I had grand plans for some long distance travel in the USA this summer. That is, until they became the Infected States of America. Thanks a lot, Covid!
So, where to? Northern Ontario it is! No set plan or schedule, no reservations, four, five, six days, whatever.
This report will be light on the chit chat, heavy on gratuitous bike shots. I set out on my Moto Guzzi V85TT, then met up with my brother, who chose his 2004 BMW R1150GS for this ride. We planned mostly asphalt, and perhaps a bit of gravel. Mon 'n pop motels, maybe some camping.
Packed and ready to go.
We were in no particular hurry, not the least bit interested in one thousand kilometre days. We met a friend for lunch in Barrie, then the skies opened with torrential rain just as we were leaving. It didn't last long, though, and we made our way to Sudbury via Hwy. 69.
First class accommodations in Sudbury. Hey, we're on a budget! I'm sure the woman in the room next to us was a working girl.
Stunning view from the motel, no extra charge.
Stopped at the famous Sudbury nickel Thursday morning.
Then on to the old fire tower lookout in Elliot Lake.
Continued on the Deer Trail to Iron Bridge. On the second leg coming south, there was a lot of gravel and a bit of construction. Very picturesque.
Mosquitoes and black flies were few, but the roads were heavy with butterflies.
Further west on the Trans Canada to Thessalon, then north on 129. The first half, to around Aubrey Falls, is fantastic; twists and turns, up and down, plenty of blind crests. The northern half is new aspalt, wide open, big sweeping curves, and less challenging. Watch out for police along here; we got lucky. Services along 129 are scarce; make sure you have fuel.
Ended the day at the Chapeau Motel. It's a nice, clean, well run place; highly recommended. Our neighbours were a very friendly Italian couple from Sault Ste. Marie. They were riding a Moto Guzzi Norge. How could we not get along?
cont'd...
So, where to? Northern Ontario it is! No set plan or schedule, no reservations, four, five, six days, whatever.
This report will be light on the chit chat, heavy on gratuitous bike shots. I set out on my Moto Guzzi V85TT, then met up with my brother, who chose his 2004 BMW R1150GS for this ride. We planned mostly asphalt, and perhaps a bit of gravel. Mon 'n pop motels, maybe some camping.
Packed and ready to go.
We were in no particular hurry, not the least bit interested in one thousand kilometre days. We met a friend for lunch in Barrie, then the skies opened with torrential rain just as we were leaving. It didn't last long, though, and we made our way to Sudbury via Hwy. 69.
First class accommodations in Sudbury. Hey, we're on a budget! I'm sure the woman in the room next to us was a working girl.
Stunning view from the motel, no extra charge.
Stopped at the famous Sudbury nickel Thursday morning.
Then on to the old fire tower lookout in Elliot Lake.
Continued on the Deer Trail to Iron Bridge. On the second leg coming south, there was a lot of gravel and a bit of construction. Very picturesque.
Mosquitoes and black flies were few, but the roads were heavy with butterflies.
Further west on the Trans Canada to Thessalon, then north on 129. The first half, to around Aubrey Falls, is fantastic; twists and turns, up and down, plenty of blind crests. The northern half is new aspalt, wide open, big sweeping curves, and less challenging. Watch out for police along here; we got lucky. Services along 129 are scarce; make sure you have fuel.
Ended the day at the Chapeau Motel. It's a nice, clean, well run place; highly recommended. Our neighbours were a very friendly Italian couple from Sault Ste. Marie. They were riding a Moto Guzzi Norge. How could we not get along?
cont'd...
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