I found this site last night while doing some searching on northern Quebec roads . I thought this might be an interesting challenge or just crazy to make such an attempt to ride in such territory ! The solitude would be something else and risk of a break down or an accident , could be very critical . Take a good look at the site it provides alot of info on the area!
http://jamesbayroad.com/travel/cautions.html
Remote area riding
Moderator: Moderators
Remote area riding
2004 Silver R1150R abs
KeV !
KeV !
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FGanger
kbc68,
You bet, a great trip on a bike, perhaps a bunch of bikes going together for safety.
Not much different than the Haul Road in my ex-state, Alaska. 
That also was best done by a gaggle of bikes, each carrying plenty of fuel, tire repair stuff, and bug dope.
There are a couple more to add to the list. They all have about the same things in common. Perhaps there is a reason not many people live up there?
Frank
You bet, a great trip on a bike, perhaps a bunch of bikes going together for safety.
Not much different than the Haul Road in my ex-state, Alaska. That also was best done by a gaggle of bikes, each carrying plenty of fuel, tire repair stuff, and bug dope.There are a couple more to add to the list. They all have about the same things in common. Perhaps there is a reason not many people live up there?
Frank
I'm sure the riders in Alaska deal with this all the time . LOTS OF PROVISIONS and a group of people with first aid wouldn't help either.
I've been camping in northern Ontario in the summer . Deer flys during the day and swarms of masqitoues at night . After a few days of this you can loose friends quickly ! If you don't have you don't loose mind first !!
I've been camping in northern Ontario in the summer . Deer flys during the day and swarms of masqitoues at night . After a few days of this you can loose friends quickly ! If you don't have you don't loose mind first !!
2004 Silver R1150R abs
KeV !
KeV !
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bikerdudeQC
- Basic User
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Sun Mar 20, 2005 2:57 pm
- Location: Montreal
Don't let this guy discourage you. I did it about two years ago and really enjoyed it. The condition of the road is a notch above standard Quebec road (which isn't great!) but there were no holes or anything to worry about. Because this road is strategically critical to the province (at least 25% of our power comes from the dams at the end of the road) it is well maintained. The added plus, is that the forest is cut away much wider than on standard highway. A real plus with regards to your ability to spot wildlife. Crossing a bear is quite likely. I did. I think moose can be an issue too.
Traffic is not as sparse as he makes it sound on the main road. Wait times for someone to help you will be reasonable for all but critical emergencies (in which case you really are hoot!). Though there are much fewer cars than usual roads, in this environment ANYONE who passes will stop if you seem to have an issue. The few truck drivers you will encounter are REALLY curteous. They will pull over to let you by or signal to you that it is safe to pass and slow down as you do. I was really impressed.
The secret plus for this road is that it is unpatrolled except for the first and last 100km. It apparently is governed by indian treaty and not regular highway regulations. As such I was told that the speed limit cannot be enforced. I was also told that helmet laws do not apply. I got this from a couple sources out there but check into this yourself. The one thing you can get busted for dangerous driving but that starts at about 160km.
I found the scenery really interesting. You will be driving through Taiga, the transition zone between the artic and boreal forest. In a nutshell: lots of leichen and the trees are pretty scrawny.
On my run up, I did not need the extra little gas cannister that I had brought. I had full saddle bags as well as a duffle bag with my tent etc. I ran at about 120km. The return trip I was cruising along at about 160 so I needed the extra can. Can's are cheaply available at the Canadian Tire in Val d'Or.
Visiting the dam at Radison is well worth it. Check first that this is still possible - a journalist infiltrated the dam to show how lax security was. As a result visits were completely stopped for some time. Visit Hydro Quebec's website for details - reservations at least 24h ahead of time are required.
The camp ground is a much better option than the motel. It's the most interesting campground I've staid in. It was originally the site for temporary housing for the construction workers. When construction finished they pulled out all the houses but the streets are still in place. As such the sites are all arranged in cresents and bays. Your site will be on what was a lot on which someone had their home.
