Going to Cabot Trail - what to take?

DraginMiFeet

DraginMiFeet

Well-known member
Harley Ultra Classic 2 up and Going with a friend on a Goldwing 1 up to Cabot Trail from Toronto in mid July. No camping just motels.

I've only done day trips in the past of up to 800 km's.

I've read a lot of info on here about touring, what to take and trips to Cabot Trail. If you've done long distance I have a couple of questions. What type of helmet did you take? I have a half and full face helmet. I've not usually worn the full face except when it's really cold out. Should I take both in case of rain?

Does anyone have any routes in gpx format I can transfer to my Zumo 600? I like Kileys route which is cross at cornwall\gananoque or thereabouts then through New York, Vermont, New hampshire, Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia.

Jackets - I have a textile jacket with liner and a heavy leather jacket and a rain suit. Did you just layer and take the textile jacket and rain coat if it rained?

Did you wear motorcycle boots or just street shoes with waterproof covers if it rained?

Did you do anything special to your bike to get it ready for the long trip? I guess I'll be going about 5,000 km. Would you get another oil change half way through the trip or just wait until you get back?

I also read a bit about dri-fit t-shirts and underwear for easy laundering if necessary. Where do you get them?

If I remember any other questions I'll post back.
 
DraginMiFeet said:
1) What type of helmet did you take? I have a half and full face helmet. I've not usually worn the full face except when it's really cold out. Should I take both in case of rain?

2) Jackets - I have a textile jacket with liner and a heavy leather jacket and a rain suit. Did you just layer and take the textile jacket and rain coat if it rained?

3) Did you wear motorcycle boots or just street shoes with waterproof covers if it rained?

4) Did you do anything special to your bike to get it ready for the long trip? I guess I'll be going about 5,000 km. Would you get another oil change half way through the trip or just wait until you get back?

5) I also read a bit about dri-fit t-shirts and underwear for easy laundering if necessary. Where do you get them?
Click to expand...

I went to California last summer which is not the trail you're asking about but it was a long trip (double yours) so maybe this will be helpful.

1) A full face is much better for rain/bugs/dirt

2) I took my textile jacket and a rain suit. The textile is much more comfortable and can get wet.

3) I used the boot covers. Much less room taken up and more flexible than rain boots. Cheaper too.

4) 5,000 KM is fine for an oil change. Do one before and after.

5) The shirts like Under Armour makes are great for sweat and rain as they usually dry very quickly and are comfortable. The problem with them is they start to smell terrible very quickly.
 
Bring layers of clothing, I did the cabot trail 2 years ago and we had days where it was 30+ and other times we rolled through a coastal section and you could see your breath it was so cold.

Make sure your tires are good for the trip, we lost a half day to an unexpected need for a tire on one bike.

I prefer a full face, something about being stuck behind a pig truck in the rain... but this summer I will be bringing a half lid along as well since we'll be staying in one town for a few days and it's small to pack.

I personally prefer a waterproof motorcycle boot, but the covers work.

It's a great ride, except the parts through Quebec if you hit rush hour in Montreal and Quebec City like we did. We took the route through the US on the way back which was much better.
 
Before the trip:
- do a once over with your bike. Lunatic hit it right on the money, make sure you have enough tire for the round trip.
- change your oil before the trip so it's nice and fresh
- make sure all fluids are up to the level

For the trip, bring:
- Full face helmet
- Raingear is a must (not just for the destination, but the in-between travelling as well)
- chain lube (unless yours is belt-driven)
- small tire/air pump if you can fit one in your bags
- zip ties, extra nuts, bolts and washers, small tools like allen keys, etc. just in case you need a small fix
- ziploc bags
- electrical tape
- bug repellent (not for when you are riding, but when you are stopping for photos)
- CAA membership

When it comes to clothing, having multiple thin layers beats out a single thick layer to keep the wind out. You can also wear a garbage bag in between layers if it gets really cold.

There's a really nice look-out point at Meat Cove. However, the road itself is unpaved (not jsut gravel, but rocks and stuff, and some really steep inclines). I would not recommend going there if you are going 2-up. But if you do, rear brakes are your friend.

If you have time, take the ferry over to PEI and spend the day riding to different lookout points, then ride the confederation bridge on your way out of there the follow morning.
 
^ Edit: totally beaten to the punch.

Route: Definitely go through the the US. The traffic going through Montreal is epic, and the trip is so much nicer through the US. Gas is cheaper, food is cheaper, motels are cheaper...

Helmet: If you're touring, full-face is definitely the way to go for what seem to me to be obvious reasons - namely comfort in the rain. And it will rain, I promise.

Don't wear leather, if you can avoid it. If (when) it gets wet, it takes forever to dry. Textile is way, way easier.

