Riding this year...

RossKean

Well-Known Member
Weather is starting to improve (finally) I am hoping to get the bike out for at least a short (salty) ride later this week followed by a thorough wash to prevent corrosion. Needs a bath anyway since it didn't get one when winter conditions arrived suddenly in December.

The only discussions on riding destinations I have seen here for the coming season are related to the Trans Taiga.

I figure there are four possible scenarios:

1) Vaccine is unbelievably effective and all of North America is fully opened up by mid-July. (seems unlikely)

2) Things are fully under control in Canada with a low COVID-19 case rate and we end out with a Canadian Bubble by mid-July. (Moderate chance, I think)

3) The Atlantic Bubble is restored by sometime in June. (Very likely, IMO)
Edit: Could be earlier than that according to new CBC story. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/covid-roundup-bubble-new-brunswick-1.5942499

4) Vaccine resistant variants become a thing and localized outbreaks cause the Atlantic Bubble to collapse early in the season. (Don't think so, but...)

What are your riding plans for each scenario?

Mine are:

1) Definitely won't make any long-range plans for travel to the US. At most, I might consider a few days of semi-isolated camping at State Parks in New England. Bring my food, no restaurants or shopping. Pay at the pump etc. While an Alaska trip is under consideration for the near future, it will not happen for at least another year. If I manage a run out to Winnipeg, I might consider a return trip via the US, south of Lake Superior. Again, with minimal interaction with others despite low incidence of coronavirus.

2) Quite hopeful for this. Daughter (in Winnipeg) has a baby due in early July and I would very much like to get out there for a visit. My wife would fly out but I would enjoy a few days of solo riding to and from Winnipeg. Might manage a couple of days exploring the lake region north of the city. I don't think I would venture further west than that - would save it for my Alaska trip (possibly in 2022).

3) After exhausting all of the New Brunswick riding opportunities, I think I would set my sights on Newfoundland again this year for a couple of weeks. I enjoyed last year's trip but I was in too much of a hurry. Ran out of time to explore some places and just take it easy for a few days. While the TransLAb is of interest, it wouldn't be possible unless travel through Quebec is an option. I would also plan some riding in Nova Scotia with some camping. South shore from Halifax around to Digby via coastal roads. Haven't really done much of that in detail.

4) I might go crazy if travel is confined to my home province. I have been everywhere on paved surfaces. Might be the right time to FINALLY get a dual sport so there are some new roads open to me.

So, what plans do you have?
 
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