Ride to Nova Scotia- Part 1 through the Smokeys

[RTRandy]

Before I start, I just want to thank everyone on the forum who helped me plan my trip with great input on my post back in January called "Help get Randy to Nova Scotia" . Folks like Voni, Gail Hatch- She Rides a Beemer, Dave Swider- Kbasa, MarkF, Rocketman and particularly Bob Weber-Tourunigo who lives in Nova Scotia and was kind enough to send me all kinds of maps, guides and even patches. I also got some great road tips on other posts as well.

Day One I couldn't wait to depart on July 5th so at the last minute I decided to depart on the 4th due to no morning rush hour traffic out of Dallas and the desire to ride the Dragon two days later during the week rather than on a weekend. Day one was really a launch day riding I-30 to Little Rock and then I-40 to Memphis. After Memphis, I was to ride across Tennessee on Hwy 64. I can ride the great roads in Arkansas on a weekend trip from Dallas sothe good roads there would have to wait for another day.

Only photo on day one was at my first fuel stop in Hope Arkansas. Hope Arkansas is the Watermelon Capitol of the US and here was a lady selling watermelons on the 4th of July trying to stay cool with her fan. The clouds got worse after Hope and I was in and out of rain until almost Memphis.

I made it to Savannah, TN around 5pm and decided to call it a day so I could continue on Hwy 64 and enjoy the scenery the following day. I fell asleep listening to the locals setting off fireworks on a clear night and in the morning I awoke to the steady sound of rain outside my window. Day Two was the toughest day of the trip. I rode through nearly five hours of on and off hard rain and fog and didn't come out of the rain until around Chattanooga. From what I could tell, Hwy 64 was a pretty nice road, but not much fun that day. After Chattanooga, Hwy 64 got super nice just east of Cleveland,TN and the ride from Ocoee, to Ducktown made my day. I had pushed all day not knowing how long it would take me to get to Telico Plains and after Ducktown it was all down hill. ( Actually up hill and super twisty)

Turns out I needed to stay in Sweetwater, TN for the night just another 20 miles further and at dinner I was surrounded by the local cruisers.

Day three I got up early and found the area much cooler than the first two days. I was finally out of the intense heat. Here we are at the beginning of the Charahola Skyway in Telliquah. Very nice !

and looking across the street:

First part was pretty foggy that morning, though still lovely.

Finally on the decent coming down the other side, the weather improved.

I'm sure I'm not the first to compare them, but Cherohala is very similar in feel to our Talihina sky-way in eastern OK and Arkansas.

Ya think ?
Back to Cherohala:

After a lovely ride and lunch in Robbinsville, it was finally time to ride the famous Dragon. Don't get me wrong, it's a fun road for sure, but after riding it, it occurred to me it was more of a big deal for the cruiser guys.

Thursday morning and getting crowded.

As I headed out, a cluster of these guys roared out in front of me and I found myself stuck behind them matching every turn and watching them take bad lines or no lines at all. That's a story for another day. I was not going to have an attitude on this road so I stayed patient until they finally figured out they were holding me up and kindly waved me past. This road has an excellent surface all the way through so no worry about tar snakes, pot holes, or cracks. None of the turns are really that tricky with decreasing radius, though some very cool S turns and some of those tight sweepers that seem to continue for 360??. I love those !! There were some folks taking commercial photos for purchase so I was lucky to find a few of me later. Here I am in a decending right hander.

At the end, folks had stopped to take photos.

Here's what they were looking at: Kind of cool actually though no idea what it was.

Due to some bad planning in my kitchen months earlier, I took what proved to be the worst route of the entire trip: Route 441 through Sevierville and Gatlinburg, TN. I was trying to get to the Blue Ridge Parkway with a bad route. I never knew they existed, but these places were like Branson only with a redneck slant. Instead of Mickey Roony or Debby Reynolds, it was like Elvis, Dolly and Nascar drivers. I ended up taking four hours to get through twenty miles in these towns in intense traffic and heat. DON'T GO THERE!

 

[EDDIE]

Good report and pics,thanks.Your right about the Gatlinburg area,I wish somebody had warned you,me and my wife always avoid that area,its terrible.

 

[RTRandy]

Ride To Nova Scotia Part 2 The Blue Ridge and more

I got to Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) very late in the day and was tiring with no idea how long it would take to Asheville. For those who have never ridden it, it's has to be the smoothest most well maintained road surface you'll ever ride. More like a small road than a Parkway, but really nice for sure. It even has a blue tint to the thing.

Looks blue to me.

Reminds me more of a driveway to a country club than a Parkway.

After a few hours or so on the BRP I made it to Asheville while it was getting dark.

Following morning I got back on the BRP and continued north only the road seemed to go even higher.

Quite a few tunnels even on the southern part.

