New Horizons

By John Rathwell

By KAVU

August 23^rd, 2022

Exploring Our New Backyard

The last time I shared one of our KAVU adventures, I'd just finished up a motorbike trip in the Olympic Peninsula. Literally the moment we returned, Tracy and I started frantically packing all our belongings for our big move to the eastern edge of North America. It would be a massive, 4000 mile move that would take us from coast to coast........ from the sunsets over the Pacific to the sunrises over the Atlantic.

Getting settled into our new pad was goal number one, but when that was all done, it was time to get out and explore all the new zones we now have access to. It became obvious that there would be many KAVU days ahead, and for that.... we were (are) PSYCHED!

Tracy and I set out on a few trips; some into the middle of Nova Scotia, deep into the pine and maple forest, where the hills are. Our rides have been stunning and full of technically challenging terrain to ride. Getting big adventure bikes over bowling all sized rocks, across deep sand, and through big "quad" ruts is no easy task, but that's all part of the fun.

On these journeys, two things have come to mind that are very different from exploring in the PNW.

First one is that the bugs are insane here in Nova Scotia. You stop for 2 minutes to check something out..... and you are instantly swarmed by black flies, mosquitoes and horseflies that take chunks of skin out of you that are about the same size as the bug itself.

Turns out, the best way to avoid getting bitten is to just keep riding!

The other difference is the heat. It is sooooo humid out here! On our rides, we always tried to frequently stop at little swimming holes, strip off our moto gear and jump in to get refreshed. The river water is much warmer as well, since it's not glacial in origin.

On other trips, we have decided to check out some of the beaches. The Caribbean Current actually comes up past Nova Scotia, depositing its famous white sand and turquoise waters right here, close to our new home.

When you pull up to some of the beaches, it doesn't even feel like you are in Canada anymore!

It's so surreal!

The best part of motorcycle trips to the beaches is that you can get to some of the more remote spots.... spots that cars can't get to. I must admit, it's really nice to have the place all to yourself.

Our beach trips often start with twisty rural roads, through small fishing villages that wind through the forest, then out to open coast line.

A typical KAVU day ride is that.... continue on repeat.

Once we reach some of these remote beaches, small tracks lead us through the sand and grasses to get out to the beach. Every now and then, we'll get the bikes stuck in the sand, but again, that's just all part of the fun and games.

We have had a blast exploring the small bits of East Coast so far, and only look forward to checking out more. There is so much to offer for moto adventures out here and we have only seen the tip of the iceberg. Oh, speaking of icebergs, I'm looking forward to some spring iceberg hunting on the bikes!