Underwear and socks - I swear by the Tilley stuff. There's a store on Don Mills (may be others) and it's worth the trip. As long as they don't get wet, their all-day socks can go for honestly 3 days in the heat without being stinky, and their underwear can be washed in the motel sink and dried overnight. If you've ever tried to pack 14 days of underwear and socks onto your bike and realized that there's no space left for anything else, you'll know what I'm talking about. Bring a couple of pairs of each, endure the joking from your friends when you hang up your gitch to dry, and it's all good.

Oil change - highway kms are way easier on your bike than city traffic. Get your oil changed before you go, and you're good until you get back. Even if you go more than 5000 kms, I'd still be comfortable, as long as you change it asap when you return.

Bike - make sure the tires are new-ish, or are a brand you trust and you know how they wear. I've gone on trips with new tires and had them wear very very quickly mid-trip, which sucks. It looked like they still had thousands of kms of wear left, and 1000 kms later they were done like dinner.

I'd never wear shoes on a motorcycle trip - but that's just me. My rule, after over 100,000 kms of mostly touring, is take care of the hands and feet. I can endure discomfort anywhere else, but my hands and feet need to be warm and dry. I'll spare you the talk on dressing for the crash, but it's my opinion that touring boots are worth their weight in gold, and I wouldn't hesitate to make an investment in the gear.

If I was going, here's what I'd take
- a real toolkit, not just the bike-specific one. You'd have to figure out what you need to take care of emergencies on the road, but I'd include common tools (including what you need to adjust your chain if your bike is chain drive), electrical tape, spare fuses, spare spark plugs, a 12 v test light, bailing wire, duct tape, an air compressor + tire plugs + practice using them!, and probably other stuff. Oh, and CAA. And a head-mounted flashlight.
- rain gear
- touring boots - right now I'm wearing Sidi Canyons and I love them
- Probably my Joe Rocket Alter Ego jacket - can go from very warm to very cold setup, or perhaps my 2-piece roadcrafter
- full face Shoei RF1000 with tinted visor
- Joe Rocket Ballistic pants, also I have some kevlar jeans for when it's super hot
- I have a billion pairs of gloves, I'd take shorties for when it's warm, gauntlets for when it's cool
- heated vest
- clothes - one set of clothes to ride in, one set of clothes to relax in. A pair of flip flops, a pair of converse, pants that zip to shorts so I don't have to bring both, swimming trunks and a towel.
- the peace of mind in knowing that if I forget anything, a Wal Mart is (unfortunately) never that far away.

Your mileage may vary.
 
Instead of driving "through" Quebec, stop in Quebec CIty, it is the only city in NOrth America where you dont feel like you are in NOrth America. Dont know why anyone is afraid of the traffic in Montreal, it is the same as GTA except less idots. If you have time go around Gaspe Bay.

If you are on a budget or are just looking for a place to sleep while on Cape Breton Island, University of Cape Breton Island offers great accommodations at reasonable prices.

And going to the Glenora Distillery on Cape Breton Island is a must. Food and accommodation there are top notch.
 
Hi Guys, thank you very much for all your info. Excellent advice.

There's about 5,000 MILES on the tires so I'll have the mechanic have a look for remaining tread life.

My wife is devastated how little space there is to pack what she thinks she needs. LOL.
 
Stay at least one night at http://www.glenoradistillery.com/. And if you don't like the weather....just wait 5 minutes.
They have log cabin chalets on the hillside behind the distillery that are awesome!
cabins.jpg

Inside is a loft bedroom,2 person jacuzzi,potbelly wood stove and a full kitchen.
253702_10150658780435657_2484730_n.jpg
 
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Recommendation for a place to stay that is very bike friendly is the Baddeck Inn. Its up on a little hill and there is a gas station down the street. The same guy owns the Trailsman Motel too if one or the other is full. Used to run it with his wife but now it is just him.

http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Review-g499213-d1526266-Reviews-Baddeck_Inn-Baddeck_Cape_Breton_Island_Nova_Scotia.html
http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Rev...l-Baddeck_Cape_Breton_Island_Nova_Scotia.html

Do it backwards... meaning there are two entrances to the Cabot Trail. Take the second one. There is lots of signage for the first entrance. But doing it backwards will mean you are on the water side of the road and will get better views. Its beautiful truly breath-taking.

Prepare for warm and cold. Cape Breton is Canada's version of Scotland (Gaelic signs too) and the mountains can get chilly, specially with the morning fog. We encountered fog and had days for needing warmer gear. We hit cold areas where you saw your own breath... and it was the first week of July.
 
The day you planning on actually riding the trail, take the time you are expecting to do it in and add a few hours. It is spectacular and you end up stoping more then you would expect. Not an experience that you will be wanting to rush.
Be safe and enjoy your trip!
 
There is a road off the Cabot Trail called Meat Cove Road, there are terrific views of the coast. It does turn gravelly partway in, but if you're not afraid of a little gravel, go all the way to the end, the views get better!

