Getting to the Rock

[Keith Falkner]

I am wondering how I want to get to Newfoundland.

Here is the obvious way. I am planning a Cape Breton Island circuit. From North Sydney NS I can take the ferry to eastern or western Newfoundland, ride across Newfoundland via the TransCanada, and take the other ferry back to North Sydney.

If I want to avoid the chance of running my V-Strom into the side of a moose on Newfoundland's highways, I can leave the bike in Nova Scotia and use the bus to go across the Big Island. That saves the cost of ferrying the bike to and from Newfoundland, a matter of CDN$120 or so. Colour me yellow.

But what about Labrador? If I don't mind a few hundred kilometers of rather miserable road, I can take highway 389 north from Baie Comeau QC to Goose Bay Labrador (1115 Km.). The ferry to Cartwright on Labrador's coast is not very expensive, then some more gravel (~320 Km.) and I reach pavement at Red Bay. A brief ferry ride across the Strait of Belle Isle gets me to the northern tip of Newfoundland, and I can ride south to Channel Port aux Basques and the ferry to North Sydney NS.

Please tell me of any experience you have on Labrador's highways. I do not enjoy riding on gravel, but the V-Strom and I can handle shoddy pavement and potholes and the like.

This link is interesting reading. It suggests the road from Baie Comeau to Goose Bay is truly the road through Hell! I am thinking that an old fart ought not to try this alone!
http://users.metro2000.net/~cdc/magna/travel%20trips/goose%20bay%207%2096/cross%20labrador%20highway.htm

And just how daunted should I be by Newfoundland's moose in late June or early July? I won't be out when it's really dark, and I am willing to follow other vehicles, as I did crossing Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Manitoba, and North Dakota last year. I saw dozens of the deer, half on the hoof and half road kill. Despite my precautions, two deer crossed the highway less than fifty feet ahead of me. Silly me, I had let my guard down because I was in a town and going about 25 Kph.

Funny thing, whenever I mention WHEN I am going to ride through moose country, somebody mentions that that time of year is when the bull moose is at his randiest and behaves most unpredictably. No matter what time of year I say, that is the response I get. Those guys must be mighty horny!

If you have any guidance for me, please respond. You don't need to tell me to visit
www.ridetherock.com
which is a great site for learning about the bikers of Newfoundland and Labrador!

One more website shows a Florida bike in Labrador. That's an excellent omen!
http://gpadventure.com/2006/07/25/ferries-dirt-and-too-many-bmws.aspx
This rider completed his Labrador ride despite fracturing a foot and recuperating for a couple of weeks in Port aux Basques. Well done, Guido!

Thanks,
Keith Falkner
Sarasota Florida

[water warrior]

Keith, by all means go to NFLD. Was there in 2001 and really enjoyed the trip. Drove from West to East and back again across the Rock to see Spear Point/Spear Cove forget which it is. Furthest point East on North American continent. Rugged and beautiful. What ever you do should be an adventure, there is just so much to see.

[joyous7]

Hi Keith,

That sounds like it will be a great trip. Where will you depart from and what time frame are you giving yourself. I would like to plan a similiar trip.

Joyous

[Keith Falkner]

Thanks for the encouragement, Water Warrior and Joyous7. I have become a participant at www.ridetherock.com and learned a lot about the Big Island and Labrador.

Time frame: I expect to leave Toronto on Sunday June 24 in the afternoon and ride along familiar and unfamiliar roads to Eastern Ontario. The next day I expect to reach New Hampshire or perhaps Maine. I hope to spend four or five days in Newfoundland, going from east to west. The Newfoundlanders with whom I have conversed have suggested several places to see, some scenic, some historic, and some fun to ride.

More later, because I have some urgent work now.

Keith

[joyous7]

Hi there,

Are you leaving from Florida?

Joyous7

[Keith Falkner]

Hey, Joyous,

I edited my post to provide my starting point, Toronto Ontario Canada, and to correct the date to Sunday June 24, at about the time you were asking me my starting point.

Why Toronto? My wife and I lived in Toronto before moving to Florida, and we both have friends and relatives there. We visit Toronto one or two times a year, and this year we expect to hit the Big Smoke (one of Toronto's many nicknames) mid-May.

You are probably aware that Massachusetts' weather is much like Southern Ontario's. I will ride around nearby Ontario in May and June, to get myself accustomed to long days in the saddle, and to try out various bug repellents. I understand that mosquitoes in the East sometimes have two engines and sawtooth proboscises, so I want to be ready to make myself unattractive to them. If Ontario's Black Flies do not like me well enough to eat me, I think I will be OK in Newfoundland. Labrador is a whole different story, and I think I am not up to a solo jaunt on 500 miles of gravel and 100 miles of badly maintained pavement. I suspect I will leave Labrador until I can take a self-contained motor home there.

I plan to ride east through New England and back west through (mostly) Québec. I drove through Vermont in 1994 and through New Hampshire in 1978, so I know the terrain a little bit. I want to go through the less traveled parts of Maine because I greatly enjoy secondary roads, and I suspect I will find a lot of miserable roads in Newfoundland.

If you are seriously contemplating a trip to Newfoundland, you should certainly visit www.ridetherock.com, because the denizens you will meet are friendly and ready to brag about their province.

Keith

[CYKZflyer]

I have only drive it on four wheels but the run from St. Anthony down to Port aux Basques is fabulous and on the Strom it would be incredible. Just try not to think about the fog and moose.

[joyous7]

Wow....that will be a great trip then.....If you need to hold up in New England, I have an extra little apartment not being used....you are welcome to it. I live in a very pretty part of Massachusetts.......with the band stand on the commons....very small town......Barre, Ma.
Is your wife traveling with you for the trip?

Joyous7

[Keith Falkner]

CYKZflyer, my plan for moose is the same plan I used with success last year for deer, on my trip to BC. I wait for a huge truck to pass, then I ride in its wake. My chance of hitting a large animal is pretty small. If the truck is carrying a lot of chickens, I find out fast, and wait for another truck.

And fog, I have ridden enough in Ontario that I know fog pretty well. Of course, Newfoundland will have some things to teach me. Trepassey Newfoundland is "Where t'fog is born" as they say.

Both these hazards can be reduced if you have the time to wait them out and something to do while you wait. I think I can manage that. I do not often seek virtue, but if patience is a virtue that can save my bones and my bike, well then I can be patient.

Wiarton Willie apparently did not see his shadow on Feb 2, so I hope you get the early spring he predicts.
Keith

[Newfoundlander]

Keith...

