DukeArcher 

Now I am in a suburb north of Toronto and have it in my mind to cycle to St John's, Newfounland the long way, through Labrador. However, the two routes there seem to have next to no info on the web, especially for cycle touring. Is this a route nobody does for a good reason? Or is it still semi-undiscovered, ie: The Dalton Highway in Alaska before it was paved...

I know the routes are gravel and dirt the whole way but that is fine as I just finished Patagonia, I'm well used to that!!

Need some info on settlements etc; google maps is no help and I don't want to go the way of Christopher McCandless....

raybo

I don't know if these will help you but here are 3 links to information about bike touring in Newfoundland.

Ray

DukeArcher 

Nope, thanks anyway.

axolotl

I don't have any knowledge about cycling in Labrador (I've flown over it and it looked virtually deserted), but you should at least consider getting to Newfoundland via the south shore of the St. Lawrence in Quebec, New Brunswick, perhaps PEI, & Nova Scotia. I can tell you that Cape Breton Nova Scotia is great for touring, and cyclists seem to really like the Gaspe peninsula of Quebec. I've driven on part of the north shore of the St. Lawrence beyond Quebec City and was glad I wasn't on a bike. It's pretty, but with very long climbs and lots of fast-moving traffic.

DukeArcher 

Few people have cycled it (Trans-Labrador), as it seem that it was only fully connected in 2008, I guess people just flew to Labrador?. This could be prime touring real estate...

Considering it....by the way invitations are open, I will be leaving Toronto soon but it will be weeks till I get anywhere near the turnoff to the highway. If I can convince someone else to come along, I will do it for sure.

aroundoz

I actually was supposed to do this last year but unfortunately I had a job offer I couldn't pass up. Here was my route not that you have a lot of options in Labrador:

https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UT...48a564c907&z=6


I have a friend in WA state who road from the St Lawrence all of the way up to Wabush and then across. If you want I could try and get you in contact with him. He left a little late in the year, like September, and ended up being weathered in his tent for a few nights but sounded like he enjoyed the ride for the most part but he did make it clear it's not easy.

As far as getting away from it all, it is out there but since it is the only highway, you wont be alone. It sees quite a few adventure travelers including motorcycle riders.

The flies are supposed to be overwhelming. I talked to a lot of locals up there when I was planning my trip and they were sounding quite serious when describing how bad they can be. Plan on cycling with a net over your head and once you get to your destination, getting in your tent as soon as possible. So much for a nice walk on the Tundra. And if you wanted to leave earlier in the summer in order to beat the flies, then you risk a muddy road with snow on it depending on the winter. It gets really dusty when a vehicle goes by so it was also recommended to have a bandana or mask to cover your mouth and nose.

As far as settlements, I wouldn't count on it. The first stop from Wabush/Labrador City is Churchill falls which is about 250 km then its about the same to Happy Valley. I was told there is no services in between and the only buildings would be privately owned hunters cabins. It's remote but since it's the only road, if things became dire, it wouldn't take much to get a ride.

Don't want sound like I know what I am talking about since most of my knowledge is from talking to locals on the phone and my friend. I would still do it but I wouldn't go into it thinking I wouldn't see another person for days. What I would really look forward to is camping out at night and watching the northern lights once the flies have gone to sleep (if they do). I would love to join you if I could get the time off.

Erick L

The road was completed last december so you could be the first to cycle the whole thing. Bring a bug net. I'll be riding from Blanc-Sablonc to Cartwright this june. I hope you like spruce trees, bogs and old rocks.

clasher

Have you seen this site? https://tlhwy.com/travel/2wheels.html

DukeArcher 

Thanks guys, after a little research, it seems no-one has yet cycled the whole of the completed highway, so it is a little hard to find info. The motorcyclists have been helpful.

Ok, I am 70% sure I am going to attempt it, but it would be 100% if I could find someone to drag along with me. So anyone out there who wants to come on a big trip into the wilderness let me know. I will be in the Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal-Quebec region for at least a few more weeks before I get to the fateful turn off, but I can hang around a little longer if need be. I am not a mile muncher or weight weenie by any stretch, so I can accommodate to other cyclists speed and distances pretty easily.

For pics from my latest trip (Patagonia) check here:
https://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...8&l=de1415f9ca

Kyle

clasher

When do you hope to actually cycle it? It's still winter there right now

DukeArcher 

About 4 to 6 weeks.

clasher

How prepared are you for sub-zero temperatures? Imagine biking in sleet and rain for days on end in -5 degree weather. I think snow storms might still be common in higher elevations... I would really advise looking into the weather more if you haven't. Given the isolation and volatile nature of spring in the far north I'd be wary of such a trip that early in the year. It sucks but hypothermia can kill pretty quick, and you don't want to go all Christopher McCandless on us. Have you called up some locals?

lucille

Wow! That sounds like quite a trip!