If you look closely you can see the roads cutting into the trees.

I finally got off and rode Boone, NC to Bristol,VA on a Hwy 421 which proved far more challenging than the Dragon. It went over two passes with some steep climbing turns and switchbacks down to 10 and 15MPH. Fun, but required focus and both hands for sure. Here is a shot near the end and you can still make out the winding road of Hwy 421.

I spent that night just north of Roenoke in a town called Troutville and when I came out of some restaurant after dinner, some local guy and his wife were admiring my bike in the parking lot. We got to talking and turns out he rides a Honda ST1300 and a Ducati. When asked where I was going, I told him I was going to finish out the Blue Ridge to Front Royal the next day and he told me if he was me, he would ride Hwy 220 toward Monterey. He convinced me to change plans being he knew the area well and it turned out to be super advice. Hwy 220 just north of Roenoke was a wonderfull road and had it all including twin lanes on the long uphills for passing, and tons of sweepers.

It meanders through farm land.

Not sure what Seneca Rocks is, but here's a shot.

Up the road.

To be Continued:

 

[RTRandy]

Ride to Nova Scotia Part 3 to Lincoln, NH

I passed some incredible sights including this hotel on Hwy 220 called the Homestead built in the 1700's. I don't think they had elevators back then either. You can't believe how huge this place was. I did a U-turn just to get a shot.

Another cool looking hotel in that area.

Further north I went over another mountain pass. Great weather that day and very relaxing ride.

Beauty was all around.

I made it to Huntingdon, PA that night and was taking yet another route recommended by someone on the forum covering Pennsylvania roads.
Turned out to be in the Amish country the next day riding through dairy farms. One of the cool things was riding along miles of corn fields like I was gliding through them.

Now here's a sign you don't see in Dallas:

They weren't kidding either.

Some of these carts had rear windows and their kids would wave to me out the back. The parents seemed pretty straight laced about the whole ordeal and were not too pleased with their waving kids. They did their best to move to the side and I did my best to be respectful and pass slowly and quietly. It was Sunday morning and I was just passing through.

That was on a Hwy 45 in PA and a really nice treat.

I ended up riding more interstate that day since this was right after major floods in PA and I wanted to get further north to beat the heat. I rode past Wilkes Barre and Scranton before heading east on 80 to get to Port Jervis, NY. One cool note is there must have been some kind of car Rally that day east of Scranton since I passed tons of guys towing these incredible classic cars from the 50's and 60's. Some were being driven and I always gave them a thumbs up when I passed them.

Had a late lunch in Milford, PA at the Milford Diner thanks to some advise from a local at a nearby gas station. Great food with a huge menu.

 

[RTRandy]

Ride to Nova Scotia Part 4

Spent that night in Pittsfield, Massachusetts and in the morning rode up Route 7 to Vermont. Route 7 was great !

Finally to Route 100 in Vermont. I rode the southern part that day up to Route 4 heading to New Hampshire.

Stopped for lunch and met these interesting characters in the lot. Couldn't resist getting this shot.

They were fascinated with my GPS and said it would never work for them:

The gal who took the photo was on a Harley and the two guys were on a couple of Triumph Thunderbirds.

Inside the place had seen it's time.

So had the roof.

The great thing about the area were these older strip motel which were great for bikes, I love being able to park outside your door.

Typical town on Route 100:

Tons of these small summer stands throughout PA and New England. Ice Cream seemed to be a big deal in those parts.

Spent the night in Lincoln , NH and woke up to another rainy day. Today I was heading to Bar Harbor, Maine and was planning for it to be the first place to spend more than one night. Started out with just light rain at my hotel.

I rode on Hwy 312 into the White mountains in heavy rain so lost some good photo ops for the day. Another tough day but at least short.

 

[RTRandy]

Ride to Nova Scota Part 5 - NH to Bar Harbor

I was riding 20mph decending switchbacks at altitude in hard rain and not much to see. Another tough day, but I knew I'd be in Bar Harbor by mid afternoon and could hang out for an extra day. I really missed out on seeing the sights from the great White Mountain roads of New Hampshire.

Arrived in Bar Harbor and checked out this pricey hotel looking over the ocean since the manager gave me a key to have a look. I opted for an easier place across the street which turned out to be great for me.

Tons of great motels that are well preserved from another time. I wish I could convey how nice the air there was especially at night.

Great breakfast to be had in town.

By the time I scouted the block I decided to eat at Jeannie's down the street.

[

I just wanted the eggs with my pancakes, though I'll admit I had some of their home made oatmeal bread as well. Do you think I got enough carbs that morning?

Downtown Bar Harbor:

How do people pay for one of these?

Love the name and the folks just hanging out on the back.

