Was thinking of doing this tour with some friends this winter. Would be leaving from the Orillia area for 3 or 4 days. Has anyone done this? Looking for some suggestions on where to stay, route, etc.

I've done tha RAP a couple of times, may even do it again this year. If all goes well you can do it in three days, but if you've got a fourth, take your time and do some side tripping. From Orillia, I'd think you aim for Barry's Bay day 1, Duex Rivieres/Mattawa day 2, Sundridge day 3, easy cruise back on day 4.

2 years ago we did Gravenhurst to Deep River day 1, Sundridge day 2 and back to Gravenhurst on day 3. I was bitter cold and not 100% fun as it should be ..... an extra day would have made all the difference in the world.

As far as routes go, stick to the TOPS trails and you can't go wrong. And like I said, if you've got a little extra time, get you local maps out and come up with alternate or scenic stretches.

For the Minden/Haliburton Area, take advantage of the interconnecting lake trails and save a whack of time ......

Enjoy .....

Gas between Burk's Falls/Kearney & Callander/Astorville is a BIG issue! Make sure you're full when leaving either area.

ttt

Thanks MikeD, Barry's bay, Mattawa, Sundridge seems like a logical way to do this.
I have rode the hwy 11 corridor from North bay to Kearney several times and fuel has never been an issue (except when I was with a friend on an old indy sport with a 5 gallon gas tank). Are there any other areas where fuel may be an issue?

We did Orillia to Whitney due to trail problems toward Minden. Then Whitney to Duex Riveres. Duex to Sunridge. Sunridge to Orillia. A real good run. Take your time.

RR

No gas along TOP A between Deux Rivieres & Bonfield/Astorville other than going into Mattawa.

From Madawaska to Pembroke/Petawawa on TOP B, gas is available @ Spectacle Lake Lodge & @ Bonnechere. To get gas @ Bonnechere you have to road run about 4 miles 1 way. I'm pretty sure you can make it w/ a full take between Madawaska & Petawawa.

Originally posted by Rollo D. Motoski@Dec 13 2004, 08:53 PM
ttt

* Are there any other areas where fuel may be an issue?
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I can't stress enough that what revrnd is saying is true. A few minutes taken ahead of time to plan your fuel stops by calling the stations to find out thier hours of operation and location is time well spent. When ever I'm riding an unfamiliar area I have 1 fuel rule ...... "See gas? get gas!" I've never had a problem along the RAP route, but I've had to put up with a few of my buddy's saying I'm nutz because I fill up at every station I see. As soon as I get to 1/2 tank, I start justifying "out of route" miles to top up.

Plan it out carefully an you'll do just fine.