Salty Fog Riders Rally 2015: A Final Ride Report

[tourunigo]

That's sure convenient having the Chowder Hut so close by. Looks like a fun place.

Indeed! Excellent food and it is convenient but we always call ahead before getting there just to be sure. It is unfortunate that they do not serve breakfast though. That's why we make a run to Pleasant Bay (45 minutes) for breakfast because it is on our way down the west side of the trail.

 

[tourunigo]

... back to that fire: developing a new strategy

a committee was formed...

...but Ken, having had the childhood experience of living particularly close to nature, proceeds to rebuild the pit

Fire Whisperer?

Next: Back On The Road

 

[tourunigo]

Good Mornin' Meat Cove! Sunrise, on a fine day, is spectacular in Meat Cove. I found a nice SFRR2014 sunrise picture as an example...

For various personal reasons and concerns about an approaching weather system from the west, a few "good byes" happened early on Friday morning at Meat Cove.

This being so, Ken, our long distance rider from Calgary, joined Mary and me for a sun filled and beautiful ride from the northern tip of Nova Scotia to the Canso Causeway and exiting beautiful Cape Breton Island. We did have a few stops though and breakfast was first.

Just found this little bicycle video of a spirited ride down French Mountain, where we go after breakfast. Interesting to watch. Not something that I would do but I probably would do that rather than riding a Long Board, like some have done there lately

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TecfpR1Y7J0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

A very scenic stop before making our way through Mabou and a tour at the Glenora Distillery.

 

[71243]

Good Mornin' Meat Cove! Sunrise, on a fine day, is spectacular in Meat Cove. I found a nice SFRR2014 sunrise picture as an example...

For various personal reasons and concerns about an approaching weather system from the west, a few "good byes" happened early on Friday morning at Meat Cove.

This being so, Ken, our long distance rider from Calgary, joined Mary and me for a sun filled and beautiful ride from the northern tip of Nova Scotia to the Canso Causeway and exiting beautiful Cape Breton Island. We did have a few stops though and breakfast was first.

Just found this little bicycle video of a spirited ride down French Mountain, where we go after breakfast. Interesting to watch. Not something that I would do but I probably would do that rather than riding a Long Board, like some have done there lately

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TecfpR1Y7J0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

A very scenic stop before making our way through Mabou and a tour at the Glenora Distillery.

Just to be clear ?! The rider was on a bicycle correct?.........That had to be embarrassing for the Harley rider.....

 

[tourunigo]

Just to be clear ?! The rider was on a bicycle correct?.........That had to be embarrassing for the Harley rider.....

Ya, I really didn't want to point that out. I suspect that the HD would not be able to maintain much speed with the degree of turns. However, he was videoing his ride and maybe just taking in the scene..... something that the bicyclist could not, if he valued his skin, afford to accommodate. HD rider also pulled over. Dang, thinking back a few years, I was passed by a bicycle somewhere in Colorado ( I think) on my /5 . Some days it's hard to be proud.

 

[tourunigo]

Gas in Cheticamp and then onward to Glenora and Mabou. To get there you have to get off the Cabot Trail and follow the shore (219 and then 19). A very nice ride! At Glenora we are stoping for a tour and a 'wee dram'. In Mabou we are stopping at the Red Shoe Pub.

and now onward, for some of the best single malt scotch (they can say that now!) this side of the pond.... stop in Glenora is alway a beautiful and informative treat. Ken and I went on the tour.

On to the Pub!

The Pub is owned by the Rankin sisters (Raylene, Cookie and Heather). The who? With their brothers, John and Jimmy, became one of the best known and loved musical groups in Atlantic Canada. Here's just one fine example...


<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LGHq_m8E1o8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Too early to stop for lunch so we take a couple of pictures

 

[tourunigo]

Now to the Causeway and home...We said goodbyes at the Irving Big Stop, just across on the mainland, and Mary and I headed home to Larry's River. How appropriate that we were greated by fog

Another successful, albeit final, year of the Salty Fog Riders Rally has concluded. Thank you all!!

THE VERY END AND WHAT A WONDERFUL TRIP IT'S BEEN!! THANK YOU ALL FOR FOLLOWING OUR JOURNEY AND, WITH SPECIAL FONDNESS, THANK ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN OUR LITTLE RALLY.

 

[KenDittrick]

Thank You!

Thank you Bob and Mary for an experience that I shall never forget. I learned a lot about the Acadian culture that you wear proudly on your sleeves for all to see. Notably that culture includes warmth, inclusion and a sense of family and gathering together. You shared your history, your music, and your plans for the future with us but most importantly you lived in the present with us so that we could all enjoy it along with you.

 

[flyhi2cfar]

We heartly agree and second those sentiments!

...Well said Ken; and another great Trip Report Bob. For those of us very fortunate to have experienced this endeavor, there are many fond memories easily kept.
Thank You both, Mary and Bob... for introducing us to special places, fantastic riding, spectacular scenery and great food...
the recipe for new friendships and the Salty Fog Riders Rally!

"travel'n" John & "sunrise" Dara

 

[mogu83]

I guess all good things must come to an end, and so it is with Salty Fog. The first one I went to I went alone because no one I rode with wanted to try something new. As years went on I dragged a few along with me and convinced a couple of others to give it a try. Seems that people more and more are hesitant to get out of their box and jump head first into something entirely different, and Salty Fog was that.
I'll miss Larry's River so different from the insane rat race where I live.

