There and Back Again- the James Bay Road

[nick949]

No matter which direction you come from, there is only one way in and one way out to Chisasibi - the most northerly Cree community served by the James Bay Road. From Matagami, which isn't exactly an urban metropolis, it's over 600 kilometres due north on the heaved and rutted tarmac, with a single fuel stop at km381. I've been up there a few times before but the sheer size and remoteness of the landscape never fails to impress. Near the middle, one travels through a forest fire burned area which extends for more than 100kms and disappears to the horizon in all directions.

Back home. 5 days, 1962 miles, no issues.

Furthest point: James Bay coast at Chisasibi, Quebec. Google Maps

Took the new bike - not sure I really trust that new fangled electronic stuff

Sophisticated accommodation at km 381

Many Chisasibi residents were out goose hunting using snow machines (and rifles) - a major seasonal activity

A tiny part of the burned area near the Eastmain River

 

[hotbulb]

Only a trip to West Wales for me, but I did meet this...

 

[nick949]

Only a trip to West Wales for me, but I did meet this...

Is that Kate Beezus's bike? Nice anyway.

 

[austin]

Is that Kate Beezus's bike? Nice anyway.

It must be a small world the classic Guzzi World.

Anyway, that ride looks fantastic Nick. Cold and remote - right up your street eh. In fact I guess it doesnt get much more remote than your furthest point anywhere in North America. Is that mission accomplished or something?

Love the look of basic motel place. Right up my street is that sort of thing but not the dirt roads two up with a lifetime's worth of luggage strapped on.

 

[nick949]

It must be a small world the classic Guzzi World.
Anyway, that ride looks fantastic Nick. Cold and remote - right up your street eh. In fact I guess it doesnt get much more remote than your furthest point anywhere in North America. Is that mission accomplished or something?
Love the look of basic motel place. Right up my street is that sort of thing but not the dirt roads two up with a lifetime's worth of luggage strapped on.

There are two red Guzzis of that vintage that I know of in the UK: Kate's and a fella in Wales. Come to think of it, it was more likely his - although there may be others. Yep - small world.

We were riding at -3c some of the time and had a little snow but nothing on the ground to speak of. The bay at Chisasibi isn't actually the furthest north you can go by road in Quebec. That honour goes to Longue Point just up the coast (and yes, been there too - me on the Royal Star and Sam on a 1980 CM400).

The most remote place is at the end of the Trans Taiga Road where you are about 700 kms from the nearest settlement of any kind. Been up that way (on the Eldo - of course), but the gravel was the shits and you have to carry enough fuel for 650kms minimum so we stopped at a hunting lodge half way.

You might have liked the motel: $190 for a room in a trailer with two single beds. It's a seller's market that far north. There are no other options if you need a room, and most get occupied by people working for big mining exploration companies and Hydro Quebec employees where the costs are passed on.

Oh yes - and the front tyre on the Quota was starting to crack between the blocks. A little unnerving so far from the nearest bike shop

 

[hotbulb]

I think the owner (John?) lives somewhere in West Wales. He believes the bike's ex-Fire Service in Italy, which may explain the colour .... although I've always been of the opinion that all Italian machinery should be red - a yellow Ferrari isn't quite right, I feel!
I do like your Quota - combines the "adventure" stance which i find comfortable, with the Guzzi transverse Vee twin which I've always fancied. (So much more interesting than an inline 4, or even a "conventional" Vee twin). I've never seen one in the flesh: the cruiser-types are plentiful, but don't appeal, along with the V7s which don't look very comfortable to me.
I always enjoy your "road trips".... such beautiful scenery , "interesting" roads and b i g horizons! Thank you

 

[nick949]