Bike adventures |
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Pour un autre descriptif cliquez içi... Un peu passé la route... Just past the trail... Cliquez ici... click here... For some out of season fun click here ! Pour des aventures hors saison clickez ici ! |
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While
you can find enjoyment perpetually rediscovering the local zoo and its usual assortment of urban animals, you may also seek
a change of pace with thrilling adventures that are a welcome change from spending a fortune staying in relative immobility
undertaking the same ritual of running around in circles without actually accomplishing anything. If such is the case then
discovering the city and the country using the available bicycling trails is an activity you shouldn't overlook
! While
cycling is often deemed as an activity without much in terms of a rewarding experience in the classic sense of the term ,
it is interesting to note that is the result of the fitness craze which has overtook the nation which has also lead to the
establishment of a whole new industry, a rapidly growing infrastructure of bike trails is to be found not only within the
urban core but beyond the reach of civilisation ultimately culminating with a road network which will permit extensive and
unimpeded travel not only across Quebec but also across Canada and ultimately the U.S
The proliferation of trails has
created so many possibilities with regards to the available destinations attainable from home using such road network that
the explorer in you most probably will be so tempted by the thrill of it considering not only the invigoration results but
also the little treats to uncover along the way ( from the little fast food stand with fabulous fries nestled somewhere beyond
the typical or that little café on the offbeat track to the hideaway that a distant park represents or the lesser known places
with the overlooked architectural delights of another era ) that the escapement is certain to lead to some revitalising
benefits ! Thus the occasion can't be missed to embark on such a quest with the hopes of uncovering that hideaway you
previously missed with further consideration for the relative security cyclists are now assured of once travelling within
and outside of town on pathways that often are off the major road circuits....
Once considering the available
roadway to uncover, it is certainly thrilling to know that now it is not only possible to use the extensive network of trails
to travel towards parkland and other select sites within town but also to experience the countryside like you rarely experience
it in the sense that many trails pass outside major arteries and thus permit the discovery of known regions under a different
perspective mostly if the trails themselves take a course within the wilderness avoiding civilisation and thus giving closer
contact with nature.
Despite the assumption that use of a bike for long distances isn't exciting , don't underestimate
the surprises to uncover mostly once considering what there is to find travelling within scenic environments which may also
reveal the imprint of history best remarked in towns that have a well preserved historical heritage including those with
architecturally distinct buildings which are so exciting to contemplate if not to visit once the proper accomodations exist.
Furthermore the photographer in you is certain to find the rare gem that will draw rave reviews !
With
regards to accomodations, it is definitely noteworthy to mention that the discovery of a region, its charm and its people
is best enjoyed ending up somewhere best associated with the region in the sense that while you definitely may enjoy the sight
of very impersonal motels just barely glimpsing what there is outside, you may definitely find it more appealing staying in
the little inns to be found whose folks may be of better advice if ever you expect to further discover the area and its history.
While this is a matter of opinion , I really don't know why some people favour something typically associated with urban congestion
to more quintessential places which not only are more faithfully representative of what a region is renown for but definitely
offer a more tantalising experience for those in search of a sense of immersion...
Now
to get back to basics; despite the fact that your adventure taking you to the far reaches of this land will most often not
leave you in a state of total isolation (unless you decide to go far from the reach of civilisation), it is always better
to be prepared instead of cursing yourself for forgetting to bring along the extra necessities (including the all too essential
spare tube and bike pump !) and that extra snack (such as raisins) which definately have a tangible effect once seeking a
little more vitality if ever you seem stuck in the middle of nowhere and have 20 miles to go to get there !...
But
anyways, I surmise that if you follow the bike trails, the adventure will be exhilarating enough mostly considering the fact
that some of these trails are in relatively secluded woodland such as those which are on the dismantled rail lines which being
on level ground make the adventure all the more pleasent in hilly terrain since trains themselves couldn't climb steep slopes
! The "petit train du nord" linear park is the excellent example in that regard being an excellent quality trail running through
the laurentians without even the hint of major slopes to climb despite ending up high within the hills somewhere along the
path (the incredulous should follow the stream at Km34 of this trail and behold the scenery once at the falls)...