Moose are far more of a problem at night, than during daylight hours. You can reduce the moose danger by a factor of about 10, by simply not riding at night on the island of Newfoundland.

If you decide to come to the island via the Argentia ferry, I may be open to personally acting as your guide through some, or possibly all, of these truly amazing Eastern Newfoundland routes...

-Port Blandford to Bonavista (Route 233 and 235)
-Whitbourne to Old Perlican to Mahers (Route 80 and Route 70)
-The Irish Loop (St. John's to St. John's Route 10 and Route 90)
-Placentia to Colinet to Holyrood (Route 100, 92, 90)

There's a very good chance I will have a new DL650 in my shed, by the time you plan to arrive here on The Rock.

P.S....

Here's a link to a handful of my photos of Newfoundland...

Photos From The Island of Newfoundland (http://www.panoramio.com/user/75731)

[Keith Falkner]

Joyous7, thank you for the offer of hospitality, but I do not plan on going as far south as Massachusetts. My wife rides several miles with me, but not several hundred and certainly never several thousand. If you wish to join me for part of my ride, I will try to keep you aware of my plans, but they are affected by many factors over which I have little control, including weather, fatigue, wildlife, and breakdowns. I like Highway 3 through New Hampshire, and I hope to dive into the hinterland of Maine, mainly because I ain't afraid of no mosquitoes.

Newfoundlander, I think I have seen your avatar on the Rock, but never mind that. Your photos are delightful, well composed, and above all alluring.

Of the 48 contiguous states, the last I visited was the prettiest by leagues. Idaho is delightful. I followed the raging Salmon River, and adored it. Lewis and Clark, two lusty and vigourous (I can spell in Canadian, eh?) explorers pronounced that river useless for navigation, and chose the Columbia instead. Hey, how many Florida bikes pass snowplows in June in Idaho? the answer is ONE, and I ride it!

Of the ten provinces, I suspect that Newfoundland is the loveliest, and I look forward to learning how and why this is so. Please understand that British Columbia is completely terrific, so the bar is set mighty high. I am looking forward to enjoying Newfoundland, and I fully expect that I will turn my back on Port aux Basques and head gung-ho for the Trans Labrador Route. We shall see.

Thanks for your support. Ain't it amazing how the choice of motorcycle can turn out to be important in so many ways?
Keith

[Keith Falkner]

Joyous7, I thank you for the offer of hospitality. You are more than gracious, but I think I will be fine in my little tent. I tend to ride until weather or fatigue or prudence suggests I stop. Consequently I sometimes wind up where I do not totally belong, but then I can have another adventure. In Idaho I felt a tad spooked after running over a hapless rabbit, so I just let off the throttle and turned in the next lane when the bike slowed to a crawl. I wound up in a farmer's field. If you have seen sod farms from the air, you have probably noticed circles of green from the enormous irrigation machinery. Well, circles cannot cover the ground completely, so there are wedge-shaped pieces of leftover terrain. I had set up my tent in one of those, and eventually the farmer came along to see what I was up to. He and I jawed for a while, then he let me stay there, and I left in the morning without seeing him again.

I think you have gathered that I ride alone. My wife likes comfort, and there is not a lot on the back of a V-Strom and in a small tent. She will wave good-bye and welcome me back; in between she will visit her daughters in Toronto.

Let me try to predict when I will ride off the ferry in Argentia Newfoundland. The ship runs 3 times per week, and leaves North Sydney NS at 7:30 AM Monday & Wednesday, and 3:30 PM Friday. It arrives on the island some 14 hours later, where clocks are 30 minutes ahead of Nova Scotia's Atlantic Daylight Time, so I disembark at about 10:00 PM Monday or Wednesday, or 6:00 AM Saturday.

Until this moment, I have not been planning where I want to spend each night, but it seems I will want to catch the Friday June 29 ferry. I look at the map of Canada on my wall, and I think that will be possible if I start from Toronto on June 24. 24:Cornwall ON, 25:Augusta ME, 26:Moncton NB,27:Guysborough NS (There's no train to Guysborough) yeah, I can do it.

In a shorter period in 2006, I rode from Vancouver to Toronto, so I am confident I can reach the ferry by June 29 at 3:30 PM. When my plans get a tad firmer, I will make a reservation. That's cool; I'll watch fireworks in Saint John's on Canada Day!

Keith

[Keith Falkner]

Newfoundlander, I look forward to riding with you. Current plans, which I expect to modify because of complications that I expect but cannot predict, suggest I will be rolling off the ferry in Argentia on Saturday morning June 30.

If I have misread the schedule or wrongly applied the half-hour time difference, that prediction becomes nonsense.

Many complications might occur to change my schedule, but as June approaches I will be able to make firmer plans. I will keep you posted, probably on the Rock instead of here.

Thank you for the assistance and the welcome that you have extended to me and to the other riders who have expressed interest in visiting your province.

Keith

[Newfoundlander]

Sounds good, Keith...

Keep us posted on the RTR Forum, as the date approaches, and we may just send out a posse to meet you.

If it's a nice day, and you're up for an interesting ride on the day you arrive, I would suggest you book yourself into the Harbour Quarter's in the town of Bonavista. It's about 300 kms from Argentia to Bonavista, and the last half of it runs through one of the best coastal roads on the island. It would be a great way to start your island visit, and the location would leave you many options for explorartion, when you awake on the second day.

http://www.harbourquarters.com/HQweb3.jpg

Also...

When you get off the boat in Argentia, there is a very picturesque community nearby, by the name of 'Placentia'. There is a very nice restaurant there called 'Belle's'. This is a fine place to gather your thoughts, once you've disembarked from the ferry. It would also be a convenient place to meet you, if we end up coming out that way to share a day of riding with you.

Belle's...

http://www.doorsopendays.com/images/Placentia-%20Belles%20Restaurant.jpg

[Caper]

Keith...

Moose are far more of a problem at night, than during daylight hours. You can reduce the moose danger by a factor of about 10, by simply not riding at night on the island of Newfoundland.



+1
I would not ride from dusk to dawn, other than that I wouldn't worry about it, just keep your wits about you. I came close to hitting a moose last September, on Rt 9 in Maine, at ten o-clock in the morning, sun splitting-the-rocks.

[Newfoundlander]

I would not ride from dusk to dawn, other than that I wouldn't worry about it, just keep your wits about you. I came close to hitting a moose last September, on Rt 9 in Maine, at ten o-clock in the morning, sun splitting-the-rocks.



Yep...

