We woke up to our usual 6:00am alarms, eager to start the final (and shortest) leg of our cycle tour. Spencer was already up preparing a delicious breakfast made up of bacon, yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit. Just what we needed to fuel our bodies for the short ride back to Wilderness Tours.
The other tour group, who also camped at the Mill Dam Park emerged from their tents are began their morning rituals as well. The air was cold, but the humidity was far less compared to the previous days, making for some pretty ideal riding conditions.
After looking over our route for the day, Spencer continued to lead by guiding us back through Portage du Fort, and down Kerr Line back to Wilderness Tours. The group moved quickly together, keeping a solid pace, averaging around 17km/hour and taking only a few short breaks. It was a fantastic way to end a fantastic week!
Arriving a few hours before our bus was scheduled to deliver us back to Pembroke, we degreased, regressed, and cleaned our bikes. We took care when cleaning the panniers, which would be used again next year for the next group of Outdoor Adventure and Outdoor Adventure Naturalist students.
Great job everyone!
Trip Tip!
If the group is looking forward to something (food, shelter, the final stretch) then the lead cyclist can set a quick pace early in the day to keep everyone moving. If something awesome lays ahead, we are willing to put the extra effort in.
Sunday 15 November 2015
Day 4 – No Rain. Just Snow.
Day 4 – No Rain. Just Snow.
This was the frostiest morning yet. After shaking the snow off our tents we packed up our gear and gathered our spirits in the outdoor meeting room at the Bonnenfant Y Outdoor Education and Leadership Centre. Delicious French toast, yogurt and fruit between these four walls quickly put a smile on everyone's faces.
We hit the road at 8:30 and our first stop was 11km away at the Heart and Soul Cafė in the town of Dunrobin where we enjoyed hot beverages and our second breakfast.
With full stomachs we continued are journey. 23 km away we took the ferry to cross the Ottawa River into the town of Quyon. We all thought it was neat to get to ride onto the ferry with our bikes but it was still cold out and the wind really picked up on the river. Once on the Quebec side we took shelter under a pavilion and enjoyed warm stew and pizza buns.
By the time we got back on the bikes it was 2 o’clock. We had covered half our planned distance, we were cold and anxious to get to our next destination.
We passed back through Quyon past all the historic buildings of the lovely town, and waving as we past the lady who took in our runaway travel dog on day 2 (considering the strange look she gave me, the dog clearly went wild and became a wolf).
Our aim: Shawville. Knees aching and cold wind freezing our water and spirits, we decided to take the scenic (long) route. It's not an adventure if you don’t add in some intervals just to practice fighting for your sanity.
We passed a good hundred dozen fields (most containing pretty cows) before we got to Norway Bay. The ride here was beautiful. Go here. River Rd has the miniature version of every house you’ve ever wanted and a friendly cyclist less ambitious with hills as we were. The ride went by the river and is completely worth the biting wind to get there.
We continued through Brisdale. A lovely Cidery passed us by on River Rd, of which Kyle gave us an epic history. We were all disappointed we couldn’t stay.
We ended our cycle past more forest and field and finally turning onto the PPJ. After a kitten’s attempt to chase us for our love and the sun’s attempt to have us chase it in awe of its loveliness, we arrived at our café. Artbrulant. Washroom break, coffee , the friendliest welcome despite our late arrival, we will continue to go back.
We dined on tacos. They were golden. We ended the day heading to a convenient store called Langford’s. It's a landmark. Here, hot chocolate, coffee, a table and good company welcomed our tired bodies.
Trip tip!
Don’t lose your pants. Neoprene doesn't keep you warm if it's not wet. Attitude is everything: enthusiasm and trip crazies fight cold and clouds better than the sun does.
Photos!
A frosty morning in Dunrobin!
Snow?!
Packing some snow with us
Getting artsy before leaving for Shawville
Our pavilion at the camp
Seb enjoying the Quyon Ferry
We ride together, we ferry together.
Bikes, Kyle, Rose.
Amazing sky back in Shawville at Mill Dam Park!
Friday 13 November 2015
Day 3: Wakefield to Dunrobin
We woke up at 5:30 this morning to prepare a delicious feast of mashed potatoes, veggies, eggs, and cheese for the group. We lucked out with a dry morning, high humidity, and a quiet Wakefield to send us on our way. Topping it all off with some fantastic lemon loaf.
Our route intended to take us along side the Gatineau River, an awesome road for cycling that isn't popular for vehicular traffic. We marvelled at the rustic charm of the cottage-like homes in the area, and after a steep climb we turned onto Highway 105, heading South East to Old Chelsea via Scott Street.
