Feb 2009 - Tour du Nord V: this time, it's personal

[Oldpaint]

I still can't say for certain that I can go or not. If I go I'll probably be solo. Once again I'll provide tow straps (that should put David's mind at ease). I'll try to arrange a hand-off of them I can't make it.

[LePew]

Just me flying solo in the Black S at the moment. Trying to get son #2 (paul) interested, and having a chance to best his big brother. But giving that a less than 50-50 shot.

Tow hook still in place and ready to go since the TLH!

[NHRef]

Quote: Originally Posted by blalor (original)

Thanks for the update, Ross (and sorry about the unintentional vowel transmogrification earlier).

Trans What? Trans Canada I know (having been to one end!). But transmogriwhatever sounds a bit lewd . . .

[NHRef]

Quote: Originally Posted by blalor (original)

Sarah might possibly, maybe, with a lot of cajoling and arm twisting, be convinced to come along if I promise her polar bears.

Sarah and Annette will get along just fine.

Which may not be good for you, Brian, since who knows what they'll talk about . . .

[NHRef]

Quote: Originally Posted by blalor (original)

Another logistics question: Does anyone (want to) carry a spare tire or tires? I've currently got a complete extra set of mounted snow tires. I intend to bring one for myself, but Pete or David (or anyone passing through or near Southern NH) could take another along for insurance. Probably a little better than the summer and all-season tires we all have stashed away for the winter...

Past practice has been to have everyone bring a spare. One each is enough (actually overkill).

To the best of my recollection, I'm the only one that needed the spare. Picked up a screw (!) at a truck stop on the very first trip. Within a mile, er, kilometer, my flat tire indicator was flashing. The whole caravan stopped, I inflated the tire ("It can't be flat") and moved on. Another KM or two and the light flashed again. This time I took the full size wheel/tire that I had inside the MINI and, in -4 degree F temps (I'll never forget that number), changed the tire while the whole caravan watched and, through chattering teeth, harrassed me!

That night, Joe Rose (he of the really necessary spare parts) and I put the tire into the tub in the motel room, found the flamin' puncture, and, using a kit he had brought along (which I did not but have since carried to Newfoundland twice and to Labrador) fixed the flat.

So, long story short, as long as a few of us have spares, we're all set.

[NHRef]

Not the Ice Dragon but I'm psyched!



On the other hand, from The Ice Road Newsletter's issue last February:

"Earlier this season, the portion of the road known as “The Slash” north of Moosonee was straightened, removing some of the narrowest and most dangerous parts of the winter road as well as shortening the road by 8 kilometers. This change has made the road safer for all users."

On the other hand, last February:

"If people are driving to Moosonee and don’t have insurance on their vehicles, there is a place to park at the end of the road and as long as you don’t drive into town, the police have indicated that they will not be looking for licenses or insurance."

And for David Rose's benefit (and yours, too):

Q: Why are the roads flooded? Doesn’t it make it more dangerous to drive on?
A: The Winter Road is flooded with water to build up the thickness of the road surface so that it is thick enough to support all the traffic that is driving on it. To help reduce the slipperiness of the road, Winter Road staff use equipment to put grooves in or “scarify” the road surface, especially around turns in the road. The use of scarification has been increased this year to make the road safer."

[Oldpaint]

Quote: Originally Posted by NHRef (original)

"If people are driving to Moosonee and don’t have insurance on their vehicles, there is a place to park at the end of the road and as long as you don’t drive into town, the police have indicated that they will not be looking for licenses or insurance."

That's good news for GBMINI

[blalor]

Quote: Originally Posted by NHRef (original)

Trans What? Trans Canada I know (having been to one end!). But transmogriwhatever sounds a bit lewd . . .

Quote: Originally Posted by NHRef (original)

Sarah and Annette will get along just fine.

Which may not be good for you, Brian, since who knows what they'll talk about . . .

Two women on the trip? Both of whom know me?! Oh dear, this cannot be good.

Quote: Originally Posted by NHRef (original)

Past practice has been to have everyone bring a spare. One each is enough (actually overkill).

Spares are like umbrellas. If you have one, you're pretty much guaranteed it won't rain.

Is there a recommended set of tools and equipment to bring? I'm thinking I'll get a tow strap, emergency blanket, several flashlights, generator , etc., to bring along, but I'm guessing from half a decade of doing these trips that someone better-organized than I has come up with a list. I do have a Stop & Go Tire Plugger kit and disembodied 12v compressor neatly tucked into one of my boot cubbies; is that what you've got?

Quote: Originally Posted by NHRef (original)

On the other hand, from The Ice Road Newsletter's issue last February:
...
On the other hand, last February:

And on the other hand...

[MinorRoadsKill]

Quote: Originally Posted by olYeller (original)

Can we get a rough head and car count??

I assume you haven't bought a Mini yet Ross??

Correct. I admit to dreaming of surprising everyone some year by showing up with one, but the prospect is receding. We've spent $100K on house and cottage repairs this year. I'll be a stay-at-home-Dad again come January, so things will be tight for a few years. Besides, do you think a MINI will fit more than 2 child seats?

As for driving manual, I did get some practice while on vacation in Honduras in March, but not since then. Authorities are relieved.

Ross
P.S. Nhref: trying to beat my successive posting count, are you?

[MinorRoadsKill]

Someone named Kate (IIRC) has emailed me recently saying she wants to come this year. I don't know if she has a passenger or not.

There are a couple more new people I have to contact, who expressed interest last year in going this year.

[ravioliworld]

I'm still interested in coming along as a passenger. So far, I should be free, but then again I said the same thing last year. Then work decided to schedule a last minute overseas trip and then cancel it a few days before you guys left.

[Oldpaint]

Quote: Originally Posted by blalor (original)

Is there a recommended set of tools and equipment to bring? I'm thinking I'll get a tow strap, emergency blanket, several flashlights, generator , etc., to bring along, but I'm guessing from half a decade of doing these trips that someone better-organized than I has come up with a list.
...

Yeah, there's a list on google docs. I'll send it along as soon as I find it.

[squid]

Quote: Originally Posted by NHRef (original)

Not the Ice Dragon but I'm psyched!

Near Radisson, 2005



X6 Arcticbahn trip and review:
Wheels.ca - Solo to James Bay - and back again - Canada's Most Trusted Auto Resource

Quote:

Until around the 232 km marker, after crossing the Broadback River, the pavement struggles to cover the glacial leftovers from the Laurentide Ice Sheet. The potholes and washboard surfacing make it dangerous to drive at any speeds above 85 km/h.

The really bad spots are marked with orange diamond markers on poles.

The X6's short wheelbase, taut sports sedan-like suspension with 20-inch rubber band tires may not be the best match for such rough conditions.

In one particular stretch, I learn that if you get the two front wheels of the X6 airborne, the ABS kicks in.

[blalor]

The X6: a car so ugly, Canada's trying to kill it.

[olYeller]

"Not the Ice Dragon but I'm psyched!"

The Ice Dragon was probably the best part of the trip for me. I'd drive to Labrador again just for that.
Turn off the DSC, power in, light E-brake, feather the gas and countersteer, smile and repeat.

I don't have a "snow tire" spare just a summer tire, but have tire puncture kits, 12v inflator. As long as a couple of people bring them we should be all set.

and yes, there is a list of stuff that we should bring. A Collapsible shovel will be among them this time so i don't have to dig out a car with my hands.

It sounds like there will be open passenger seats so I'll plan on bringing Pete with Chuck and me(Blaine) to at least the Canadian border and we'll find a meet point so he doesn't have to sit in the back for more than 6 hours, UGH!