 

[tourunigo]

Thank you Bob and Mary for an experience that I shall never forget. I learned a lot about the Acadian culture that you wear proudly on your sleeves for all to see. Notably that culture includes warmth, inclusion and a sense of family and gathering together. You shared your history, your music, and your plans for the future with us but most importantly you lived in the present with us so that we could all enjoy it along with you.

We appreciate your insights and are very pleased that you have put words to the 'thread' that wove through our intent for such a rally. We did work hard to try and make such a concept work but it was also an event and process that we greatly enjoyed and had so much fun being involved in. In the final analysis though, the quality of it all really comes down to significantly relying upon the individuals participating for the texture of the whole experience. Thank you for coming and thank you for the kind words. If you are not at the MOA rally next July for (hopefully) a little Salty Fog Riders gathering, then we look forward to meeting again in our future travels. - Bob and Mary

 

[Bud]

Thank you Mary and Bob

Your enthusiasm and fun loving spirit made it a memorable trip for me to experience on of the most beautiful and friendly places I've had the privilege to visit.

Not many would have been so generous to plan and host such a wonderful event.

Salty Fog may be over, but it will live on in those who were blessed to participate.

 

[Paul_F]

I've ridden three times to, on and from the Salty Fog Rolling Rally. My only disappointment is felt towards the members of the MOA who did not have the opportunity to experience such a great and innovative rally, complete with wonderful hosts, fine food, deep sea fishing, beautiful vistas, great riding roads, historical education (Fortress of Louisbourg), talented local entertainment and of course a cast of very interesting riding companions.

Bob and Mary, you are to be congratulated on a rally filled with so many attributes, that many of us continued to return to the S.F.R.R. and your scenic Nova Scotia.

Thank you!

 

[tourunigo]

John, Harry, Bud and Paul, thank you for the very kind words! We find our home location to be a place where, for a short time, visitors can slip away from Harry's "insane rat race", and related environments, and relax. We know that when September 2016 rolls around we'll be missing the arrival of old and new friends, especially when 'locals' ask us "are ya having your motorcycle rally again this year?"

We are looking forward to meeting again at the 2016 MOA rally in NY next July though! - Bob and Mary

 

[bobs98]

Well done Bob and Mary! Here's to you and Paul B. for getting it all started. I have enjoyed the ride along!

When did the Chowder Hut start serving beer? I don't remember that from 2008.

Also, Glenora was Single Malt Canadian when we were there. Glen Breton Rare, mmmmm ... tasty!

Hi Harry! Missed you last night, you were nominated for Prez. Just kidding. It is good to get away from the rat race though.

 

[tourunigo]

Well done Bob and Mary! Here's to you and Paul B. for getting it all started. I have enjoyed the ride along!

When did the Chowder Hut start serving beer? I don't remember that from 2008.

Also, Glenora was Single Malt Canadian when we were there. Glen Breton Rare, mmmmm ... tasty!

Hi Harry! Missed you last night, you were nominated for Prez. Just kidding. It is good to get away from the rat race though.

Paul indeed! His picture has always been posted (mostly on an empty chair). This is a picture of me with Paul and 'mega miler' Ron Clark at our very first Salty Fog Riders Rally, when our house was still being raised, prodded and sculpted. Paul loved it that way.

Also, I think that the beer at the Chowder Hut started in 2014. If you are ever in Larry's River do stop in! - Bob

 

[Rinty]

So Bob: what's with the French national flag on the side of your house? Is there Acadian blood in the family?

 

[tourunigo]

So Bob: what's with the French national flag on the side of your house? Is there Acadian blood in the family?

Larry's River is an original acadian fishing community dating back to 1805. Mary's last name, Delorey, is one of the original names of the area. She is 100% Acadien traced back to Normandy area of France. She was born in this house (aka...the Salty Fog Riders Base Camp), which we basically resurrected and renovated. The picture, earlier in this report, is a picture with SFRR participants in front of a series of painted stones. These stones tell the story of the expulsion and subsequent journey back.

<a href="http://s273.photobucket.com/user/BobandMary/media/Salty%20Fog%20Riders%20Rally%202012/IMG_4611.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj217/BobandMary/Salty%20Fog%20Riders%20Rally%202012/IMG_4611.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_4611.jpg"/></a>

(bit of Wikipedia info) "Designed and adopted in 1884 on Prince Edward Island (Mischouche) The Tricolour represents the Motherland (France) of the Acadians. The yellow star, the Stella Maris, is the symbol of Mary, Acadian national symbol and patron of the mariners. It is set on the blue stripe, because blue is the colour of Mary. The yellow colour of the star represents the Papacy. The Expulsion of Acadians from Acadie (now New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island) by the British was in 1755+." Flag symbolic as unification of a scattered people.


Flags on footbridge in front of our house...

 

[Rinty]

Mary's last name, Delorey, is one of the original names of the area. She is 100% Acadien traced back to Normandy area of France.

What a pedigree!

 

[mogu83]

What's more impressive is Mary can take you for a stroll through the cemetery by the Church and show you generations of her family.