Now,
if you need additonal assurances that you'll find your way home after the ordeal and not die from exhaustion, it is apparent
that apart from the typical words of encouragement , I'll have to admit to you that once you get on one of those trails, your
foolish pride will beg you to show that you are more than the wimp left out in the dirt by people four times your age ! Then
you definitely start realising that you have to show to yourself that you aren't some relic that will imminently expire for
some obscure reason which only a dismal lifestyle can explain . Even if it's for your own foolish pride, you'll have to take
up the challenge to definately prove that at your age you still can enjoy life even if you're doing a minimum of effort pedalling
at an average speed is not at all extraordinairy being a little faster than what you would be doing walking, accomplished
while sitting down comfortably enjoying the scenery if you have the proper seat for it ! ...
Montreal Here in Montreal access along the road network within and on the perimeter of the island
including the reserved passage along the streets is sufficient to give full access to most of the island which considering
the size of the island leads to the understanding that just travelling by the paths on the perimeter is a very lengthy ride.
The many noteworthy stops include the public beach on the north western fringe of the island and the golf course and nature
park on the eastern fringe which harbors wildlife (the sign on Notre Dame east in immediate proximity to the trail definitely
is an indication of this) . There are obviously many other areas of interest which are to be discovered in the course of such
travels with a typical starting point being downtown and its noteworthy sites including the mountain, old Montreal and the
pier area without forgetting St Helen's and Notre Dame islands attainable from the Jacques Cartier bridge and the pier bridge
adjacent to the Bonaventure freeway. Once further out of the downtown core there are the typical historic sites , parkland
and adjacent sites of interest to be discovered going towards the eastern and western ends of the island such as the Morgan
arboretum on the west island also attainable by bike path. Despite what is expected once considering what the reality
of urban sprawl implies in terms of escapement (after all apart from the bars, restaurants and other tyupical spots ,people
in an urban area normally aren't blessed with the green spaces found out of town) , it is still noteworthy to mention that
Montreal has some relatively secluded spots in the immediate vicinity of the urban core . Such areas may definitely be appealing
for those in search of peace of mind which consequentially don't have to travel far to obtain the needed withdrawal from the
hectic pace of civilisation. In that regard apart from the previously mentioned areas on the eastern and western fringe of
the island and St Helen's and Notre Dame islands (which are really tantalising to visit) there is obviously the mountain itself
which to be honest can be a thrilling adventure of its own without mention of the peace of mind experienced right in the middle
of town with a network of woodland trails leading up towards the summit ! While some of the trails aren't for bicycles , it
s still possible to gain first hand experience of the peace and quiet using the bike trails . With regards to the immediate
vicinity of downtown , it is also noteworthy to mention that between the south shore and the island is a bicycle trail which
spans a good 15 Kms such a path being on the summit of a speck of land that is no more than 100 or so feet across, the path
running from a little east of the Native reserve (being Kanawake) towards Notre Dame island. Such a trail is definitely a
delight to discover with further consideration for the breathtaking sight of the city. And if this isn't enough, those adventurous
enough may certainly contemplate discovering Laval and the north shore which is sublime mostly of you take the time to discover
those little specks of wilderness here and there.
Some personal anecdotes Since it is apparent that despite the thrill of a ride, the
possibility that something may go wrong is a true possibility, it is apparent that a little preperation is of the order which
starts with the typical fisrt aid kit for person..and bike (obviously). Furthermore some extra clothing and a sleeping bag
and a tent can be of help for those which not only like the appealing B&B's but also are prepared to sleep outside in
the eventuality of misjudgement (which happened to me on more than one occasion resaulting from an overoptimistic calculation
of the number of Km's I'd accomplish between a given time and sunset...). And if you ever are stuck in the dark, don't panick
! Just take up the usual chores that impose themselves most notable getting the tent up in order to have that all important
psychological sanctuairy which makes a big differences between sleeping comfortably and having a terrifying time coming to
grips with the unknown. In terms of giving a first hand
description of some escapades I undertook ; my most recent trek first started with a late spring journey which took me from
Montreal by way of the Laurentians on towards the Abitibi region by Ontario. Such an adventure had me pass through such bucolic
towns such as Kazabazua, Otter lake, Campbell bay and Fort Coulongue. The arrival in the Abitibi region was but a short respite
before undertaking a return by the roadside bike path along the 117 in Quebec. The adventure was typical of what there is
to expect once travelling in sleepy little towns with their subtil and almost timeless appeal (Kazabazua being an example)
and was accomplished in mostly pleasant weather and for a large part on roadway with light to moderate vehicule traffic... As for the typical habit I have
of avoiding urban congestion and the dreaded bridges (since I tend to suffer from vertigo) by taking public transit to attain
the perimeter of the city (Montreal) , I can admit that while I'm not too proud of myself , I feel that I just don't have
the choice ! But once I end up out of town I muster all the courage I can to cross the occasional high bridges. (Thank God
I can take the subway to avoid crossing Jacques Cartier bridge once going to the south shore even if the fence work on the
bridge was put there for people that just find a high drop irresistable ! ) Thus the adventure starts with
a stop in Two Mountains which is a great place to start a treck considering the immediate vicinity of the bike path running
from St Eustache towards Oka and the nature park. Since this is suburbia, a proliferation of bungalows is expected . But mind
you that despite the relative monotony of suburbia, the object of my contemplation wasn't lost namely Oka and its hill which
gives a great view of the immediate vicinity from the north shore . Since this is mid spring, going to the nature park and
its beach is out of the question ! By the way; For those which do have an interest
in geology and nature but don't want to risk going far out of the urban core, the OKA hill is a great place to experience
the woodlands and discover an unusual geological environment being an intrusion of lava which is as geologically recent as
the rockies . It is part of the "montérégiennes" group of hills which includes Mount royal (in Montreal) . Such
hills continue on an east-west trend from Oka and thus are to observe on the south shore of the St Lawrence river with
such noteworthy hills as St Hilaire, Rougement , Yamaska and Shefford which each represent an oasis of woodlands on
the urban fringe. The adventurous can experience truely delightful moments with a visit (on foot) of the sites
in question most of which give sensational views of the surroundings...The hills themselves aren't far from a trail
of the bike network. My personal favorite is St Hilaire but the others may be even more thrilling if in search of deep
woodlands with an eerie appeal of mystery and sensational views !
A less graphic description in english Link to the formal WEB page for St Hilaire hill Link in English to the university WEB site for St Hilaire hill Once there and despite all the
thrill of a hill , there is some fun to doing a little sightseeing within the little towns in the imediate vicinity, some
of which also have some historic sites of interest and a historic heritage which goes back beyond the 19th century
..And as is the case in this predominantly agricultural region , some pleasant surprises are to be found in the form of produce
which can be bought on premise including wine. As for accomodations once going out of the city, small inns that aren't excessively
commercial in scope may be found beyond the mainstream. I personally tend to sleep in a tent lacking the means to pay 20 or
so dollars in a B&B which mind you is quite often nestled in a pleasent setting (that night I slept in an apple orchard
and let me tell you that the mush of apples in the dark is eerie !...) The immediate vicinity of the
Ottawa valley is a place with a historical heritage going back to the 18th century . Despite the fact that modernity
is omnipesent everywhere , it is still possible to uncover some well preserved gems of another era. For those in search of
some special pictures to add to their collection, the occasion presents itself sufficiently often to make the adventure worthwhile.
Although I personally was more thrilled by the St Lawrence river valley with its many roads beyond the major ateries that
each hold their little treasures.
