Speedy used 172 gallons of fuel over 1944 miles, averaging a bit over 11 miles/gal. This was pretty poor compared to the 16 miles/gal on our trip out west (and that was with a balky out-of-tune engine most of the way). Pulling the trailer was not very efficient--and a bit pricey. With gasoline in Canada priced at about $1.25 per gallon more than here, the trip was about 30 cents/mile, not including the motorcycle miles.
The campervan and trailer combination was an entirely different experience from traveling with just the van. We now had a 32 ft. motorhome with all of the attendant problems with parking and finding open campsites. Since we had a trailer, backing up was even difficult.
On the other hand, camping with the van was much superior to motorcycle tent camping. We were out of the weather; we had lots of storage; we had a kitchen and toilet; we had lights at night, a comfortable bed and our own coffee in the morning; and when it was really hot, we could even turn on air conditioning.
We didn't ride as much as I had expected, but we had the luxury traveling without being out in the rain on the bikes.
The back roads in Nova Scotia were pretty variable. There were good sections, but many sections were pretty worn, with lots of patches and bumps, but all in all they were good rides.
The Cabot Trail lived up to the hype. It is one of the classic rides. Given the time, I'd do it in both directions. We spent too much time considering how to do it and should have just done it when we arrived on Cape Breton. Go to Meat Cove--once.
We only did portions of the Bras d'Or Lakes Scenic Drive and it was a nice ride, but not as spectacular as the Cabot Trail. It suspect the other Cape Breton trails would be similar. I'd give the island another shot.
The rides on the Northumberland Shore were good rides through the countryside and the ride out to Cape Georg had some good views. We took roads, such as the inland Route 4, which were fun rides and nearly deserted, since they are not marked tourist routes.
The Fundy Shore Drive in New Brunswick doesn't really spend much time along the Fundy Shore. I'd skip the first section from Saint John to Sussex and, if riding, do the section through the Fundy National Park from exit 211 off Route 1 to Moncton. The road through the park is a good ride, and the route from the park up to Moncton does follow a lot of the shore.
We were a bit spoiled on our trip out west. The National Parks Senior Pass made visiting the parks and camping on public lands a real bargain. We'd forgotten that state and provincial parks are getting up there in cost.
All of the Nova Scotia Provincial Parks have free Wi-Fi access, but it is usually just around the park entry building. Unfortunately, they turn it off at 8 pm. The park staff doesn't know why it is set up this way, but they can override it.
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