what i did last summer

I spent 3 weeks last summer riding with Scott (of Porcelain Rocket fame) and Tony (with his own kind of fame) all around the island.  Our route consisted of riding the Irish Loop Off Road (clockwise) to Whitbourne, then caught the bus to Port-aux-Basques where we rode the Trailway back to St. John’s, with a side trip to Gros Morne thrown in for good measure.  We covered about 1700 km in total.

I’ve written about the Irish Loop Off Road here and here, and covered The Trailway here, so I won’t write much about them again.  What was new to me was an off road route from Hughes Brook (near Corner Brook) to Glenburnie, which is in the heart of Gros Morne. This route was about 90 km long, had lots of loooong climbs and screaming descents, and is just a wonderful way to get into the Gros Morne area as compared to riding the highway. What was also a first for me was a day trip to Chimney Cove, which begins near Trout River campground. As you will see in the pictures below, Chimney Cove is a special place.

The Irish Loop Off Road incorporates parts of the East Coast Trail between Witless Bay and LaManche.

There’s noting easy about lugging a loaded bike up and down the stairs near LaManche bridge.

We ate a lot of pan-fried cod on this trip.

Darren joined us on day 2 of the trip.  From Cape Broyle to Trepassey much of the route follows the old railway tracks.

Kingman’s Cove wharf.

 

We spent our second night at Chance Cove.

The beach at Chance Cove.

Day 4 begins with a hike-a-bike section to pick up a dirt road that runs to Portugal Cove South.

Scott goes through the tuckamore while Darren goes around it.

Momma moose and a calf.

 

On the “road” to Portugal Cove South.

Camp above St. Vincent’s.

Waiting for the bus to take us to Port-aux-Basques.

Port-aux-Basques.

On the Trailway, shortly after leaving Port-aux-Basques.

Yes, Tony and I qualify – unfortunately…

We rode about 100 km the first day on The Trailway and camped here, at St. Fintans River.

Another 20 km or so past St. Fintans bridge there is a snowmobile warm-up hut.

Fischells River.

Getting off the Trailway and riding the beach near St. George’s.

Karl’s – a great place to stop in Stephenville Crossing.

Get yourself a couple of Scramblers and a Pepsi while at Karl’s; you’ll thank me.  Or not.

Camping on the shore of Georges Lake.

In Corner Brook.

This is the route from Hughes Brook to Glenburnie.  It is on logging roads and was a great ride.

Entering Glenburnie.

On the road to Chimney Cove.

The outskirts of Chimney Cove.

Leaving Chimney Cove.

Celebrating a great day at the Rusty Jigger in Trout River.

Camp in the Gaff Topsails.

The high point of the former Newfoundland Railway.

Gravel pit camping near Bishop’s Falls.

Vegetarian Surprise – “I thought it said cheddar and broccoli!”

Crossing the Terra Nova River.

Bonfires and beers.

Between Clarenville and Goobies.

L-R: a Tumbleweed Prospector, a Moots FrosTi, and a Surly Pugsley.

As seen on the isthmus to the Avalon Peninsula. 

End of the trip.