11.5 mi. AIS 1:15 hrs. Elev 846 ft.
For the next 3 days we are riding the P’tit Train du Nord. The literature describes it as follows:. Running along a decommissioned Canadian Pacific Railway line through the Laurentian Mountains, northwest of Montréal, the 124-mile “linear park” is now a mix of hard-packed gravel and asphalt, all wonderfully car-free. It cuts through small towns and dense woodlands, never hitting breath-shortening hills. Bicycle repair stations dot the route, and cyclists are given priority at campsites. “Bienvenue cyclistes” signs — another Vélo Québec program — denote inns where cyclists can expect a safe place to store their bike overnight and a hearty breakfast to get them moving in the morning.
Short, short riding day. Caught an 8am shuttle in St. Jerome to Mont Laurier. Several people were on the shuttle.. including a young couple with 2 little girls being pulled by both mom and dad in trailers. It was about a 2 1/2 hr drive north through the Laurentian mountains.
It was chilly when we off loaded. Had to unpack the down puffy jacket for instant warmth. Didn’t expect to use it on August 19! Most people were not carrying loaded bikes like us so they were off quickly. We stopped at the IGA to get lunch food, and a stop at a coffee shop for a cappuccino and breakfast. Jim’s front disc brake was rubbing after the airplane box ride so we stopped at a bike shop to see if they could straighten it. The answer is not really… but they tried. Still rubs.
It was about 1 pm when we departed south on the trail to a campground 3 miles off route of the P’tit du Nord trail. Simple enough… until you see the steep climb you have to go up to the campground on a nice lake. It was a for sure “ hike a bike”. It’s best to dismount before you struggle then tip over! On our last long distance ride we got pretty used to pushing our bikes uphill in Texas hill country.
Tonight’s campground is having an end of the season party too! It’s not Halloween but an afternoon feed (free!!) of hot dogs with all the fixings and boiled fresh corn on the cob. Several people came by our little tent….the only one in this campground… to make sure we come to eat. Free food? We’re there! Well the corn on the cob was delicious and so was the hot dog!
The campgrounds that we stayed at last night and tonight are very interesting. There are very few drop-in campers ( if any). They have primarily permanent campers for the summer season. These permanent spots have decks built, some are screened and have flowers and vegetables. I’ve also noticed that they like these side by side glider patio seats on their decks. Saw them last night and several again today. I wonder if this a Quebec patio furniture thing… like rocking chairs in Florida?
As I write this…the party goes on… a danse! The country music, Beatles and line dance music, crowd gathering group songs are pumping ( Macarena, YMCA), oldies like Sugar Sugar. The hit list keeps on rolling between last night and tonight! All the songs are in English except Happy Birthday.
When you are in Quebec the language is most definitely French. As soon as you leave Montreal it becomes very apparent. Both Jim and I tried to learn a little French before we arrived. I have to say with the exception of being able to read simple signs, neither of us can understand a word people speak or barely ask a question. Total failure I’d say! I feel pretty stupid when they start talking and I’m clueless. However, many people can speak English but it is not their first language.
cinnicrew 