Ontario Overland Project
- Thread starter R_Lefebvre
- Start date
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
Uh, no. My tranny went PPFFTTT! about 2 weeks ago. Actually, I was planning on doing a section of mapping on the Lingham Lake trail. But yeah... truck is out of commission for a while. Not sure how long. I'm going to swap in a manual trans so, it'll be a while.
I may continue on motorcycle for the time being.
I may continue on motorcycle for the time being.
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
Ok, next installment. This one I did on my new WR250X. With the slick tires. :bike_rider: I ordered some Shinko 705's which are a more dual-sportish tread, but they didn't arrive yet, and I was anxious to get out on the new bike and continue exploring this system. It was also a little less nerve-wracking being on the trails on a bike instead of a truck. But, as is becoming increasingly clear, it just doesn't seem to be a problem with the truck anyway.
The pictures on this trip were taken with my new Olympus Stylus Tough 6000, set to 2M pixels. I figured, why bother with higher resolution since the clarity kinda sucks with this camera anyway. Maybe they would have turned out better in full resolution, but then Photobucket super compresses them anyway. <shrug> I got this camera because it's easy to use. I just have it stuffed in a pouch on the belt of my enduro jacket so it's easy to use, even with my gloves on. I don't have to worry about it getting wet, or falling on it, etc.
I uploaded some details of the trip onto my Spot Adventures page:
http://www.spotadventures.com/trip/view?trip_id=203528
In this case, I elected to drive up the "Hastings Heritage Trail". The section of trail from Trenton to Glen Ross is absolutely closed to motorized vehicles. That much is crystal clear... even though it's not well indicated everywhere, I know this as a fact. Actually, it's interesting because the ATV clubs are fighting to have it opened up to them.
I picked up the trail from Glen Ross, and the trail head looks like most of the others.
It does have an HHTA sign, but not an EOTA sign. AFAIK, the HHTA organization is defunct.
Some of the places where the trail crosses roads have no indication at all:
I didn't stop to take as many photos of the bridges this time. Most of them were similiar to the others, and I was more interested in table topping them anyway! :victory: But this bridge crossed a nice stream so I took a few pics. On this bridge, I talked to an interesting local on an ATV. I told him I was scouting it out for use with my truck, and he told me cars and trucks do use this trail. He said he stops on the bridge often, and sometimes has to move to make room for a truck to pass. Very interesting. The more locals I talk to, the more it's apparent they don't care about EOTA rules, although this guy did say he bought a pass.
Sorry for getting my thumbs in the way on a few of these, the lens is in a strange place on this camera and I have to get used to it.
This is pretty typical of the trail. Pretty straight and level. I had few problems with the slick tires, except for the built up gravel berm in the middle which required some finesse if you get into it. Generally I was doing 80km/h on the bike. You have to be careful however because in some places with denser brush, there are cross roads that appear out of nowhere, and the warning signs put up by the snowmobile clubs are obscured by foliage in the summer.
Another stream. There was a family with kids and a dog here that came in on bicycles. The dog was swimming in the stream, but you can also see evidence of some "Quad-tards" who appear to have driven through the stream, probably just to do some "mud-boggin". Idiots. These are the guys that will get it closed. Luckily the damage isn't too bad.
Pretty common bridge. Decking is in poor shape, but again it has 12x12 timbers under the deck supported by massive I-beams along the length.
The pictures on this trip were taken with my new Olympus Stylus Tough 6000, set to 2M pixels. I figured, why bother with higher resolution since the clarity kinda sucks with this camera anyway. Maybe they would have turned out better in full resolution, but then Photobucket super compresses them anyway. <shrug> I got this camera because it's easy to use. I just have it stuffed in a pouch on the belt of my enduro jacket so it's easy to use, even with my gloves on. I don't have to worry about it getting wet, or falling on it, etc.
I uploaded some details of the trip onto my Spot Adventures page:
http://www.spotadventures.com/trip/view?trip_id=203528
In this case, I elected to drive up the "Hastings Heritage Trail". The section of trail from Trenton to Glen Ross is absolutely closed to motorized vehicles. That much is crystal clear... even though it's not well indicated everywhere, I know this as a fact. Actually, it's interesting because the ATV clubs are fighting to have it opened up to them.
I picked up the trail from Glen Ross, and the trail head looks like most of the others.
It does have an HHTA sign, but not an EOTA sign. AFAIK, the HHTA organization is defunct.
