The Making of a Cross Canada Route

That section ( Baie Comeau to Chibiugamau) is wide, sandy logging roads and runs for approx 700 km's and was put together by Fab. I haven't ridden the whole section (Fab has) but from what I saw when I rode it....its great Nothing to technical other than one two tiered, rocky hill climb that has been labelled as Fabs Hill. For some it won't be a challenge but for the less experienced.....well.....I foresee a few photos in future ride reports

This section is shared with the TNE route and there is a write up on the GT site about it with details. I found it to be very fun, some awesome roads that were fast, twisty and full of hills. It crosses a ZEC and there are a bunch of cool lakes to camp on and a very cool lodge (Auberge31) where I would recommend spending a night, good rates, way out there, has gas, food and a pub. Also a good spotto rest up as Fabs Hill is about 20 minutes away.

This section also has two optional tech sections that are sure to challenge the more adventurous

I was out a couple weeks ago along the route to survey the November Storm damage.. The first stop was at Shantyville on Alice Lake...

It was apparent right away that the lake had been quite high..

Flood debris was everywhere..

These truck campers had been underwater..

Notice the driftwood on the hoods...

Looking down the beach towards some other shacks...





This camper had been floating around the lake...





A stop along the Alice main..

Fountain of youth...

Benson Lake main road was in rough shape with flooding as to where sections of roadbed were missing, it made for technical riding with no picture time until Kathleen lake...



The TCAT ends here for now, I hope they fix this bridge...

November was a bad one on the North Island with many roads washed out including the main HWY cutting off the communities for a couple days...

Sorry ... imaged blocked by photobucket for excess of bandwith...

Congratulations
Ted and all the folks, who are supporting you, this is really a great work.
I started to read this "making of story" for quite a while, and today I made it up to this point.

For a European it is not easy to believe, that you ride for hours through the bush and don't hit a road or a village.

Many years ago after university I worked for a summer on a farm in Chetwynd, BC. And after work we started to Van Isle and then rolled all the way from West to Montreal in an old Chevy. So at least I know how far it is.

Again a wonderful TCAT you all put up!!
Ciao Gero

I had no idea the flooding was that extensive...:eek1

In many places the animals far outnumber the people

tell ya how you deal with that...
RAMP IT...Duke of Hazard style...

classic case of bridge remained intact but the approach got washed out. Looks like you could clear the debris and route the water back under the bridge. Pile up some rocks and ride through that sucka. Thats what I would have done.

This thing is starting to look like the ROB

I'm getting a feeling that this route needs an assault...

If the bridge isn't fixed by spring we'll make a creek crossing trail just upstream from the washout...

I have been following this thread since the beginning and want to congratulate, and thank everyone involved for doing such an amazing job. I hope someday to be able to ride at least a piece of it. Reading this keeps me inspired to finish my little 1000 Trans PA Trail.
And I am honored you liked my naming suggestion

And we're grateful you came up with it

Something to fill the gap until the snow melts and work can begin on the TCAT again.

This is huge !

I wanna ride that when you get it done! Sounds great!

GO NED GO!!!!!!

Have fun Ted. Keep us in the loop!!!
Go Bill Go!!!!!!!
Go Jonah Go!!!!!!!

yeah yeah , go guys! I'm on the other threads too

Rough day for Ted over at Dakar....2 RPA riders out of the rally...

And one of them retiring from the Dakar quest, entirely.

Go jonah, you deserve success, and I hope you find it however you define it.