The Adentures of Team Possible: Cycling the Cabot Trail

Most avid cyclists, and travel enthusiasts would agree that the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton is one of the most scenic routes in the world. With huge mountains, cliff faces that look onto the Atlantic Ocean and mountains that peek and tower over everything. Most cycling routes are designed to complete the 298 kilometer ride in about 3 days, with about 7-8 hours of cycling each day (including two 15 minute breaks and 1 hour lunch stop). But because there are 3 mountains with high grades to climb, throughout this ride, I would only recommend it to mid-level to high cyclists. The grade ranges from 13% to about 15% for several kilometers and although it doesn't sound like much - compounded with the typical rolling hills of the trail can be quite challenging. Let's look at the route in it's entirety and then in it's 3 day segments. In total it's 298km and 4,591 meters in elevation.

The recommended route is broken up into 3 days with the most popular segments listed below.

On day 1 (Distance: 104km, Total Elevation: 1,146 meters),

Oh, beautiful Baddeck - approximately 1 hour drive from Sydney, Nova Scotia. It's full of the nicest scenery, people and food from anywhere in Canada. There is a saying in Nova Scotia, and heck, across Canada that that the nicest people you'll meet are from Cape Breton. There was a funny joke told to me from a friend in Cape Breton, that houses were painted different colours because it wasn't unusual for people to head to the pub and upon leaving several hours later head to the wrong home, and sleep on the wrong sofa! If you can tell me name me a similar community would paint their houses differently to ensure their respective spouses returned home safely, well then you could call me a liar! Haha. On the first day, the ride isn't too bad, you do however have one rough mountain to go through - and that's Mount Smokey. The first day is crucial to set a pace for yourself, it isn't unusual for most riders to feel overtly confident and ride in a pace that they aren't used to (trust me I've been guilty of this). I would recommend going the pace you are most usual with, or even a bit less, because Mount Smokey isn't merciful at an elevation of 250 meters (roughly) in about 2.1km you'll be wishing you saved your legs for this... But the downhill is gorgeous and gives you your FIRST real birds eye view of Cape Breton, so the rest stop at the top is worth it - take your breath, shoot some photos! After that, it's mostly rolling hills until you reach your rest stop at Ingonish. Below is the Garmin recorded from a friend for Day 1 since my Garmin went haywire).

On Day 2 (Distance: 108km, Total Elevation: 1,939 meters),

Starting from Ingonish to Cheticamp it gets a whole lot more complicated, with TWO mountains to climb including North Mountain (385 meters at 6.2km) and Mackenzie Mountain (460 meters at 5.8km), you'll really need to listen to your body, drink lots of water and go a pace that you feel most comfortable with. The most challenging aspect about these mountains is the many switch backs you encounter, you won't really know (unless you have a Garmin) when the mountains actually finish. Especially with Mount Mackenzie, it feels like you keep going up and up beyond 460... and you actually do! with several rolling hills once you reach 460 you will only realize you are at the top once you are going downhill. The real benefit on day two is the views, you will get some spectacular views now as you are on the coast the whole way, you are literally on the edge of the world. This also poses an interesting dilemma, blast down the hills (which are steep and gorgeous) or stop frequently and soak up on the views. If it's your first time, I would suggest the latter. You just cannot pass those up! Below is the Garmin recorded from team possible on Day 2 of the Cabot Trail ride.

On the last and final day, it's probably your easiest day - and most fitting since your legs have taken a beating the past 3 days. The only drawback is that it isn't as scenic as on Day 2, but it's fun since you can push your pace a bit more faster and depending on the group you are riding with you can ride in 2's since the road isn't as busy as before, so this gives you a chance to catch up on your experience with fellow riders. Below is the Garmin recorded from Team Possible for day 3 of the Cabot Trail.

If this interests you but you don't know if you are ready for it, don't worry, there are other scenic routes that aren't as challenging - at least in the sense in design. The Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer charity allows you to both raise money to help support families living with and beyond cancer as well as to challenge yourself in a group dynamic (with support vehicles, post ride celebrations, meals, and like minded people like you!). By participating in charity ride you will discover first hand that you aren't just riding for yourself, but for someone else, someone who can't. One of the most scenic routes available, that would be similar to the Cabot Trail is the ride in Alberta (http://ab14.conquercancer.ca/site/PageServer?pagename=ab14_aboutevent) - it's a 2 full day ride, and you will be riding through the majestic Rockies. This is definitely a must do for a Canadian cyclist.

Below are a few photos of Team Possible in our Cabot Trail ride, and as you can see from our faces... we are elated!