Ride Director: John Gradwell
Ride Co-Director: Germain Berube
Report by: Noreen Drucker
Riding through a Celebration of Cultures,
Languages, People and Community.
From the moment you open the door to your suite at the Château-Vaudreuil, until you drink your final cup of coffee on the terrace, this trip, Montreal je t’aime is nothing less than spectacular. In other words, “c'était magnifique!”
THE RIDES
The first day’s ride took us to a historical site complete with a windmill built in colonial times that was used to make flour from wheat. We watched a reenactment of colonial times in the province of Quebec, ate a delicious picnic lunch and rode back in the afternoon sun. After that, the riding and the food just kept getting better.
We cycled 45-65 miles a day, from one bike path to another, or on quiet serene back roads. The sun was our daily companion and shone on the lake and rivers that surrounded us. We crossed bridges and took unusual ferry rides. The scenery was breath taking, as was the contrast between the historical houses and the modern mansions. We rode past dairy farms, parks, and secluded old villages. We rode over dams, witnessing the surging power of the water as it roared beneath us. We passed by people speaking French and English, mothers doing aerobics as they pushed their babies in carriages and so many bikers wearing brightly colored jerseys.
Some days, we pedaled with the river on our left and the canal on our right, stopping to watch the boats glide through. When the afternoon got a little bit too warm, we found our way back to the bike path, where the shade of the maple and oak trees cooled us down. In regards to the riding “c'était magnifique!”
THE FOOD
John and Germaine, two Quebecois, shared their culture, knowledge and love of food with us. Every night we had a unique and delicious meal at restaurants that they had personally chosen. All the restaurants were fabulous, but most of us agreed that le Surcouf in Ste Anne was the finest.
An evening at the sugar cabin was an incredible Canadian experience. We got a demonstration of how maple syrup is processed. We sat down to a family style dinner and were served warm fresh bread, ham, sausages and soup. A quart size bottle of maple syrup was on the table and you were encouraged to bathe your food in it. Dessert, of course, was sugar maple pie and pancakes. Throughout the evening, a local musician entertained us with songs in French and English. “ C'était magnifique!”
THE EXPERIENCE
The city of Montreal is only about an hour or so east of our hotel. It is easily accessible on public transportation from a nearby mall. The subway leaves you off just outside the Basilica of Notre Dame in the old city. Don’t miss the spectacular multimedia show, “AURA”. Consider staying for dinner and be enchanted as the city lights up around you.
John and Germaine were not just ride leaders. They were hosts who welcomed us into their country and their hearts. This wasn’t just a bike tour. It was an experience about life, sharing and learning, with a very special group of people. Thank you both for a wonderful time. "Vous étiez magnifique!”
Bicycle Adventure Club
PO BOX 23998 San Diego, CA 92193
Telephone (858) 715-9510 office@bicycleadventureclub.org