CFR 2011
- Thread starter MEM
- Start date
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MEM
Well-known member
I was going to say "we'll talk closer to the day; if I can get my s**t together, I'd love to provide an escort".Hola Senorita Maria Elena "Muy Bonita", Seth and I'd love it if you accompany us from Truro to Fredericton on Monday, June 20! It'd be "Mas Caminos y Mas Amigos"!I'll watch the schedule, Don. It's not been published yet past April.
re: ride to Freddy from Truro, I can get to Halifax in just over 4 hours.
Just sayin'
And THEN it occurred to me that you could - potentially - have lots of escorts: Canadian FJR, Gypsy (and bride), NS Rider (and bride).
But.... I COULD possibly meet y'all at the Salisbury Big Stop
Canadian FJR
Canadian FJR
Had a good chat with the Yamaha folks at the Moncton Bike show. I suspect we may have a guest from Yamaha attending on Saturday. MEM made a great impression on one of them.
Canadian FJR
Canadian FJR
MEM
Well-known member
'MEM' as in little ol' moi ?
Um.... attending 'what'on Saturday ?
I make time with a guy and then you give him bogus dates to show up at our party ?
What up with that, Scottie ?!
Seriosly, that's nice to hear. I mean, all I did was shake Clad's hand and introduce myself ...... :flirt:
beemerdons
Certifiable Old Fart
Canadian FJR
Canadian FJR
"Um.... attending 'what'on Saturday ? " Sorry about that. I kinda got my dates mixed up. I haven't been the same since my visit to the Amasoil booth. :huh:
Canadian FJR
Sorry about that. I kinda got my dates mixed up. I haven't been the same since my visit to the Amasoil booth. :huh: Canadian FJR
MEM
Well-known member
C'mere and say that to me, Papa Chuy
Oh, wait ! .....
You ARE coming here !! :yahoo:
MEM
Well-known member
It's ok, dear young & impressionable, Scott. I'll get it straightened out"Um.... attending 'what'on Saturday ? "
Canadian FJR
beemerdons
Certifiable Old Fart
https://explore.ca/vacation/maps.shtml Are you NB, NS and US Northeast FJR Forum Members hearing anything about the CAT Ferry from Maine to Nova Scotia coming back to life this year?C'mere and say that to me, Papa Chuy
Oh, wait ! .....
You ARE coming here !! :yahoo:
I know that the sailings were canceled, but I have heard rumors that perhaps the CAT Ferry may return to service this Spring 2011!
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RossKean
Well-known member
There has been endless speculation about return of the CAT or perhaps a slower conventional monohull vessel to Yarmouth from Maine but, as far as I know, its still just speculation. I have not seen or heard any announcements - and I am pretty sure the politicians would announce it loudly! Too bad because, despite the expense, it provides an interesting alternate route.https://explore.ca/vacation/maps.shtml Are you NB, NS and US Northeast FJR Forum Members hearing anything about the CAT Ferry from Maine to Nova Scotia coming back to life this year?C'mere and say that to me, Papa Chuy
Oh, wait ! .....
You ARE coming here !! :yahoo:
I know that the sailings were canceled, but I have heard rumors that perhaps the CAT Ferry may return to service this Spring 2011!
beemerdons
Certifiable Old Fart
Thank You Ross, if you hear of a change in the wind regarding the CAT or a conventional Ferry, please contact me ASAP: [email protected] or Cell: 480-440-4666There has been endless speculation about return of the CAT or perhaps a slower conventional monohull vessel to Yarmouth from Maine but, as far as I know, its still just speculation. I have not seen or heard any announcements - and I am pretty sure the politicians would announce it loudly! Too bad because, despite the expense, it provides an interesting alternate route.https://explore.ca/vacation/maps.shtml Are you NB, NS and US Northeast FJR Forum Members hearing anything about the CAT Ferry from Maine to Nova Scotia coming back to life this year?C'mere and say that to me, Papa Chuy
Oh, wait ! .....
You ARE coming here !! :yahoo:
I know that the sailings were canceled, but I have heard rumors that perhaps the CAT Ferry may return to service this Spring 2011!
Last edited by a moderator:
Canadian FJR
Canadian FJR
I see we've hit the 30 mark. What is the largest number of registrants attending a CFR rally since they began?
