just would rather the original intent of a nice, senic ride). Or, I can tag along, then turn back when I have to. Unfortuneately, that leg wound followed by a terrible flu ate up a chunk of my vaca time. I'm looking at having 24-30 hours available by late June.

[VtSTROM-K5]

I think a 2 clump run may be doable- one fast, one slow. Frankly, I have no problem with a mad 12 hour dash somewhere, as long as I know there's a rest at the end and some nice sites. Or, I can tag along, then turn back when I have to. Unfortuneately, that leg wound followed by a terrible flu ate up a chunk of my vaca time. I'm looking at having 24-30 hours available by late June.
This eggzactlee what I mean...Your short on time but when are your Vacation days re-upped? July ? Aug.? I can go anytime between 6/22 & 10/15. Dan, the more people that can go the better... at least for my thinking...I've NEVER been there, but if I have to go a later time, Well...

[dmf109]

I get 6 hours every 2 weeks. So, I'll be back up there in no time! But, don't change the schedule for me. When exactly were people wanting to go? I wanted early, cause I was dying to ride.

[RedAnt]

If anyone has a time constraint that they can not get around in the
June /July time frame and still wants to go, this is the time to put your hand up and let us hear what you need to make this work. ;)
As far as a 4-5 day " speed run " I'll opt out on that one..:neutral: . I want to go and see the Maritimes provinces .. If it turns out were going to rush up and back , I'll just ride thru the Vt./ N.H. / Maine areas at my own pace.. and do the Canadian provinces later.. 250-275 miles a day is reasonably paced ..
I submitted my request today and should have an ok by thursday at the latest....:D

This is about how I feel too. Except my mind has been kicking around what I said in that last post.

Is it possible to keep the group together AND give let everybody ride in the GOOD section? I almost think it might work out almost the way I stated it earlier.

Note that in the following I use Dover as a start and finish, you'll need to allow extra time to and from Dover to your house.

How about this:

Friday night we would need to ride at least 4 hours before getting a motel room. If we could meet in Dover by 7pm that would have us riding until 11pm on Rt95 ending about 3 hours past Portland. Sleeping about 11.5 hours from Meat Cove.

On Saturday morning we would get up and ride another 8 hour day, which should place us just short (3.5hrs) of the Cabot Trail.

Sunday we would get up and ride the Eastern side of the Cabot Trail exiting and going to Meat Cove. We might be there as early as noon. We could get a campsite and then ride anywhere in the area for the afternoon. That means we could stay near Capstick or head to the highland area.

On Monday those that wanted a 4 day trip could pack up gear. The "Leisurely"(L) troopers would just roll out of bed. We would then all continue around the Cabot trail together (most likely into the Highlands), the "Fast"(F) troopers would be starting about a 16 hour trip home. At some point during the day L troop would loop back to Meat Cove, while F troop leaves PEI for toward home. If the F troop travels 8hrs on Monday they should be sleeping half way home. The remaining 8hrs will get them home (Dover) Tuesday night. The L troop may even be able to work out a visit the the A.G.Bell museum on the way back to Meat Cove. Any of the L's could decide to just hang out and enjoy the day relaxing from the long ride.

Tuesday should find the F group half way home about 8 hours from Dover. The great thing is that the L group ends exactly where they would have been on the latest 9 day plan, having only missed Bay of Fundy park originally scheduled on day2.

The L group then continues with the original 9day plan, having spent an extra day in Meat Cove/Cabot Trail area. We could even see the Bay of Fundy park area on our way home on day8, which I believe means there is scenery scheduled for all the slow days.

That puts leaves the "Fast Troopers" with a four day trip (2 weekdays) and the "Leisurely Troopers" with nearly the same 9 day trip (5 weekdays). We all ride up together and ride the Cabot Trail for 1.5 days.

If the 4 day guys all decided they really wanted to do 5 days then everybody would do the L's Monday schedule and we would all be packing up together on Tuesday and continuing into the Highland area. Eventually the L's would break off and the F's would continue on toward home arriving 1 day later on Wednesday.

What do people think?

[tmcgee]

I think you're right, Rob (and others) that 4 days or 5 days is too short.

For way of explanation, my life is such that I take a day, or two, or three whenever I can. The idea of 9 days in a row strung together just hasn't been possible in 25 years. I don't mind this because I like what I do for a living.

Early in the discussion here, I tossed out that I probably couldn't do the whole 9 yards, errr days, and it's just in the past few days that a few others have also said they might be able to do a shorter version of the trip.

Jack doesn't have to do a speed run, even if he does have a faster bike. ;)

I truly don't want to take anything away from those who have to plan far in advance for time off, and I have yet to calibrate myself to the map - time and distance. I know exactly how long it takes me to get as far as Machias and Calais. Beyond that, I have yet to calibrate myself. That will happen in the next few days.

At this point, I do see myself as a separate group planning to ride with the rest as much as possible. Probably the most practical way to plan this is as Rob suggests, get the Cabot trail in early.

Right now it looks like I can leave Friday and start the return trip to Boston Wednesday or Thursday. I guess what I'm saying is that I don't mind a long ride up and back, and I don't mind a solo run either, and if anyone wants to jump in on this idea, let's do it.

[dmf109]

It sounds very good, and doable. Frankly, if I'm back at home Wednesday night, I'm happy. That could mean that the fast group wouldn't be all that punishing. However, if there does have to be a really fast group for other riders to make it, then I'll hitch with them.

So, looks like I'm in no matter what. If I get a leizurely Sat. night and all Sunday, then cool.

Edit: I have time available to take Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off.

[jackpiner57]

I agree with Tom & Rob, 5 days is kind of hectic. I did that last year and only got to spend one full day riding the Cabot Trail. I still really enjoyed it though, and took lots of pictures.

For the guys (like me and Tom) with limited time, 2 days to CBI, 2 days exploring CBI, and then 2 days to return would be a nice trip, and not too hurried really.

Day 1 of the return trip could put us in Halifax in the evening. If we started early, we could even take the coastal route.

The others could spend more time on CBI or head towards home taking more time to explore NS coastal routes.

Whattaya think?

[tmcgee]

For the guys (like me and Tom) with limited time, 2 days to CBI, 2 days exploring CBI, and then 2 days to return would be a nice trip, and not too hurried really.

Day 1 of the return trip could put us in Halifax in the evening. If we started early, we could even take the coastal route.


This sounds good and will probably let me have dinner in Halifax with my church organ counterpart there, but that isn't critical. I can always do another trip just for that purpose, maybe tack it on to my annual repair call run to Northeast Harbor.

[VtSTROM-K5]

The last post sounds like i'll be Scrambling friday nite but thats ok...
So now I want to know who's signed on for the trip?? any New blood?? :rolleyes:

[jackpiner57]

So what day are we leaving? First night campout where? Saturday Jack?

[VtSTROM-K5]

I will have to leave here no later than 2pm on fri. the 22nd .
That will give me approx. 7hrs to catch & meet up with the group (allowing that I'm 3.5hrs west of the Dover starting Point.) with a 3hr+ ride to the first nite rondevous point(We don't have one yet that I know of {But, I prefer to camp :D ) Also , I would like to have a fresh Emergency #'s listing to leave here in case....well, In Case..

[jackpiner57]

I will have to leave here no later than 2pm on fri. the 22nd .
That will give me approx. 7hrs to catch & meet up with the group (allowing that I'm 3.5hrs west of the Dover starting Point.) with a 3hr+ ride to the first nite rondevous point(We don't have one yet that I know of {But, I prefer to camp :D ) Also , I would like to have a fresh Emergency #'s listing to leave here in case....well, In Case..

