O Canada, Invaded by New Jersey Road Sisters
After a year of planning, New Jersey Road Sisters and friends invaded eastern Canada for nine days and it was EPIC!
Day 1 (8/25) Up before the sun, we met early and everyone was on time, packed, strapped, and ready. As on every trip like this, there are some challenges. Everyone is safe, some were pushed to the edge of their comfort zone, and some were reminded to ride humble. We were especially proud of the several riders who had not yet crossed a state line on 2 wheels and on this day they crossed FIVE: NY, CT, MA, NH, ME. Tomorrow we cross the border into Canada!
We left Central New Jersey before the sunrise and reached Bangor, Maine after sunset an ambitious 512 miles, which was MAJOR mileage for some of these riders. We are so impressed with everyone's willingness, patience, and perseverance! It was a great start to an epic adventure. Tomorrow we ride to Prince Edward Island.
Day 2 (8/26) We crossed the border this morning and are officially pounding the highways and byways in another country! Canada's not that impressive? Have YOU been there?
Anyway, another 350 miles from Bangor, Maine to Prince Edward Island. The NJRS crew again rode well, was prepared for US/Canadian Customs, and enjoyed a scenic ride through New Brunswick (not to be confused with New Brunswick, NJ). We crossed the 8 mile Confederation Bridge over the Northumberland Straight. Everyone is safe, enjoying the scenery, and doing great! Tomorrow we explore the island.
Day 3 (8/27) Great day to do some exploratory riding in Prince Edward Island. There is so much see and do on this island that we decided to split up to tackle it all vicariously through each other. There is the Bottle House, Potato Museum, Memorial Wall, Ann of Green Gables Museum, the Arcaian Museum, dozens of lighthouses, some beaches an so much more. If you travel in a group like this...always a find a day or a few hours where you can ride off and have your own personal adventure.
Everyone had a great time as we told our tales over dinner. There was some rain, but everyone was adequately prepared with all the necessary gear. It was also a little chilly, which we also anticipated. It was great to break up the hard riding and experience the people and places we rode to see. Tomorrow we leave PEI and head to North Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Day 4 (8/28)
When we left our hotel this morning, it was dark and 46 degrees! Again our crew was prepared, geared up, and layered up. One rider wore every piece of clothing and gear she packed. We crossed back over the Confederation Bridge at dawn leaving Prince Edward Island. I watched the sun rise in my rear-view mirror. After the 8 mile bridge, our ride through New Brunswick into Nova Scotia was cold and super foggy! Another first for some riders and interesting plot twist. It was a little unnerving, but surreal like riding through the clouds. Today's ride was around 300 miles, mostly along the coast which it beautiful. We also caught a view of a portion of Cabot Trail, which is the main reason for this trip. It is so beautiful here. There are so many shades of green and the trees are just barely starting to turn.
We also had a little hiccup that shows anything can happen anytime. One rider's gas cap broke and pieces fell into the gas tank. It took some time, but with a group effort and some magnets, we managed to pull the pieces out and reassemble the cap. All is well. Our crew is amazing!
Day 5 (8/29) A M A Z I N G ride through The Cabot Trail. It was a beautiful day to ride! "The Cabot Trail is considered one of the world's most scenic destinations, with stunning ocean vistas, old-growth forests, prehistoric rock scarred by glaciers, and the mysterious Cape Breton Highlands."
The views were so beautiful that we had to pull over as often as possible to really enjoy the vistas. Everyone enjoyed the sweeps and managed the switchbacks beautifully. There was some construction along the trail, including some long stretches of unpaved road...but it just added to the adventure. We enjoyed lunch with a view and fresh local lobster is always on the menu! We are again very proud of our riding companions and so glad that everyone is safe enjoying themselves as much as I am. Tomorrow we ride to Halifax.
Day 6 (8/30) On the move from North Sydney to Halifax. Rain was forecasted in Halifax by early afternoon so we altered our route from scenic to direct. We arrived early and beat the rain. Then we had time to explore and relax.
Day 7 (8/31) A beautiful day in Halifax. Again lots to do and see so we split up. I spent time in the gorgeous Victorian style Public Gardens, the Citadel, and the Canadian Immigration Museum at Pier 21. It was fun to zip around the downtown area which has lots of hills. Want adventure? Just get lost in a strange city! :)
Day 8 (9/1)
We rode a few hours from Halifax to Digby for the Wharf Rat Motorcycle Rally. It was a gorgeous day to gather with Canadian motorcyclist in the Scallop capital of the world. (They were delicious by the way!)
This is also our last night in Canada as a group so we enjoyed one last seafood supper and toasted to a fun, safe, successful journey. Very proud of these bikers!
Day 9 (9/2) Coming to America. This day was our last day on the road and it felt like several days have passed since we woke up at 5 AM Atlantic Time. We arrived at Canadian Customs at 6:15 AM to check in to board The Cat Ferry from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia to Portland, Maine. After getting mine and my motorcycle's boarding passes, one bike would not start. The problem was user error related to improper use of electric gear. Oops, lesson learned. She'll NEVER make that mistake again. We were able to jump the bike with a portable jump starter. We boarded the ferry and then had to quickly figure out how to strap down our own bikes to the D rings on the ferry floor. The 6+ hour cruise was nice. The water was smoother than expected. The departure from Yarmouth and the entrance to Portland were very scenic. We napped in between. Great news...border patrol let us back in the U.S.! We then decided to make a straight 350 mile run home We knew we wouldn't beat the dark, but we hoped to beat the rain.
Not! Rain + dark + NY/NJ drivers + highway speed = not fun. BUT, at the end of the day, we are all SAFE! What a climactic end to our grand tour!
I have truly enjoyed riding around 2500 miles with these bikers with whom we've experienced so much with in the last nine days. You guys rock! Congrats on a safe journey and an extraordinary adventure.