Some of the places where the trail crosses roads have no indication at all:
I didn't stop to take as many photos of the bridges this time. Most of them were similiar to the others, and I was more interested in table topping them anyway! :victory: But this bridge crossed a nice stream so I took a few pics. On this bridge, I talked to an interesting local on an ATV. I told him I was scouting it out for use with my truck, and he told me cars and trucks do use this trail. He said he stops on the bridge often, and sometimes has to move to make room for a truck to pass. Very interesting. The more locals I talk to, the more it's apparent they don't care about EOTA rules, although this guy did say he bought a pass.
Sorry for getting my thumbs in the way on a few of these, the lens is in a strange place on this camera and I have to get used to it.
This is pretty typical of the trail. Pretty straight and level. I had few problems with the slick tires, except for the built up gravel berm in the middle which required some finesse if you get into it. Generally I was doing 80km/h on the bike. You have to be careful however because in some places with denser brush, there are cross roads that appear out of nowhere, and the warning signs put up by the snowmobile clubs are obscured by foliage in the summer.
Another stream. There was a family with kids and a dog here that came in on bicycles. The dog was swimming in the stream, but you can also see evidence of some "Quad-tards" who appear to have driven through the stream, probably just to do some "mud-boggin". Idiots. These are the guys that will get it closed. Luckily the damage isn't too bad.
Pretty common bridge. Decking is in poor shape, but again it has 12x12 timbers under the deck supported by massive I-beams along the length.
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
Now, here is the only vehicle barrier I found. At first I was confused by this, because it's a barrier, but there is a very obvious path around the barrier, which was graveled, boulder on the right, just wide enough for an ATV, and the trail was marked with an ATVOntario sign. This was where the trail crossed Sterling-Marmora Road near the town of Marmora. So... what's the deal? It would become clear in a little bit. I elected to keep going on the trail.
A short distance in was an active aggregate operation.
On the other side of the road was a wetland:
Not really visible in the shot is the "moat" that they have dug all the way around. Probably trying to keep Quad-tards out of the pit as I can just image them trying to "high-mark" the gravel piles.
Here's the exit from this section, again, barricaded, with a very official looking ATV bypass around the barricade.
Directly across Highway 7, the trail continues with no barricade.
I passed a few ATV's near the gravel pit. It is apparent to me the vehicle barricades probably exist to try and keep trucks and trailers out, to prevent them from coming in and stealing gravel from the gravel pit. That's as best as I can figure. This section of the trail is easily bypass by truck by taking Stirling-Marmora Road northwest until you reach Hwy 7, then take 7 East until you find the trail again.
A short distance in was an active aggregate operation.
On the other side of the road was a wetland:
Not really visible in the shot is the "moat" that they have dug all the way around. Probably trying to keep Quad-tards out of the pit as I can just image them trying to "high-mark" the gravel piles.
Here's the exit from this section, again, barricaded, with a very official looking ATV bypass around the barricade.
Directly across Highway 7, the trail continues with no barricade.
I passed a few ATV's near the gravel pit. It is apparent to me the vehicle barricades probably exist to try and keep trucks and trailers out, to prevent them from coming in and stealing gravel from the gravel pit. That's as best as I can figure. This section of the trail is easily bypass by truck by taking Stirling-Marmora Road northwest until you reach Hwy 7, then take 7 East until you find the trail again.
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
Now this is very interesting... passed a truck using the trail. I guess he was accessing another side-trail, of which there were many. I would love to have the time to explore them all.
Here was a slightly flooded section of trail. At this time it's only about axle-deep, but it's been a dry year. This probably gets much worse in a wet year. This was the only trouble I had. Trying to push through the water fast enough to stay upright, while driving slick tires on wet loose gravel... but not a huge deal for me. No foot dabs! :victory: YMMV. If there was a film crew around, I'm sure it would have been quite spectacular and death defying.
A side trail I'd like to explore sometime. I was told by an ATVer emerging from it that it was impassible by truck, but who knows.
Here's a common scene along the trail. Lots of farmland. Actually, this was one of the last farms I saw as I continued north. From here on out, it's mostly bush and wetlands.
Now, here's an interesting ecology I don't quite understand. The land is flooded, yet there's a common birch and poplar forest growing out of it. I'm not sure if this is a working eco-system, or if the forest has been Beaver Damned.
