Velo Quebec 2007 - La Route Verte
Montérégie to La Estrie (The Eastern Townships)
Once we got to Marieville a town of about 15,000, we made a quick stop at the downtown ATM to get some cash. Just south of town the Route Vert bike path began. It was picture perfect. The the trail was surround and covered by trees off into the distance (see picture). For the next 10 miles at least we would be traveling on a crushed gravel bike way seeing only one other person. Compared to yesterdays trip along asphalt bike ways with people walking everywhere this was quite a change. The path was absolutely straight for miles with no other signs of cars or people in site. We were now starting to leave the city behind with farm fields all around us; mostly fields of corn. Some times we would come across apple fields especially around St.-Cesaire.
While in St. Cesaire we came across this tourist information office right on the bike way with no access for cars. It really showed how much they support the bike trails within Quebec; and also how much a priority tourism is given in this province. Within the office they carried a full supply of maps, menus of local restaurants, and snacks and drinks. We told here we would be ready for lunch in about 30 minutes and she had a menu for a nice restaurant in the next town, St. Paul D'Abbsford which sat right under the peak of Mt. Yamaska. Here is an excerpt off the local web site explaining the route and local area. Notice the mention of a patrolled bike path!
Cycling Resources in Cantons de l'Este
Note: There are two pages of map makers and trails.
View Larger MapMontérégie to La Estrie (The Eastern Townships)
Friday, August 24, 2007
Route Des Champs
The ride today should not be to bad not the longest trip of the week and relatively flat. The route from Chambly to Stukley-Sud will really takes us to through the Eastern Townships, also known as Canton d'est or The Estrie. We were told that the first 5 miles or so would be difficult going along the highway with traffic whizzing by at 60 miles per hour. First we stop by a really nice coffee shop by the lake for some coffee and fresh local apple pastry.Marieville
Once we got to Marieville a town of about 15,000, we made a quick stop at the downtown ATM to get some cash. Just south of town the Route Vert bike path began. It was picture perfect. The the trail was surround and covered by trees off into the distance (see picture). For the next 10 miles at least we would be traveling on a crushed gravel bike way seeing only one other person. Compared to yesterdays trip along asphalt bike ways with people walking everywhere this was quite a change. The path was absolutely straight for miles with no other signs of cars or people in site. We were now starting to leave the city behind with farm fields all around us; mostly fields of corn. Some times we would come across apple fields especially around St.-Cesaire. St. Cesaire
While in St. Cesaire we came across this tourist information office right on the bike way with no access for cars. It really showed how much they support the bike trails within Quebec; and also how much a priority tourism is given in this province. Within the office they carried a full supply of maps, menus of local restaurants, and snacks and drinks. We told here we would be ready for lunch in about 30 minutes and she had a menu for a nice restaurant in the next town, St. Paul D'Abbsford which sat right under the peak of Mt. Yamaska. Here is an excerpt off the local web site explaining the route and local area. Notice the mention of a patrolled bike path!La Route des champs is the official French La Route des champs is a 36 kilometer, multi The patrollers are at your service and ready to
The Trail winds its way between The Trail is paved 60% of the way. TheSaint-Paul-d’Abbotsford |
Les Pitites Peches du Mont Yamaska was run by Nathalie Daguzan a who has been in the area for about 10 years, and is originally from France. Her restaurant also doubles as kind of a tourist gift shop with jams and jellies and other French Country kitchen items. I had a grilled chicken sandwich on a baguette with a very nice salad to go with it. For desert I had to have the creme brule while Dave had the chocolate souffle, she also had a pear cake that looked great. The coffee was also excellent not having that sometimes water down look that you see sometimes in the area.
After lunch it was back on the bikes for what was to be a long day. By the time we got to Granby, Dave's neck was hurting but we still had another 30 miles to go. At least the view along Granby and the lake was stunning. The trail and park along the lake and river was a real relief after being on the the road form most of the day. I was worried it was gong to get late soon and we would not be able to see much since we were leaving Granby and the roadway was turning into a trail.
We made it to Waterloo which was the last town before Stuckely Sud . I had to stop at the local convienence store and get something to eat and water; actually anything to eat, which ended up being some nuts and a moon pie. One thing I learned about the Route Verte Trail systems is that it does not always go via the most direct route, but in some cases the more scenic route through small towns..
By this time we had left Waterloo and it was getting close to sunset and I was beginning to get a little worried because we were in the middle of the forest and visibility was decreasing fast. We finally hit a highway and then a turnoff on to Rue Deligence which is what we were looking for. Diligence happened to be a gravel road with few houses on it. A couple of miles further up Diligence and it crossed the hiway switching to an asphalt surface. It was at this time that Dave said "I'm done". I asked for some local directions and one gentleman said "Rue Gerard Dames is 2 kilometers down on Diligence. I told Dave I would take his headlight and go out as far as 4 or 5 kilometeres and if I did not find the street we were staying on I would turn back.
So off I went with no front derailleur so to speak of and only a flashlight in on a dark country rode. It took a bit of effort but I finally make it up the first hill, and then a second. but now I was getting close to 2 miles and nothing in site. Another mile and I would probably have to turn back. at about the 2.5 mile marker I found the street flashing Dave's headlight on mailboxes looking for the address with no such luck. After about three quarters of a mile I reached the end of the street so I start back down the road now peeking inside the gates to see if I recognized the houses. After about the fourth house I though it look familiar so I rode up to the house and just as I reached the house I recognized Diane from the pictures Francois had shown me. I made. After a few pleasantries I told here that I had a friend still stranded down the road.
Cycling Resources in Cantons de l'Este
Note: There are two pages of map makers and trails.
59 miles
197 cummulative miles
Day 4 - Rest Day in Orford/Magog
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment