Labrador paving etc. - Split from Coronavirus thread...

RossKean · Apr 24, 2020

I split this off the Coronavirus thread. It was not especially relevant and thought it would be better to have this stuff somewhere I might find it again! Mods can move it back or delete it if this wasn't appropriate.
Thanks

murph said:
Pinware is a beautiful place with a beautiful beach. I have camped there a couple of times but the pavement ended at Red Bay then. I thought it went to Port Hope Simpson now but have no first hand knowledge. Restrictions on the crossing passenger numbers due to the virus though.

skibum69 said:
I think pavement is around Port Hope Simpson but not 100% sure. I think it would be fun to roam around the coastal communities up there.

Backdraft said:
Pavement north past Cartwright turnoff now...

fortech said:
Has the asphalt front been progressing on both a north and south heading in 2019? When I drove through in 2018 there was ~ 80ish kms south of the Churchill River. Just wondering if this has increased as well?

TonisToo said:
The Pinware often has a late June opening even July due to snow levels. When we came through mid June 2017 there was still 6 feet of snow in the park and I think this year was also a heavy snow year. If you're thinking July-August it should be good. 2017 was a very heavy ice year in the Strait too. There's plenty to explore. Red Bay has really good fish and chips.

RossKean said:
Does anyone know if a map exists for the current extent of paving in Labrador and Quebec? I would like to like to do some riding in the area but current bike is not suitable for long stretches of gravel.

TonisToo said:
Route 389 up to Manic 5 would be a fantastic ride.

Backdraft said:
The dirt sections are very smooth... Tws does a great job.

Manic 5 to Gabriel was wicked last year... Hard pack dirt . And new pavement for the twisted from baie Comeau to manic 5

skibum69 said:
That's gotta be a nice run on new pavement.

I've got a guy on ADV asking how much dirt is left. I heard it was paved all the way to Relais Gabriel, does it go any further now?

I will be interested in finding out exactly what is paved. I had planned on doing the run up to Manic 5 last year but the weather did not cooperate when I had time available. My preference would be to run the whole Trans Lab but don't think I would do it on my current bike unless most of it was paved (or well packed dirt). Everything is still up in the air - no idea whether significant travel is even an option for this season...

Some friends put TKC 80's on their FJR's and did the Trans Lab a few years ago. Maybe I'll think about it. A dual sport was in the plans for this year but that might wait another year. On the other hand, there might be some good deals if sellers are hungry this year.

skibum69 · Apr 24, 2020