Canadian FJR
Canadian FJR
FastJoyRide
Well-known member
We had 120 registered for Nakusp at the peak, of which about 105 actually attended.
beemerdons
Certifiable Old Fart
But Dave, because of our size: You counted FJRob1300, escapefjrtist and Papa Chuy twice each!
MEM
Well-known member
beemerdons
Certifiable Old Fart
Papa Chuy found this great article online describing an M/C trip on the Cabot Trail. I'm going to Bookman's Used Books in Mesa, AZ and see if I can buy the print copy!
"Cavorting on Nova Scotia's Cabot Trail by Motorcycle
Travel northeast to the far reaches of Nova Scotia for a great motorcycle adventure. Story and photos by John Morris.
From the February, 2009 issue of Motorcycle Cruiser
Remember Sebastian Cabot, the bearded and erudite actor who played Mr. French, the butler, in the 1966-'71 series Family Affair? I was a big fan of his. Apparently, so were the Canadians, who named a scenic trail around the northern half of Cape Breton, in Nova Scotia, after him. Some actually believe the Cabot Trail was named after John "Giovanni" Cabot, an Italian navigator who discovered the coast of North America in 1497. I'm having none of this, however, because the Cabot Trail's 185-mile circumference approximates the dimensions of the late, portly actor.
I have long wanted to ride the Cabot Trail. Everyone I've spoken to who's been there has raved. Furthermore, it's in Canada, one of the most motorcycle-friendly countries in the world. When you combine the advantages of proximity, shared (kind of) language, a favorable exchange rate, great roads, sparse traffic, nary a speck of trash and seafood to die for, what's not to love? Little persuasion was needed to enlist my usual riding buddies, Bill, Jon and Pat, for the trek north from Virginia.
We had only eight days to play with, which would necessitate a lot of time in the saddle, especially given our desire to avoid interstate highways. Our plan, necessarily cursory, was to spend two days riding to Portland, Maine, take an overnight ferry ride to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, spend three days touring the Cabot Trail, relax for a day on the ferry back to Portland and then make the two-day return ride to Virginia.
We rode across Pennsylvania, then up along the Delaware River and Water Gap into New York state. At Albany, we headed due east across Vermont and New Hampshire to arrive at the Portland Marine Terminal for our overnight trip on the Scotia Prince. The ferry, which holds up to 250 cars, is very comfortable and has good food at a reasonable price. If you want to save some money and don't mind sleeping in an easy chair, you can forgo the $40 per person for a berth. One advantage of the ferry is that motorcycles are loaded first in Portland. That means we ride off first, and reach customs first in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. It took us only 30 minutes to clear and begin our explorations.
Heading north out of Yarmouth on U.S. Highway 101, which runs along the western coast, we immediately noticed several things. First, there was absolutely no trash along the highways. In fact, after a 100-mile stretch, I asked if anyone had seen that coffee cup on the side of the road 40-50 miles back. Everyone had, so noticeable was this errant piece of refuse! Second, the roads were virtually without traffic. Even in the height of tourist season, one might go several miles between car sightings, especially on the limited access roads in the southern sector. Since less than 1 million Nova Scotians inhabit an area approximately the size of West Virginia, this is not surprising.
As we plied our way north, stopping at the Spitfire pub in Windsor, one could hardly miss the number of towns with Scottish names: Argyle, New Edinburg, New Glasgow, Caledonia, Glengarry, Scots Bay, Inverness.... We also noted how many town names, like New Germany, Liverpool, Denmark, Sydney and Ohio, attest to the island's openness and hospitality. Of course, all this internationalism was reined back into focus with the McLobster sandwiches we consumed at one of the local McDonalds.
We arrived at Port Hastings, gateway to Cape Breton Island and the Cabot Trail, 350 miles later. The temperature had dropped considerably, reminding us how far north we'd traveled. The mlange of aromas—from lobster restaurants, seaweed, salty air and smoking freighters—along the Strait of Canso was exotic and inviting. By midafternoon we had already ridden 400 miles and were ready for a good meal and cold beer. We stopped for the night in Whycocomagh, a small village about 20 miles south of Nyasa and the beginning of the Cabot Trail. We planned the next day's ride with maps spread out all over our hotel room, a bottle of single malt scotch and a few Cuban cigars.