If the pancakes weren't enough, how bout a 3 pound lobster?
They cook the lobsters in these pots outside and they boil them in sea water.
Incredible ! Best spot for lobster in Bar Harbor is the Trenton Bridge pound which has been there since the 50's.

Back home in Bar Harbor after lobster and ready to leave for Nova Scotia in the morning. To be continued:

 

[RTRandy]

Ride To Nova Scotia Part 6 - We made it!

Another day of light rain out of Bar Harbor and I cut up to Route 9 to head east and cross into Canada at Calais. I got right through customs with just a few questions like was I carrying vegetables or weapons. The traffic coming back into the states was litterally backed up for miles. Note to self: Don't come back through Calias.

I stopped for lunch at this little place in Saint Johns right on the water. View from Parking lot:

Only a couple of guys eating at the next table since it was around 2 pm.

View from my table. Mostly fried everything here, though good.

I made it to Port Hawkesbury from Bar Harbor Maine that day and after lunch in St John, it was all rain again.
Following morning in Port Hawkesbury. I'm kicking myself for not getting a shot of the McDonalds. They sell McLobster rolls in Nova Scotia.

Beginning of Cape Breton

My GPS map took me to exit 12 instead of 11 where the road ends for like 500 yards and you have to take a small ferry.

Finally getting further north on some fun roads. The same road is up there ahead.

Here we are up there.

Getting cool here.

You ride forever at the ocean's edge.

The ocean had this beautiful deep blue color

To be continued:

 

[RTRandy]

Ride to Nova Scotia Part 7 Now we're in the thick of it

Put on a sweatshirt at this lookout along with my trusty rain suite and was snug as a bug the rest of the day.

Now here's something you don't see on our Texas roads:

I went off the Cabot Trail at Neils Harbour and New Haven to hug the coast and see some more coastal towns. If you have the opportunity, take it. Nice road and it will only add about 20 minutes off Cabot trail which turns inland at that point for awhile.

Well here it is: If you ever try to get info about Nova Scotia and especially Cabot Trail, you always see this shot. I had it in my mind and knew when I hit the spot. My camera can't do justice to this area, but it's knocked out gorgeous along here.

Kind of a sad photo here. I realized I had hit my furthest point northeast and I'd be turning for home. Hey I still had another 3,000 more miles or so to go at least.

Here's a shot looking back:

This shot captures the scale of this place. Just awesome !!

Long day so I had dinner around Mabou and found this place in Port Hood.

Woke up the next day with gorgeous weather. Here's the back side of my motel in the morning.

Crossed onto the main land and took this shot looking back at Cape Breton.

To be continued:

 

[RTRandy]

Nova Scotia Part 7 on to Prince Edward Island

The weather was so knocked out that day I decided to get off the highway that was taking me to the ferry at Pictou and ride the outer road. Turns out to be called Sunrise trail. Great road !! Take it for sure !!!
Here some shots heading through the area of Point George.

Road cutting off to left if you look way out.

OK. Once in awhile you end up with an artsy photo. These guys had two chairs and a table looking out to the ocean. I saw this in my mind and stopped to get this shot. Very Cool !

Up ahead this old Catholic church. If you walk out the door, your looking out over the ocean.

Lobster boats everywhere.

More Sunrise Trail:

Tip of Point George:

Made it to the Pictou Ferry and was first in Line. Had about a forty minute wait so hung around in the great weather. Life was good.

Hanging around waiting for the ferry. Buy the way, it's free to get to Prince Edward Island (PEI). They charge you on the return. I paid $16.50 Canadian returning on the big bridge.

To be continued:

 

[RTRandy]

Nova Scota- Last part for now

So this huge old bus pulls up into the lane next to my bike while waiting for the ferry and this retired couple from Orlando starts talking to me about my bike and before I know it, I'm invited to come and check out their bus. 5.5mpg!

Here comes the ferry.

Way out there is PEI.

These guys were great !!

Coming in to Prince Edward Island.

Off the boat and riding again.

I had no idea where to go to spend the night and some guy on the ferry said Summerside is a pretty nice place since his parents grew up there. I figured what the heck so I took Hwy 225 heading west which was beautiful, however by then I was trying to make time to find a place for the night so no photos. I find this motel which had one of the few vacancies and in a conversation they tell me they have one other cottage left "On the water" even though we're like 10 miles from the water. I decide to give it a shot and they hand me a hand drawn printed map. It says the only white cottage on the water with a satalite dish antenna on the side. The road turns to dirt when I spot the place, but not too bad.

$95 for the night with a full kitchen and a living room.

Life was good in that spot.

Next morning all packed up.

