Masstown is about 1 hour and 20 minutes from HRM (take the Truro Highway # 102, then the Amherst Highway # 104, and exit # 12, at the stop sign turn left, go 300 meters and you will see the Masstown Market - across the street is the Masstowner Motel. I have made arrangements with George to park our cars; even those who just plan to come for the day at a lot / field by the motel. In addition, most of us will be able to check in before the ride, assuming the room is ready and you arrive early. We will not press for this as will have lots of time to check in after the ride.
As for meals, Mary and I will be hosting a (u-bring) pot luck "Happy Hour" get together at our "suite"; then head over to C&C Truck Stop Restaurant - home of the BIG portions (about 1/2k away) for supper, as well as breakfast on Sunday and Monday. You may elect to walk across the street to the Masstown Market cafe. Mary and I will take a small cooler and will prepare our lunches for all 3 days, as well as our fruit and snacks. Sunday night will be the big BBQ at Laurie and Connie's in nearby Great Village. (We will form a carpool and a caravan and head out there around 5:30 Sunday evening. (What a beautiful spot!!!). Your Rambler dues will buy rolls, salads, baked potatoes and fresh market pies. All you need to do is pick up something at the Market for us to BBQ for you, as well as your refreshment of choice. In the event of rain, we will perhaps modify the rides or plan alternative events.
The Rides
Saturday; we will leave Masstown from the motel, turn left towards Parrsboro (Mary's home), then turn left again on the Old Dyke Road, view the beach, then proceed along to just before Great Village (Bridge), and turn right and head to East Village, cross # 4, go through East Mine Station, Debert, Staples Brook, Belmont, Crowes Mills, then Central Onslow and turn left on the #2 and head back to Masstown. This tour is about 50k; if you want a shorter ride, not a problem, you can return directly from Debert (about 25ks); or Belmont (about 36ks). Expect to see the mud floor of the Cobiquid Bay, salt marshes, Acadian Dykes, inland plains, boreal forests, rich farmland, stands of maples, all the while flanked by the Cobiquid Mountains. I would describe all three days rides as gently rolling, and again would think a hybrid as the bike of choice. There will be lots of stops, ogling and great conversations. We will be in no hurry (some might want to get back to the Masstown Market for a large array of ice cream or the fresh apple cinnamon buns), as will have all day to tour!
Sunday; we will pop into our cars and drive (10 minutes) along the #4, up over Folly Mountain and leave our cars at the park on the left hand side near Wentworth Station; just before where the Highway #246 intersects. The longer version is about 68k. It will take #307 to Wallace, turn right on the #6 to Tatamagouche, lunch at the Creamery or the Chowder House cafe or pub (best pies in NS??). We will then take the road to Oliver and West New Annon, the # 246 back to our cars. If you want a shorter version, just after you leave on the start of the tour, take the first right onto the # 246 and head to Tatamagouche. - that would be about 35ks return, or as a nice extension, from the 246 take the 256 to highway 311, turn left and head into Tata, and return on the 246 with the main group - that would add about an extra 10ks. remember you have all day.
Monday, we will check out, have breakfast and head to Brookfield and take exit #12, park at the Post office or the vacant lot across from the ESSO / Tims. We will then do the Old Barn's Loop, about 48ks (there is no short version of this loop). This will enable Ramblers from HRM to join us with less of a drive. We will head into Truro by the # 2, then take the #236 through Lower Truro, Old Barns; turning left onto # 289 at Green Oaks, then back to Brookfield, with an optional stop at the bakery at the end of the ride.
This should be a fantastic experience and a great weekend of Rambler fellowship, all at a reasonable price.
