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Cyclopaths - 2013

Photos - 2013 Please click here to view photo gallery (a new window will open)

 

Photos - 2012 Please click here to view photo gallery (a new window will open)

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October 15, 2013

I might suggest beginning at 53rd. Ave. Lachine entry to the bike path heading east to LaSalle & into Verdun & perhaps onto Nun's Island. Suggested time 10:15.

 

 

October 8, 2013

Plans are to cycle  from Coteau du Lac to St. Zotique near the Ontario border. There's a  hotel pub on the water ar the turnaround spot for those who wish to imbibe, otherwise we can picnic by the river.

Driving Directions:
Once we get off Mtl. island on the 20 or 40 heading in the Toronto direction, just look for the  exit toward Coteau du Lac & follow that road 'til the Soulanges
canal.  Cross the bridge over the canal & immediately look for a large gravel parking lot (free) on your left (at the bike path) before you get to the St. Lawrence River.
It's the turnaround spot  we use in the Pointe aux Cascades to Coteau du Lac trip.There is a washroom on site.
Meet at Coteau du Lac at 10:30 a.m.or, if you wish to go as part of a group,  again, it makes sense to carpool, we can use  the park across the street from 227 Lakeshore, Pte. Claire, as a marshalling point.
Please indicate below, by Monday , if you're planning to go & indicate if:
You can take other bike(s)
You need a lift
you plan to follow in your vehicle
you will meet the group there (Coteau du Lac )
Pointe Claire departure: 9:45 ish, Coteau du Lac departure:10:35ish.

 

 

October 1, 2013

South side of Lac St. Louis
 
We had 17 cyclists last week!
 
Cycling this coming week will take place on the South side of Lac St. Louis following the Chateauguay and St. Lawrence Rivers.  36Km.
 
Driving Directions:
After crossing the Mercier Bridge, our aim is to head West along 132/8 West to the outskirts of Chateauguay.
Continue toward Chateauguay to St. Francis  Blvd. (4th stoplight from the Mercier bridge).
There is a Petro Canada on the right west corner.
Turn right on St. Francis  Blvd to Maple, (about 4 stops.). Turn left on Maple. You'll pass H.S Billings High School (at McLeod)
Continue on Maple  & you'll see a Tourist Information kiosk next to the Bibliotheque.
Park in the back parking lot of. the Bibliotheque. 10.15 am meeting time!
There's a bike path adjacent to the parking lot.
We head North to get to the Chateauguay River to its confluence with the St.Lawrence then west along the St. Lawrence toward Beauharnois  then back. (36km.)
 
If you're not sure about the directions or wish to travel with or follow others, you can meet across the street from 227 Lakeshore (About 9:30 a.m.) . Let me know if you plan to do this.
Those coming from West of the Island of Montreal may find Autoroute 30  a better option than the Mercier, just aim for the same destination (Maple Ave.  Chateauguay Tourist Information kiosk next to the Bibliotheque,
parking in rear of the Bibliotheque.
Please indicate if you plan to cycling with the group this week.
Please indicate your phone # in the event of a weather cancellation.

 

 

September 17, 2013

Cornwall Cycling Trip
 
After having to cancel last week, it seems we need to take advantage of predicted good weather for this Tuesday to go further afield. We have yet to go to Cornwall this year. Thanks to Colin Legault, we've instituted this very popular trip.
 
Driving directions: (It makes sense to carpool and share gas costs)
From Montreal take Highway #20 westward toward the Ontario border. At the border Highway # 20 becomes Highway #401.  Continue westward to McConnell Ave. (exit # 792).
Drive southward toward the St. Lawrence River.
When you reach Montreal Street (which becomes Water St. as you head west) turn right and proceed to just beyond the corner of Pitt St. and  Water St. and the Tourist  Information  bureau on the right, Look for Augustus St. then head into the left lane & turn into the parking lot in the park across the street. There are nice restrooms nearby in the park.

From this rallying point we will proceed westward on the bicycle path to the beginning of the Long Sault Parkway. The trip from Cornwall to the Parkway is about 17 kms, so the return trip will be in the area of 35 kms in total. 
 
There are rest stops along the way and there is a gas station / snack bar across Highway #2 at the Long Sault Parkway entrance. We can stop there for lunch or anywhere else that we deem appropriate. There are a few ups and downs, but it is relatively flat and very scenic.
 
The trip to Cornwall takes a bit more than an hour (about 80 km.from Pointe Claire).
There's a nice patio deck off the Pub 'Blue Anchor'  just a few km. east of our departure  point in Glen Walter, for those who may wish to partake in apres-cycle refreshments  on the deck after we finish our trip. Most participants really enjoyed themselves there in the past years.
 