Here's a shot I took of a small bull moose, eating his lunch no more than ten feet from the road, in Gros Morne National Park (Route 430). I took this photo in the middle of the afternoon...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/geoffsmith/GrosMorne/2004grosmorne03.jpg

The last moose I encountered, walked right up to me in my girlfriend's driveway in the City of St. Johns', and stuck it's head through the passenger side window of my Jeep. It was a young calf (A Mini-Me moose). A very surreal experience at 4:00 pm on a sunny day.

But there seems to be a higher incidence of moose collisions within the boundaries of our two nationl parks. No hunting in these areas has allowed the moose populations to become particularly dense. Moose are not indigenous to the island, so they have no natural enemies here. So be particularly mindful of them while riding through both Gros Morne National Park, and Terra Nova National Park.

[rcacs]

When we come to Nfld this summer, will consumption of much Screech make the moose disappear or multiply?

Curious

Cheers!

[Newfoundlander]

Screech improves every situation naturally, but for the real McCoy, you have to try Cabot Tower rum. It makes Screech seem like pop.

http://www.rum.cz/galery/nam/ca/nfld/img/ca37.jpghttp://www.rum.cz/galery/nam/ca/nfld/img/ca36.jpg

:mrgreen:

[rcacs]

shall keep that in mind!
i actually picked up the nfld screech in PEI (they drink there??)

[Newfoundlander]

Stop...

You're making me thirsty!

:mrgreen:

[rcacs]

We have yet to set a definate date to arrive in Nfld, but more than likely late July, early August. I have a fellow air force budd in St. John's and will be staying there for a day or 3.

Where bouts are you?

cheers

[Newfoundlander]

I'm in St. John's.

Hopefully we'll get a chance to do some riding together.

Are you taking the ferry over to Port Aux Basque, or Argentia?

[rcacs]

I think our plan is to first arrive at Port, travel across to St. Johns and depart at Argentia

I am a former Bluenoser myself, so always love "comin home"

cheers!

[Newfoundlander]

Make sure you drop me a PM to remind me, when the time gets near to your arrival.

I'm already planning on trying to meet Keith Falkner at Argentia, when he arrives here in late June. But it will be nice to use visits from other stromtroopers as excuses to go do some extra riding.

And as always, I take great pride and pleasure from showing visitors some of our more spectacular coastal routes around the island.

Myself and one of my buddies met a couple of guys from New Brunswick, at Argentia last year. We spent a day riding about 300 kms of off road riding with them.

Here's a ride report from that day, if your interested...

The Newbrunsland Adventure (http://www.ridetherock.com/forums/showthread.php?t=443)

[rcacs]

Sounds great!
Will definatly take you up on any offers for tours.

My riding pal rides a Kwacker Vulcan 1600, he has terrible fears of offroading with it......

Cheers!

[Newfoundlander]

No worries...

We'll stick to the paved coastal roads, for the sake of the cruiser dude.

:mrgreen:


If you've got a map, check out these routes, in the meantime. These are my own favs...

Western Newfoundland

-Port Au Port Peninsula Loop (Route 460 and 463)
-Deer Lake to Lanse Aux Meadows (Route 430)


Central Newfoundland

-Bishop's Falls to Leading Tickles (Route 350)
-Lewisporte to Wesleyville to Gambo (Routes 340, 331, 330 and 320)


Eastern Newfoundland

-Port Blandford to Bonavista to Clarenville (Route 233 and 235 and 230)
-Whitbourne to Old Perlican to Mahers (Route 80 and Route 70)
-The Irish Loop (St. John's to St. John's Route 10 and Route 90)
-Placentia to Colinet to Holyrood (Route 100, 92, 90)

Over and out.

[Keith Falkner]

Newfoundlander,

I am considering booking a bunk for three days, June 30, July 1, and July 2, in City Hostel at 246 Duckworth Street. All I really need is a dry place to sleep and a share of some running water once in a while. I suspect that you and your friends will have some outings planned for Saturday June 30, Sunday July 1, and Monday July 2. I would like to be included on any rides that an old fart with a V-Strom could manage.

If I can stash some gear at the hostel, I will not have to carry all my gear on the ride. Then I can park the bike at the hostel and tour downtown on foot.

If, as I suspect, someone in downtown St John's happens to sell Screech, all I have to do is follow the curb back to the hostel. I'll be OK so long as nobody steps on my hands. Gees, I hate when that happens. Shifting and braking are really painful for a while.

Have you any opinions about City Hostel? They offer a bed in a dorm for under $20 (over $20 with the 18% tax), which will seem like luxury after a few nights in a tent and a night aboard the ferry.

Keith

[Newfoundlander]

Keith...

I'm not familiar with those accomodations, but since losing our fishery, there is a focus on providing respectable accomodations at all price levels. Tourism is our future.

As for the Screech situation...

'George Street' is Canada's version of Bourbon Street. We have the greatest number of bars and pubs per-capita, of any place in the country. And George Street is just off Water Street.

;)


I'm going to try to arrange to meet you in Argentia or Placentia, and ride back with you on the day you arrive.

Instead of taking route 1, we could take a slightly longer route to St. John's, along the coastline of Conception Bay (Route 60). This will allow you to enjoy riding through dozens of small coastal communitites on the ride in, if you'd like. But if you're tired and would rather get settled away in St. John's as soon as possible, we can take Route 1.

If you're in the mood for a longer and far more impressive coastal ride, there is a loop from Placentia to St. Johns along along Routes 100,92,91, and 90 which will have you in awe. There are sections of twisty winding coastal road, which overlook the sea from 500 feet up, along there, which still take my breath away, despite having lived here all my life.


And yes...

We'll try to plan some other adventures for those other days while you are in St. John's. The 'Irish Loop' is a really choice day ride, which loops back to St. Johns.

[Keith Falkner]

Newfoundlander,

The itinerary you outline looks like a whole lot of fun. On my map, Avalon Peninsula is the size of my hand, so there is a moderate amount of detail. Routes 100, 92, 91, and 90 look enchanting!

Unless the ferry induces motion sickness, which hasn't afflicted me since I was very young, I will be rested and ready to ride when I roll off the ferry. If I understand the schedule correctly, the ferry lands very early, so I like your suggestion that we meet at Belle's for breakfast on Saturday June 30. I don't like rising at 4:00 AM, even on a summer Saturday, and I am guessing you also consider that a tad early. Suppose I get to Belle's as soon as I reasonably can, and either find you or have coffee or breakfast and await your arrival. I think that's about what you suggested. I will be disguised as a wrinkled old fart with a grey beard.