You may already know these sites, but here's what I have saved in my bookmarks.
Toronto - Ottawa route. We rode part of the route, excellent suggestions. https://www.hedney.com/ottawa.htm
Route Verte https://www.routeverte.com/rv/index_e.php
https://www.atlanticcanadacycling.com/newfoundland

I've been to St John's and Avalon Peninsula a few times, and it's beautiful. But flying over NFLD, there's really nothing there. Just a very long road through the forest and marshes... Make sure you have enough food and water to last you several days.
It's still going to be cold there in 4-6 weeks, I'd wait till July, if I were you. There are still icebergs in St John's harbour in June!

That being said, sounds like an amazing adventure, just make sure you're prepared and good luck!

Erick L

Since you'll pass through Gros Morne, I suggest you take the shuttle across Bonne Bay and take a ride to Trout River. The Tablelands landscape is sureal. You seem to like hiking and photography. Gros Morne and the Green Gardens trails were spectacular. There are backcountry campsites on the Green Gardens and the coast is facing the setting sun.

The paved part of the Labrador Coastal Drive is great cycling, so is Newfoundland's west coast. You might face some good headwinds.

I'll be in Blanc-Sablon on june 11th and have to be in Cartwright by june 22nd for the boat to Lewisporte, NL. Between that, I plan to go to L'Anse-aux-Meadows and back, then ride to Cartwright. There's a chance we meet. I look like a guy on a bicycle.

aroundoz

DA,
Looking at my notes again and thought you might want the number for the Hwy Dept in Wabush which is 709-282-3406. It's tough reaching someone and you will have better luck calling early while they are in the office. I seldom trust non-bikers for road reports but since they are the ones out there getting the Trans Lab ready for travel, they would be your best source.
Paul

DukeArcher 

Thanks for all the excellent info you guys, so much more helpful than those lonely planet forums chumps.

Thanks for the concern my friend. I have done this kind of silly stuff before, I have all the kit. :-)

mev

I hope you keep a journal or other reports of the road. The TLH is a route that has been on my wish list for a while (I've done the Dalton, Dempster and route across Russia including 1700km of gravel). I had read Robert Matzinger's 1996 account of the TLH (and even linked to it from my 1997 Trans-Canada page) but unfortunately that one seems to have disappeared. Will travel vicariously at first, but eventually still will ride the TLH...

"I guess people just flew to Labrador?"

There has been a ferry for a long time. I'm also under impression that the TLH has been connected for quite a while, but at least in late 90s and beyond there was additional construction to improve that route - particularly influenced by raw materials in Labrador.

tony patane

If you haven't looked at it already, the Advrider forum, a motorcyclist's site, has a number of trip reports. Most of them have a lot of photos. They may be of some help to you. The route is very popular with motorcyclists. Here's a link to the forum. Keep going back through the pages:

https://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=2

tony patane

If you haven't looked at it already, the Advrider forum, a motorcyclist's site, has a number of trip reports. Most of them have a lot of photos. They may be of some help to you. The route is very popular with motorcyclists. Here's a link to the forum. Keep going back through the pages:

https://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=2

tony patane

If you haven't looked at it already, the Advrider forum, a motorcyclist's site, has a number of trip reports. Most of them have a lot of photos. They may be of some help to you. The route is very popular with motorcyclists. Here's a link to the forum. Keep going back through the pages:

https://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=2

DukeArcher 

Thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks!

gnz

Hey Duke, are you carrying a gps yet? If so make sure you upload your track to wikiloc! the area seems completely devoid of any tracks Good luck mate, I wish I could join you.

aroundoz

Eric L is referring to the now completed section between Happy Valley Goose Bay and the junction with Cartwright which open December of last year:

https://www.tw.gov.nl.ca/trans_lab_hi...ctionyears.pdf

avatarworf

Scott & Becky rode the route you're talking about:

https://goingeast.ca/blog/

DukeArcher 

I'm staying with Scott and Becky right now (go figure!) They did the Cartwright - Red Bay bit, not the rest. They have some good info though on road conditions. As for the ride, I now need some dental surgery done (must have been all that Dulce de Leche and Facturas in South America), so depending on how much that costs, I will decide whether to attempt the ride or not, thanks again for the help guys...and someone come along!!