I think we should all meet near Bangor on Fri. evening and camp out. If that's possible.

Also, is there a current list of riders going? Please post it.

[RedAnt]

OK, I think we're all on the same page now. I redid all the days so that work out heading to Meat Cove first. Because of the rush up there we end up with an extra day in the long trip that I used to visit Fundy Park and lower our road time each day for the ride home.

Bangor does seem to be about the correct place to stop Friday night. In "take5" I stop us about 40 minutes North of that. Mainly to reduce the next days time to give us a little extra in case customs wants to search all our gear.

Here's what we end up with. Day0 is measured from Dover, NH. I also did day0 from Rutland for Jack, and probably Tom since he'll by riding by him. day9 also ends in Rutland VT (for Jack's sake). In this run I assumed the Fast Group would want to do 5 days (not including Friday). If they choose a 6 day trip they would just leave from that nights campsite. It seems harder to find campsites sometimes so I currently have us at a motel at night0 and a B&B on night6, the rest look like camping sites.

day0 229 mi 4:32:41 Ends just North of Bangor
day1 503 mi 8:22:52 Ends before the lake on the Cabot Trail
day2 185 mi 4:23:30 To Meat Cove and then gearless to highlands?
day3 223 mi 5:41:38 Finish Cabot Tr loop, cross to East coast CBI
day4 302 mi 6:30:02 Head just below Halifax
day5 331 mi 7:02:22 Sourth NS loop (w/o gear)
day6 219 mi 5:10:14 Peggy's Cover and North NS
day7 246 mi 4:54:11 Fundy Nat Park
day8 268 mi 6:35:35 Acadia and loop park
day9 371 mi 7:47:09 Head to Rutland VT through Norther NH
Fast day4 470 mi 8:32:45 Half day with group then head home
Fast day5 293 mi 6:18:34 Rest of the way home (Dover)
Rutland1 to LincolnHouseMot 385 mi 7:32:02 This is Jack's Friday night

Here's the Google map link:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.sr.unh.edu/~rea/stromtrooper/2007/June/NovaScotia/NovaScotia_take5.kml

The raw .kml and Garmin .gdb files can be found here ("take5"):
http://www.sr.unh.edu/~rea/stromtrooper/2007/June/NovaScotia

Notes on using GoogleMap:
1. this is a big file let it load. Retry if it doesn't work.
2. click both buttons next to "Waypoints" ( minus and uncheck)
3. uncheck the box next to "Routes"
4. Now check only the routs of interest.
5. If you click on the route it recenters on that route.

[tmcgee]

This looks really good, Rob. I wish I had your patience for the planning detail, but I have no idea how it would get along with my seat of the pants reckoning and reactionary crisis management style. What can I say? I haven't worked a show in 25 years, but once a roadie, always a roadie.

[jackpiner57]

I would suggest not going rt. 95 to Houlton and then Rt. 2 in NB. It is ultra boring.

The Rt. 9 to Rt. 1 out of Bangor to Moncton, NB is only 1 min. longer. There is a campground in Eddington just west of Bangor and near Rt. 9. I'll probably stay there on Fri. night.

http://www.greenwoodacrescampground.net/camping_price_guide_for_2006.htm

[tmcgee]

The Rt. 9 to Rt. 1 out of Bangor to Moncton, NB is only 1 min. longer. There is a campground in Eddington just west of Bangor and near Rt. 9. I'll probably stay there on Fri. night.
[/url]

From an old inquiry to a local on the ADV 4-um:

"Rt 9 is called the airline route because of the altitude changes and because people (i.e Truckers) fly on it. Last year 3 or 4 people died on it, this year a motorcyclist died as well. He was on a strait away riding an HD. I would make a joke but as he died, I'll be respectful."

[tmcgee]

To make life simpler at border crossing time, I applied for a US passport on April 18 and paid for expedited processing. It just arrived today on May 2, far faster than I was expecting.

It's one of the new types with an embedded RFID chip.

[jackpiner57]

From an old inquiry to a local on the ADV 4-um:

"Rt 9 is called the airline route because of the altitude changes and because people (i.e Truckers) fly on it. Last year 3 or 4 people died on it, this year a motorcyclist died as well. He was on a strait away riding an HD. I would make a joke but as he died, I'll be respectful."

You can't always believe what you read, especially on the forums. Here is a quote out of Wikipedia (which also can't always be believed:D)

Re: Rt.9,

"It's leg from Bangor to Calais is often referred to as "The Airline" due to it's shorter route than the older US Rt.1. (Before the coming of air travel, the term airline often referred to such a shortcut.)"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maine_State_Route_9

[VtSTROM-K5]

Asked today about the Vac. time.....Didn't hava answer today but should be on the desk tomorrow...:)

[RedAnt]

I would suggest not going rt. 95 to Houlton and then Rt. 2 in NB. It is ultra boring.

The Rt. 9 to Rt. 1 out of Bangor to Moncton, NB is only 1 min. longer. There is a campground in Eddington just west of Bangor and near Rt. 9. I'll probably stay there on Fri. night.

http://www.greenwoodacrescampground.net/camping_price_guide_for_2006.htm


Those changes both sound good to me. I'll make them and post new maps before Tuesday. I need to pack tomorrow for this weekend and I have a meeting Monday night.

My original plan was to go Rt9, but when I told MapSource to take the FAST route using highways it routed us way up on Rt95, and I didn't fight it.


Before the changes to allow a FAST group, I believe there was the three of us: RedAnt, VtSTROM-K5, tmcgee and one other new person who only posted once IthakaBound.

With the new change I think we added: jackpiner57 and dmf109.

So as of now I believe we have the following breakdown:
9day: RedAnt, VtSTROM-K5
5day: tmcgee, jackpiner57, dmf109

Or do you three really want a 6 day trip? It's hard to keep track. ;)


For those of you with the skills to hunt down campsites we still have one B&B night planned near Truro NS, because I couldn't find a campsite near there.

Also is it possible/necessary to reserve a site at Meat Cove?

I just put 2inch bar risers on my Strom. Hopefully this weekend will tell me if it helps my shoulders. For what it's worth I don't think there is really enough throttle cable for 2 inch risers. I can turn to the stops without any change in engine revs but those cables sure do get pulled tight. I read reviews where others have done it without any new cables, but it seems to tight to me. It feels really comfortable, especially standing, but it does give the bike a different feel. And it initially looks wrong after looking at it stock for 9 months.

[tmcgee]

I just put 2inch bar risers on my Strom. Hopefully this weekend will tell me if it helps my shoulders. For what it's worth I don't think there is really enough throttle cable for 2 inch risers.

Mine are one inch up and two inches back. I did have to free up some cable with a combination of rotating the grips on the bars and repositioning things down under. My arms have a lot more bend in them and it takes a few hours to feel that dagger between my shoulder blades, rather than the 20 minutes it used to take.

[geralds34]

Meat Cove Campground
Meat Cove, Cabot Trail

Contact:Kenneth A. McLellanAddress:2479 Meat Cove Rd, Meat Cove, NS, B0C 1E0Phone:902-383-2379
25 overnight sites (U). Open campground overlooking ocean. FT, showers, fire pits, wood. Kayak rentals; hiking & mountain biking trails, nature walks, ocean swimming. Boat launch, whale watching from campsites.


Open
June 1–October 31
Rates
$20 minimum.