When you mention views from cliffs, I think of a prospect that I greatly enjoyed a few years ago. There is a city named Vancouver in Washington State, just across the Columbia River from Portland Oregon. Washington Highway 14 goes east along the river, and it is a very fine ride indeed. At milepost 25, your jaw goes down and so does the brake, then you stop and use up all the film in your camera. You cannot help it.

I imagine you will show me the same phenomenon; I will bring film.

Let's hope Trepassey does not live up to its reputation. I understand it's "where t'fog is born!" Sometimes when I see fog wherever I am, that remark comes to mind, and I wonder how the fog made its way to me, because of course I have never been anywhere near Trepassey.

It seems that City Hostel is within a mile of George St. I will go ahead and reserve the accomodations at City Hostel.

Keith

[Keith Falkner]

Hey, Newfoundlander, I have reserved a bunk in the capital!

I plunked down six bucks to reserve accomodation June 30, July 1, and July 2 on Duckworth Street. I'll pay the balance on arrival.

rcacs, you might check the place out. Find it on Google via "City Hostel St. John's". You and your pal can share a private room for less than $25 each per night, or bunk with one other person for less than $20 each. (Plus 18% tax)

If I actually make it to The Rock, and survive the experience, I will report here.

Keith

[Newfoundlander]

Keith...

Just to be on the safe side, if you take one Gravol tablet, before you go to sleep on the ferry, you're much less likely to experience any motion sickness, and are much more likely to awake well-rested.

When my buddy and I met a couple of guys from New Brunswick at Argentia/Placentia last year, for a shared day of off road riding, we all met at Belle's at 11 AM. This worked well, because it gave the NB lads several hours to gather themselves, get some breakfast, and check out the town of Placentia, which is one of the most scenic and historic communities in Newfoundland (Be sure to check out the view from the old fort above the town). It also gave my buddy and I plenty of time to make the ride out from St. John's to Placentia, which takes about an hour and a half from where I live. So when I arrive we can have a coffee at Belle's and hit the road soon after, if that suits you well. I will have eaten before beginning my ride out from St. John's. There's a restaurant in Trepassey, where we might like to stop for some lunch.

Here's a photo of the scenic Town of Placentia...

http://www.nova4x4.com/uploads/021907/Placentia.jpg




The fog banks near Trepassey constantly drift in and out from the sea. What you have heard about the big fog machine being located down there, is surely more truth than folklore.

Here's two photos taken on an off road ride we took across the Cape Race glacial barrens (Very near Trepassey) last year. These photos were taken within minutes of each other, despite looking like they were taken on different days...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/geoffsmith/DualSportRiding/threeamigos.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v444/geoffsmith/DualSportRiding/geoffcaperace.jpg

[Keith Falkner]

Newfoundlander, I thank you for the advice, and shall take a Gravol before retiring, then meet you at Belle's at 11:00 AM on Saturday June 30. That gives me time to get my land legs back and reconnoitre the region a bit.

I know Gravol is effective. A lady I knew overimbibed while a tad pregnant, and found herself in continuous discomfort. The alcohol still in her system made her stomach refuse to be anything but empty, and her pregnancy made her feel nauseated whenever her stomach was empty. No remedy of any kind would stay down. I found a resourceful pharmacist who suggested she try a Gravol suppository. As he put it, "Let her throw THAT up!"

Her gastric turbulence subsided soon.

I will take the tablet orally.

I see from the photo that if I want to besiege Placentia, all I need is powder, fuses, and cannonballs, because the cannon is there already. The Placentians need not worry; my intentions are peaceful.

Several times last spring, I stopped at rest areas on Interstate Highway 80, erected my tent, and slept undisturbed for six or eight hours. One time, on I-29 in North Dakota, an indignant broom pusher saw me collapsing my tent at about 6:30 AM and demanded to know if I had been camping. When I said "No, I didn't light a fire, didn't cook anything, and definitely didn't sing, so I wasn't camping" he muttered something about callin' the cops and stomped off. I didn't hurry away, but I didn't dawdle either. Nobody interfered, but I crossed a state line into Minnesota as soon as it was practical to do so. My "Official Highway Map" of Newfoundland shows little red picnic tables, for which the legend is "Day Use Only". If I try putting up a tent at one of these, in order to sleep from 10 PM to 6 AM, would I be tolerated, sent on my way, or arrested? In Ontario for example, I have done this once and been ignored; I have no idea if the area was patrolled.

I'll pay to camp if I have to, but it seems that a patch of ground in Terra Nova National Park would cost me $21 at a minimum, and I have probably overlooked something such as entry fee, parking, or tax. Commercial campgrounds offer a lot more than an outhouse, and charge accordingly.

I would rather drive along a side road until I find a flat spot about 4 metres square and take my chances.

Any suggestions?
Keith

[Newfoundlander]

Keith...

Newfoundland is a wonderful place for those who like to pitch a tent when and where it suits them.

One of Newfoundland's great charms, is the fact that our population density is very low, and much of our land is not privately owned. It's a very BIG island. Most of it has never even been set upon by a human foot. That may be hard to believe in a time when our world is so crowded, but it's the truth.

When you think of Newfoundland & Labrador, think 'easy goin', and laid back. People here will go out of their way to accomodate you and help you if you are in need. It's just our nature.

[rcacs]

While travelling around Canada, we generally take a hotel every 3rd night. The rest of the time, a WalMart parking lot becomes our choice "camping" spot. There is always several motorhomes and campers, so that makes you feel somewhat more secure. In the morning, if we dont leave too early, we generally go in and buy some batteries, or toothpaste or something to snack on.
Most Walmarts do have a grassy area that is great for settin up the tent, but there has been a few where we have had to set-up on the pavement.
The Walmart in Swift Current, Saskatchewan comes to mind as having the nicest area for a tent.......
And there is almost always a Timmies close by :)

Cheers!

[Keith Falkner]

Newfoundlander and rcacs,

Thank you for advice on casual tenting without fees for things I don't need. I know that some Walmart stores are cordial to such campers, because the managers know we are not the litterbugs or vandals that cost them so much, and we frequently spend money in stores that permit overnight campers. I won't be in Swift Current SK any time soon, but I'll remember it.

rcacs, when you head east in the summer, you will encounter an obstacle that may be difficult to get around, so I suggest you grit your teeth and just go through it. It's either Ohio or Omaha or Orinoco or some such name. You can get an official road map of this place mailed to you by calling 1-800-ONTARIO. Little white-on-brown icons looking like picnic tables can be found on this map, and these "picnic parks" as the legend identifies them, may be just the ticket. I have stayed in only one of them, between Huntsville and Bracebridge, but I have visited several of them for various reasons, and they generally offer litter barrels, outhouses, picnic tables, and sometimes a stream. The stream may be OK for washing, but I don't recommend it as a source of drinking water.