For those enjoying traffic congestion
, I won't argue with them about the drawbacks there are to travelling on a main artery without the mandatory asphalt embankment
! Although for most people it is apparent that one of the priorities for a cyclist is finding a quiet offbeat road if there
isn't any trail . As for the trails themselves , it only happened to me on one occasion to end up on a bad trail. Thus most
often the quality is acceptrable enough to make the ride enjoyable. Notwithstanding the appearance,
the gravel to find on most of the bicycling network isn't as forbidding as what we are lead to believe from an initial supervicial
look . Thus it is possible to accomplish with relative ease a number of Km's which considering the fact that many of the trails
are in the isolation of the woodlands makes the trip even more thrilling . Once in the Ottawa river valley, apart from the
urban center of Ottawa-Hull with a proliferation of trails, the trail system abruptly stops a little on the outskirts of the
capital region once going east (which isn't fully the case going west) . Thus the earlier described main trail leading towards
Oka basically stops there, resuming at Carillon on towards Grenville and abruptly stopping again there. If someone would want
to go further west from Montreal with the hopes of attaining Ottawa, they would have to use the roadway or may be tempted
to try some unusual alternatives including the “aerobic” (which is the name) trail running from St Sauveur. While
this trail is exciting to travel upon, it abruptly stops at Weir ...Thus the situation isn't improved unless you decide to
just forget about the vicinity of the Ottawa valley while wanting to go down to Ottawa... Now how is this possible ? If you
have taken knowledge of the trail network, you will remark that that 200Km “Petit train du nord” trail going towards
Mont Laurier from St Jerome almost intersects the trail going from Ottawa to Maniwaki (which is something like 40 miles away
from Mont Laurier). Thus someone not too pressed for time may contemplate going to Ottawa by Mont Laurier via Maniwaki. This
is what I did on more than one occasion and as recently as this year.
While the Laurentians are the
pride of the locals , they are also deemed as the world's oldest mountain chain. Thus apart from the occasional mound towering
1000 feet above, what there is to observe despite their claim for fame are mostly low hills which notwithstanding how boring
hills may appear for those seeking scenic exhilaration (without mention of the challenge there is climbing a high hill), do
despite the criticism have a certain appeal making them great mounds to escalate without forgetting that they represent great
postcard portraits ! Actually if you need to do more in depth discovery of more breathtaking scenic places once in the vicinity
, apart from mont Tremblant attainable from St Jovite (which looks like an actual mountain comparatively to the other hills
without forgetting an alluring town below ) , those willing to take the time and risk some sweat may be tempted to go down
towards St Donat from St Agathe (which is immediately south of St Jovite ) despite the lack of a bicycling network to go there
from St Agathe. As earlier mentioned , a good
way of discovering the Laurentians is by using the “Petit train du Nord” trail that is a 200Km path from St Jerome
(attainable by bike path from Montreal) on towards Mont Laurier. Such amazing wilderness trail is paved for half the distance
from Labelle to Mont Laurier and unusually enough hosts a sufficient assortement of essential services along the way that
feeling alone and abandoned is almost an illusion since apart from the services the path is also the most frequently travelled
despite being in dense woodland for much of the distance. I will typically use this trail if I need to travel further north
(such as towards the Abitibi region or returning from there ), and have done so approximately half a dozen times. What is
furthermore so amazing about the trail in question lies with the fact that apart from being very scenic, this trail is an
interpretation trail in the sense that along the trail are informational billboards describing the development of the region
and its history without forgetting the billboards whose purpose is describing nature... While 200 Km's (approximately
120 miles) may seem forbidding for some , it is apparent after taking superficial knowledge of the map that despite the distance,
the numerous towns along the way which each offer their own host of services and accomodations provide sufficient assurance
that no matter how frail of health someone may be , there is little risk of being totally stranded with further consideration
for the fact that there are patrols by accredited personnel without mention of the numerous bike enthiusiasts to encounter
which each can give a helping hand... I in personally suffering from an anemic capacity to stay active would often stop at
one of the many trail side rest areas to take a short break. The occasion also marvelously presented itself to undertake further
contemplation of the immediate area since most often billboards were in the rest areas describing what the area in question
represented historically and-or ecologically... The path in passing through dense
woodland becomes a fabulous adventure into a wild and obscure wilderness culminating with the numerous possible stopovers
along trailside and in the many towns many of which have a certain historic appeal with a diversity of accomodations which
quite often may in part parallel in terms of charm the pastoral charm to be found in the immediate vicinity.