The next morning was brisk and dewy as we set out for the Trail. One is not disappointed with the sights and spectacular vistas here. There are rock outcroppings along the coast whose beauty easily compares with that of Big Sur in California, quaint fishing villages whose colorful boats bob on placid waters, unspoiled forests, pristine lakes and, oh yeah, twisty roads. We rode the Trail in a clockwise direction, hitting the coast, the park at the top of the cape and the windy section in that order. Some of our number, who enjoy beauty more than twisty roads, said they would ride the western coast road in both directions next time. I say you have to do it in its entirety.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park sits at the northern end of the Trail. A park ranger told us that 6000 moose reside in the park, and that sightings are common. They are indeed. Not two miles after leaving him, we came across several cars, a bus and about 20 people standing along the side of the road. Fearing an accident or some other catastrophe, we found instead a moose munching contentedly on some bushes not 10 feet from the road. I was reminded, in a bizarre and even fatalistic way, about perspective from that episode. Seeing a 1500-pound animal makes the threat of an encounter with a "measly" 150-pound deer seem crazily less intimidating.
The Trail offers some unique challenges for a ride. First, one will have to make agonizing choices about where to stop for a sumptuous seafood feast. Second, one needs to be concerned about gas, though not from the delicious food. Gas stations are few and far between on the Cabot Trail, so don't let your bike run low. Third, the temperature is variable, even in mid-August, so staying comfortable can be a challenge. I donned or removed my wind shirt six times in one day. Finally, leave some room in your luggage for a tire repair kit, some spare fuses, cables and anything else you might need to remain roadworthy. Nova Scotia's four largest cities (Halifax, Dartmouth, Sydney and Glace Bay) have a combined population of less than 235,000, and there are fewer than 10 other towns with populations between 5000 and 10,000. So, unlike the United States, you will not find bike shops along the way. But even if your mechanical skills are not advanced, don't let the prospect of a lonely breakdown deter you from enjoying the Trail. You will meet scores of motorcyclists throughout your journey, and will have no trouble finding assistance.
We were disappointed when we completed our trek around the Cabot Trail, but had little time to wallow in our misery. After a full day on the Loop, we made a 200-mile dash to Halifax to spend the night. The next day we set out early to visit Peggy's Cove, a nearby fishing village. Even though we arrived in a fog you could cut with a fork, our visit was worth it. There is a spectacular lighthouse perched on an enormous rock, and the Sou'wester Restaurant offered a killer breakfast (try the fishcakes) and all the bustling activity associated with the fishing industry. My only regret on the trip was that we didn't have more time to spend in this intriguing small town.
We were chasing our ferry, though, and had to rush to make it to Yarmouth on time. This time we were loaded last onto the ship, and were the last off in Maine. Unfortunately, we hadn't made a reservation in Portland, and we rode for four hours without finding a vacancy. The ride back to northern Virginia was scenic, but uneventful, apart from an exciting ferry ride on a rickety paddle-wheel boat across the Susquehanna River. The latter ferry, unlike the Scotia Prince, did not have a hot tub, dining hall or lifeboats. We were mildly concerned about the latter, though the two-mile passage in less than 10 feet of water might seem more daunting to less hearty travelers.
In short, we had a blast. Next year, we're going back to the Maritime Provinces to ride Prince Edward Island, which we hear is magnificent. Maybe we'll see you up there. I'll be the guy in the lobster hat with drawn butter dribbling down his T-shirt.
If you'd like to share your favorite ride that is 100 to 500 miles long and includes at least one interesting stop, send details of the route and your contact information to Motorcycle Cruiser, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Floor 17, Los Angeles, CA 90048-5515; or e-mail [email protected].
For more descriptions of our favorite motorcycle rides and destinations, visit the Rides and Destinations section of https://www.MotorcycleCruiser.com
"Cavorting on Nova Scotia's Cabot Trail by Motorcycle
Travel northeast to the far reaches of Nova Scotia for a great motorcycle adventure. Story and photos by John Morris.
From the February, 2009 issue of Motorcycle Cruiser
Remember Sebastian Cabot, the bearded and erudite actor who played Mr. French, the butler, in the 1966-'71 series Family Affair? I was a big fan of his. Apparently, so were the Canadians, who named a scenic trail around the northern half of Cape Breton, in Nova Scotia, after him. Some actually believe the Cabot Trail was named after John "Giovanni" Cabot, an Italian navigator who discovered the coast of North America in 1497. I'm having none of this, however, because the Cabot Trail's 185-mile circumference approximates the dimensions of the late, portly actor.