I will stay in more of them before you and your pal come through, and I will report on any highlights hassles I find, including any encounters with Ontario Provincial Police or other official agencies. I will try out some bug repellent too, and report on what works for me. Pretty much any kind of goo does some good, but that may because I am a tough old fart, partly full of embalming fluid most of the time.

Rock on!
Keith

[Newfoundlander]

Keith...

Check your PMs. I've sent you a detailed map which might interest you.

[rcacs]

Not entirely sure what you refer to, but I havnt ever had any problems travelling thru Ontario.

cheers

[rcacs]

I ordered, online, a Tourist guide from Nfld/Lab dept of tourism. Recieved it in 5 days!...impressive.

The book is chock full of everything you want/need to know. Things to do, places to go, meals, museums, u name it.

It also came with a a fantastic full size map.

My riding bud and I have already been hi-liting the routes that Nfld'r has suggested.

Cant wait to get there!

Cheers

[Newfoundlander]

Good to see our Dept. of Tourism is on the ball.

Hopefully we can share a day of riding while you're here.

[rcacs]

Being a Maritimer (formerly) I know just how darn friendly folks are down there. So it doesnt surprize me that they are real efficient as well! (that or the dude maning the Tourism computer has little to do..... ;) )


Cheers!

[PonchoV]

Hello, A friend, from Kentucy & I are going to do the entire route of Lab, NFLD, NS, & down the river coast to VT. Both are on Vs. One near 60 & I am pass. We plan on mainly camping & doing the riding mostly at the day time. Days should be longer in June, so we think there is plenty of saddle time. The touris center will send you a couple of maps & a ferry time table.
I'd be willing to share any data learned or experienced if I return before you depart. Sounds like you have a neat package laid out. I have learned that all of 510 is "good" gravel. I guess I will learn what that means.
Keep in touch

[Keith Falkner]

PonchoV,

There are many things to learn before tackling Labrador, and many helpful websites. I just told Google to search for [labrador highway motorcycle] and got lots of sites, for example

http://tlhwy.com/travel/index.html

This has lots of chapters about stuff we need to know. To name one, Black Flies. These are horrid creatures that will bother you a little or a lot or enough to drive you back the way you came, depending on their abundance, your equipment, your insect repellent, and your attitude toward being eaten bite by bite.

I tend not to like being eaten by insects, so I will try to get some very effective bug repellent before trying the Trans-Labrador highway.

Here are two other helpful resources:

1-800-563-NFLD <- This government resource will send you good stuff.

www.ridetherock.com <- The Newfoundland bikers are cheerful & cordial.

Yes, the long daylight hours of June will be important to you. Moose tend to wander around after dark, and prudent bikers don't ride in Newfoundland and Labrador after dark.

To enjoy the journey, we must first learn how to survive it!

Keith

[Keith Falkner]

A message from 57DBD34 was in another location, but I think it belongs here, so I quote his entire message:

Hi Keith and Frank
Hi Frank, I'm going on holiday for a couple of weeks but when I get back you should look me up here in Georgetown. It sounds like you are just getting your license? If that is so, I'll be glad to give you a few tips and show you a few good roads around here. If my vstrom isn't here I still have another bike to go out on - A Buell XB9 Lightning - but that's another story.

Keith, I have been reading about you and the Newfoundlander. I bought the v strom to go to The Northwest Territories but my buddy who is on a Transalp and I figured out we would be short on time so we have decided to go to Newfoundland instead. We are probably leaving around June the 22nd but nothing is reallly settled yet. My wife is also going, but she is shipping her bike to Halifax. Maybe we'll see you and the Newfoundlander out there. I can hardly wait to get up past the Grosse Morne Park (hope the spelling is right)

(signed) Cheers
Bill

Dear Bill,

The more the merrier, Bill. I infer that you and your wife will ride from Halifax to North Sydney and catch the ferry to either the west or east side of Newfoundland. You can learn what you need about the ferry here;

http://www.marine-atlantic.ca/en/index.shtml

I plan to leave Toronto about noon June 24, amble east via Ottawa, Vermont, NH, ME, NB, PEI, and NS, then catch the ferry at North Sydney on June 29, arriving in Argentia, which is on the east side of the island, at about 6:00 AM June 30. I have reserved accomodation in downtown St. John's at City Hostel, an informal place where you and your wife can get a private room for about US$59, tax included. I have a cot in a dorm, which probably has room for your buddy, for under US$22 per night, for 3 nights. I will spend the Canada Day weekend in the capital, and I expect to have a wonderful time, whether on or off my wheels. Here's some data about the hostel:

http://www.hb-247.com/aff/index.cfm

You mentioned Gros Morne Park, which is on the west side of the island. If you want to see that first, you will probably take the other ferry to Port aux Basques (also known as Channel-Port aux Basques) near the southwest corner of Newfoundland. Newfoundlander himself happens to live near St. John's which is on the east edge of the island.

Two resources I recommend above all, because they will tell you all you need to know about Newfoundland and Labrador:

1-800-563-NFLD <- The government sends you maps and stuff

www.ridetherock.com <- Meet the biker bys (and girls)

The Newfoundlanders are gregarious and cordial and very happy to share their mighty land with us come-from-aways. It took me 64 years to find Idaho, and that state enchanted me. I'll be 65 before I reach Newfoundland, and I am confident I will enjoy it immensely.

In some ways Newfoundland resembles Florida. The main highway gets you from here to there reasonably quickly, but you see and learn next to nothing about the place. The people and the sights are all around the edge, so take the twisty roads and take your time and you will enjoy your visit a lot.

Finally, when you want to take your V-Strom to the Northwest Territories, I think you have to go via Edmonton AB. I rode the Yellowhead Highway from Edmonton to Winnipeg MB last June; it was a fine ride on an excellent road, but a tad lacking in originality after the first ten minutes. A circular highway guides you around Winnipeg; there's a dandy restaurant Dumpty's just about due south of Winnipeg.

Hmm, it seems I have done a memory dump about Canada. But wait, there's more ... well, never mind.

