New tire for the Tiger

With the help of Grease Monkey Motorcycles shop, removed the front wheel and brought it to Somersworth Cycles.

All set for the Ride to NYC early tomorrow.

Casualty Analysis

Like all my motorcycle trips over 48 hours long, there were many lessons learned. The key issue for the Canada trip was time, I was too rushed and was not able to make the proper pre trip preparations.

Even though the service interval for tightening the spokes was 5,000km and I only had 3,500km the day of departure I should have checked all the spokes prior to leaving, and prior to riding the gravel roads. With motorcycle spokes it's a process, tighten ride a short distance and repeat several times.

I should have removed the axles (3x) and greased them. The issue with the rear axle appears to be a bearing issue, this possibly could have been discovered/prevented by removing and heavily greasing the day prior to trip.

A better method of getting gas from the Jerry Can to the tank is needed, I am going to try and find a funnel that can be attached for better solo operation.

Rags, rags, rags never have to many but you can defiantly have to few, especially if your no where near a sink to wash up after working on the bike.

Though I prefer to do 99% of the work on my bikes, it would not have been a bad idea to pay for a tune up by a Ural mechanic pre departure.

Food, we ate out far to often. Planning and buying inexpensive meals would have saved a lit of money, not to mention would have been healthier. Cliff bars and V8 make a great cheep lunch. Alec found out why I dislike jetboils and live by my desert storm surplus stove. Jetboils rely on butane, this is great if two things coincide. The temperature must be above 60 degrees F, the rapid decompression will freeze the fuel canister thus lowering the pressure to an unusable lever. Two, a ready supply of butane cartridges. My stove runs on ANY fuel ( yes olive oil and bacon grease have been used) and temperature has little to no effect.

Everyone needs there own emergency gear, first aid, flat repair, spare food, maps.

The Ural was great on gravel, but my pace on the tarmac was to slow for heavy handed modern bikes. I have my tiger for speed, but with the Ural I enjoy the journey at a slower pace. I think I would feel better with duel sport bikes under 800cc, KLR's and Dakars top out at 80mph.

Though we did the trip in September, it was a little cold. The advantage was the lack of bugs, almost none to speak of. With the temperature dropping to freezing at night it made for slow mornings. The comfort would have been a little higher riding in the rain at 55 degrees as compared to the 40-45 degrees we had.

The trip was great, I met a lot of great people and was able to see things that were indescribable. I plan on doing it again. My next big trip will be to move one or two of my bikes to Texas for the winter. I return home in a week, keep an eye out for some foliage ride posts and pictures. I think a few rides under 500 miles will be good for me.

BRGDS
-Noah Blanchard

Aftermath

Turns out I was not the only bike not returning home under there own power. Alec's bearing issue became crippling near Quebec, but the idea of drinks and a night out was plenty to convince Dwayne and Jeff to drive a truck to retrieve Alec and the limping BMW.
Thursday morning I picked up Zips trailer and headed to Poland to let the Ural expert in New England diagnose the issue. Bill also suggested that a bad bearing could cause the issue.
I picked up Alec's BMW in Portland and dropped her off in Hampton. Nice to drive my truck, it had been a while also I has been missing talk radio and hot coffee things you don't get while riding.
The next post will be a de-briefing on the trip and lessons learned.

750 miles should be considered an iron butt for a Ural!

With a long day ahead I woke up at 0730, packed the bike and checked the fluids and spokes. With no issues I hit the road.
Making an average 60mph it was a nice day for cruising. I met up with the writer for a Canadian motorcycle tour book and a few riders for a local cancer ride.
The weather could not have been nicer, 60-70 degrees and sunny. My time estimates were landing spot on, I reached the US border around 1700 filled up my tank (half the cost as Canada)
I was able to complete the airline (road from Calias to Bangor) by dark, it is twisty deer filled road so I was happy to hit the highway after dark. After a stop in Bangor for fuel and to layer up, it was getting cold fast I headed to Augusta.
It got really cold really fast, a much needed cup of coffee and putting on my winter riding jacket over everything I was already wearing helped alot.
The next stop was to be the service station in Kennebunkport 15 miles from home.
When I was approaching the Saco exit I had a blowout on the highway. Of course it had to be my main drive wheel with the bent axle. Slowing my hack down and trying to prevent a flip over took some mussel. Unable to repair the flat I thought of options 30 miles from my house.
I was able to catch Zip before he settled into bed and he was able to grab his trailer and come to the rescue.
The millage for the final day will have to be 720 Ural miles 30 pickup miles. Time for some much needed sleep.

BRGDS
-Noah Blanchard

Ferry to the mainland

High winds delayed my ferry from even entering port Friday night. If you leave your spot in line there is a chance that you may not get on the next boat. I spent the night on the floor in the ferry terminal, I faired better than those attempting to sleep in their cars. The temperature was right at freezing all night with high winds.
At 1700 when the ferry finally docked you could hear everyone at the terminals excitement.
I was unable to get a cabin, this ended up not being a problem, I got a solid three hours of sleep on the deck. The plan was to start riding at 0100 Sunday morning. I quickly found out that the American 24hr gas station was just that American.
With the next major town 100 miles away and there not being a guarantee of late night gas there I found an inexpensive motel. The manager at the hotel said the earliest any stations would open on Sunday was 0900. I guess I will get a good nights rest.

