Thanks C-Stain - it looks like we may stay at the Fundy national park (Yurts anyone!) and drive to Sydney the next day. Our boat leaves at 10 or 11pm so should be a reasonable ride in one day me thinks?
When enjoying the Maritimes, be prepared take it slow. A 300 mile day on a road bike is a big chunk of real estate up there. You'll be amazed by the people who want to stop and talk to you. It's like riding into a different century. Maritimers are genuine and caring. When they ask how you are doing, they are sincere in the question and expect an honest answer. There's a level of community there that's been forgotten down south. If you do the islands as a tourist and just blow through, you'll miss the best of it.
Couldn't agree with you more about the genuine nature of maritimers and taking the time to fully experience the area - our time on the rock will be much more pedestrian - we're spending about 9 days in Nfld - can't wait!! Thanks again for the insight.
So true Tim! I spent the better part of an afternoon drinking coffee and listening to some incredible stories of a retired RCMP officer in St. Peter's. It was definitely one of the highlights of my ride.
Fixed. I've done lots of rides numerous times before and each time they are different and enjoyable. YMMV I suppose.
I think you've missed the point, Ace. Given the choice of riding through a place with 500 years or more of culture and history and riding a new, raw road through the trees, I'll take the people, culture, and history every time. I've ridden plenty of "resource roads." They can be fun. They can also drag on to the unending horizon. I've been trying to immerse myself in the culture and history of Newfoundland, and it's been a blast. I've read two novels about the place in the past three days, and it's only thing that's kept me righteous and hopeful. I am truly looking forward to this ride, and the people I'll meet there. You ought to read a whole thread to get the flavor of it before making snitty comments. If you want to treat us with your Trans-Lab RR, c'mon. We're riding The Rock. We've got some very talented folk along. We'll have us a time.
I did read your thread Canuman. Just happened to reply with a comment that has offended you. Sorry...asshole.+
Quoted for posterity. I didn't see anything in Canuman's reply that warranted a response like that. JoMomma is in the basement - we don't need attitudes like that here in Regionals.
I looked at a nice DR650 yesterday. I hesitated and lost. My mighty KLR250 will just have to do. I must admit I feel a little like this now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDynHpb76mg&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I've been browsing through Patrick O'Flaherty's Come Near At Your Peril: A Visitor's Guide to the Island of Newfoundland. It's a frikkin' hoot, and packed with good advice. For example, on food: The general rule is: if you come here with a cholesterol problem, you will be sent home in a casket. Car Maintenance: You will probably get a flat tire during your stay here. Do you know how to change a tire? If you don't, learn how to do so. Nightlife: You will see. . .squat, barn-like structures , sometimes unpainted, set in a gravel pit and called "lounges." These are taverns; too often, they are foul-smelling places, dark and dismal to be avoided by the sensible visitor who wants to stay out of trouble. A good read.
O'Flaherty sounds like a good read! I've found that immersing yourself in unfamiliar cultures can sometimes get you a fat lip, but never have I regretted it. Experiencing the nuances of the local flavor of the region is what it's all about. I could spend the entire trip in a 50 square mile area and still not drink in enough. I'd like to get the titles of the other books you're reading too.
I'll drop it off when I'm done, Tom. I also have a few others that are good reading. Can't wait to get up there!