If you have the Nova Scotia Doer and dreamers Guide, there are several other campgrounds in the area;
Big Intervale Campground - Cape North
Jumping Mouise Campground - Bay St Lawerence
Hideaway Big Campground - South Harbour





Bangor heading East, also look at Route 6, Lincoln, Topsfield, Vanceboro, then into NB at MacAdam, Harvey and Fredericton. Mapsource shows this as 50 miles shorter, but much longer time wise - you can make waay better time thru there.

[RedAnt]

Asked today about the Vac. time.....Didn't hava answer today but should be on the desk tomorrow...:)

This is probably too late in the game to make a change but I just found out my sister will be visiting from Texas the same week we're gone.

Does it help anybody to move one week either way? It sounds like Jake might be hardest pressed to schedule the time. I think tmcgee always wanted one of the prior two weeks anyway.

How about everybody else? Could anybody new make the trip if we changed?

I'm OK with missing my sisters visit, but figured it was worth asking.

[jackpiner57]

geralds34, thanks for the camping info! I came back from CBI that way last year. Rt.640 out of Fredericton to Rt.3 to Rt.4 and then Rt.6. That is a great road with the roadside cleared wide and you can do 80-90mph through much of there and still see if a moose is approaching.

I have a picture of the train station in McAdam in Ride Reports.

[dmf109]

Does it help anybody to move one week [forward]?

......Yes! :)

Oops. The following week is July 4th.

[VtSTROM-K5]

Well , I think thats do-able.. and we would be in Canada for the fourth of July ..Is that correct?? that would give me a whole extra day that friday to travel east and meet up with Tom earlier so we don't have to drive @ road blistering speeds in Moose country after dark;) I like that :mrgreen:

[jackpiner57]

I have a few friends who are Black Flies and they think we should wait another week so they'll have something to eat.:D

[Maine-iac]

Would someone please send me a P.M. when you get everything nailed down and settled? I live on MDI and know most of the roads North of here, (and South and West.........it's pretty wet wheeling to the East......), and may be of some help to you. I can't go on the trip this year..........planning for a big one next year; when I turn 50!

I saw mention of RT 9. I have ridden this several times from Bangor to Calais. It is a major trucking route for U.S. and Canadian bound truckers. The road is in great condition and can be fun to ride. I have hit 135 mph on my ZZR-1200 and 120 mph on the Concours. The road can handle it. There is only ONE State Trooper that travels it, (insider information......).

But............the truckers are on "business" and they mean business! If you get into a situation where there is a convoy of trucks moving, be prepared to pull over and let them pass, or keep your speed up close to 80 mph to stay out of harms way.

If you are traveling up from the Ellsworth area to get to RT 9, you may want to look at Rts 180, 181, 179, 182, 200 and 193. Good scenery and twisties to some of them.

Again, I would be happy to help out if I can

One more note, if you do stop on MDI, I would be happy to give you a tour of the island ending up on top of Cadillac Mtn. I have done this for several bikers over the last couple of years.

If any of you are interested in boatbuilding, I can give you a tour of The Hinckley Company. I am a carpenter there.http://hinckleyyachts.com

Good luck!

Barry

[RedAnt]

Would someone please send me a P.M. when you get everything nailed down and settled? I live on MDI and know most of the roads North of here, (and South and West.........it's pretty wet wheeling to the East......), and may be of some help to you. I can't go on the trip this year..........planning for a big one next year; when I turn 50!

I saw mention of RT 9. I have ridden this several times from Bangor to Calais. It is a major trucking route for U.S. and Canadian bound truckers. The road is in great condition and can be fun to ride. I have hit 135 mph on my ZZR-1200 and 120 mph on the Concours. The road can handle it. There is only ONE State Trooper that travels it, (insider information......).

But............the truckers are on "business" and they mean business! If you get into a situation where there is a convoy of trucks moving, be prepared to pull over and let them pass, or keep your speed up close to 80 mph to stay out of harms way.

If you are traveling up from the Ellsworth area to get to RT 9, you may want to look at Rts 180, 181, 179, 182, 200 and 193. Good scenery and twisties to some of them.

Again, I would be happy to help out if I can

One more note, if you do stop on MDI, I would be happy to give you a tour of the island ending up on top of Cadillac Mtn. I have done this for several bikers over the last couple of years.

If any of you are interested in boatbuilding, I can give you a tour of The Hinckley Company. I am a carpenter there.http://hinckleyyachts.com

Good luck!

Barry


I really like the idea of taking you up on the tour. I've never been up there and know that there are places we can't take the bikes. I would like to see what there is, and the shipbuilding part would be cool too.

I'll PM you once we have firm dates. I thought we did until I tossed in another wrench.

[RedAnt]

Mine are one inch up and two inches back. I did have to free up some cable with a combination of rotating the grips on the bars and repositioning things down under. My arms have a lot more bend in them and it takes a few hours to feel that dagger between my shoulder blades, rather than the 20 minutes it used to take.

Thanks so much for the "now obvious" solution. That worked great and relieved the stress on my cables. Now I just need to take this weekends ride and see if it's better. Short test rides indicate it does feel more natural. It's now really comfortable to stand!

[RedAnt]

At this time we are looking at day1 of 6/23/07 (we actually start out the evening before on day0).

It almost seems like it might be possible to moving the week forward or backward? We have the following riders who I believe will all be in NY Saturday night for final plans. We can decide then on the week.

9day: RedAnt, VtSTROM-K5
5day: tmcgee, jackpiner57, dmf109

Is there anybody else who could make this trip starting on 6/23, or the week either side(6/16 or 6/30)?

[tmcgee]

I can't do the 6/30 date. The other two are okay.

[jackpiner57]

At this time we are looking at day1 of 6/23/07 (we actually start out the evening before on day0).

It almost seems like it might be possible to moving the week forward or backward? We have the following riders who I believe will all be in NY Saturday night for final plans. We can decide then on the week.

9day: RedAnt, VtSTROM-K5
5day: tmcgee, jackpiner57, dmf109

Is there anybody else who could make this trip starting on 6/23, or the week either side(6/16 or 6/30)?

The short trip should be 6 days. Does that work for you guys?

[tmcgee]

The short trip should be 6 days. Does that work for you guys?

Yes....awaiting the final word on WHICH six days. :confused:

[RedAnt]

On Saturday night (when all five of us ate dinner) we found out that we loose both Toms if day1 is 6/30. Unfortunately we also found out Jack had quickly moved his time off to the 6/30 week already and may not be able to move it back.

As we only have 5 people going we really do not want to loose anybody.

So now we have a problem as we are likely to loose people on either choice. Unless Jack can get the week switched back.

This evening, on the way back home from this weekends ride, the remaining four of us considered taking a step back and considering an August date instead of June?

What does that mean for tmcgee? Is that date any better for you?

Is there anybody else out there that would be interested in this trip if we scheduled it in August?

[tmcgee]

This evening, on the way back home from this weekends ride, the remaining four of us considered taking a step back and considering an August date instead of June?

What does that mean for tmcgee? Is that date any better for you?

Is there anybody else out there that would be interested in this trip if we scheduled it in August?

I can probably do August (would prefer September), and I might still do June too. I have to go as far as MDI in June anyway. It would seem a shame not to go a bit further. :-D

[jackpiner57]

Well I just got word that Cape Breton MotoFest 2007 is a go. It will run from Wed.Sept.12th to the morning of Sat.Sept.15th. It will include a rally and other activities. It promises to be a fun event.



It's being organized by the same great guys that had organized the Cape Breton Festival Of Speed. That was going to be the TT races similar to the Isle of Man. The provincial government put and end to that shortly before it started though. Even though there were hundreds if not thousands of hotel rooms and campsites booked. There was CMA sanctioning and heavy sponsorship for the event. Racers from all over the world were scheduled to race. Long story, but no TT. A real shame.