PIRATE POST: Chris & Alec Strike Again!

Miserable weather was today's theme! After the coldest morning yet Chris and I climbed out of Labrador City over a mountain pass in steady rain. The temperature dropped bellow 32F for 60 miles and snow started clouding our wind screens and visors. The neighboring peaks were already showing accumulation and the trees lining the road were starting to turn white. We were approaching the point of no return with our fuel - very stressful.

Fortunately the road stayed warm enough to prevent any ice build up. As we descended the temperature rose to a balmy 40F and stayed there for the rest of the day. The sun poked through the clouds briefly between rain showers. At one point we even had to stop for hail.

It would have been a terrible day were it not for the fantastic riding! RT. 389 in northern Quebec from Fermont to Baie-Comaue was the best road yet. About 50% dirt it was winding, picturesque and demanded all of our concentration. Even the weather couldn't ruin it, although I would prefer to do it on a 70F sunny day.

The picture above is at the Manic-5 hydro electric damn. The reservoir it holds back is either the crater of a volcano or meteor (we don't speak much French). It can be seen from space, check it out on Google maps.
--
Alec

Very Busy Friday

Long and miserable day of riding. After taking the early (0800) ferry to St. Barbe NF, i got on the bile and didnt stop. 565km of 70-100km/hr headwinds. It was a fight to stay at 80km/hr with my giant sail of a sidecar rig.
In addition to slowing me down, the wind took a nasty toll on my fuel consumption. I finally rolled into Port Aux Basque around 1800 and found the nearest place to put dry and warm (ish) cloths on. The lady at the Vistors center was really helpful and pointed me to the local mall, there I found a family restaurant serving salt cod fish cake dinner for $8.
I have reservations for the 2330 ferry out of Newfoundland, there us a good chance of a hold up due to high winds. I won't mind if they find me a cabin.

Headed south to smoother ground

Woke up early and prepped the Ural for a ride (still was unsure if I could catch a lift) rode down to the docks and met Mark. He was very friendly, doesn't typically take passengers however he is a fellow rider. Loaded the Ural and headed south. It was nice enjoying the scenic ride from up high and enclosed.
I was introduced to who I was told was the prettiest girl in the Provence. She worked at her parents store in Lodge Bay. I really got the local tour from Mark, he knew most people along the Labrador Highway. Getting in around 1400 local time I offloaded the Ural and headed to the hotel, I have reservations on the 0800 ferry to Newfoundland.

PIRATE POST: Chris & Alec's Progress

Shortly after Noah departed I picked up a roofing nail in my tire. The air pump we had broke, the tube was destroyed and the rim tape came apart. After some creative cutting of the old tube (and Chris riding nearly 600km off road to get a pump!) we were back on the road. I also had a questionable wheel bearing, so we had a slow trek to Goosebay.

From Goosebay we pushed on to Labrador City. The motorcycle shop in Goosebay didn't have the wheel bearing in stock and it looked like our fix was holding up ok. We stopped for coffee breaks (pictured above) frequently to warm up. 42F and rain showers!
--
Alec

Arrive in Cartwright

There could not have been a nicer town to break down in, these people are the nicest iv ever encountered. Within an hour everyone in town knew I was looking for a ride to Goose Bay.
My plan changed when I found out a flight out of Goose Bay is around $1,800 ( if I couldn't get the bike fixed) and the ferry would not get there until Sunday night.
The idea of getting back to pavement and closer to Maine seemed like the best choice. The closer I got to home the more likely it was I could get home get my truck and pick up a stranded Ural.
It looked bleak and I was planning on waking up very early on Thursday to drive the 400km back on the road that bent a 1" piece of round steel.
Remember what I said about these people being nice, I got a knock at my hotel around 2200, the guys from the waterfront had found me a transport back to Blanc-Sablon. A tractor truck had an empty load and was leaving at 0830. This would skip the rough road and give me the best chance to make it home under my own power.

Parting ways

After stopping three times in 100km to re tighten spokes I decided against heading to goose bay. I would head north to Cartwright, 100km away. Cartwright has ferry service and hotels, my plan was to take the ferry to Goose Bay to get to a bike shop for repairs. I was sad to break away from my goal of completing the highway, however getting stranded that far away from a town didn't seem smart. I topped off Charley's fuel tank, tightened my spokes again (in the rain) then headed north.

Camp for the night

We found a turn off 100 km north of Port Hope Simpson, 400 km from Goose Bay. After changing the oil on the Ural I wanted to switch out the rear drive wheel for the spare with fresh rubber. That's when I noticed the spokes were beyond loose! I was able to move the wheel almost and inch each way due to loose spokes. When I went to remove the rear axle for the change out, it was stuck!
After much effort it was my best guess that the axle had been slightly bent preventing it from sliding out with ease.
This dis not sit well, I couldn't get the bad wheel off, and if I could get the spokes fixed I still would be stranded if I got a flat. This could not have been a more remote area for this to happen.
Not being able to locate my spoke wrench, I was able to use an 8mm and a Canadian dime.
The plan was to ride north, check the spokes and make a call around the junction to Cartwright 90km away.

