It has been a while since my last motorcycle vacation back in 2006, http://www.glennvarsava.com/trip2006.html . This time I had a more realistic route in mind. My route was to drive to Nova Scotia and drive the famous Cabot Trail including a side trip to Meat Cove. Then if things were going well I would return via the Gaspe Peninsula. I was ready.
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| Here is the bike all packed up and ready to go |
Sunday morning I woke up and was on the road by 9:30 leaving Ottawa and heading south down the 416 to ride along the St. Lawrence. Once I reached the 401 I decided to stay on the highway and continue east. My goal was to read Edmundston, NB by nightfall, a journey of just over 500 miles.
The rest of the drive was pleasant and I made good time. I used the recently completed autoroute 30 in Quebec to bypass Montreal, and continued towards Quebec City. After Quebec City the scenery really improved and the driving became quite enjoyable. I knew it would be close to sunset when I reached Edmundston so I kept going. After turning south to head for New Brunswick the road changes from 4 lanes to 2. It was also starting to get dark. I wasn't pleased with myself for being on the road at this time of day as deer can be a real problem. I reached Edmundston before sunset and found a room at the Best Western. After unpacking I was again a victim of my own poor planning. The hotel was not close to any restaurants, nor did it have one itself so I was forced to a fine meal from the vending machine. I needed to start thinking about food a little smarter.
After a good night sleep I enjoyed the hot breakfast that the hotel offered and was on my way in overcast skies. Within 30 minutes I was driving in constant rain, heavy at times, all the way to the Nova Scotia border. Here is where the warmth of the electric vest is a life saver as is the mental stimulation of the MP3 player. I find, as others do, that when driving long distances music actually makes me more alert. Trust me it’s not loud nor distracting. The rain was continuing so I stopped for a great lunch. This also gave me a nice break from riding. Recharged I continued.
After stopping at the border I continued driving into Nova Scotia.
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| The Visitor's centre at the Nova Scotia border |
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| Looking back into New Brunswick |
After seeing a “No Services for 50 km” sign I decided to look for a motel at the current town. I pulled into the town of Oxford and found a motel. I prefer the one where you park the bike right at the front door and food is available close by. This one fit the bill. I had made excellent mileage over the first two days of travel; time to slow down and enjoy the drive.
After a Tim Horton’s breakfast I hit the road and headed for Cape Breton Island. A really nice dry and sunny day. By mid afternoon I had crossed the Canso Causeway was on the island and heading for the Cabot Trail. It was pretty windy but sunny all day. Mid afternoon I was on the island and starting the Cabot trail. I have to admit, it was a pretty technical drive at times, especially climbing Cape Smokey. Once reaching the town of Ingonish I stopped for lunch at a small little diner. Although it was only about 3:30 I was getting tired and was thinking about looking for a place. The girl at the diner recommend a place close by. There, I was offered a great 1 bedroom cabin. It was also right on the water and had a great view.
After unpacking I went for supper at their pub and feasted on a huge plate of Nachos that I could not finish. Chatted it up with some great German tourists as well as the bartender.
The next morning I enjoyed the motel breakfast and then hit the road for my goal for the trip, Meat Cove NS. But first I got to enjoy more of the Cabot Trail. What a great road that curves in all 3 dimensions. .
Leaving the Trail I headed up to Meat Cove where I was greeted with a spectacular view.
I returned to the trail and enjoyed the drive. I then continued down the west side of the island, Again I was treated to both fantastic roads and views.
I left the island late afternoon and found a great motel in New Glasgow, NS.
My plan was now to head to the Gaspe.
After the hotel continental breakfast i hit the road under warm sunny skies. I quickly joined the "sunrise trail" which offered both a great curvy drive with no traffic and great waterfront views. It was very nice.
After crossing the border into New Brunswick I found myself on a very straight fast two lane highway. This got old really fast so I left it for a more twisty waterfront road. Much better.
I arrive in Campbellton near sunset and found a motel. How nice to have both a Sobeys and a liquor store right across the road.
The next day I was to begin my trek on Route 132 in Quebec. The weather forecast was for rain and 10. Based on past results I will be both warm and dry.
He is a picture of Chaleur Bay as I arrived that evening.
Left Campbellton, NB under cold and rainy skies. Immediately joined route 132 and headed for Gaspe. This road was really good. Excellent views and the road is very entertaining.
The rain only lasted a few hours. It never did warm up, high reached about 8. The cold combined with the technical nature of the road was really wearing me out. Around 3:30 I decided to look for a motel for the night. Shortly I found one.
Using my very sparse French i was able to get a room. The room was very nice; even included a walk out porch with a great view of the St Lawrence river.
Went for supper and enjoyed a club sandwich with poutine and a local beer. it hit the spot
Saturday I left Madeline-Centre and headed west.
What a great morning, perhaps the most relaxing ride of the trip. The 132 returned to sea level and hugs the shoreline. You have cliffs on one side and the sea wall on the other while the road takes gentle curves. Amazing.
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| My favourite road sign of the trip |
And then we returned to higher ground where I had to face the wind. A wicked crosswind that had me driving leaned over for a while, not fun at all. As I travelled west the wind was letting up while the scenery was still impressive. By Riviera Du Loop the traffic on the 132 was heating up so I left if for the autoroute. Passed Quebec City around 4:30 and continued west. The forecast for Sunday called for rain so I figured any driving I could do today was better. I eventually found a room and a great little motel outside of Drummondville. Went into town to buy some beer and dinner. Ate it on the patio outside my hotel room.
Sunday Morning I packed up for the final time.
Left mid morning under some light drizzle. It was raining and cold the rest of the trip. Temperature was 11 degrees, rain off and on but my spirits were good. I was happy to be returning home.
Pulled into the driveway around 2:30 Sunday afternoon.
Overall, I had a really good time and accomplished all I had set out to do. I look forward to my next trip.
Glenn