[RedAnt]

OK Jack got the word that he's stuck with the vacation time starting 6/29/07. So I believe it makes sense to push this trip back until August.

I think the trip looks good as we have it planned. Leaving Friday evening to get a jump on the long Saturday (day1). Options exist from 5 to 9 days. We all go up together quickly to the Cabot Trail, then people can head back as their schedules dictate. The 9 day option should be as relaxing as 9 days on a bike can be. :)

So here are the options for day1:

Saturday August
4
11
18
25

Anybody have restrictions that eliminate any dates? What works best for you? Anybody new able to join us now?

[VtSTROM-K5]

I would like to go the 4th of aug...:mrgreen:

[Willie]

Just finished the Cabot Trail. Road a bit rough around Cheticamp,good other than that. The hills and twisties around Ingonish were a real "TRIP".

[RedAnt]

Thanks for the update Willie. (I didn't see it until now).

I would like to get some dates nailed down for this trip so that we fill in the rest of August with smaller trips.

What times can people make? I know that Anne wasn't a big fan of 8/4, but I think it's possible if that week works best for the rest of the group.

I believe we had three others interested in the first June dates. Is there anybody new that can make it in August?

Remember we have two options. One is a longer slower 9* day trip. The other is a four* or five* day trip. Both should be considered slightly longer because in order to do the short trip we need to ride Friday night up to Bangor Maine.

[dmf109]

What times can people make? I know that Anne wasn't a big fan of 8/4, but I think it's possible if that week works best for the rest of the group.

I believe we had three others interested in the first June dates. Is there anybody new that can make it in August?

Well, I'm out. My schedule won't allow it :(.

[VtSTROM-K5]

Not to change the subject but has anyone else noticed our group is dwindling away???:???:

[RedAnt]

Not to change the subject but has anyone else noticed our group is dwindling away???:???:

For this particular ride I wonder if it's just TOO LONG. Both in riding days and in thread pages!

For the New England Strom riders I may not have been around long enough to notice, but it seems like any other "free time activity" people ebb and flow as time permits. It's hard to ever put a finger on why or when, things just line up or they don't.

Seems to me that we have an abundance of ride opportunities posted. Nobody has that much free time! Of course there's also the fact that "it's too dam hot"!

[tmcgee]

Of course there's also the fact that "it's too dam hot"!

I was thinking about this today at 10AM when it was 93 degrees in the shade, dewpoint of 68 and I was finishing up the wiring of my new CLS heated grips. :mrgreen:

I'm still up for Nova Scotia, even though I don't have the luxury of a lot of time.

[Fladrif]

Hey guys I'm really interested in joining this trip, but I'm a little confused about when it is taking place, and what the planed route is.

Not sure I could do a whole 9 days, but 7 or 8 would be fine. And I don't mind jumping on a ferry back from NS if I need to head back before everyone else. I'd personally prefer to leave on a Friday afternoon and be back the following Friday evening or Saturday.

[VtSTROM-K5]

Well even if we get a firm date in August lined up I'm out :mad: . Due to upcomming vacation time of other personell & projects @ GMC I dont have the Luxury of more than 3-4 days off in a row till after students return making My next window of an all weeker mid Sept.:(

[RedAnt]

Hey guys I'm really interested in joining this trip, but I'm a little confused about when it is taking place, and what the planed route is.

Not sure I could do a whole 9 days, but 7 or 8 would be fine. And I don't mind jumping on a ferry back from NS if I need to head back before everyone else. I'd personally prefer to leave on a Friday afternoon and be back the following Friday evening or Saturday.

When is really the question. Originally we had a date of the last week of June, but a visit from my sister and a couple of other mishaps pushed it to August. Unfortunately I think we lost more people in that move.

I think the best start time for my wife and I is Saturday 8/18 (day1 of 9). Let's pick that one, but if it makes a difference to somebody speak up quickly.

The last change to the route was to allow for a subset of the group to cut the ride short to around 5 days. That makes us drive a little Friday night (~3hrs), and sends us directly to the Cabot Trail (best stuff first). I think it's a good change. The ferry would be an option if you wanted to do a longer than 5 day shorter than 9 day trip.

The current route can be found here:
http://www.sr.unh.edu/~rea/stromtrooper/2007/August/NovaScotia/

Currently we're on "take5". The GoogleMap link will allow you to view it on the web, but both the Google Earth(kml) and Garmin MapSource files are also found at the above URL.

Unfortunately we've lost most of our original group. Here's a role call:

In for the whole trip: :D
RedAnt(Rob & Anne)

In for part of the trip: :)
tmcgee (assuming he likes the 8/18 date)

Interested but not committed yet: :???:
jackpiner57
Fladrif

Can no longer make it at all: :(
VtSTROM-K5
dmf109

[tmcgee]

Thinking out loud here...

I'm a maybe for an August date right now. I need a couple of weeks to decide. If August doesn't work, I'm likely to make a solo run in September.

I know someone else who's planning an August or September trip there and might hook up with him depending on date.

All I know for sure is that I can't do 9 days. Stay tuned.

[RedAnt]

Just in case there's anybody still pondering this one, I should point out that we've been making alterations.

Since it's beginning to look like it'll just be the Mrs and I, we've made a few changes to the existing "take5" trip. We haven't made it impossible to do a shorter trip at this point. But we're not just racing up to CBI any more.

From memory this is what we're now thinking: (relative to "take5")

day0 ("take5" Friday night): We are likely to leave Dover around noon and head for the Canadian boarder at Calais for the night. At 278 miles this is the LONGEST mileage day of the trip.

day1: Sort of do "take5 day7" backwards so that we hit Fundy Nat Park and end up around Amherst.

day2: Head toward Pugwash and along the North Coast and end the day at the campground that used to be the end of "take5 day1"

day3: Head to MeatCove setup camp and explore for the rest of the day (like "take5 day2"). Without the exploring this is only a 115mile day.

day4: Rest of the Cabot Trail and over the NE end of CBI just like "take5 day3".
If somebody wanted to do a five day trip they would start home part way through this days ride just after completing the Cabot Trail.

day5: Just like "take5 day4" except that we end near Truro.

day6: Same as the "take5 day6" only backwards so that it goes through Halifax and ends camping near Mahone Bay.

day7: Heads down the Lighthouse route but ends in Digby. This is a cut short reverse "take5 day5". The idea is to take the ferry to St. John Friday night.

day8: Is the same ride from St. John to Acadia.

day9: Acadia and home.

Although this makes our trip really nice for the entire 9 days. It does make the five day trip a little different than the mad scramble for CBI. There is a lot less time in the saddle heading up, but you would see both Fundy Nat Park and the Cabot Trail at a leisure pace.

My guess is that next week we'll finalize the plan and I'll post that version, just in case anybody is still considering it. At this point we're planning on doing it ourselves. And we're really starting to get excited about seeing first hand all these amazing places from the literature they keep sending me.

[VtSTROM-K5]

UHmmm , Uhhh , so when is the departure date??? :(
I mean, WOW !! thats Great..:-D. No, Reallly :(:mrgreen:
:mrgreen: Have fun & Take a billion Pics,,,,,:twisted:

[tmcgee]

Just in case there's anybody still pondering this one, I should point out that we've been making alterations.

Since it's beginning to look like it'll just be the Mrs and I, we've made a few changes to the existing "take5" trip. We haven't made it impossible to do a shorter trip at this point. But we're not just racing up to CBI any more.


