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Pic : Dave McMullin and finding joy in the isolation of the middle of nowhere .”
Expedition 51 , formerly known as the Trans-Labrador Highway , and known as Route 389 in Quebec , stretches over 1,700 kilometres through the rugged wilderness of Canada ’ s eastern provinces . It was rebranded Expedition 51 in 2024 to pay homage to going beyond the 51st parallel . Connecting Baie- Comeau , Quebec , to Happy Valley to Red Lake , Labrador , this legendary crescent-shaped route offers a mix of paved and unpaved roads . Approximately 30 % of the highway remains unpaved , challenging even the most experienced riders . With sparse population centres , long stretches between fuel stops , and limited amenities , the highway epitomizes adventure and isolation . Known for its stunning landscapes , ranging from dense boreal forests to windswept coastlines dotted with icebergs , Expedition 51 is a bucketlist journey for motorcyclists seeking the thrill of the road less travelled .
Rain was their near constant companion as they departed Fredericton , New Brunswick , in mid-June 2024 , bound for the ferry at North Sydney , Nova Scotia .
“ The rain was relentless ,” Steve recalled . “ Even the best riding gear has its limits , and after hours of riding in the downpour , water had seeped in everywhere .”
With temperatures stubbornly hovering at a chilly 8 ° C , Steve was missing his heated vest , which he ’ d left at home . They chose the scenic backroads over monotonous fourlane highways , and the group pressed on , embracing the adventure despite the discomfort .
By the time they boarded the ferry , spirits were dampened but far from broken .
“ The ferry ride was meant to be a chance to rest and recharge , have a beer and 6.5 hours of sleep ,” Steve said with a chuckle . But that night , an hour into their libations , the bartender informed them that they would dock hours early as the ferry line was making up time due to scheduling issues . After a fitful sleep in squeaky chairs , a noise which was only eclipsed by a guy snoring loudly near them , they decided that next time they would book rooms on the ferry .
They docked in Port aux Basques at 3:30 a . m . Moose sightings in the predawn hours kept them off the road for safety reasons , and they joined a line of bikers at the local Tim Horton ’ s , seeking dry , warmth , and caffeine while waiting for the first rays of sunlight .
Day two ’ s ride took them through Corner Brook , past some of the most scenic areas of Newfoundland , with mountains towering on both sides of the highway . The group navigated through The Wreckhouse , an aptly named area notorious for its hurricane-force winds capable of toppling trains and pushing transports off the road . According to
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