It’s a cold morning at 37 degrees. Not biking weather. But it should warm up to the low 50s by the time we hit the road. After a tough 39 miles on Corridor Aerobique the other day, we decide to alter our trip a bit. We were supposed to bike back the same way, which would have been a 55 mile ride to St. Jerome in a direction with even steeper climbs. So instead, we have gotten a shuttle bus to take us from Amherst to Mont Blanc, where we will have an easy 42 mile or so ride home.
Because we have already travelled most of these miles twice, this last trip posting focuses on things I didn’t mention in prior ones; it represents characteristics of our entire trip rather than a specific section of our journey.
Trail facilities and signage are great: Regardless of the areas, both Le P’tit du Train Nord and Corridor Aerobique are in great condition. Even after the torrential rain of the prior weekend, downed trees were cut and moved off the trail, ruts marked with cones and tape, and repairs started. These trails have ample rest and repair stops, many of which have stores to get food and supplies. Also they are exceptionally marked in the most part and to get lost or misdirected is difficult.
Car drivers are respectful, bicyclists not so much: At nearly all road crossings, there are crosswalks requiring cars to yield to bicyclists. In only a few instances, cars did not stop. Ironically, a majority of bicyclists on the trail ignore the speed limit rules (22 km/h (around 13 mph)) flagrantly, bombing down the trails with no regard of others’ safety and rarely letting fellow riders know they are passing on the left. I got punched in the arm once by a rider who must have thought I was in his way.
Enough poisonous plants for dozens of murder/mystery novels: Like the Katy Trail, this part of Quebec is chock full of poisonous plants. There were ample quantities of water hemlock, poison hemlock, wild parsnip, and occasional giant hogweed. Be careful to check what is in your salad.
Lovely plants and wildflowers: When ever enough light reached the trail, there were tons of wildflowers and pollinators surrounding them. Milkweed and daisies are common to the trail as are dandelion-like flowers. Both white and pink roses have a heady and intoxicating fragrance that cannot be missed upon passing. In certain sections there are lumpy carpets of lichen. And one of my favorites, lupines, are at the end of their blooming cycle.
Great meals: Like our trip to Prince Edward Island, it was hard to find a bad meal. Ted is in his element as a gourmet and I discover that I could become addicted to poutine easily.
And then it all comes to an end at 348 miles. A great trip. Time for a beer.
1 Comment
congratulations on another excellent adventure!