Once starting in St
Jerome , despite the initial expectations, someone is rapidly overwhelmed by the marked change an enveloping wilderness represents
comparatively to what is typically expected using bike paths. Once on the outskirts of town, denser tree cover and a series
of rapids on the river at trail side suddenly reminds us that suburbia is lost behind. The moment also is a chosen occasion
for a stopover to contemplate the area which also is the haven of sunbathers (there are also the typical basic amenities)
. Once further out, the gradual climb into the hills while barely noticed becomes apparent once travelling in proximity of
a deep valley that a rushing stream farther below announces... Then once the vicinity of another town arrives, the woodlands
dissipate . Apart from the trail side ice cream vendor to encounter along the trail at soem point before Val David there are
few such places that actually cater to cyclists out of the town. But then despite the feeling of isolation the access roads
to encounter with regularity have us realise that civilisation isn't far away which further presses the perceived
obligation to take a short access road to get into town if ever in need of food and drink. And then once again with the town
left behind, the wilderness again gains prominence... As indicated by the road map,
there are several towns to encounter along the way . What is most notable about the many possible stops (apart from the many
towns with an appealing historical heritage which in itself makes them worthy of a visit ) lies with the train stations which
have been reconverted into rest stops with a host of services including bicycle repair facilities. If you take the time to
remark, many of the ex train stations are of an appealing archetectural style. Furthermore the interior is often well preserved.
As remarked, despite no major
climbs, the scenery gradually changes into typically mountainous terrain with the occasional rushing streams further below.
Despite the occasional road to cross, the path mostly passes in what appears as secluded woodland, attaining civilisation
and sometimes precipitously with a certain regularity. Such periodicity tapers off later on when the milage between towns
dramatically increases although attaining at most the vicinity of 20 miles (which to be honest is nominal but may be cause
of a certain over-optimism mostly at nightfall ) .. The most noteworthy stops before attaining Labelle are mostly for the
adventurous folks which don't mind going beyond the immediate vicinity of the trail to discover such places as St Sauveur
, Morin Heights (attained from St Sauveur itself attained after a slight detour ) , St Agathe (whose nice historic district
is immediately attainable) and Mont Tremblant village whose immediate vicinity gives a vivid impression ... Once in Labelle
the rough road is gone since the trail is all asphalt for the next 100 Km's (60 or so miles...) ! The trek north of Labelle is somewhat
of a marked changed (not solely because of the pavement) most notably because the path at this point often blatently avoids
civilisation with the distance between towns on average increasing thus giving the impression of greater seclusion. Although
the distance between town isn't sufficient to be an actual preoccupation, the definite impression is of isolation most notably
Between Nominingue and Lac Saguay and Lac Saguay and Val Barrette . Thus greater preparation is of the order just
in case the unexpected occurs. Apart from that the scenery still remains hilly with the hills tapering off on the final leg
of the journey. I personally find such a segment the most invigorating . Also, the picture perfect lakeside vistas towards
the end are a certain treat around sunset. The final sprint is accomplished through fields with the town of Mont Laurier itself
arriving after a bridge crossing swampland leading towards the vicinity of a supermarket before ending relatively close to
the commercial district with all its shops. Once there, why not reward yourself by taking the time to visit before undertaking
the return trip !
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