BRGDS
-Noah Blanchard

Rough Road Ahead!

That is an understatement, loose gravel over hard gravel with potholes. It didn't matter if you went 10mph or 80, this was one tough section of road. The scenery is breathtaking, iv slowed down to around 20-40 mph the BMW boys headed off at 80 mph. We meet up every 100km or so, they may be in a rush, but I'm enjoying the trip and view.

Whale watching

Ferry ride to Blanc-Sablon

Little more fun than the redeye from Sydney.

Red Bay Labrador

We stopes for lunch in this small fishing town, after this it's no fuel for 150 km and all dirt until Goose Bay 1000km away. We met up with Charley in Sydney, NS he bumped into us here and there but stuck with us when we started the Trans Labrador Highway.

Disembarking the ferry

The ride out of Blanc-Seblon was very scenic, a coastal twisty road though Quebec into Labrador. There are small fishing towns every 10-20 km, we fuel up at the first pump and head towards Red Bay, 100 km away and the start of the gravel highway.

Boarding the Labrador Ferry

--
Sent from my Android phone with K-9 Mail. Please excuse my brevity.

Morning in Nameless Cove

Breakfast at 0800 then off to the ferry

Dinner in Nameless Cove

Ferry canceled due to high winds, found a small b&b in a lady's house, in Nameless Cove. We are her first customers.

We have reservations for 1030 tomorrow. So it's local scollops over an open fire, really ruffing it.

Fiord Riding

One of the few times the Ural was in the lead. Too the rare chance to film the guys riding.

It's ok to skip the tent once and a while

Reports of wind around 70-75km/hr we decided it best to rent a cheep cabin on the water, nice to get a shower and wash our cloths. The restaurant across the street was a real local joint. Putine, moose burgers and salt cod were all great!
Tomorrow we head to St. Barbe and take the ferry to Labrador.

Gros Morne Visitors Center

End of a nice ride through Newfoundlands fiords. Luckily no rain, but we got cloud cover by 1600.

Ride to Gros Morne

Corner Brook Newfoundland

Lunch at Jungle Jims, headed to Gros Morne for the night.-
-Noah, Alec and Chris

On the ferry

Heading to Newfoundland eta 0700.

Coffee shop until they kick us out

Turns out, unless your looking to drink or gamble Sydney can be boring.

Canadain Tire

When the local sent us to Canadian tire for camping stuff I thought he was joking, but the did have some. Killing time until 2300, fun fun.

Oops

So I made it to Sydney at the correct time, however I relied on the boys to double check the ferry schedule. The date and time were correct but that was leaving Newfoundland not NS.
Now we are killing time in Sydney till 2300.

C'Mon Inn Hostel

Heading to Sydney

Ready for bed, long day!

Good day of riding, 450 miles on the Ural feels like 750 on the triumph. The valves on the hack side still seem a little loud, I may pop the valve cover off in the morning.
I'm staying at my first hostel, it's a lot like a AT hut but nicer. Can't beat breakfast a bed and shower for $30 in downtown Moncton.
The ride to Sydney tomorrow is around 450km so it should only take me 6hours. The goal is to reach Sydney by lunch no later then 1300 so I can make the 1530 ferry to Newfoundland.
I haven't slept more then 4 hours a night in 4 days so I think tonight will be an early night. It's good I'm only staying one night at the hostel, I don't think anyone will enjoy my snoring tonight.
The Ural is a great bike so far, it really feels good at 55-60 mph. The seat is very comfortable, the mods I did yesterday made a world of difference.

Sent from my iPhone

East of Bangor

85 miles to the Canadian border

Delay, but underway now

Lost registration caused a delay, heading to Muncton NB!

Getting ready!!

Modifications to Ural

Lifted and shifted seat aft
Heated grips
Hand guards

I am packing tonight, the goal is to start my adventure to Labrador Canada tomorrow morning bright and early.

Small interruption in our camping weekend

After loss of power and failing to diagnose the problem on Vermont backroads, I popped the valve cover.

New Edition to the Family

Sorry for the lack of posts, however the weather has been great and iv
been riding! I have added a new (well new to me) motorcycle. She is a
2009 Russian Ural Gear up. This is the year round motorcycle I have
been looking for! She has engage-able 2 wheel drive and reverse. I
have been breaking the engine during the last two weeks. There was
only 120 kilometers on the odometer when I bought her. The simple
design is great and allows me to to all the maintenance (so far) by
myself. The plan is for prep and trials during August because in
September I and anyone who is crazy like me will be attempting the
3000 mile plus Trans Labrador Highway.

--
BRGDS: Noah Blanchard

Her Majesty's Thunder makes for loose bolts

Back on the road again!

After driving 300+ miles home from NYC I crashed at my friends house, woke up early and rode my Royal Enfield up Mt. Washington. More pictures to come.