We made a much needed stop at Biscotti in Old Chelsea. Seb and Spencer enjoyed a cheese and egg filled scone (very tasty) while the others drank dark roast coffee and cappuccinos. I decided to stick with a chocolate filled croissant; highly recommended.
A few kilometres later we turned off Chemin De La Mine onto Trail 5 in Gatineau Park. This is a popular paved route that leads you right down to the Ottawa River, very close to the bridges leading to Ontario. We spotted boulders, bluejays, cardinals, and rivers on the trail- it didn't take long until we popped out of the park with Ontario in sight!
After crossing Alexandra Bridge we stopped in the Byward Market for some stinky Swiss cheese, baguettes, fresh vegetables, patėe, and hummus. Before heading back down to the river, we took the classic Parliment photo, we really had no choice. We winded through waterfront trails and side roads that took us right to the Sobey's in Kanata (March Rd and Klondike) before crushing the last 12km to the YMCA Camp in Dunrobin.
A huge thanks to Jessica and Dylan at the Alpengruss Hotel / Restaurant in Wakefield. They were very accommodating and provided us with a shelter, showers, and a place to set up camp! Check out their website here.
Miles Arbour
TRIP TIP!
When riding in a pace line, or if someone is having trouble keeping up to the pack, positioning weaker riders close to the stronger lead riders will effectively place them into a very efficient drafting position. This keeps the group closer together and literally gives riders a chance to work less as well.
Photos!
Our first stop in Old Chelsea, at Biscotti
Our route intended to take us along side the Gatineau River, an awesome road for cycling that isn't popular for vehicular traffic. We marvelled at the rustic charm of the cottage-like homes in the area, and after a steep climb we turned onto Highway 105, heading South East to Old Chelsea via Scott Street.
We made a much needed stop at Biscotti in Old Chelsea. Seb and Spencer enjoyed a cheese and egg filled scone (very tasty) while the others drank dark roast coffee and cappuccinos. I decided to stick with a chocolate filled croissant; highly recommended.
A few kilometres later we turned off Chemin De La Mine onto Trail 5 in Gatineau Park. This is a popular paved route that leads you right down to the Ottawa River, very close to the bridges leading to Ontario. We spotted boulders, bluejays, cardinals, and rivers on the trail- it didn't take long until we popped out of the park with Ontario in sight!
After crossing Alexandra Bridge we stopped in the Byward Market for some stinky Swiss cheese, baguettes, fresh vegetables, patėe, and hummus. Before heading back down to the river, we took the classic Parliment photo, we really had no choice. We winded through waterfront trails and side roads that took us right to the Sobey's in Kanata (March Rd and Klondike) before crushing the last 12km to the YMCA Camp in Dunrobin.
A huge thanks to Jessica and Dylan at the Alpengruss Hotel / Restaurant in Wakefield. They were very accommodating and provided us with a shelter, showers, and a place to set up camp! Check out their website here.
Miles Arbour
TRIP TIP!
When riding in a pace line, or if someone is having trouble keeping up to the pack, positioning weaker riders close to the stronger lead riders will effectively place them into a very efficient drafting position. This keeps the group closer together and literally gives riders a chance to work less as well.
Photos!
Our first stop in Old Chelsea, at Biscotti
Outside of Biscotti in Old Chelsea
Ben Shillington in front of the Prince Of Whales Bridge that cross the Ottawa River between Quebec and Ottawa.
Looking across the Ottawa River from the Voyageurs Pathway
Crossing Alexandra Bridge to Ottawa
The view from Alexandra Bridge
The full team in front of parliament!
Thursday 12 November 2015
Day 2- The Rain Found Us
Luckily it did not rain over night, but we were under a pavillion at Mill Dam park in Shawville. Kyle and I boiled water for oatmeal and cooked 18 eggs mixed with onions, tomatoes and peppers for breakfast.
After, we shopped for lunch supplies while everyone snagged a coffee and we were leaving Shawville on time by 8:40. We took the PPJ (Pontiac Pacific Junction) right to Quyon. Along the way we picked up a frienfly dog who followed us for 8km. We luckily handed him off to the Stinson Gas station in Quyon where they knew the owner and returned him. From there our next checkpoint was Gatineau Park with a wicked climb to start it off. It was a windy road with many incline and declines along the way.
After leaving the park our final destination was Wakefield which was just west down the 148. When we arrived in Wakefield we were all wet and tired but excited to see the establishment where we would be camping. Lucky for us Ben had contacted the owner of Motel Alpengruss who provided us a room to shower and congregate to write this blog and debrief our day.
For dinner, Spencer and I made an Indian dish with a nice dessert to follow. The rain had kept steady all night so we took shelter under a large army tent on the property which Dylan and Jessica, the motel owners, also generously let us use.
Trip Tip!
