Solo trip from Toronto

I might be going to that area in the next couple of weeks. Maybe bypassing Smith Falls this time, as there was no falls...
You didn't look in the right place. It is hiding under the dam.
 
Hey guys!

So thinking about a trip I can do from Toronto solo in June/July. Unsure about where to go, and wondering if anyone wants to share their experiences/ideas on where to go/what to do.

I have a Ninja 1000, and plan to travel minimally and mount a hardcase on the back.

How about north of Lake Huron and Lake Superior if you like being away from it all.

And a topcase is all you need. I would carry a tire repair kit and whatever else you think you might need.

You have time, order up a free map from them and also look at their routes.
Ride The Highlands

Skip the above as that is too local. There was another site that took the roads up above Lake Huron if you can find it.
 
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I thought I did, I rode over the river twice and pitstopped near the water tower.
The falls does not exist anymore because the dam was built on top of them.
Same deal as the Long Sault Rapids are now at the bottom of a reservoir on the St Lawrence River created when they built the dam at Cornwall.
 
How about north of Lake Huron and Lake Superior if you like being away from it all.

And a topcase is all you need. I would carry a tire repair kit and whatever else you think you might need.

You have time, order up a free map from them and also look at their routes.
Ride The Highlands

Skip the above as that is too local. There was another site that took the roads up above Lake Huron if you can find it.
I love the ride up Portelance Rd (dirt) and 144 from Sudbury to the 101. Portelance needs an adv, 144 is for everything else.
 
If it wasn't for the US / Trump attitude I'd head for Eastern Ohio. Western Ohio is flat and boring.

Just be careful. In Canada a "F Trudeau" hat gets you a cheer. In the USA a "F Trump" hat gets you shot.

You're there in about five hours so if something isn't working out the return trip isn't overbearing.

I typically based myself in Holmes County and enjoyed the Amish culture. There are lots of reasonable motels, Red Roof, Comfort Inn, etc. I don't need a spa.

If you work your way down to Hannibal you get this sign when you turn onto 536 towards Woodsfield. It doesn't lie.


At Woodsfield you can go south past some covered bridges, mostly closed but still photogenic. The triple nickel (Hwy 555) is popular but didn't amaze me. Coshocton is a heritage village and popular with bikers.

Make yourself aware of the little side roads that start out looking like laneways. They're nice quiet bendy routes to other places.

My favourite apple fritters come from the Amish Door Bakery in Wilmot. The place is a diet destroyer.

Visit Lehmans Hardware in Kidron if you need a woodstove, lamp wicks, wooden barrels, pitchforks, lantern chimneys,
 
The wisest thing Canadians can do is leave their politics (from both sides) at the border and simply ignore any political conversation, much less share anything proactively.

Just don’t expect Americans to do the same. They’ll want you to hear about all their political views, and many will be instantly offended if your world views are not lockstep with theirs. And then you’re instantly an enemy to many.

Best avoid the whole thing to begin with. I just say “I’m on vacation and don’t bother with politics when I’m traveling” and change the topic.
 
If it wasn't for the US / Trump attitude I'd head for Eastern Ohio. Western Ohio is flat and boring.

If it wasn't for the exchange rate, I'd head into the states, Trump or not.

Canadians worry far too much about what is happening south of the border when we should be worried about the useless government we have up here. I just picked up two orders in the US and amazingly, my phone was not confiscated nor was I put in jail as CBC brain washes us to believe.
 
The smart thing to do is STAY HOME.
At least if you fall down in Canda you have the right to health care.
The roads hear are as good as anything I rode in the Adirondacks, Catskills

Adirondacks-Catskills-Green Mountains 5300 km (15 days) copy.JPG & Green Mountains of Vermont.
 
Just don’t expect Americans to do the same.

Why do you say that when we are doing right here in this post.

I hate to break it to you, but I have not been brain washed into thinking Canada is the greatest country in the world as so many state on the web.

If we were, we would not be last...
Canada Comes In Last.jpg
 
The roads hear are as good as anything I rode in the Adirondacks, Catskills & Green Mountains of Vermont.

Which roads up here then as I have driven those roads on that map when I lived in Montreal.
 
Which roads up here then as I have driven those roads on that map when I lived in Montreal.
Hwy 307 366 351 in your back yard
 
The wisest thing Canadians can do is leave their politics (from both sides) at the border and simply ignore any political conversation, much less share anything proactively.

Just don’t expect Americans to do the same. They’ll want you to hear about all their political views, and many will be instantly offended if your world views are not lockstep with theirs. And then you’re instantly an enemy to many.

Best avoid the whole thing to begin with. I just say “I’m on vacation and don’t bother with politics when I’m traveling” and change the topic.
Say "I don't know if I'm a disillusioned Democrat or a Republican that wishes he was wrong." Then run like hell.
 
North East & North West of Montreal.
 
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If I was planning a solo trip, I'd stay on this side of the border.
But, having recently been in the USA there was no issues at the border and very little political talk from the hundred or so people I spoke with. (Tradeshow).
 
Half the fun is planning the trip. Since you’ve never done this before, maybe see how long you can last in the saddle in a day. Plan for some long days and short days. The tendency is to go for as long as you can and cover too much distance to feel you’ve accomplished something. Try a combination of some distance and stopping to explore or find out about a destination to spend a couple of days. Try to enjoy each day whether a nice meal or attraction. Talk to the locals for interesting things and roads to ride.
There are lots of choices. Pack light, have some necessary tools, first aid and charge cables etc. Remember to stop often and take pictures. Don’t blast through a place that looks interesting and tell yourself “I will stop here next time I’m this way”. Wishing you a great adventure.
 
I blasted pass this sign at least 25 times but never made the trip and now it is just too far away.
On my last trip to BC I had actually planned to do the side trip but but out running a blizzard
coming in from the coast seemed more important.

Mica Creek.jpg
 
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North East & North West of Montreal.

I am no longer in that area but I looked it up.

The 351 and the only one I could find, is that the road that runs into Shawinigan? There is a road running off the 351, Chemin St. Francois and Rte de la Promenade that is paved according to Street View. It looks deserted and 88 kms long running through the woods.

So many roads, so little time and unfortunately all of them are not in my backyard.


Map.jpg
 
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Since you’ve never done this before, maybe see how long you can last in the saddle in a day.

I mean a piddly 400 km afternoon ride on back roads is one anyone can do. I cannot see going on a tour if the rider cannot handle that. Some of my day rides are 650 kms and they are not on 400 series highways. And this on stock seats, and yes, even on my sport bikes back then.
 
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