Here was a slightly flooded section of trail. At this time it's only about axle-deep, but it's been a dry year. This probably gets much worse in a wet year. This was the only trouble I had. Trying to push through the water fast enough to stay upright, while driving slick tires on wet loose gravel... but not a huge deal for me. No foot dabs! :victory: YMMV. If there was a film crew around, I'm sure it would have been quite spectacular and death defying.
A side trail I'd like to explore sometime. I was told by an ATVer emerging from it that it was impassible by truck, but who knows.
Here's a common scene along the trail. Lots of farmland. Actually, this was one of the last farms I saw as I continued north. From here on out, it's mostly bush and wetlands.
Now, here's an interesting ecology I don't quite understand. The land is flooded, yet there's a common birch and poplar forest growing out of it. I'm not sure if this is a working eco-system, or if the forest has been Beaver Damned.
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R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
Some side trails. One of them is very obviously closed. This is the type of thing I expect to see when somebody really wants to close a trail. Let there be no doubt...
Another flooded section.
Now, here was a nice wetland. With a railbed running through it. This is how they did things 100 years ago, they just brought in a bunch of gravel and made a land bridge. The greenies would never let you get away with this anymore! Probably some good moose hunting out here in the fall.
And here's some of the wildlife I found. I passed 3 turtles, almost ran over 1 rabbit. Actually... I don't even know what happened with that. He jetted out like a missile, no time to grab the brakes, contact was imminent so I braced for impact , not sure how the 17" front wheel was going to deal with it. But it never came. I looked behind, and the rabbit had stopped for a second then took off again. Lucky for both of us. I also saw one nice white tailed deer on the trail. He took off down the trail, I kept behind him, fumbling to try and get the camera from my pouch while still riding, but he leapt off into the bush.
Interesting old bridge here, with crumbling abuttments. I'm not sure how much longer these bridges will last. I doubt the funding exists to replace them when they finally fall down.
Another flooded section.
Now, here was a nice wetland. With a railbed running through it. This is how they did things 100 years ago, they just brought in a bunch of gravel and made a land bridge. The greenies would never let you get away with this anymore! Probably some good moose hunting out here in the fall.
And here's some of the wildlife I found. I passed 3 turtles, almost ran over 1 rabbit. Actually... I don't even know what happened with that. He jetted out like a missile, no time to grab the brakes, contact was imminent so I braced for impact , not sure how the 17" front wheel was going to deal with it. But it never came. I looked behind, and the rabbit had stopped for a second then took off again. Lucky for both of us. I also saw one nice white tailed deer on the trail. He took off down the trail, I kept behind him, fumbling to try and get the camera from my pouch while still riding, but he leapt off into the bush.
Interesting old bridge here, with crumbling abuttments. I'm not sure how much longer these bridges will last. I doubt the funding exists to replace them when they finally fall down.
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
Now here is the only real problem I had with the tires. Somewhere north of nowhere and south of Bancroft, I discovered this gash on my tire. I have no idea where it happened. I'm guessing it was caused by broken glass, or possibly an old broken galvanized steel culvert. I'm also guessing it was in one of the water crossings, as I knew the risks with these tires and was trying to avoid trouble. The cut is deep, but not into the carcass. I hope to not have to scrap this tire, I may try gluing the gash closed and see if it holds. I wanted to use these tires for some trackdays, so I'm a little bummed about it. Since it's on the crown, not the sides, and this bike can't put down all that much power, it might hold together. If it was into the carcass, I'd know it was finished. If it was deeper, this could have made my day much worse as I didn't have any spares on this ride.
It was also about this time that my low fuel light came on, somewhere north of nowhere, and still 40km south of Bancroft. I actually didn't have a great idea where I was. My GPS is mounted, but not wired in yet so non-functional. I was relying on the paper EOTA map, which is an exceptionally frustrating way to go on a motorcycle. Countless un-named road crossings, not shown on the detail of the map. I had even passed my planned fuel stop in Gilmour, due to it being completely non-indicated from the trail. Shown on the map but... nothing to indicate where it was from the trail.
No choice but to press on. As I got closer to Bancroft, the trail got much sandier, and was challenging in places on the slicks. It also started to get whooped out, which might be a bit uncomfortable in a truck. FYI.
Anyway, I successfully reached Bancroft, which is a "major" city in the area, probably about 20,000 people. Back in the day it was a mining center, and now relies mostly on tourism. There's a very nice cliff face on the north side of town, not sure if you're allowed to climb it.