I'm ready to commit to the trip, but I won't be able to tell you for sure how many days until the day I head for the ferry leaving Nova Scotia.

Using a glance at your last message as a rough guide, it looks as if I can get through the Cabot Trail (and another day or two) with you and then it'll be CAT to Bar Harbor or Portland, depending on what day it is.

I'm not a big fan of detailed planning beyond today, except in an approximate way.

[RedAnt]

I'm ready to commit to the trip, but I won't be able to tell you for sure how many days until the day I head for the ferry leaving Nova Scotia.

Using a glance at your last message as a rough guide, it looks as if I can get through the Cabot Trail (and another day or two) with you and then it'll be CAT to Bar Harbor or Portland, depending on what day it is.

I'm not a big fan of detailed planning beyond today, except in an approximate way.

Sounds great. The company will make it feel more like a real bike trip.

While looking at FAST trip options a few months back I noticed that it's a long full days ride to get from Meat Cove to Yarmouth Ferry (9hrs 750mi). My guess is that you're going to want to make an overnight stop in Halifax. In Yarmouth you can catch a 4pm ferry to Portland (9:30pm ETA) every day except Monday & Tuesday. I suspect you could ride home that night if you felt awake enough.

That means that you could be home late Wednesday (day5) if you end day4 in Halifax. That would mean you would see the entire Cabot Trail but not the Eastern side of CBI as you would likely split off towards Halifax that afternoon.
That is probably the earliest you could get back, but every day after that would work out about the same

[RedAnt]

Day1 on this schedule is Saturday 8/18. But we've kept the extra driving on Friday 8/17 so really the trips starts on 8/17 with day0.

Anne and I are looking for a noontime start on Friday 8/17. Google reports the trip from Dover, NH to Calais, NB to be a little over 5 hours (7 avoiding highways).

When we had people from VT going it made a lot of sense to meet at the end of day0. That is still an option, but you're welcome to leave Dover with us around lunchtime on Friday 8/17 if that works.

By the end of the day on 8/17 I hope to be over or near the Canadian border. If possible I would like to stay on the Canadian side since that would give us the least complicated start in the morning. Any delays at the border would occur late Friday and not affect travel time. If there is a problem (like getting there too late) at the border we could stay on the US side and cross in the morning.

If anybody stayed for the entire trip I predict out ETA to the Dover NH area in the late evening (diner time). That assumes half the day is spent on Acadia, then we leave for home.

[novascotia]

Nova Scotia , is where I hail from. When are you folks are passing thru New Brunswick and Nova Scotia?. The reason why My wife and I are going to cape breton on my vee @ aug 11-19 depending on the weather as it can be very foggy in Nova scotia...... if you see a yellow 2003 with full bags thats me.....

[tmcgee]

if you see a yellow 2003 with full bags thats me.....

At this point, it looks like there'll be a red '06 2-up and a silver '07 solo, hitting the border at Calais late on 8/17 or early on 8/18.

As to the fog, it's part of the charm of the coast. :cool:

[tmcgee]

I got this back from Sprint today:

Yes, the PCS Phone would definitely work in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Cape Breton Island in Canada. Please know that the Canada is an international location, therefore, it is not covered under your service plan. The account would be billed at the default rate of $0.59/minutes for Canada Roaming.

However, you can opt for the following plan so that the default rate would be reduced to $0.20/minute.

$2.99 Canada Roaming Option

[water warrior]

Never thought about roaming charges until I got to Tellico Plains from my home location. $63 roaming charges. ARGH !!!!.

[tmcgee]

Never thought about roaming charges until I got to Tellico Plains from my home location. $63 roaming charges. ARGH !!!!.

Yeah, I've been bit many times over the years. Telcos have no sense of humor.

[tmcgee]

http://www.gov.ns.ca/tran/cameras/camera.asp

[jackpiner57]

http://www.gov.ns.ca/tran/cameras/camera.asp

That's a neat site Tom. Thanks. I'll have to check it out in the daytime.

I have not heard back from the guys putting on the Cape Breton MotoFest. I hope they're still planning to do it.:confused:

[VtSTROM-K5]

That's a neat site Tom. Thanks. I'll have to check it out in the daytime.

I have not heard back from the guys putting on the Cape Breton MotoFest. I hope they're still planning to do it.:confused:

I went to their web site today and they is no,I repeat NO schedule of events planned on their home page past feb 2007
I have coppied the link here :http://motofest.cbisland.com

I hope that you have a better link Tom :???:
See you on friday . [I need a time frame for your arrival] :-D

[jackpiner57]

I went to their web site today and they is no,I repeat NO schedule of events planned on their home page past feb 2007
I have coppied the link here :http://motofest.cbisland.com

I hope that you have a better link Tom :???:
See you on friday . [I need a time frame for your arrival] :-D

Thanks Jack, I noticed that the site is kind of quiet.

I plan on getting out of here around 8:00am Fri. morn.

Dan? what time are you going through White River Jct.? I can meet you there.

Tom? What route are you taking?

[jackpiner57]

It looks like MotoFest 2007 is still alive! Here is a link to a recent post on the old 2006 MotoFest website. A new website is in the works.

This is going to be a low key event, but any excuse to explore Cape Breton and ride with the locals is a good one.:D

http://motofest.cbisland.com/forum/view_topic.php?pid=711#p711

[novascotia]

Just a note of advice, crossing the Tantramar Marsh between Sackville NB to Amherst NS can be quite a challenge. If the wind is coming up from the Bay of Fundy, southerly, anything over 30km will cause you to be blown sideways. I have seen myself and others driving at a 45+degree angle....going straight. also the temp can drop 20 degrees very quickly, not to the point of freezing lol. btw sometimes it surprises me and there is no wind issues.,go figure.........

[RedAnt]

Just a note of advice, crossing the Tantramar Marsh between Sackville NB to Amherst NS can be quite a challenge. If the wind is coming up from the Bay of Fundy, southerly, anything over 30km will cause you to be blown sideways. I have seen myself and others driving at a 45+degree angle....going straight. also the temp can drop 20 degrees very quickly, not to the point of freezing lol. btw sometimes it surprises me and there is no wind issues.,go figure.........

Thanks for the info. I'm planning on staying around Amherst on Saturday night, so it's conceivable that I would be doing this section after dark. I suppose that might be better if the winds die down by that time???

Anyway I don't see any reason I couldn't stay in Sackville, and if the wind never breaks I could easily head ride the NB NS border road on the NB side and cross on the other end out of Baie Verte, NB. I assume that road is passable on a Strom.

On Sunday I expected to ride through Pugwash on my way to CBI.

I'm really looking forward to this trip!:mrgreen:

I seem to have over planned this trip. But what I've learned from backpacking is that you have to plan enough to know that the trip is feasible. Once you're out there you roll with the punches, and don't worry too much about making all the points match up perfectly. Wrong turns are NO PROBLEM. They often lead to better adventures!

[tmcgee]

Thanks for the info. I'm planning on staying around Amherst on Saturday night....

Have you thought about a rendezvous point for Saturday night or early Sunday, assuming I survive a ceilidh with some BMW guys in Larry's River on Friday night...

[VtSTROM-K5]

Thanks for the info. I'm planning on staying around Amherst on Saturday night, so it's conceivable that I would be doing this section after dark. I suppose that might be better if the winds die down by that time???

Anyway I don't see any reason I couldn't stay in Sackville, and if the wind never breaks I could easily head ride the NB NS border road on the NB side and cross on the other end out of Baie Verte, NB. I assume that road is passable on a Strom.

On Sunday I expected to ride through Pugwash on my way to CBI.