Keith

[rcacs]

"A circular highway guides you around Winnipeg; there's a dandy restaurant Dumpty's just about due south of Winnipeg"



LOL....some might call it Dumpty's, but actually it is Humpty's. Located on the south Perimeter Hwy (hwy 101). Its with the large PetroCan station. We often go there, usually for a quick bite and coffee whenever we ride to and about Wpg.

We still havnt set a firm date for departure to Nfld, but have been busy pouring over maps and guides. Can't wait!

Cheers!

[Keith Falkner]

OOPS, I cannot tell a Humpty from a Dumpty! Can you imagine how many times I would be circling your capital looking for Dumpty's?

Perhaps I can correct you in return. You say you are a FORMER Maritimer. I submit that Manitoba is indeed a maritime province (with a small m). Your beaches, on the coast of Hudson Bay, are not very inviting, except to those with long white fur, long white teeth, and a very positive attitude toward cold water swimming.

I sure was glad to find Humpty's. I got a good meal for a modest price, after a long ride through Saskatchewan's rain and Manitoba's wind. It was my longest day ever, 687 miles from North Battleford SK to south of Drayton ND.

Maybe the Dumpty is in the back, full of eggshells.

I remember a delightful Far Side cartoon. At the bottom of a wall is a yellow and white mess, surrounded by puzzled men in armour. Someone interrupts their study of this problem and says, "The horses want another crack at it."

[57DBD34]

Thanks for all the info Keith,
I will order those maps from Newfoundland today.
I'll keep a watch on this site for updates.
Cheers
Bill

You have to love this website.
Everything you need to know is here or within reach!

[Newfoundlander]

With regard to the Newfoundland & Labrador blackflies...


The only potion which works to ward them off is one with a high concentration of 'Deet'. 'Deep Woods Off' is one such brand. As is 'Muskol'. Look on the label for a Deet percentage close to 20% for any product to be effective. (Deep Woods Off is 23.75% Deet)

Deet will not stop them from landing on you (nothing will), but they will not bite you if you have it on your skin. They will pitch and then immediately fly away without sucking your blood.

Two years ago my girlfriend Renee and I climbed 'Gros Morne' mountain. On the descent we met two Dutch tourists who had obviously not been warned about our black flies, or how to deal with them. I have never seen two people so thankful, after I supplied them both with a generous helping of Deet. When we first came upon them, they were doing the 'dance of the insane ones', as the swarms of blackflies harrassed them without mercy.

:mrgreen:

Also...

The worst month for black flies is June. By August and September, they are much less of a problem.

[rcacs]

Looks like we have a time frame for our travel to Nfld. My riding pal had to book his holidays and we will be departing MB June 1st. Hopefully the weather is good down east then. Should be on the Rock by the 5th or 6th.

Cheers!

[Keith Falkner]

Good luck on your ride to the Rock, rcacs!

That early in the year, you might want to go south of Superior. If travel in my country is acceptable to you, you will save a few dollars on gas, and you may enjoy exploring Minnesota and Wisconsin (the farthest north state that does not touch Canada) and Michigan. I rode US 2 from Bemidji MN to St. Ignace MI last June, then took the Mackinac Bridge south, a lovely ride by any standards. If you wish to stay north of Lake Huron, you might switch to Michigan 28 at Wakefield MI, then go back into Canada at the Soo. Next time I go through the U.P. I intend to try that route.

If you choose to stay in Canada, plan on having Fish 'N' Chips at Captain Ron's in Ignace Ontario. Order more to take with you, and carry the food in your jacket. You will stop very soon and gobble it up!

Enjoy planning your trip. I'll help if I can, even if I can't remember Humpty's!

Keith

[rcacs]

lol

Our last summers ride down east we travelled thru ND, MN, WI and MI. I think they were working on every inch of the hwy. It took us 20hrs to get to Sault Ste. Marie.

We will more than likely stick to Canada.

Will be sure to wear my heated gitch!

Cheers

[Newfoundlander]

Be sure to check in with the guys on the RTR forum, just before you arrive, and during your ride on The Rock, if possible. Our members are spread out right across the island, and it's likely one or two of us would enjoy welcoming you, and maybe spending an afternoon riding with you.

Best of luck on your journey.


Ride The Rock Website (http://www.ridetherock.com)

[rcacs]

Really looking forward to this trip!

Say, what is the weather generally in early June...almost afraid to know...lol

Cheers

[Newfoundlander]

Say, what is the weather generally in early June.

June is probably the most unpredictable month on the Rock, weartherwise. Early June even more so. Anything from snow flurries to 30 degree heat is 'possible'. But most likely you'll see a fair amount of rain, interspersed with days of sunny weather and temps hovering around the 15 to 20 degrees C range.

The last job you want to have in Newfoundland, in June, is the weatherman's job.

:mrgreen:

Speaking of annoying Newfoundland weather...

We are getting snow and blowing snow here today (First Day of Spring), with temps dropping to MINUS TWELVE tonight. And yet Friday is supposed to be plus eight degrees and rainy.

As we always say...

If you don't like the weather on The Rock, just wait a few minutes.

;)

[twisty]

Wait till late July--pretty much the best in my two trips down--at least no snow---

[Heavy]

Careful on the ferry.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g36/jjchonga/barf.gif

http://s52.photobucket.com/albums/g36/jjchonga/Movies/?action=view&current=MVCaribou.flv

[Keith Falkner]

Yes, that is a turbulent ferry ride.

No, that ferry is nowhere near Newfoundland.

http://lewishillbillies.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=6828

Coolhand knows his stuff.

Keith

[Heavy]

OMG...I've been lied to!...and on the internet, no less! :rolleyes:

This may shake my faith in humanity. :-D

The only thing that really bugs me about it is this: Keith, how/where/why did you find the info on it being bunk?

[Newfoundlander]

Although our ferries do see those same kinds of conditions from time to time.

One word...

'Gravol'

Bring some, and take it BEFORE you get on the ferry!


;)

Here's some shots of our off-shore oil industry supply ships enjoying a fun ride off our coast...

http://tv-antenna.com/heavy-seas/3/4.jpg

http://tv-antenna.com/heavy-seas/3/burin.jpg

http://tv-antenna.com/heavy-seas/3/6.jpg




:shock:

[Heavy]

oops
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g36/jjchonga/2014red_xs.gif

Sure, Gravol will help but you want to be darn sure you don't have to go to the washroom during the later stages of the trip. They get way too messy.

[Newfoundlander]

They get way too messy.

Dandy fragrance in the air by then, too.


