Newfoundland Experience?

KnoxGardner said:

Anyone have first hand experience biking in Newfoundland?

I've become completely obsessed with the idea of riding here for a few weeks in July or late Septemeber (brrr...). I've gotten stuff from the tourist board and a map, but would love to hear about folks who have biked there.

Thanks,

Knox Gardner
www.bikenerd.blogspot.com

My wife and I have been over there twice.
It's a great place, like no other and the people are just wonderful. The roads are fine, main highways have a paved shoulder and the secondary roads are rough, but not too busy. Camping, for the most part is "primative", and the campgrounds tend to be noisy. Those Newfies really like to party, but the music is good and they are certainly not above inviting you to join right in, if that is your bag.
There are two Ferries to Newfoundland, one to Argentia (14 hours) and a much shorter one to Port aux Basques. I would recommend the "long" one, as it gets you a lot closer to St. John's and the real action. The "shorter" one leaves you with a long bike ride across the whole Province, mostly "Black Spruce" scenery and few towns.
You will love St. John's and all the beautiful little fishing villages on the way from Argentia.
The weather can be a problem, so have your "rain gear" on full alert.
If you get to St. John's, be sure and get to George Street. Anyone can direct you there and it is just 24-7 entertainment........it will just "blow you away".

Go for it.........you won't be sorry and you may even experience a "spiritual awakening", or some such thing.

byfred

Thanks Byfred,

We were just looking at the maps again. It seems silly to spend a whole summer biking all over Canada, getting to Sidney, NS and, since I am not a schedule per se, not to hop over on the ferry and see what is going on in New Foundland. The problem is my partner has only 2 weeks of vacation and is trying to decide what part of the trip he should join me on and how. I think we are both leaning to him flying in to St. Johns and using his two weeks in NF. Gros Morne looks stunning and honestly, I am curious to go kayaking with icebergs and it might have to be the "spluge" of the trip to go do that for a couple days.

Have you made it up to L'Anse aux Meadows? We were thinking of biking there (and then in the interest of time and energy(!) seeing if we couldn't hitch back with our bikes to Gros Morne.

I should have figured you'd been there. You still planning on Nova Scotia? I think I've set the departure date around July 12 from Portland, Maine to Sidney and then on to NF before returning to NS and heading out West. Definitely a bit later than I'd like so may turn south after the Great Lakes.

Knox
www.bikenerd.blogspot.com

KnoxGardner said:

Thanks Byfred,

We were just looking at the maps again. It seems silly to spend a whole summer biking all over Canada, getting to Sidney, NS and, since I am not a schedule per se, not to hop over on the ferry and see what is going on in New Foundland. The problem is my partner has only 2 weeks of vacation and is trying to decide what part of the trip he should join me on and how. I think we are both leaning to him flying in to St. Johns and using his two weeks in NF. Gros Morne looks stunning and honestly, I am curious to go kayaking with icebergs and it might have to be the "spluge" of the trip to go do that for a couple days.

Have you made it up to L'Anse aux Meadows? We were thinking of biking there (and then in the interest of time and energy(!) seeing if we couldn't hitch back with our bikes to Gros Morne.

I should have figured you'd been there. You still planning on Nova Scotia? I think I've set the departure date around July 12 from Portland, Maine to Sidney and then on to NF before returning to NS and heading out West. Definitely a bit later than I'd like so may turn south after the Great Lakes.

Knox
www.bikenerd.blogspot.com

I would definately say that L'Anse aux Meadows would be FAR too ambitious for only TWO weeks, out of St. John's. Gros Morne is absolutely stunning, but in only two weeks, you will be rushed. It is rugged cycling and camping. There is lots to do in St. John's, they have a great campground, (Pippy Park) right in the centre of the city, and there are some wonderful rides on the Avalon Peninsula.
Oh ya, when you pronounce Newfoundland..........always say it like you would say "understand". The "locals" will respect you for saying it like that.

byfred