From early spring to Halloween each year, motorcycle enthusiast Harry O’Reilly roams the Rock (a.k.a. the island portion of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador)—sometimes with other motorcyclists, sometimes on his own, camera at the ready. Taking time to explore his home province and document the sights is as much a part of his adventures as the ride itself.

Roaming the Rock details 50 must-do motorcycling trips, covering some 11,000 kilometres of paved routes and taking riders to every corner of Newfoundland, from main highways to twisty coastal roads, lush farming valleys to the Long-Range Mountains. Along the way, riders should be prepared for wildlife sightings, expansive beaches, dramatic ocean views, and historic fishing villages.

Most trips are between 200 and 400 kilometres in length, requiring between two and five hours riding time (and once in a while, a short ferry ride), depending on conditions and speed. Multiple rides can be combined for longer day trips—but O’Reilly suggests that all riders build extra time into every trip to get off the bike and explore. This is a must-have guidebook for anyone planning to ride the Rock—or daydreaming about doing so.

Each chapter in this travel guide focuses on one trip, and includes:

• road maps and written directions
• highlights and must-sees for each area
• tips on accommodations, restaurants, and other amenities
• insider’s advice for planning your best rides
• full-colour photographs of each journey

Harry O’Reilly is a retired educator, photographer, and motorcycle enthusiast, with over 20 years’ experience biking in Newfoundland and Labrador, through Canada and into the United States. He recently crossed the 250,000 kilometre mark for distance travelled on two wheels—and his favourite place to ride is the island of Newfoundland, a.k.a. the Rock. Roaming the Rock reflects this passion, filled with O’Reilly’s stunning photographs as well as all the information riders of all levels need to plan a successful trip.

Harry O'Reilly's profile page