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11 Sep 2018
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
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Today we have some time to lay low here and get caught upon some work as we are only going 39 km to Bowmanville.
 Screen Shot 2018-08-25 at 09.01.26 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We have been invited to the home of Doug and Sharon Wildeboer. They have been kind enough to ask us to spend the evening with them to talk about planning their big bike trip.We had a great time with them and their family. Sharon cooked us a fantastic meal and Doug took us on a small evening ride to the ice cream shop.
 Ontario-25 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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11 Sep 2018
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
Posts: 3,579
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From Oakville it is just a 41 km to Toronto, where we will visit with Sara’s cousins Cynthia and Ben, our friends Paula and Barry, and her sister Emily and see a few more friends from University. We headed out on the Gardner east and then on the 427 to the 401. It is much faster to go around the city than thru it. We headed south on the Allen Expressway to Maplewood.
 Screen Shot 2018-08-30 at 20.44.11 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE2463 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Canada-5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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11 Sep 2018
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
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We set out at 9 south towards Oakville again as we had dinner with Dan’s cousin. They had just moved out of their house today and so we are staying at Cara’s.
 Canada-12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We went thru Hackley Valley and the small roads until Brampton and then hit the 427, which was mobbed with cars and only let up when we could go west away form the city.
 Screen Shot 2018-08-30 at 20.47.05 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE2483 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE2486 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE2492 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
It is 29 degrees and very humid today. It is also pretty windy. We have had too little sleep, too much food and alcohol in the last month and are worn out from the party. Nice to arrive back to Cara’s at 11 and have the entire day to relax. She was home at 4 and she was on fire to make Tinto de verano after reading my Camino posts. We had dinner plans this evening with Dan’s cousin Brad and his wife. They are the last of our old friends we need to see here before we head west. Great to reconnect and make plans for when they move near to us in the new year.
 IMG_3404 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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11 Sep 2018
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
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We had planned to stay around for a few more days and maybe go to Point Peele the southern most point in Canada. Unfortunately we have had some sad news Dan’s Uncle in Whitehorse has passed away and his uncle in Calgary is gravely ill with cancer. Both were just diagnosed. We will try to get to Calgary sooner than planned.
Today we are headed west! There are 2 options either ride to Tobermory and get the ferry to Manitoilin Island across lake Huron, or ride all the way around the lake. We will take the more scenic ferry route.
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11 Sep 2018
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Contributing Member
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https://youtu.be/CSXamq-gUbc
It is Thursday of the labor day long weekend and the only ferry reservation we can get is for 340 today. We also got the last room available on bookings for the entire of Manatoulin Island. We decided it would also be faster and easier to go west to Burlington and then north on the 6 this avoided the mayhem that is Toronto traffic (voted worst in NA). We set out from Oakville at 845 and at 15 degrees and finally got to Guelph by 10.
 FILE2497 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
It is cold and windy again today. The 6 north is mostly 2 lane and with good flow except for the frequent stoppages for construction. You know you are in Canada when it is slightly cloudy day in late August and you wish you had your heated jacket on.
 FILE2499 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE2506 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE2511 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE2517 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
Last edited by saralou; 12 Sep 2018 at 18:13.
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11 Sep 2018
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
Posts: 3,579
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We stopped for gas in Owen Sound and then went straight to the ferry dock at 130. Here you are directed to the check in where they make you sign a paper that says you will follow directions to tie you bike down (so not Indonesia, but at least you do not have to worry about the boat sinking). From here you ride to the ticket booth 40$ per bike for the 2 hour trip. We had to check in before 240 for the 340 departure and so we had time for lunch.
 FILE2524 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
There were about a dozen bikes also waiting to board. The ferry rear door opens like a big shark and you drive thru the jaws.
 Canada-13 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE2529 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE2541 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE2543 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
You are directed to the front of the ship, asked to park between the deck tie points, and told to use the ropes to secure your bike. We used our tie down as the ropes looked greasy.
 FILE2553 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Canada-14 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Canada-15 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 IMG_3409 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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11 Sep 2018
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2011
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The crossing is a pleasant 2 hours on Lake Huron with Dan singing Gordon Lightfoot’s Edmund Fitzgerald! We arrived at 530 to South Baymouth.
 FILE2610 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE2626 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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11 Sep 2018
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Contributing Member
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Join Date: Jan 2011
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The motel we booked is 30 km directly up the #6. There are several other bikers staying here.
 FILE2522 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
When we arrived after 6 the owner told us the town grocery was now closed and the next restaurant is 30 km up the road. Luckily Cara sent us off this morning with a bag of home made granola. We did walk 1.5 km into the village to see the “lighthouse” .
 Canada-17 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Canada-18 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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11 Sep 2018
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2011
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We woke to a much warmer day at 18 degrees and rode up to Little Current for breakfast.
 Screen Shot 2018-09-01 at 18.54.14 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
The road is smooth, but mostly straight and with peek a boo view of the lake. You leave the island by a single lane swing bridge.
 FILE2634 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE2654 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We gassed up in Espanola and then headed west on the 17. The view is straight road and trees! It is again very windy today, but at least it is to our backs.
 FILE2661 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE2668 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE2676 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE2710 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We made it as far at Sault Ste Marie by 3 and again used the Mcd wifi to find a place to stay. The weather is supposed to turn bag by midnight and we will likely wake up to rain for tomorrow. This is not a very nice town actually especially the downtown and we are glad we booked into a place nearer to the TransCanada. They are super friendly here and even have designated motorcycle parking under the covered entry and where the desk staff can “keep an eye on them”. Apparently there are a lot of thefts here in the city. The staff also first thing this morning put out clean rags on the bikes in case we wanted to use them.
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12 Sep 2018
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Contributing Member
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12 Sep 2018
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Contributing Member
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Join Date: Jan 2011
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We only had our rain jackets of the over suits on. It was warmer today at 22 and the skies really cleared until we got about 80 km from Wawa. The sky was getting very black, but it was not raining until suddenly it was torrentially pouring.
Cars were pulling over to the side of the road and blocking the entry to the rest stop. We finally found a safe spot as it was impossible to see where we were going and there were cars all over place.
We were soaked by the time we had our rain pants on and THEN it really started to pour. A car leaving the rest area pulled up beside us to say that just down this small road there was a shelter we could hide under and so we headed there. This was a small info board with a bus shelter like frame. There was another biker there hiding too.
 FILE2763 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 IMG_3434 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 IMG_3432 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
https://youtu.be/R7ntA9i9lvQ
The rain was amazing and then it got even worse. It was howling sideways at times and accompanied by thunder and lightening. We waited until it settled to a light shower after about an hour. We had just pulled out on the highway and then came upon a large accident with the police just setting out the cones. Luckily the rain had almost stopped as we had to sit there for while.
 FILE2784 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE2788 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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12 Sep 2018
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: RTW, From Vancouver BC 2012
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We then rode the 75 km to near to Wawa where there was the first gas in 150 km and a lineup as the next station is another 100 km west in White River.
 FILE2796 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE2797 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We had planned to get more than half way to Thunder Bay today and we knew there were a few motels in Marathon. Ont. We rode as far as White River and our rain suits had dried out and so we stripped them off to air dry our suits for the last 100 km.
We finally made it to Marathon at 330 cold and starved. We found a hotel in town that was clean and quiet. So glad they had endless hot water for us to warm up in. There was a bar/cafe 2 doors down and we had a great homestyle meal.
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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