A great lunch Pavillion beside the Farmer's Country Store in Luskville.
Photos!
After, we shopped for lunch supplies while everyone snagged a coffee and we were leaving Shawville on time by 8:40. We took the PPJ (Pontiac Pacific Junction) right to Quyon. Along the way we picked up a frienfly dog who followed us for 8km. We luckily handed him off to the Stinson Gas station in Quyon where they knew the owner and returned him. From there our next checkpoint was Gatineau Park with a wicked climb to start it off. It was a windy road with many incline and declines along the way.
After leaving the park our final destination was Wakefield which was just west down the 148. When we arrived in Wakefield we were all wet and tired but excited to see the establishment where we would be camping. Lucky for us Ben had contacted the owner of Motel Alpengruss who provided us a room to shower and congregate to write this blog and debrief our day.
For dinner, Spencer and I made an Indian dish with a nice dessert to follow. The rain had kept steady all night so we took shelter under a large army tent on the property which Dylan and Jessica, the motel owners, also generously let us use.
Trip Tip!
A great lunch Pavillion beside the Farmer's Country Store in Luskville.
Photos!
Scrambled Eggs on Day 2!
Morning coffee at Cafe 349 in Shawville, Quebec
Much needed shelter for lunch beside the Magasin Pontiac Country Store, in Luskville Quebec
Rose's clever setup will keep us riding straight
The Magasin Pontiac Country Store
Dinner in Wakefield - nice presentation boys!
Day 1 - Lucked out on rain
Wilderness Tours to Shawville, Quebec
5:45 On this gloomy, rainy morning, we all crept our way to the college. In silence, we all hoped that this rain wouldn't become the main theme of our trip.
8:00 Wilderness tours: Moral quickly climbed as we outfitted our bikes and packed our gear. After a (premixed) peanut butter and jam lunch in the bike shop, we departed with wide smiles and ambitious pedal strokes
The first village we passed through was Fort de Portage. The roads after surrounded in rolling green farms with cows, cows and lots of more cows.
4:30 After 34 km of cycling, we finally arrived in Shawville. Much to the relief of our bike seats. If you have the need, there is a Giant Tiger before you hit the town. It is across the street from a fries stand... Don't be detered - fries and sirens have too much in common - but much more dangerous coffee awaits. Artbrulant cafe has art I wish I could steal, service you could never steal from, and coffee and tea by the sack full. The owner is also an enthusiastic cyclist who owns a very interesting two wheeled rig. You should check it out proptly.
5:00 Shopping at value mart for dinner and breakfast.
5:30 Our destination was a short bike around the corner: Milldam Park. We spent the next few hours indulging in a dry pavilio: tents up, an arena around the corner with real live washroom facilities, and a warm meal made by many ,many hands. The pasta was fantastic. The sleep was well needed.
Trip tip!
Wear cycle shorts with max padding. If it feels like a diaper, say yes. You do not want to feel the seat when it stops liking you.
Photos!
5:45 On this gloomy, rainy morning, we all crept our way to the college. In silence, we all hoped that this rain wouldn't become the main theme of our trip.
8:00 Wilderness tours: Moral quickly climbed as we outfitted our bikes and packed our gear. After a (premixed) peanut butter and jam lunch in the bike shop, we departed with wide smiles and ambitious pedal strokes
The first village we passed through was Fort de Portage. The roads after surrounded in rolling green farms with cows, cows and lots of more cows.
4:30 After 34 km of cycling, we finally arrived in Shawville. Much to the relief of our bike seats. If you have the need, there is a Giant Tiger before you hit the town. It is across the street from a fries stand... Don't be detered - fries and sirens have too much in common - but much more dangerous coffee awaits. Artbrulant cafe has art I wish I could steal, service you could never steal from, and coffee and tea by the sack full. The owner is also an enthusiastic cyclist who owns a very interesting two wheeled rig. You should check it out proptly.
5:00 Shopping at value mart for dinner and breakfast.
5:30 Our destination was a short bike around the corner: Milldam Park. We spent the next few hours indulging in a dry pavilio: tents up, an arena around the corner with real live washroom facilities, and a warm meal made by many ,many hands. The pasta was fantastic. The sleep was well needed.
Trip tip!
Wear cycle shorts with max padding. If it feels like a diaper, say yes. You do not want to feel the seat when it stops liking you.
Photos!
James, Packing up at Wilderness Tours on Day 1
Miles' Kona Sutra Touring Rig
James' mule knot (great for tying down dry bags on rear rack)
The fleet!
Stopping for a coffee at Art Brulant's Cafe in Shawville, Quebec
A Cappuccino from Art Brulant
Camping in Mill Dam Park in Shawville, Quebec
The Good Luck Guitar Pick
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