The Eastern Chronicles: Ride to the Rock

Guest Post 2 by Art Rider

A Church in Mabou, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia -Photo by Ron Peter

A covered bridge, near Moncton NB
Photo by Ron Peter

Day 1, June 8, 2014

Left Port Perry at 8:00 A.M., said good-bye to Lynne, I’ll miss her. Droned along the 401 all morning until I got to the new Montreal bypass. It’s really great!! $2.00 toll, worth every penny. I’m sure it’s busier on weekdays but, still, only a glimpse of the city. Made really good km‘s today, about 800, so I’m stationed in Beaumont, just east of Quebec City. Nice spot, next to a summer trailer park, but very well kept: snack bar restaurant but very adequate food, washed down by a Coors Light and a couple or three scotches, all is well.

Day 2, June 9, 2014

The Blue Canoe restaurant, at the Irving Big Stop, Oramacto NB
Photo by Ron Peter

Wonderful breakfast in Beaumont, Quebec, three cheese omelet, fruit, potatoes, rye toast, Yum!! On the road about 9:15, a tad late but, oh well! Great riding weather, low to mid 20’s, might be the odd scattered shower tomorrow. I’m here just east of Fredericton in the Robin motel, cheap, cheap, almost. You can make good time & kms on the Trans-Canada but boring, going to start cruising tomorrow, I’ve got lots of time now. Cover the bike and head out to dinner@ the Irving big store restaurant, “The Blue Canoe”. More later, now where is that Scotch? 

The Victorian Veranda B&B, Port Elgin, NB.
Photo by Ron Peter

Day 3, June 10, 2014

Left Oromocto around 7:30 A.M. in cool but dry conditions, threat of rain later in the day, but at 7:30 P.M. here in Port Elgin, still no rain, but very gloomy. I’m in a very beautiful B&B in Port Elgin, the Victorian Veranda, sooo charming. The ride today on the Fundy Trail and the Cape Enrage Loop was just fabulous, cruised through Shediac, but not a grabber for me. This place is really nice, but no place to eat that I would write home about. Going to cook my own breakfast in the morning, got to like it, and I do. Antigonish tomorrow, more later. 

Day 4, June 11, 2014

Supper with friends, Mabou River Inn,
Cape Breton - Photo by
Ron Peter

On the road by 9:00 A.M., lovely day, bright sun, cool temps, ideal riding on the Sunrise Trail, a little windy in places and very windy getting to Cape Breton. Decided to pass on Antigonish and headed to Cape Breton instead, so here I am at the Mabou River Inn. Dave, the owner, suggested that I pick up a couple of live lobsters at the Celtic fishers co-op and he would cook them up for me, well a couple from New Jersey also picked up some for themselves and Dave and his wife, so it’s lobster all-around. Might go to the “Red Shoe” for a beer after, who knows. Tomorrow North Sydney and the big ferry on Friday, yes bye. 

Day 5, June 12, 2014

The big ferry to Port aux Basques, Nfld.

Photo by Ron Peter

It’s a short little trip from Mabou to North Sydney and a sunny day in Cape Breton, what a treat! It’s definitely cooler here in the north end of Cape Breton and a little windy too. I’m checked into the North Star Inn. I can see the ferry terminal from here. I will look for some dinner later, stay tuned. Took a stroll around North Sydney not much to see really. Did have a very good meal at the Black Spoon Bistro, mussels and scallops with roasted red peppers, linguine and cream YUM!! Washed down with a big glass of Pinot Grigio. Next up is a nice glass of scotch and then ZZZZ. 

On the ferry, all tied down and ready to go.
Photo by Ron Peter

Day 6, June 13, 2014

I’m on to the Newfoundland ferry at 9:00 A.M. for my crossing to Port aux Basque. Met three guys on bikes from New Jersey. What is it with New Jersey and maritime Canada this year? Struck up a conversation and friendship that took up the crossing to Newfoundland and through the evening and many drinks later, good guys! On my way to Rose Blanche in the morning and what should be, more good, but cool weather. The weather gods are still smiling on me. Good dinner here at Hotel Port aux Basque along with many drinks. You must pardon my notes. Liver and onions, very well cooked. Off to Rose Blanche in the A.M., talk soon. 

On deck in fair weather, wonderful smooth crossing.
Photo by Ron Peter