Chibougamau … What?
- arreterlaspcaroule
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
Unlike yesterday, the day started quite a bit earlier. At 6am, I was in the shower trying to wake up from a not-so-restful night. Let's just say the bed wasn't the most comfortable I've ever encountered in motels. Overall, it was fine, but the bed just didn't suit me. After eating the famous "Continental Breakfast," I always wonder what continent it could be from, so I went to pack my things and put everything back on the bike. This year, I'm adopting a different approach: I don't touch my suitcases; they stay anchored to the bike, and I only take what I need: laundry, meals, electronic gadgets, etc. This makes it easier to arrive and leave the establishments I frequent. Anyway, I mount my steed, and off we go!!! For 2 hours of uninterrupted rain. Unlike last year or even 2023 (which was a peak), it was more disturbing and humid than anything else (meaning I didn't feel like I was constantly showering).
It stopped about 80 km from Chibougamau. Let's just say I'll come back for landscape photos. But, to be honest, I didn't see any breathtaking scenery that required capturing at all costs!
Don't get me wrong, it's beautiful! In any case, I like it. It's just not the same. Also, the shoulders are gravel, sloping towards the ditches, and not very stable. In a car, it's just not a big deal (there are four wheels, one at each corner of the car), the stability doesn't change. On a motorcycle, it's a bit more of a problem. The stand is on the highest side of the shoulder, ensuring that it stays upright! On soft ground, it's really not ideal... So, it also limits the photo opportunities.
Anyway, I went to Chibougamau to fill up. Actually, no. I could have done it 12 or 16 km earlier at the junction between Val d'Or and Chibougamau. I consciously decided to go there because it's one of those city names you hear (including Radisson, Fermont... not La Tuque) that makes you dream. These distant, almost secluded destinations, inspiring calm and real life. Yes, yes, all the clichés that come to mind! Still, I went there!
After enjoying a quick snack stop, it was still around 11:00 or 11:30, I think (the Spot link and my tracker will give you the exact time if you insist), and I set off again for the rest of the journey. After all, I had just done 220, or 230, km, so what's left can't be that far... Oh, 440 km all the same!
As my wife told me, before I got on the bike and started riding (I can hear you grumbling), that's still a third of the route done! So much positivity... and I'm buying into it!
In short, the rest of the route was a leisurely ride. The ribbon of asphalt stretches endlessly in long, straight lines that only go up and down constantly. It's a pleasant ride and, what's more, 90% of it is in super good condition. Well, for the remaining 10%, you have to keep your eyes open, but it's really cool. Just ask the 3 motorbikes I passed going the other way, a duo and a solo. Yeah, it seems like there aren't many of us doing this route. So... you can't miss your greeting!
Of course, I had seen that the weather was going to be capricious with risks of rain from time to time. Well, I didn't escape it. Do you remember when I said above that I had seen worse and that 2023 was pretty much in the top? Well, during these 4 episodes of storms, I just had the impression of passing under a continuous curtain of water, with the wind all that was missing was a good mixing to give me the feeling of being in a washing machine!!! It wasn't super long, the max lasted maybe 15 or 30 minutes, but it was something! One thing is sure, I love my bike and its tires!
I finally made it to Val d'Or to stay at the Auberge de l'Orpailleur. It's exotic and hot! No air conditioning, it's an old-fashioned stay. It's 26.5 in my room! The windows are open, I can hear the little birds... we'll see how the night goes. After 662 km and 7h38 of driving time, I should be able to sleep. No choice, I'll do it again tomorrow!!!!
Merci tout le monde!
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