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