Two bike roads for all ambitions

AN ALMONTE GEM FOR A FAMILY DAY TRIP AND A MORE AMBITIOUS TRIP ON THE QUEBEC SIDE FOR A LONG WEEKEND

BY CRAIG AND ALLEN MACARTNEY PHOTOS – GOBIKING.CA / CANADA TRAILS

Here’s a couple of cycling routes to generate adventure this summer, one close to home and the other north of Montreal. The first is perfect for a family day trip, and the second would make an excellent long-weekend adventure.

ALMONTE LOOP

Start this 15-kilometre loop in the picturesque town of Almonte, a 30-minute drive west of Ottawa. Get there by driving west on Highway 417, then take Highway 44/49 to the town. This loop is easy to keep track of – it’s left turns all the way. Start cycling on Martin Street North, heading northwest. This paved road leads out of town through lovely rolling farm fields where you can watch for wild turkeys and deer. At the village of Blakeney turn left, then peddle for 3/4 of a kilometre to the bridge crossing the Mississippi River.

You’ll want to stop here for a picnic, and to explore the many trails weaving through the forested area that hugs the river. It’s a band several hundred metres wide, almost like a highway of river and forest running through the farmland.

You turn left at Wolf Grove Road. The entire trip involves a left-handed circuit.

Then continue heading down the road less than a kilometre until you cross County Road 29 and continue to the village of Bennies Corners. Turn left on Ramsay Concession Road 8, and in less than a kilometre you’ll reach the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area. Here, you’ll find a postcardperfect, water-powered, restored mill surrounded by mature trees. Scenic picnic areas surround the area, as do a maze of hiking trails. There’s also an art gallery and museum.

Continue your cycling trip down Ramsay Concession Road 8 to Wolf Grove Road, your your final left turn, and loop back to Almonte.

P’TIT TRAIN DU NORD | LINEAR PARK

For those looking for a more challenging adventure, you can’t beat the P’tit Train du Nord Linear Park. This beautiful trail winds its way northwest for 200 kilometres along a former railway bed, from Saint Jérôme through the Laurentians to Mont-Laurier. The tracks have been replaced by either fine gravel (in southern portions of the trail) or pavement (in the north). It’s perfect for either hybrid and mountain bikes.

The grade is mostly gentle, except in a few locations (see map) that require a little more effort. The northern half of this route (our preference) has rest stops every five to 10 kilometres with picnic tables and shelters beside swamps and ponds. Outhouses make the trail child friendly.

During this trip you’ll pass through a wide range of picturesque villages and towns near quiet streams, rapids, golf courses, public swimming beaches, and lookouts, all perfect for picnicking. In addition to scenic vistas, you’ll see wildlife – foxes, ravens and raccoons. There are historical exhibits at some of the old railway stations along the route.

Cyclists planning an overnight trip will find seven campgrounds on or near the trail while most towns have B&Bs, inns or resorts, and restaurants catering

to any taste. There are bike rentals positioned near the trail in some towns, and you’ll find hardware stores and repair shops in case you run into trouble.

For side trips there are several loops off the main route, as well as trails that lead to rock-climbing hills. Just watch for signs.

You can join the trail at many places, including StJérôme, Ste-Adèle, Sainte-Agathe, Mont-Tremblant, Labelle, L’Annociation and Mont-Laurier and there’s no charge for using the trail. You can also get free brochures from tourist kiosks in most of the towns along the way.

NO BIKES LEFT BEHIND

P’Tit Train du Nord – One the many beaches where cyclists can stop for a quick swim. This is in Nominingue. The photo was taken on a hot Saturday afternoon, so the beach was well used by the locals.

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