I'm really looking forward to this trip!:mrgreen:

I seem to have over planned this trip. But what I've learned from backpacking is that you have to plan enough to know that the trip is feasible. Once you're out there you roll with the punches, and don't worry too much about making all the points match up perfectly. Wrong turns are NO PROBLEM. They often lead to better adventures!

Rob & Anne & Tom, Enjoy the trip/Ride & Be Safe,
I expect a LOT of Pictures & a Stellar (as always ) Point by point ride report.:mrgreen:
I wish I could Go:(................... But NEXT YEAR I'm Goin!! :mrgreen::mrgreen:

[tmcgee]

I wish I could Go:(................... But NEXT YEAR I'm Goin!! :mrgreen::mrgreen:

All you have to do is start the thread for 2008 and then you HAVE to go. 8-)

[VtSTROM-K5]

All you have to do is start the thread for 2008 and then you HAVE to go. 8-)
OK ,But I think I started this Trip off last year when we were @ the BMW Rallye:confused:
Didn't seem to work out this time:???:

[tmcgee]

I hate packing for trips! I'm leaving in 36 hours or so. Two service calls on Wednesday (150 miles or so).

Left to do (bike):

oil change, tire pressure, bring carefully selected tools, being sure to omit the one I will need the most), wire driving light and fog light (this ain't gonna happen), repack tankbag

Left to do (moi):

laundry, pack clothes, pack personal items, pack lapdog, load iPods, pack chargers, batteries, etc. (it's the etc. that's likely to be the troublemaker)

Done: new chain, basic camping gear packed (tent, pad, bag, pillow), APRS tracker installed: http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/find.cgi?call=KA1TOX-10

[jackpiner57]

I hate packing for trips! I'm leaving in 36 hours or so. Two service calls on Wednesday (150 miles or so).

Left to do (bike):

oil change, tire pressure, bring carefully selected tools, being sure to omit the one I will need the most), wire driving light and fog light (this ain't gonna happen), repack tankbag

Left to do (moi):

laundry, pack clothes, pack personal items, pack lapdog, load iPods, pack chargers, batteries, etc. (it's the etc. that's likely to be the troublemaker)

Done: new chain, basic camping gear packed (tent, pad, bag, pillow), APRS tracker installed: http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/find.cgi?call=KA1TOX-10

Hey Tom, Don't forget to adjust the new chain and lube it before going. You did mean "pat lapdog" right?! I hope you guys all have a great time. Ride safe and take a ton of pics!:D

I heard that 7 campers at Meat Cove were murdered recently. Hacked apart quietly in their tents. They haven't caught the killer. They think he lives out in that remote forest and will probably never be found. :shock:





























I told the first campfire story!:mrgreen:http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/peepwall.gif

[tmcgee]

That meat cove hacker story sounds a lot like the one I heard first time I camped at age 11. :rolleyes:

The new chain has 450 miles on it and is holding the initial adjustment just fine. (exactly what I was hoping for) I'll do another 150 miles today and then do the oil/filter change and re-check/lube the chain.

Off to the border crossing at Calais tomorrow, or I might decide to take the puddle-jumper ferry from Eastport to Deer Island, and then to Latete, NB. It's one of those $6 ferries as opposed to the $200 CAT. True, that it doesn't go 50MPH...

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/2487/picture2lm5.jpg

[RedAnt]

Off to the border crossing at Calais tomorrow, or I might decide to take the puddle-jumper ferry from Eastport to Deer Island, and then to Latete, NB. It's one of those $6 ferries as opposed to the $200 CAT. True, that it doesn't go 50MPH...

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/2487/picture2lm5.jpg

I'm leaving that as an option for our ride home as well. It really doesn't save you much time because the distance around is only a couple hour drive. I figure if we want a break on our way home, it might be a nice diversion, and we would get to see a little different path out of Canada.

[RedAnt]

I hate packing for trips! I'm leaving in 36 hours or so. Two service calls on Wednesday (150 miles or so).

Left to do (bike):

oil change, tire pressure, bring carefully selected tools, being sure to omit the one I will need the most), wire driving light and fog light (this ain't gonna happen), repack tankbag

Left to do (moi):

laundry, pack clothes, pack personal items, pack lapdog, load iPods, pack chargers, batteries, etc. (it's the etc. that's likely to be the troublemaker)

Done: new chain, basic camping gear packed (tent, pad, bag, pillow), APRS tracker installed: http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/find.cgi?call=KA1TOX-10

I've been busy doing all that stuff myself. In the last month I've prepped by:

changing both tires, (rear needed it)
replacing air filter & plugs (due anyway)
replacing the chain (just inside replacement length)
wired up sub-panel fuse block and wired power up front for GPS and tankbag.
tested all electronic gear with new wiring.
bought compression bags for extra packing space.
bought new tiny therma-rests (space savings)
changed oil & filter (last weekend)
added Throttle Meister (last night)
Did a test border crossing into Canada with bike and all camping gear (minus wife).
bought some new moisture wicking clothing for myself and my wife.
tightened ever bolt on the bike. (last weekend)
charged all electronic devices.

Left to do before leaving Friday at noon (50hrs):

Laundry
stock house with food for Grammy & our 5 year old.
pack all the boxes and make the final gear cuts.(sandals, big vs. sm tent, ...)
Pack flask of Captain Morgan for Ax murderer at Meat Cove ;)

[tmcgee]

Pack flask of Captain Morgan for Ax murderer at Meat Cove ;)

YO HO HO! :mrgreen:

[jackpiner57]

That meat cove hacker story sounds a lot like the one I heard first time I camped at age 11. :rolleyes:

That was you?:wink:

[VtSTROM-K5]

Well it's the eve of the Great Maritime Provinces run.....:cool: SOOoooo
Keep the cameras ready, the tanks filled,& Your Eyes Open...;) I look forward to the Pictures,Camping Equipment test results & the ride report!!!! :mrgreen:

[tmcgee]

Well it's the eve of the Great Maritime Provinces run.....:cool: SOOoooo
Keep the cameras ready, the tanks filled,& Your Eyes Open...;) I look forward to the Pictures,Camping Equipment test results & the ride report!!!! :mrgreen:

I left Braintree on Thursday morning. Made it to St. John, NB and I'm camped on the 6th floor of the holiday inn. Rain came through overnight after some 35-40 mile per hour winds and torrential fog. Fog supposed to burn off today and high temp of 69. mid 40's tonight.

No pictures yet. you've already seen the maine turnpike, right?

I ran out of gas a mile before the end of the Airline Rd (rte 9). Glad I had my one litre MSR fuel bottle. Anyone know the trick to filling one of these from a gas station pump? I had a mini Versuvius when I tried.

Trying to get used to kilometers and Atlantic time. I switched the Zumo to metric.

And I obviously brought the lapdog. Good high speed connecion. Sprint phone works great so far (but expensive 20 cents a min).

APRS tracker workng great: http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/find.cgi?call=KA1TOX-10

Click the display track option on the left after the primary page loads.

[jackpiner57]

Hey Tom, you went past Cape Breton! Turn around!:D Hope you're enjoying the ride.

I see that you were on Larry's River Road. Is that all gravel? That's not far from where I was last year. I took the South River Lake Rd. out of Guysborough and got on the gravel road near Salmon Lake. It goes from East Erinville to Cross Road Country Harbor.

So where are you now? Keep us posted!

[jackpiner57]

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/popcorneater.gifhttp://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/drink.gif

[tmcgee]

So where are you now? Keep us posted!