:mrgreen:

[Keith Falkner]

Heavy, I have signed up at www.ridetherock.com. As has been mentioned in this thread, that site is full of essential information for anyone thinking of putting two wheels in the newest province.

In an "off topic" area of that site is a thread "Rough Ferry Departure" wherein it is reported that television stations in Newfoundland and Ontario aired that clip and said the ferry operated between Newfoundland and the mainland.

Coolhand, the moderator of that site, is a participant on the site where the truth was exposed, and posted the truth in the "off topic" area of www.ridetherock.com
and I relayed the link to here.

I sure am glad I will not be on that turbulent ferry ride. Can you imagine how many tie-downs I would need for the V-Strom?

Keith

[PonchoV]

What happened to the pics of off the coast oil supply boats?

[Newfoundlander]

What happened to the pics of off the coast oil supply boats?

They are still there on page six of this thread, or at least for me they still are.

[rcacs]

Ok fella's, enough is enough. Time for you to start warming up the weather down there, only 23 more sleeps before we leave for Nfld.

Cheers!

[rcacs]

yikes!

leaving for Nfld Friday morning, pleeeeeeze warm up your province for us...

[water warrior]

rcacs, ride safe and take pics.

[Newfoundlander]

Ok fella's, enough is enough. Time for you to start warming up the weather down there, only 23 more sleeps before we leave for Nfld.



Zero degrees Celsius here this morning (May 31st), with light snow flurries in the air. Going up to a sweltering 9 degrees C here tomorrow (June 1st).

You're gonna have to toughen up a bit, if you come to ride The Rock. Best for all those wussy fair-weather riders to stay home. It's REAL adventure riding you get when you come to NewfoundLand & Labrador.

:mrgreen:

[rcacs]

Keep in Mind....I am Manitoban (but born and bred in NS), we thrive on sub-arctic temps.....in the winter, not so much in the summer tho ;)

Really looking forward to some down east hospitality and fantastic riding/scenery!

Cheers!

[Newfoundlander]

I am Manitoban (but born and bred in NS)

You get an automatic toughness free pass, in that case.

:mrgreen:

[Colin]

It has been weather like that here all spring too but the past couple of days has started to see temperatures in the high 20's. If we don't suck all the heat out for our own use it should reach the Rock in a few days:)
Have fun!

[rcacs]

Back from the Rock!

Weather waz great, thanks guys ;)

put on 11,400km total for the trip

will give more details later, must run

Cheers!

[Keith Falkner]

I'm glad to see that you survived, rcacs!

I gave the weather a few weeks more to warm up, and I hope to enjoy whatever weather I get.

I depart Toronto at about noon on June 24, and I will (yes, I WILL) catch the June 29 ferry from North Sydney NS to Argentia NL.

Meanwhile I have been working on a project in Ontario. You can find it here.

Keith

[Newfoundlander]

Back from the Rock!

Back already?!

I didn't even know you had arrived. Did you make over to the East Coast, where I live?

:confused:

[rcacs]

Went up north to St. Anthony, and as far east as Cape Spear. We spent so much time riding around, I never did find a computer to let anyone know we were around.
As fate determined, we only ended up spending 4 nights on the Rock, 3 of those nights we spent at CFS St. John's (Pleasantville).
George Street was a hoot!!

Fantastic people, meals and scenerie!!!!

Cheers

[rcacs]

Our trip total was a tad over 11,600km, and all without a hitch. We traveled hwy 17 thru Ontario, extremely painful up to Ottawa, as it is pretty much all single lane with trucks grinding up hills, etc.
From just east of Ottawa we scooted down to the 401 to link up with Hwy 20 past Montreal and onto the south side of the St. Lawrence. Our first night was spent in the back lot of a gas station in Marathon, Ont, 2nd night at the Walmart in North Bay and our 3rd night we treated ourselves to a hotel in Riviere du Loop in Quebec. We hit some light drizzle traveling thru NB and stayed at a campground in Amhurst, NS for our 4th night. On to Cape Breton Island were we stayed at a real nice motel at St. Annes, just at the start of the Cabot Trail. The ride and scenery was fantastic. At the end of the day, we scooted over to Sydney to catch the ferry (MV Leif Erikson) to Port aux Basques. While waiting in line for the ferry, we hooked up with a couple of Nfld riders, one who was just returning to St. John's on his new BMW R1150RS that he bought in Mtl. We rode with them up to Corner Brook in the morning, where we then headed north up the Northern Peninsula to St. Anthony. Riding thru the Gros Morne National Park was very nice indeed. The same day, we headed back down south and ended up tenting it at Sheppardville.
My riding pals front tire was getting down to the air, so we stopped in at Grand Falls-Windsor where we hooked up with a couple of locals at the Tims and they provided some incredible Nfld hospitality. Not only did they invite us over to one of the guys house to remove the front wheel and get a new tire installed, but also fed us and let us have a much needed and appreciated shower. Some good ol' local suds helped the great food go down. Not only did these fella's do all this for total strangers, but they insisted that no monetary exchange was to take place for their hospitality and service. See just how many places in North America that you would find that sort of warm hospitality!
They escorted us a ways down the road (they were Hog riders), and we waved a fond farewell.
We pulled into St. John's later that day and immediatly needed directions to the Base at Pleasantville. More fine hospitality insued, with a young fellow explaining that we should never aska a Newfie directions, as we would surely get totally lost.... :). He instead told us to just follow him in his car, and he would take us to where we needed to go.
I booked us into the barracks (I am military), and we now had a roof over our head for the next 3 nights.
Saturday we went up to Signal Hill for a most incredible view of the city and a couple of smaller icebergs. Not knowing the best way to get over to Cape Spear (the most east point in North America), I asked a pretty jogger what would be the best route. Again, she says....I will just go get my car and you follow me....wow!
Saturday night was spend enjoying frosty mugs of local ale down on George Street, where we were sworn in as Honorary Newfoundlanders after completing the required ceremony and downing of the Screech. Unfortunatly, we didnt stop at one, and by 0300hrs we were well on our way to feeling very sick for Sunday....
We departed our new found home on Monday, having to travel back across the island to catch the ferry back to NS. I am a Bluenoser by birth and know of the famous hospitality strangers recieve in the Maritimes, but my riding pal is a Westerner and he was totally amazed and impressed with the outright friendlyness and charm of Nfld.
Our trip home was pretty uneventful, again some drizzle in NB and we arrived home (south of Wpg) on friday night.
The weather was our biggest concern, as the temps the week before landing down east were downright frosty. However, the weather on the Rock was nothing but incredible, clear skies and temps hovering in the mid-twenties.
I counted 11 Stroms on the trip and managed to visit with a few of my fellow Troopers.
I highly recommend to anyone/everyone that at some point in time, they do a run through the Maritimes, and be very sure to include Newfoundland/Labrador.