Behind the site, there was a guy who had adopted Native lifestyle with in part cause he likes it better but he was also hoping to turn it into a business. He lives in a real teepee, with the traditionally arranged ground cover etc. behind the campground. He is very welcoming and well worth chatting with.
If I can be of any further help, let me know.
Cheers,
Justin
Traffic is not as sparse as he makes it sound on the main road. Wait times for someone to help you will be reasonable for all but critical emergencies (in which case you really are hoot!). Though there are much fewer cars than usual roads, in this environment ANYONE who passes will stop if you seem to have an issue. The few truck drivers you will encounter are REALLY curteous. They will pull over to let you by or signal to you that it is safe to pass and slow down as you do. I was really impressed.
The secret plus for this road is that it is unpatrolled except for the first and last 100km. It apparently is governed by indian treaty and not regular highway regulations. As such I was told that the speed limit cannot be enforced. I was also told that helmet laws do not apply. I got this from a couple sources out there but check into this yourself. The one thing you can get busted for dangerous driving but that starts at about 160km.
I found the scenery really interesting. You will be driving through Taiga, the transition zone between the artic and boreal forest. In a nutshell: lots of leichen and the trees are pretty scrawny.
On my run up, I did not need the extra little gas cannister that I had brought. I had full saddle bags as well as a duffle bag with my tent etc. I ran at about 120km. The return trip I was cruising along at about 160 so I needed the extra can. Can's are cheaply available at the Canadian Tire in Val d'Or.
Visiting the dam at Radison is well worth it. Check first that this is still possible - a journalist infiltrated the dam to show how lax security was. As a result visits were completely stopped for some time. Visit Hydro Quebec's website for details - reservations at least 24h ahead of time are required.
The camp ground is a much better option than the motel. It's the most interesting campground I've staid in. It was originally the site for temporary housing for the construction workers. When construction finished they pulled out all the houses but the streets are still in place. As such the sites are all arranged in cresents and bays. Your site will be on what was a lot on which someone had their home.
Behind the site, there was a guy who had adopted Native lifestyle with in part cause he likes it better but he was also hoping to turn it into a business. He lives in a real teepee, with the traditionally arranged ground cover etc. behind the campground. He is very welcoming and well worth chatting with.
If I can be of any further help, let me know.
Cheers,
Justin
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bikerdudeQC
- Basic User
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Sun Mar 20, 2005 2:57 pm
- Location: Montreal
Oh yea, about the bugs. They are pretty bad. My solution. I just kept my helmet and riding gear on when I stopped along the road - very bite proof. In Radisson, they spray so there are much less bugs.
The other little negative is that it is a very long and relatively straight road. Particularly if you take advantage of the speed option, you will work down your tires quite a bit.
The other little negative is that it is a very long and relatively straight road. Particularly if you take advantage of the speed option, you will work down your tires quite a bit.
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bikerdudeQC
- Basic User
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Sun Mar 20, 2005 2:57 pm
- Location: Montreal
one last thing:
One of the cool things about this place is you actually have to check in at the very begining of the highway. You have to get off your bike and go inside so that someone can look you in the eyes to make sure you really understand that there is nothing for the first 381kms and not much for the next 300kms. You also have to tell them when you plan on leaving and check out when you do so that they don't send a rescue party in looking for you.
Reservations at both the campground and hotel are recommended. I didn't know this and ended up camping behind the kiosk where they book the campground.
One of the cool things about this place is you actually have to check in at the very begining of the highway. You have to get off your bike and go inside so that someone can look you in the eyes to make sure you really understand that there is nothing for the first 381kms and not much for the next 300kms. You also have to tell them when you plan on leaving and check out when you do so that they don't send a rescue party in looking for you.
Reservations at both the campground and hotel are recommended. I didn't know this and ended up camping behind the kiosk where they book the campground.