I have long wanted to ride the Cabot Trail. Everyone I've spoken to who's been there has raved. Furthermore, it's in Canada, one of the most motorcycle-friendly countries in the world. When you combine the advantages of proximity, shared (kind of) language, a favorable exchange rate, great roads, sparse traffic, nary a speck of trash and seafood to die for, what's not to love? Little persuasion was needed to enlist my usual riding buddies, Bill, Jon and Pat, for the trek north from Virginia.
We had only eight days to play with, which would necessitate a lot of time in the saddle, especially given our desire to avoid interstate highways. Our plan, necessarily cursory, was to spend two days riding to Portland, Maine, take an overnight ferry ride to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, spend three days touring the Cabot Trail, relax for a day on the ferry back to Portland and then make the two-day return ride to Virginia.
We rode across Pennsylvania, then up along the Delaware River and Water Gap into New York state. At Albany, we headed due east across Vermont and New Hampshire to arrive at the Portland Marine Terminal for our overnight trip on the Scotia Prince. The ferry, which holds up to 250 cars, is very comfortable and has good food at a reasonable price. If you want to save some money and don't mind sleeping in an easy chair, you can forgo the $40 per person for a berth. One advantage of the ferry is that motorcycles are loaded first in Portland. That means we ride off first, and reach customs first in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. It took us only 30 minutes to clear and begin our explorations.
Heading north out of Yarmouth on U.S. Highway 101, which runs along the western coast, we immediately noticed several things. First, there was absolutely no trash along the highways. In fact, after a 100-mile stretch, I asked if anyone had seen that coffee cup on the side of the road 40-50 miles back. Everyone had, so noticeable was this errant piece of refuse! Second, the roads were virtually without traffic. Even in the height of tourist season, one might go several miles between car sightings, especially on the limited access roads in the southern sector. Since less than 1 million Nova Scotians inhabit an area approximately the size of West Virginia, this is not surprising.
As we plied our way north, stopping at the Spitfire pub in Windsor, one could hardly miss the number of towns with Scottish names: Argyle, New Edinburg, New Glasgow, Caledonia, Glengarry, Scots Bay, Inverness.... We also noted how many town names, like New Germany, Liverpool, Denmark, Sydney and Ohio, attest to the island's openness and hospitality. Of course, all this internationalism was reined back into focus with the McLobster sandwiches we consumed at one of the local McDonalds.
We arrived at Port Hastings, gateway to Cape Breton Island and the Cabot Trail, 350 miles later. The temperature had dropped considerably, reminding us how far north we'd traveled. The mlange of aromas—from lobster restaurants, seaweed, salty air and smoking freighters—along the Strait of Canso was exotic and inviting. By midafternoon we had already ridden 400 miles and were ready for a good meal and cold beer. We stopped for the night in Whycocomagh, a small village about 20 miles south of Nyasa and the beginning of the Cabot Trail. We planned the next day's ride with maps spread out all over our hotel room, a bottle of single malt scotch and a few Cuban cigars.
The next morning was brisk and dewy as we set out for the Trail. One is not disappointed with the sights and spectacular vistas here. There are rock outcroppings along the coast whose beauty easily compares with that of Big Sur in California, quaint fishing villages whose colorful boats bob on placid waters, unspoiled forests, pristine lakes and, oh yeah, twisty roads. We rode the Trail in a clockwise direction, hitting the coast, the park at the top of the cape and the windy section in that order. Some of our number, who enjoy beauty more than twisty roads, said they would ride the western coast road in both directions next time. I say you have to do it in its entirety.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park sits at the northern end of the Trail. A park ranger told us that 6000 moose reside in the park, and that sightings are common. They are indeed. Not two miles after leaving him, we came across several cars, a bus and about 20 people standing along the side of the road. Fearing an accident or some other catastrophe, we found instead a moose munching contentedly on some bushes not 10 feet from the road. I was reminded, in a bizarre and even fatalistic way, about perspective from that episode. Seeing a 1500-pound animal makes the threat of an encounter with a "measly" 150-pound deer seem crazily less intimidating.
