The riding is very advanced if you drive real fast. The riding is awesome if you drive your own pace. The riding is brutal if you are driving half of your desired speed. The road is mostly in great shape, they are not little, narrow paths, the visibility is quite good for how twisty it can get.
As I meet more riders coming to the Trail, I start learning of new concerns. I’m so familiar with the Cabot Trail, that it hurts my site a little because I assume everyone is familiar with some of little things… that can be major.
Very Rarely do you have 6 bikes, with 6 equally skilled/equipped riders. This is a must read if you feel your skill, or your bike, make you feel like you are holding the rest of the gals or guys back.
I am so fortunate to have met Jim from Pennsylvania. He was losing sleep over the much anticipated Cabot Trail. Even the word ‘Trail’ had him worried that the road was dirt or, at least rough. Jim looks 50, but he’s 70, finally biking again after a productive family life. He’s driving the biggest bike of his life, an 1800 Wing. He’s with his son-in-law on a Beemer, and his friend on a decked out CVO Roadglide. “I am so worried about slowing these guys down, that I’m worried I will push the limitations of my skill level to keep up.” Jim told me. This is a dangerous predicament. Also, it pretty much guarantees that Jim will have a bad day on the Trail. Instead of having fun, appreciating the spectacles of nature around him, he’d be changing his shorts at every gas station.
I spoke to Jim the day before he entered the Cabot Trail and gave him the following advice. He said I ‘saved’ his trip, and this was even before he did the Trail. The reason is that by familiarizing himself with conditions and riding strategy, he eliminated the anxiety he had about the Trail. If you are Road Captain for your trip to the Trail, this is a must read that I would forward to your group. A good road captain (trip planner) improves the enjoyment of all riders.
How to Group Ride the Cabot Trail
Step 1. – Don’t Stagger. Single File Formation on our rural roads! Staggered formation on our rural roads puts you way too close in tight stuff. Single file, hugging the centerline to allow for mistakes in turns.
Step 2. - Break up! In Cheticamp (when traveling clockwise), Ingonish, where the Coastal Waters Restaurant is (when traveling counter-clockwise), break up. The next 1:45 is awesome, awesome riding. You can stop and take pictures, drive half the speed limit to appreciate the coastline, open her up on some smooth, fast, twisties, have a pee in the woods, and so on. Nobody in front, nobody ‘picks up the tail’. When you get to the other point (Cheticamp or Ingonish), you take a count then. Do that part of the Trail solo. You are allowed to pass people in your group…just pretend you don’t know each other. You’ll stop at one look-off, then pass your friend at the next one. If I was in your group, I’d be the first one across because I don’t stop for photos. Wouldn’t matter a bit. Every biker for themselves, we’d all be having a beer in the end 
Step 3. - Take control of Your Bike Vacation! Do whatever it takes to relax, and enjoy where you are. Cape Breton Island was just voted by a travel magazine as the No. 1 island to visit in North America, No. 3 in the world (see below). Amidst this awesome piece of nature, is a gorgeous road, newly paved and well maintained. It really looks like it was made for us. If you are worried about your skill level, just stop worrying now. When you get to the Trail, you will have the time of your life, you will ride it at your pace, and you will meet up with the rest of the crew at the end of the loop to tell them how you ripped it up!
If you are an advanced rider, worried about being slowed down, the above strategy will save your trip. I’ve ridden with riders that say they’re fast, going top speeds on straights, and slowing down to a crawl in every apex. I love to burn 2 months off my tires every loop I make, and I do. When I get to the coast after leaving the mountains, I drive half the limit gazing at the scenery. If you were with me, all you’d have to do is pass. We are all on our own on the Trail. It’s our trip on our terms. We make it enjoyable, because it is the highlight of our trip, and maybe even our entire riding careers.
If you’re still worried, give me a call – I might make you feel as good as Jim did. (I heard that he had a blast, by the way.)
Daniel (902)870-4630
From www.canadaviews.ca -
Cape Breton Island Voted Tops by Travel and Leisure
by: Government of Nova Scotia | Jul 7th, 2011
Cape Breton Island has been voted one of the world’s best islands to visit in Travel and Leisure magazine’s 2011 World’s Best Awards.
It was ranked the number one island destination in Canada and continental United States, and number three on the list of Top Ten Islands Overall. Readers of the travel publication voted Cape Breton ahead of such popular destinations as the Great Barrier Reef Islands and Sicily.
This is the third time the island has been awarded the number one honour. It beat out Vancouver Island and Nantucket this year for the top spot.
“All Nova Scotians should be very proud to receive this prestigious award,” said Percy Paris, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. “Cape Breton Island is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, renowned for its scenic views, and warm and friendly people.
“Tourism operators throughout the island, and the province, are working hard to provide visitors with amazing experiences that are helping to build our industry.”
Travel and Leisure readers rated islands on five characteristics: natural attractions, activities and sights, restaurants and food, people, and value.
“We are delighted that Cape Breton Island has been voted the number one island destination in continental United States and Canada by this very influential publication,” said Mary Tulle, CEO of Destination Cape Breton.
“We all know that being number one means we are the best in North America! And to be voted number three in the world is just amazing. This is a direct compliment to all of those in Cape Breton who strive to make it a world-class tourism destination.”
Each year subscribers are asked to help rank islands, cities, hotels, car rental agencies, airlines, tour companies and cruise lines for the annual awards.
The complete 2011 results can be found at www.travelandleisure.com and is the cover story of the August issue of the magazine.