I rode back to New Brunswick today and I'm meeting up with Rob in the AM. Just got off the phone with him. Rained for 7 hours of riding. Tourmaster Transistion jackets should be considered "water resistant" and by the time I discovered this, it was too late to put on a real rain jacket. Clothes are drying on the holiday inn radiator an I'm warm again.

I spent last night in Larry's River with a couple of bmw guys. Very nice place that's in the middle of a renovation expansion.

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/5683/dsc00714fr4.jpg

View from the house

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/1816/dsc00712td9.jpg

More later. Internet connection is brutally slow.

[jackpiner57]

Hey Tom, Larry's River looks nice, tell us where you've been and where you're going next!:D It looks like you were up near the northern coast of NS and then Larry's River and then back on the Trans Canada to Moncton. Are you going to Cape Breton with Rob and Ann? Or are you heading back home?

[tmcgee]

I was originally gonna camp with Rob near Amherst tonight but I was too cold and wet to sleep on the ground after riding 7 hours in the rain. 55 degree air temp. Long dormant asthma was kicking up so I didn't want to chance aborting the trip and got a room to warm up in and dry my clothes. I'm not wheezing anymore now, so it was a good plan.

Tomorrow, I'm meeting Rob and Anne in the morning and we're going to take the north coast route from Amherst to Cape Breton. Monday, we'll head towards Meat Cove and plan to camp there Monday night.

More later as connections permit. Here is the Radio Canada International antenna array and facilities at Sackville, New Brunswick, taken on Friday Aug 17.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/5629/dsc00705th4.jpg

[jackpiner57]

I was originally gonna camp with Rob near Amherst tonight but I was too cold and wet to sleep on the ground after riding 7 hours in the rain. 55 degree air temp. Long dormant asthma was kicking up so I didn't want to chance aborting the trip and got a room to warm up in and dry my clothes. I'm not wheezing anymore now, so it was a good plan.

Tomorrow, I'm meeting Rob and Anne in the morning and we're going to take the north coast route from Amherst to Cape Breton. Monday, we'll head towards Meat Cove and plan to camp there Monday night.

More later as connections permit. Here is the Radio Canada International antenna array and facilities at Sackville, New Brunswick, taken on Friday Aug 17.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/5629/dsc00705th4.jpg

Sounds like a roughish day. Glad your feeling better. I'm glad you got a picture of RCI's antenna's. I saw them last year, but didn't stop to shoot. I regretted not stopping. Sundays weather looks wet all over the island. Mon. looks like clouds and sun,Tues.sunny, Wed. sunny. Hope the weather holds out for you! The twisties north of Ingonish are a blast!

[tmcgee]

The Canada weather channel says clearing on Sunday, and when I came up in the hill into NB, you could see the low clouds settled on NS. I believe Sunday will be a nice day, getting better as the low moves out and the day goes on.

A couple more:

Fundy Scenic Drive (rte 111 I think):

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/1197/dsc00699mn7.jpg

and the view from across the road:

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/3042/dsc00701ph7.jpg

[Chromer]

Nadine and I leave in a few hours, we spent the last two days shaking down the baggage and gear selection running through western Maine and northern NH. Couple of errands to run today, and then we head out.

Record cold temps back here, BTW. The Bicycle race to the summit of Mt Washington was cancelled because of sleet, ice and high winds, and there was a frost advisory last night for much of the north country.

Anyway, we're hoping to be deep into NS by Tuesday, we'll keep an eye out for you.

[tmcgee]

Anyway, we're hoping to be deep into NS by Tuesday, we'll keep an eye out for you.

I'm heading to Boston in the morning, staying in Truro, NS tonight.

Spent last night with RedAnt/Anne and a couple on bmw's in Meat Cove.

WE FOUND THE HATCHET MURDERER! Rob will be posting his pix when he returns at the end of the week.

Today was a glorious day. Pictures later.

[tmcgee]

Left Truro, NS at 4 AM and just arrived in Baa Haabaa at 5 PM. Took the verry nice Canadian puddle jumper ferry to Deer Island (free) and then the 5 car barge to Eastport, ME ($8). Customs was no problem.

Rte 1 between Eastport and Calais is under construction. Bike needs a good hosing as a result. Had to ride through some freshly spread dirt/gravel. Not fun but stayed upright.

Will do a quick tour of Acadia in the wee hours tomrrow and then slab it to Boston. I couldn't handle another 5 hours today.

Trip pixtures should be up in another day or two. Cape Breton is spectacular.

[jackpiner57]

Looking forward to the report and pictures! And how you found HM.:D

[tmcgee]

Looking forward to the report and pictures! And how you found HM.:D

I'm back. 2550 miles, 4103 km. Wrenched my arm preventing a drop at Meat Cove on Monday. That's feeling somewhat better, but the ever so slight bronchitis that started before the trip is close to full bloom now. I feel pretty ragged, BUT IT WAS A GREAT TRIP!

Bike ran great, mileage close to 60 mpg on a couple of days, closer to 40 on the slab run from Acadia to Braintree this morning.

Will try to get some pix up tonight.

[VtSTROM-K5]

Glad you made it safely....lookin forward to ride report & Pics:mrgreen:

[tmcgee]

A few pictures from the campsite at Meat Cove:

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/1580/dsc00817uw0.jpg

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/4603/dsc00818kd1.jpg

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/7664/dsc00812qj1.jpg

[novascotia]

saw them at Tim Hortons in moncton having lunch. Coming home from work and saw a wee from maine so went inside and met a wee rider, and wife. Read about your trip to CBI and was amazed to see it was one of you.. small small world

[Chromer]

Made it home about an hour ago. After chatting with novascotia in Moncton (nice to meet you!) we pressed on through the rain, cleared the border at Vanceboro in about 1 minute flat, and cranked home across Maine through some pounding rain.

And now the drying process begins.

Pics soon. After I get warm...

[Chromer]

http://urwinr.googlepages.com/steeds.JPG
Bikes
http://urwinr.googlepages.com/birds.JPG
Birds
http://urwinr.googlepages.com/redbeach.jpg
Beaches (Red ones!)
http://urwinr.googlepages.com/babes.JPG
Babes
http://urwinr.googlepages.com/boats.JPG
Boats
http://urwinr.googlepages.com/curves.JPG
Bends

Okay, I'm out of 'B's.

Oh wait...


http://urwinr.googlepages.com/distillery.JPG
BOOZE! :mrgreen: Okay, now I'm really out of 'B's.

A Strom in it's element
http://urwinr.googlepages.com/element.JPG

Red roads
http://urwinr.googlepages.com/redroad.jpg

And a couple sunsets:
http://urwinr.googlepages.com/emSunset.jpg
http://urwinr.googlepages.com/pushgawsunset.jpg

[tmcgee]

RedAnt and Mrs. RedAnt:

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/4606/dsc00731bf6.jpg

In motion:

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/6730/dsc00746zp8.jpg

Their perspective:

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/8779/dsc00737is3.jpg

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/2750/dsc00735oj5.jpg

[tmcgee]

Hey Chromer, sorry I missed you. I only saw one Strom on this trip. He was going the other way when I stopped to pay the toll at Cobequid Pass.

Some images from the Welcome Center at Amherst, NS:

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/6774/dsc00725dg2.jpg

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/4403/dsc00721ax0.jpg

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/5363/dsc00723ih2.jpg

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/6594/dsc00722me9.jpg

And another shot of the Radio Rat's Nest at RCI's transmitter site in Sackville:

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/1512/dsc00707nf5.jpg

[tmcgee]

Oxford, Nova Scotia -- Wild Blueberry Capitol of Canada

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/8620/dsc00855vo0.jpg

[Chromer]

I'm nearly positive we saw Redant and his wife headed south/west somewhere along the way, though I can't remember where or when anymore. It was definitely two people on a red strom at any rate, with red and yellow/orange coats.