The Trail offers some unique challenges for a ride. First, one will have to make agonizing choices about where to stop for a sumptuous seafood feast. Second, one needs to be concerned about gas, though not from the delicious food. Gas stations are few and far between on the Cabot Trail, so don't let your bike run low. Third, the temperature is variable, even in mid-August, so staying comfortable can be a challenge. I donned or removed my wind shirt six times in one day. Finally, leave some room in your luggage for a tire repair kit, some spare fuses, cables and anything else you might need to remain roadworthy. Nova Scotia's four largest cities (Halifax, Dartmouth, Sydney and Glace Bay) have a combined population of less than 235,000, and there are fewer than 10 other towns with populations between 5000 and 10,000. So, unlike the United States, you will not find bike shops along the way. But even if your mechanical skills are not advanced, don't let the prospect of a lonely breakdown deter you from enjoying the Trail. You will meet scores of motorcyclists throughout your journey, and will have no trouble finding assistance.
We were disappointed when we completed our trek around the Cabot Trail, but had little time to wallow in our misery. After a full day on the Loop, we made a 200-mile dash to Halifax to spend the night. The next day we set out early to visit Peggy's Cove, a nearby fishing village. Even though we arrived in a fog you could cut with a fork, our visit was worth it. There is a spectacular lighthouse perched on an enormous rock, and the Sou'wester Restaurant offered a killer breakfast (try the fishcakes) and all the bustling activity associated with the fishing industry. My only regret on the trip was that we didn't have more time to spend in this intriguing small town.
We were chasing our ferry, though, and had to rush to make it to Yarmouth on time. This time we were loaded last onto the ship, and were the last off in Maine. Unfortunately, we hadn't made a reservation in Portland, and we rode for four hours without finding a vacancy. The ride back to northern Virginia was scenic, but uneventful, apart from an exciting ferry ride on a rickety paddle-wheel boat across the Susquehanna River. The latter ferry, unlike the Scotia Prince, did not have a hot tub, dining hall or lifeboats. We were mildly concerned about the latter, though the two-mile passage in less than 10 feet of water might seem more daunting to less hearty travelers.
In short, we had a blast. Next year, we're going back to the Maritime Provinces to ride Prince Edward Island, which we hear is magnificent. Maybe we'll see you up there. I'll be the guy in the lobster hat with drawn butter dribbling down his T-shirt.
If you'd like to share your favorite ride that is 100 to 500 miles long and includes at least one interesting stop, send details of the route and your contact information to Motorcycle Cruiser, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Floor 17, Los Angeles, CA 90048-5515; or e-mail [email protected].
For more descriptions of our favorite motorcycle rides and destinations, visit the Rides and Destinations section of https://www.MotorcycleCruiser.com
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Geezer
Parsimonious Curmudgeon
Nice post Don. I have taken the ferry from Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia and seen the Cabot Trail and eggy's Cove, but that wes over 30 years ago and we were driving and camping out of a Dodge van.
Paul and I will be heading to NS for a couple of days after CFR. We'll be packing tents. I have to work on Monday, so we'll probably start for home on Saturday.
Paul and I will be heading to NS for a couple of days after CFR. We'll be packing tents. I have to work on Monday, so we'll probably start for home on Saturday.
RaYzerman19
Go Wings!
Papa Chuy, I'm sure there are lots of articles about the Cabot Trail and the guys in the story didn't seem to get off the beaten path. If it were me, I'd just take my time and go in the counterclockwise direction, and take a wee side trip if you think there's something interesting (Ingonish Beach, Neil's Harbour or St. Margaret's Village/Meat Cove, etc.). Just look at a detailed map and go where you think it's interesting and be prepared for a full day to make the trip around.
NSrider
Well-known member
Don, if you want I could mail you a copy of the Nova Scotia motorcycle tour guide.
beemerdons
Certifiable Old Fart
NSrider, I would definitely take it! I thought I had ordered this from Nova Scotia Tourism, when I also ordered the New Brunswick Tourism Guide Packet online.
But, even though I did receive all of my New Brunswick, Canada ordered materials (nice maps and lodging guides!), nothing's showed up from Nova Scotia yet!
Don Stanley
1061 N. Amber St.
Chandler, AZ 85225
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