Fantastic!

Cheers!!

[Night_Wolf]

Ok I have to ask if you managed to get the names of the folks who helped you. I grew up in Grand Falls (Windsor was it's own town when I left) and remember when they put the Tim's on Cromer Ave :cool:

Our trip total was a tad over 11,600km, and all without a hitch. We traveled hwy 17 thru Ontario, extremely painful up to Ottawa, as it is pretty much all single lane with trucks grinding up hills, etc.

My riding pals front tire was getting down to the air, so we stopped in at Grand Falls-Windsor where we hooked up with a couple of locals at the Tims and they provided some incredible Nfld hospitality. Not only did they invite us over to one of the guys house to remove the front wheel and get a new tire installed, but also fed us and let us have a much needed and appreciated shower. Some good ol' local suds helped the great food go down. Not only did these fella's do all this for total strangers, but they insisted that no monetary exchange was to take place for their hospitality and service. See just how many places in North America that you would find that sort of warm hospitality!
They escorted us a ways down the road (they were Hog riders), and we waved a fond farewell.

I highly recommend to anyone/everyone that at some point in time, they do a run through the Maritimes, and be very sure to include Newfoundland/Labrador.

Fantastic!

Cheers!!

[Drifter]

Thanks for the great report. Earlier this year I had decided to visit Newfoundland and a riding friend (non-Strom) is keen to go. (BTW, he's Forces, too.) But it won't be until next August (200eight*). It will be my first visit there. Reports by you, Newfoundlander's and Keith's (from Florida) have provided fantastic info and I can hardly wait. Another BTW, I'm a Maritimer, too -- NB'er.

(*I had to write out eight because the "cool" smilie appeared in its place in a preview. Weird.)

[rcacs]

I do have their names, as I will be mailing them TShirts from our local Harley dealership (Gaslight Harley). They at least agreed to that....

Cheers!

[Night_Wolf]

Well are ya going to share with me :p

I do have their names, as I will be mailing them TShirts from our local Harley dealership (Gaslight Harley). They at least agreed to that....

Cheers!

[rcacs]

I shall indeed, my buddy has them written down. I havent actually talked to him since our return but will get the names for you.

They have a small backyard business fixin up Hogs, called Salty Dogs.

Cheers!

[Night_Wolf]

My cousin was married to a guy who fixed Harley's. Name is Cliff Braye. I just may know the people who helped you as I grew up there & left when I was 18

I shall indeed, my buddy has them written down. I havent actually talked to him since our return but will get the names for you.

They have a small backyard business fixin up Hogs, called Salty Dogs.

Cheers!

[rcacs]

Wolf, the guys are Ernie Hollett and Lloyd Button. Their lil shop is known as Salty Dogs Custom Cycle. They operate out of a small shed in the back yard on 17th Avenue, Grand Falls-Windsor.

Very helpful fellows.

Cheers!

[Night_Wolf]

Sorry I don't know the names, I'll ask my cousin if he knows them. Either way great news that they helped the two of you and showed true Newfie hospitality :cool:

Wolf, the guys are Ernie Hollett and Lloyd Button. Their lil shop is known as Salty Dogs Custom Cycle. They operate out of a small shed in the back yard on 17th Avenue, Grand Falls-Windsor.

Very helpful fellows.

Cheers!

[rcacs]

I'm comin back!

My wife has never been down to the Maritimes, so after seeing the pix and hearing the storys, she wants to come down to Nfld.

We are flying (damn it) down to Halifax 5 Aug, and will rent a car and tour about NS, and then take the ferry over to Argentia. Not exactally sure what day we will come over to the Rock just yet, but my wife is lookin forward to partying hardy down on George St.

Cheers!

[Newfoundlander]

Good to hear!

Looking forward to the photos!

[rcacs]

oops

thanks for reminding me!

will try posting next time I am at the puter, have to run now.....(hungry and thirsty)

[Keith Falkner]

Dear fellow Stromtroopers,

I rode the Rock!

With the gracious assistance of Newfoundlander and his friends, I enjoyed my visit to Newfoundland very much.

It seemed that every time I turned around, I was astonished by the cordiality and resourcefulness of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

I learned many many things, for instance you can ride a plugged tire from Newfoundland to Toronto and the plug will stay aboard.

But the most important things I learned were these:

I will return to Newfoundland and Labrador!

When you visit Newfoundland, you are forever changed, for the good.

When you leave Newfoundland, some of the province comes with you.

I am short of time at this computer, but I have many photos and stories to share.

One story, the story of the puncture stands out as a way to illustrate the attitudes of three Newfoundlanders, among many.

Riding near the town of Bay Roberts, I saw icebergs in Spaniard's Bay and rode near them to photograph them and learn what I could. I parked near someone who appeared to live nearby; indeed he did. He told me that icebergs move, and often make noise when they do. The nearest iceberg chose that moment to growl at us and change its attitude.

The Newfoundlander looked at my bike and said I had some metal in my front tire; it proved to be a screwhead. He spat on it and rubbed the spittle around and said no air was issuing. Whew.

I thanked him for his diagnosis and rode away very carefully on the bad roads in the vicinity of Bishop's Cove. Soon I found a fellow on a Suzuki and showed him the problem and asked what I ought to do. "Follow me!" was the answer, and a few miles away we stopped at a garage where fellows were messing around with motorcycles. Someone volunteered to plug my tire, and in a couple of minutes the repair was done. It has lasted over 2200 miles so far, and I am looking for a replacement tire (please do not offer advice - I have enough of that). The hardest part of the entire process was getting the repairman to accept money. I explained that I was very superstitious, and was fearful that the plug would not hold if he refused the money.

Best ten bucks I have spent in a long time!

Lots of things as warm as that happened, but the weather was not always as pleasant as I like. I think some April arrived in the first few days of July, but it was nothing out of the ordinary and never posed much of a problem.

Much more when I can manage!

Thanks to all who helped. Ride the Rock; it's good for you!
Keith

[rcacs]

Have some pix to post, unsure how to do that on the forum. Any advise?

Cheers!

[rcacs]

pix of the Nfld trip

[rcacs]

more pix of the trip

[rcacs]

more pix of the trip

[rcacs]

And the last one.

Cant wait to return in August!!!

cheers,