I want to think it was maybe Tuesday on 104 somewhere in NB? Or Wednesday near Port Hawkesbury. The days are blending together already...

[tmcgee]

I'm nearly positive we saw Redant and his wife headed south/west somewhere along the way, though I can't remember where or when anymore. It was definitely two people on a red strom at any rate, with red and yellow/orange coats.

I want to think it was maybe Tuesday on 104 somewhere in NB? Or Wednesday near Port Hawkesbury. The days are blending together already...

That was them. I split up with them on Tuesday about noontime near the Aberdeen/Little Narrows ferry, which they were taking to explore the east side of Cape Breton, so Wednesday near Port Hawkesbury is likely.

[tmcgee]

There was rain in those clouds that held off until late in the day, and I don't think I saw more than 3 other vehicles in 175km of 2-lane highway. Delightful riding conditions. You can smell the ocean, yes?

St Thomas Anglican Church, St. Martins, NB
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/2158/dsc00691re8.jpg

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/7/dsc00694bu1.jpg

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/927/dsc00695mf4.jpg

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/9854/dsc00696ze4.jpg

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/4678/dsc00697af4.jpg

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/6734/dsc00699fz6.jpg

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/5886/dsc00701hc1.jpg

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/4738/dsc00703tu3.jpg

[RedAnt]

Anne and I got back safely this evening just before 8pm. Lots of photos, memories and these darn charge slips.

Oh ya and I think we littered a little coming out of Acadia, because I can't find the zip-lock with Anne's license and birth certificate inside!:confused:

To late to post much tonight, but I would like to say the following:

1. CBI is an amazing place.

2. Mud in Amherst is very slippery.

3. The Axe Murderer of Meat Cove and his wife drive BMW GS's

4. If you take the number of hours Garmin gives for driving time and double it you come up with a reasonable time for a trip with meals, some random photos and stops about every 90 minutes for something or other.

5. And yes I did see the other Strom (and another bike) heading North one day on the highway.

6. Oh ya I almost forgot (it's been so long), I nail in your tire at 5:30am the starting day of a 9+ day trip is NOT the end of the world/trip.

OK I know I said it was too late for photos, but here's a couple anyway.

The nail hole in my nicely broken in tire with 1000 miles on it.
http://www.sr.unh.edu/~rea/stromtrooper/2007/August/NovaScotia/.thumb800/20070817_051138.jpg

The Axe Murderer at work.
http://www.sr.unh.edu/~rea/stromtrooper/2007/August/NovaScotia/.thumb800/20070820_192844.jpg

Meat Cove the easy way
http://www.sr.unh.edu/~rea/stromtrooper/2007/August/NovaScotia/.thumb800/20070820_180604.jpg

Meat Cove the hard way (from the other side (after a short hike)
http://www.sr.unh.edu/~rea/stromtrooper/2007/August/NovaScotia/.thumb800/20070820_171239.jpg

Our riding buddy Tom leaving the good stuff behind.
http://www.sr.unh.edu/~rea/stromtrooper/2007/August/NovaScotia/.thumb800/20070820_122552.jpg

We just can't seem to shake this guy on our tail...
http://www.sr.unh.edu/~rea/stromtrooper/2007/August/NovaScotia/.thumb800/20070821_091606.jpg

A well framed shot.
http://www.sr.unh.edu/~rea/stromtrooper/2007/August/NovaScotia/.thumb800/20070821_084345.jpg

What remained of our once formidable NewEngland Stromtrooper invasion force.
http://www.sr.unh.edu/~rea/stromtrooper/2007/August/NovaScotia/.thumb800/20070821_092242.jpg

[VtSTROM-K5]

WOW, Great photos , And the reports so far are excelent (and ya havent even been home a day!!) really sorry I had to miss this run :(, but I've been with ya thru pictures!!!!!:-D

[tmcgee]

"That's it? It only carries six cars?" Weird little ferry. Kinda like a mini-tug that's connected to a barge in the middle of one side.

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/6388/dsc00877qh7.jpg

We're underway, leaving Deer Island. The loading is directly from the gravel beach.
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/691/dsc00866zc1.jpg

Uh-oh, the Axe murderer's been here.

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/4396/dsc00872ds7.jpg

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/4478/dsc00867jn7.jpg

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/1022/dsc00869uo9.jpg

Downtown Eastport, ME
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9413/dsc00873jh9.jpg

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/2595/dsc00874jm5.jpg

[tmcgee]

Guard dog of Meat Cove. I didn't get his name. He's a year old and the campground attendant said he was trained.

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/258/dsc00810oi9.jpg

Looking back on the road that 'brung' us. This was well-graded. Can't say the same for a certain other downhill section.

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/8093/dsc00128ws6.jpg

The road down to the cliff-side campsite. This was well-graded too, by comparison. Wish I could have taken a shot of that hill on the way in. It was backlit by late afternoon sun and probably looked worse than it was, but there were oncoming 4 wheelers coming up and a combination of washboard and deep ruts on our side of the road. Curiously, the same stretch of road didn't look as bad on our departure.

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/8308/dsc00129ll7.jpg

Cliff-side campsite. I managed to wrench my left arm when parking the bike. I'm still not sure exactly what happened. I guess I lost my balance. I did prevent a tip-over, but my arm still bothers me a week later. Still, what a view, huh?

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/2477/dsc00123st7.jpg

[tmcgee]

Beautiful campground that would have been perfect if it had been a wee bit further away from the Trans Canada Highway. Earplugs fixed that at about 1 AM.

The showers were new and clean and there was none of that 25 cents for 3 minutes nonsense.

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/5299/dsc00753ax4.jpg

A bit of rain overnight. And there would be the other kind of showers off and on for the whole day.
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/3936/dsc00758cb3.jpg

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/6650/dsc00765tb2.jpg

So, it's morning now and time to get up. Cabot Trail today!
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/1766/dsc00760vi9.jpg

CAW!CAW!

Laughter from tent. "Good morning, crow."
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/6937/dsc00761hw4.jpg

I guess I fixed them!
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/8472/dsc00762yz4.jpg

Who's next?

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/830/dsc00763sf8.jpg

[tmcgee]

Bar Harbor Islands, just before sunrise.

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/1787/dsc00890ii0.jpg

Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain summit.

http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/1849/dsc00899xy1.jpg

Otter Cliffs

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/4762/img0364zo5.jpg

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/2096/img0377ay4.jpg

Eagle Lake, one of the public water supplies on the island.

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/6296/img0383ir9.jpg

There's more, but the image website is brutally slow right now.

[jackpiner57]

Great pix and report you guys! Keep 'em coming! http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/popcorneater.gif

[tmcgee]

So while I'm having a conversation with this young lady, I look in the mirror and her sister is munching grass behind me. I was there for three or four minutes.

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/1934/dsc00905sa2.jpg

More images from the Park Loop Road. I've taken many hundreds of pictures on this road over the past 30 years and it always looks different.
http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/83/dsc00906hp4.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/687/dsc00907rx7.jpg

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/1301/dsc00911sk9.jpg

Episcopal Church, Hulls Cove, Maine

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/4080/img0387rc7.jpg

[RedAnt]

Plan a lot of time as this things out of control long!:rolleyes:

Here's a link to the ride report so far.
http://www.stromtrooper.com/forums/showthread.php?p=138621