The Confederation Bridge is a must ride. It's nine miles long and it has a clear view on both sides. It's high up, but with the open view on both sides it's like flying over the water. I rode it leasurely on a Sunday morning and it's a ride I'll never forget. Unfortunatelly you can't pull over and stop to take a photo on the bridge though I was tempted since there was no traffice that morning. I wasn't even suppossed to pull over and get this one either. Nine miles later I was back in New Brunswick heading for Gaspe only later that morning my bike was leaking oil all over the upper left side of my dash. It's a Sunday morning in a place where English is a second language and I'm leaking oil. I decide to head three days early to the Vermont Rally and try to get it repaired if I don't over heat first. Turns out I had a broken left fork seal and the air flow blows the fork fluid forward up through the dash. Who knew. I was never so glad to set foot in a BMW dealer when I arrived in Essex Junction, VT on Tuesday afternoon.

To be continued in the future.

 

[burnszilla]

The confederate bridge is a must ride. It's nine miles long and it has a clear view on both sides. It's high up, but with the open view it's like flying over the water. I rode it leasurely on a Sunday morning and it's a ride I'll never forget. Unfortunatelly you can't pull over and stop to take a photo. I was tempted since there was no traffice that morning.

Randy. Remember you weren't in the south. That would be the Confederation Bridge. Named after Canada's confederation that took place in Charlottetown, PEI on July 1, 1867.

Awesome Ride Report!!!

 

[RTRandy]

Randy. Remember you weren't in the south. That would be the Confederation Bridge. Named after Canada's confederation that took place in Charlottetown, PEI on July 1, 1867.
Awesome Ride Report!!!

DOH ! Now corrected thanks to you.

 

[sheridesabeemer]

I wanna got for a ride now

Great ride report, you have a nice mix of local flavor.
I am impressed and confused how you traveled so far with just the stuff in your hard cases - no strapped down gear! What is your secret?

 

[RTRandy]

Great ride report, you have a nice mix of local flavor.
I am impressed and confused how you traveled so far with just the stuff in your hard cases - no strapped down gear! What is your secret?

I've done the trips carrying tons of stuff including camping gear and discovered the best way for me is to motel it and travel light. I wear Draggin Jeans and have a second pair packed to rotate. (Not necessarily a great choice I know) In the hot summer I can wear shorts and a T-shirt in the evening, or my jeans, and during the day I've got my riding clothes on. I pack a plastic bottle full of powered laundry detergent and a ton of quarters and manage to do a laundry about every three to five days. The top case has maps, bike cover, rain suit, sweat shirt in case it gets cold and a nylon wind breaker to wear around town if it gets cold or rainy. I try to avoid weight in the top case. Basically I'm packing shorts, underwear, toilet kit, shoes, and t-shirts. I leave the top case on full time, but have to take two side cases, helmet, tank bag, and Camelbak into my motel room. I can clean the helmet at night in my hotel room to be ready for the next day.

Don't let this happen to you . . . I was new at this when this shot was taken in Colorado two years ago. Yikes !

 

[USERNAME]

stellar report!

 

[PacWestGS]

Fantastic Ride Report Randy

They just keep getting better and better around here.

Way to post it Randy, I look forward the rest...

Doc

 

[hexst]

Excellent Report! Thank You I can't wait to start my trip up there the 15th of Sept..

 

[vegasbeemerguy]

Nova Scotia ride

Nice photos, great motels! I also ride an 04 R1150RT, Great bike.
Have you considered and Aerostich? Your picture on the Dragon ride shows you on your bike with all the right riding gear accept your wearing Jeans.
Even if they are " Dragon Jeans", no pun intended, they won't give you the protection you need should you go down. If you have ever seen someone with road rash from a get off you will understand. The other great thing about the Aerostich is if it starts raining you don't need to stop and put on rain gear. Your wearing it already.
Enjoyed your articles very much.


Have fun and ride safe,

Steve

 

[BRADFORDBENN]

Very nice

 

[RTRandy]

Nice photos, great motels! I also ride an 04 R1150RT, Great bike.
Have you considered and Aerostich? Your picture on the Dragon ride shows you on your bike with all the right riding gear accept your wearing Jeans.
Even if they are " Dragon Jeans", no pun intended, they won't give you the protection you need should you go down. If you have ever seen someone with road rash from a get off you will understand. The other great thing about the Aerostich is if it starts raining you don't need to stop and put on rain gear. Your wearing it already.
Enjoyed your articles very much.
Have fun and ride safe, Steve

Good observation. I really wrestled with that issue before I departed especially since I own four good pairs of armored pants. It's the first time I rode with only Draggin jeans since it seemed my pant choices were very bulky and I would need more than one pair to rotate. I think the Aerostitch will be my next pursuit as it can cover a lot of bases for rain and hot summer. Winter isn't an issue since two of my pants are great in cold weather. Hopefully for next summer's trip I'll own some Aerostitch stuff like the Darien pants.