NFL T'railway, Millerton Jct - Howley: OK for a leisurely ride?

Hi, All,
I posted this question on Advrider, but just realized that this forum is where I should find real Newfoundland experts!

I am planning a ride this September, to loop the Maritimes and Newfoundland. As my free time is quite limited, the itinerary will be very much pavement-oriented to be able to cover the mileage. I'll be crossing from St. John's to Port aux Basques in two days.

Still, I am very curious about the T'railway. I am tempted to ride one 75km section, from Millerton Junction to Howley, over the Gaff Topsails.

Question to you Newfoundland hands: how difficult is that section? Is it passable by a heavily-loaded big GS? My off-road skills are moderate; I'm OK on gravel roads, but may run into trouble with sand and ruts. I looked at the T'railway site, but the info there is mostly ATV-specific, not much surface detail.

What weather can be expected there in late September?
Thanks in advance. Robert

 

I can comment on the weather, and September is sometimes our best month for riding.

 

Done it a few times on my GS. No big issues, aside from the crush stone.
Trucks use it all the time, so keep in mind the narrow pathway, limited vis along sections with alders growing.
Great ride with scenic views. Howley is as far as you want to go, Howley to Deer Lake has a number of sandy sections that will cause great difficulty.

 

Wayne and Backdraft: much obliged! Robert

 

Be prepared for some ATV ruts that can get deep and all you can do is pretty much stay in them. Gas it over the Center hump if you need to. Also whoops near communities or cabins, not an issue gong slow.

You might ge5 a few hits on ADV but probably better luck here.

 

Millertown, east side of Red Indian Lake. Has anyone been down this side of the lake in the last year or two? I know the west side from Buchanan is good but I’m interested in the other side. Heading to Burgeo for a little camping in the Sprinter.

 

I did it two summers ago and it was fantastic! You could easily cruise 60-80 km/h in sections with enough sight. As far as I know they maintain it for active mining and logging operations in the area. The west side of Red Indian was heavily rutted. You actually had to come to a complete stop to get over the berm built up in the center of the road. I should caution that I didn't do the entire route your speaking of to the Burgeo highway.. not sure what the condition of that track is like.