In total I did 170km on this tank, 120km off-road. I had about 1 L of fuel to spare. The bike achieved 60mpg, pretty decent. I stopped for dinner at Thomas Oliver's Restaurant & Pub (and Hotel). I've eaten here before during the Rally of the Tall Pines held in Bancroft. It's a nice restaurant and I recommend it, though the ribs were not great. Though, my taste for ribs is spoiled after eating at Damon's in St. Louis many times.
It was also about this time that my low fuel light came on, somewhere north of nowhere, and still 40km south of Bancroft. I actually didn't have a great idea where I was. My GPS is mounted, but not wired in yet so non-functional. I was relying on the paper EOTA map, which is an exceptionally frustrating way to go on a motorcycle. Countless un-named road crossings, not shown on the detail of the map. I had even passed my planned fuel stop in Gilmour, due to it being completely non-indicated from the trail. Shown on the map but... nothing to indicate where it was from the trail.
No choice but to press on. As I got closer to Bancroft, the trail got much sandier, and was challenging in places on the slicks. It also started to get whooped out, which might be a bit uncomfortable in a truck. FYI.
Anyway, I successfully reached Bancroft, which is a "major" city in the area, probably about 20,000 people. Back in the day it was a mining center, and now relies mostly on tourism. There's a very nice cliff face on the north side of town, not sure if you're allowed to climb it.
In total I did 170km on this tank, 120km off-road. I had about 1 L of fuel to spare. The bike achieved 60mpg, pretty decent. I stopped for dinner at Thomas Oliver's Restaurant & Pub (and Hotel). I've eaten here before during the Rally of the Tall Pines held in Bancroft. It's a nice restaurant and I recommend it, though the ribs were not great. Though, my taste for ribs is spoiled after eating at Damon's in St. Louis many times.
Lost Canadian
Expedition Leader
Great stuff Rob! Did you log the route with your SPOT?
Overland Hadley
on a journey
Nice addition to the report. Thanks for posting.
We too have members of that species in this area.
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
Yes, I put it in post #49, maybe you didn't see the first post because I had to break it up into 4 and now it's on page 5? It didn't work out the best as the Spot was in my jacket pocket. I need a handlebar mount.
http://www.spotadventures.com/trip/view?trip_id=203528
Oh, I forgot to mention, the local ATV dude I talked to said that whenever he's encountered police on the trail, they only ask for ownership and insurance. They have never asked to see his EOTA pass. They are only looking for stolen ATV's.
And.... I guess I should point out what the point of all of this is: I basically drove from just north of the 401, almost up to Algonquin park on trails. The trail continues north of Bancroft, so the complete connection could be made. Once up to the park, you can cross through it legally on Hay Creek Hydro Line, come out the west side, and then potentially head west on the Park to Park trail all the way to Georgian Bay. Is it the Darien Gap? No, but it's just a fun way to get around.
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Lost Canadian
Expedition Leader
Ah, thanks Rob. Yeah I missed it.
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
Depending on weather, I may do another leg this weekend on the bike. Havelock to Perth I think. Got my new more dual-sportish tires mounted up last night. I really would like to have my skid plate installed before doing too much gravel, but it's been delayed. I wish I had my truck, or panniers on my bike and do an overnighter, but not ready yet. I did get to include some off-road on my commute in on the bike this morning! :bike_rider:
I'm hoping to find the holy grail somewhere along one of these routes. A beautiful lake with a nice sandy beach on Crown Land. I'll post the details if I ever do.
I wish I had my truck, or panniers on my bike and do an overnighter, but not ready yet. I did get to include some off-road on my commute in on the bike this morning! :bike_rider:I'm hoping to find the holy grail somewhere along one of these routes. A beautiful lake with a nice sandy beach on Crown Land. I'll post the details if I ever do.
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jasondavidmann
Observer
Subscribed, I want to see what comes of this, Thanks for your ambition.
I've gone bicycling a few times on the Cataraqui Trail which is part of the Trans Canada Trail. The section I rode mostly is North of Kingston, very similar scenery and trail. I'm pretty sure I saw signs saying no motor vehicles but do not remember exactly as I was only thinking bike then. I'll be sure to check next time.
I've gone bicycling a few times on the Cataraqui Trail which is part of the Trans Canada Trail. The section I rode mostly is North of Kingston, very similar scenery and trail. I'm pretty sure I saw signs saying no motor vehicles but do not remember exactly as I was only thinking bike then. I'll be sure to check next time.
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