Thanks bikerdudeQC ... i'm going make this one of my future trips . Reading this from you , someone who has done route ,makes it even more interesting!
Do you know much about the conditions of the hwy 167 heading up to Chibougamau and around to the hwy 113 to Val-d'Or . I would like to make this trip , before the snow falls or next summer !
thanks,
kbc68
Do you know much about the conditions of the hwy 167 heading up to Chibougamau and around to the hwy 113 to Val-d'Or . I would like to make this trip , before the snow falls or next summer !
thanks,
kbc68
2004 Silver R1150R abs
KeV !
KeV !
sounds cool
That sounds really cool. I like to dream about riding Alaska myself, but in honesty I don't have what it takes to do it. Maybe 20 years ago.
So, I ride the vast nothingness here. That spot on Earth riders dread to travel across.
Kansas. 'Nuff said
So, I ride the vast nothingness here. That spot on Earth riders dread to travel across.
Kansas. 'Nuff said
2 spark BMW's: '04 R1150R, '05 F650GS
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bikerdudeQC
- Basic User
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Sun Mar 20, 2005 2:57 pm
- Location: Montreal
Sorry KBC, I had hoped to do the big loop (Val d-Or, Chibougamou, Lac St. Jean, La Tuque, Quebec City, Montreal) this summer but work is keeping me out of town for most of the summer (actually in Sydney, Australia right now - great place!).
When I went, I basically went straight up and down, I was in bit pressed for time as i just had 5 days. 117 is in good condition, is a pretty nice drive, but I'm not sure that's the most direct route for you. 109 is a bit dull but there isn't really a way around that (I think)
If you're going to go this year, I'd suggest getting going really soon. It does get colder faster up there and from what I'm told it's already getting pretty chilly in Montreal.
When I went, I basically went straight up and down, I was in bit pressed for time as i just had 5 days. 117 is in good condition, is a pretty nice drive, but I'm not sure that's the most direct route for you. 109 is a bit dull but there isn't really a way around that (I think)
If you're going to go this year, I'd suggest getting going really soon. It does get colder faster up there and from what I'm told it's already getting pretty chilly in Montreal.
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FGanger
kbc68,
I have a couple of shots North of the Arctic Circle. Not on my R bike, but my K bike. Who says you need a GS?:roll:
Frank
http://R1150R.smugmug.com/gallery/360887/1/14941804
http://R1150R.smugmug.com/gallery/360887/1/14941810
I have a couple of shots North of the Arctic Circle.
Not on my R bike, but my K bike. Who says you need a GS?:roll: Frank
http://R1150R.smugmug.com/gallery/360887/1/14941804
http://R1150R.smugmug.com/gallery/360887/1/14941810
Awesome ! Thanks FGanger I'm with ya !
http://mikuna.image.pbase.com/v3/00/623 ... rt2171.jpg
[img]http://mikuna.image.pbase.com/v3/00/623 ... rt2171.jpg
http://i.pbase.com/v3/00/62300/1/472051 ... rt1059.jpg
[/img]http://i.pbase.com/v3/00/62300/1/472051 ... rt1059.jpg
http://i.pbase.com/v3/00/62300/1/472051 ... rt1064.jpg
[img]http://i.pbase.com/v3/00/62300/1/472051 ... rt1064.jpg
Off road it if you can ![/img]
http://mikuna.image.pbase.com/v3/00/623 ... rt2171.jpg
[img]http://mikuna.image.pbase.com/v3/00/623 ... rt2171.jpg
http://i.pbase.com/v3/00/62300/1/472051 ... rt1059.jpg
[/img]http://i.pbase.com/v3/00/62300/1/472051 ... rt1059.jpg
http://i.pbase.com/v3/00/62300/1/472051 ... rt1064.jpg
[img]http://i.pbase.com/v3/00/62300/1/472051 ... rt1064.jpg
Off road it if you can ![/img]
2004 Silver R1150R abs
KeV !
KeV !