Here's our route (and some pictures) if you're interested:
Click to expand...

Meat Cove is well worth the trip and try and book a whale watching junket - I think Oshan is still running

http://www.oshan.ca/oshan_whale_watch_012.htm

Tell Capt Fraser my daughter Meghan and I have many fond memories.- he let her haul up one of the lobster pots...we went out 8 times or so and he used one of our pics on his first web site.
Very personable with lots of stories. That was more than 10 years ago...I see he's getting a bit grey around the fringes :D
He's a third generation fisherman.

Cape Breton is a crazy mix of French, Scottish and British/Nova Scotian backgrounds as you move around the island.
Cheticamp is entirely French -
The Cajun community in Louisana are direct descendants of Acadians exiled from Nova Scotia. - while further south is the largest speaking Gaelic population outside of Scotland and they even have a university that is entirely taught in Gaelic.

Fort Louisberg is also a delight for history buffs

http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/ns/louisbourg/index.aspx

The road on the east coast can be dangerous as it's narrow and drivers stray. But the views are superb. Take your time...enjoy. The one twisty climb coming off a bridge - there were some SS riders just having fun up and down.

East side

Screenshot2012-06-04atJun42012104406PM.jpg


Screenshot2012-06-04atJun42012104443PM.jpg


This is the west side just coming around the northern tip

Screenshot2012-06-04atJun42012103030PM.jpg
 
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Thanks doc, Oshan is definitely a must do. The Louisburg maybe a little bit out of our way. Very nice pics. We are planning our first stop abut 40km west of Lake Placid. does this seem reasonable?

We may come back through Quebec as we'd like to go over the bridge.

What bridge is that in the 1st pic.. road, highway ...?

Thanks ZX we are planning to take 2 days to do the loop including the whale watching. I'm not a fast rider, like to take my time.
 
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I posted some stuff over in the other thread as well that might be useful as to getting there.

http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforu...cabot-trail-nova-scotia&p=1972302#post1972302

I noticed you are going to motel it.
If July you MUST book ahead for Cape Breton ( like book now ) - it's always jammed and there are very very few places.

You will need layers....there are tons of bugs but I like open face so depending on your windscreen for slow touring the open face will be nicer....for the long stretches at speed you'll want the closed helmet.

Don't try and rush this trip - it always takes way longer than you might think.
A diversion across the PEI bridge is a nice short distance away.

If you had the time I'd certainly loop the Gaspé but you add two days....well worth it from what I can see. ( I think Lightcycle had it in his thread ) and annoyed we did not do it last spring but we were early in the year and thought it might be too cold. ( May )

You have comfortable machines but you might consider Beadriders for them - people including me swear by them....shouldn't work....does.
 
All the important stuff has been covered above. Only thing I'll add is stop by Mount Washington if you go through the states.
 
Tools
Take what you know how to use. No point in dragging along 20lbs of tools if you don't have the knowledge to use them. Lay out your tools beside your bike and go through them one by one. If you can reasonably expect to use them, pack them, otherwise leave them at home. A small bag of common (to your bike) fasteners, some tape, zip ties and a flashlight are a must.
Bring your bike to a good shop and tell them you're planning this trip. Ask them to prepare the bike accordingly.
Gear
After 40 years of open face helmets, I switched to a full-face and enjoy the relative quiet and lack of bugs/dirt/rain stinging my face. Ear plugs are useful on long rides; noise can be very fatiguing. If you're not used to your full face for long periods, start wearing it now, all the time. A minor annoyance becomes a major PITA after a few hours. That's true of ALL gear, so if you're getting something new, break it now, not on your trip.
I have H-D FXRG boots; waterproof and extremely comfortable for walking. A quick shine and fairly presentable for most occasions. I don't bring other footwear.
A good touring suit like Aerostich will address 99% of your needs and allow you to wear street clothes underneath.
Maps, etc.
Join HOG or CAA. Both offer roadside assistance, hotel discounts, travel information, downloadable maps, etc. Small price for peace of mind on the road. Program the numbers into your phone.
All That Stuff
Lay out everything you and your passenger want to bring. Now divide by half and pack it on the bike. You're a biker, suck it up.:D In 1920, a woman rode from NY to Cali, with her mother in the sidecar. Her mother brought her knitting. That's it.
On The Road
Avoid the temptation of riding 1000+kms on Day 1. Day 2 will find you sore as hell. Pace yourself to what's comfortable and sustainable for you and your passenger.
Eat light. Heavy meals make you tired. Better to stop more often or pack some fruit and granola bars for quick snacks when you gas up. CARRY WATER AND DRINK IT.
Photocopy your license, registration, insurance, OHIP card and carry them separate from the originals. If you have any prescriptions, do the same and have your regular pharmacist's number in your phone.
Talk to people. Take in the scenery. Explore. Don't overplan. Above all, enjoy.
 
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