Those who wish to do more distance, may wish to depart from just west of the 'Blue Anchor' attempting to dovetail with the group's times, if so, Colin will inform you of the departure location, please let me know so I can inform Colin and know where to expect you in Cornwall.
 
Please indicate by Monday, if you're planning to join us & indicate if:
You can take other bike(s)
You need a lift
you plan to follow in your vehicle from 227 Lakeshore leaving about 9:15 a.m.
you will meet us there (Cornwall)  at about 10:30 a.m.
Phone # in case of any changes.
you plan to join Colin for the extra distance, thus an earlier departure
 
Hope you'll join us,
Wayne

 

 

August 27, 2013

Plans are to cycle along the scenic South side of the seaway canal eastward toward  Beauharnois from Lake St. Francis all on bike path.
 
Departure will be from the parking lot on the the South side of the seaway canal which can be accessed by 2 immediate left turns once you have crossed the lift bridge over the seaway canal.
 
Below are previous directions for the trip however it may be more expedient to take the new highway 30 toll bridge ( $1.50 each way),heading West to the  lift bridge over the seaway canal.
 
Driving directions (it makes ecological sense to carpool and share gas costs):
 
Once we get off Montreal island, take the 20 heading in the Toronto direction, just look for the Valleyfield exit (beyond the one for Coteau du Lac which we took a few  weeks ago)  You'll cross the Msr. Langlois bridge over the St. Lawrence, which heads toward Valleyfield on route 201.
 
Then there will be 2 choices to get to the seaway canal bridge:
 
1) [longer] Continue on route 201 past exits for Valleyfield until you come to Autoroute 30.
Bear right onto Autoroute 30 and proceed in the direction of Huntingdon until you cross the lift bridge over the seaway canal.
 
- or -
 
2) Through the town of Valleyfield following signs to Huntingdon as follows:
 
From the Msr. Langlois bridge, continue 6.3 km. on route 201 to rue Alexandre.
Turn right onto rue Alexandre which becomes du Centenaire after 1  km., then another 500m before turning right at rue Victoria, go only 650 metres before  turning left onto Chemin Larocque.
Continue 3.4 km. until Chemin Larocque meets route 132/201 (which is also route 30).
Merge right onto route 132/201 & (30) and cross the lift bridge over the seaway canal
 
After you cross the lift bridge over the seaway canal  take the first road to the left (Ormstown), then immediately after going under the RR bridge, look for a gravel road into the parking lot by the South side of the seaway canal. There are Johnny-on-the spots there, and enroute.

 

 

August 13, 2013

Cycling this coming week: St. Jean to the outskirts of Farnham.
 
If  conditions are favourable, we hope to cycle, then see The International Balloon Festival which departs from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu at 6;30 p.m.
 
You may wish to join us for a great Pizza supper after in St. Jean with desired beverage while watching the balloons take off.
 
How to get to the starting point:
 
Road directions
Only 20 minutes from Montreal Island, more from West Island
Take highway 40 & cross the Champlain Bridge (I believe the Southbound lane off  highway 20 is closed).
Take highway 10 (Eastern Townships Highway).
Take exit 22 (Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu).
On route 35 Sud (South) which goes to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, take the exit for Blvd. du Seminaire (Route 223) until you come to the railway tracks in the middle of St. Jean.
Right after the tracks (underpass) turn left on Rue Foch which parallels the  tracks to the Richelieu River.
Stay on Rue Foch until it takes a jog in the road (around an old railway station) then begin looking left for a (free) parking spot in one of the lots on your left close to the river (between Rue Champlain & Rue Richelieu) That's where we'll meet at 1:15 p.m.
 
Again, it makes sense to carpool, we can use our place & the park across the street as a marshalling point.
 
Pointe Claire departure: 12 noon-ish for those who need to assemble for rides.
 
St. Jean  departure: 1:15-1:30 p.m.

 

 

August 6, 2013

This week we'll head North to do a stretch of le Petit Train Du Nord trail from St. Marguerite to Ste. Agathe & back.

Plans are to leave from the Petit Train Du Nord trail heading north .
 
Bruce Corbett will join us at the departure point & has kindly offered to BBQ burgers etc.for us at his cottage in Entrelacs 17 km. away upon our return, following our 33 km. ride.

Prior to our departure, Bruce's wife, Cindy will pick up any salads etc. (that we'll contribute) which may require refrigeration.
 
Partners of cyclists who wish to enjoy the day at the cottage while we bike are invited to come too, if so, bring a picnic lunch.

Directions:
How to get to the starting point:

Road directions:
 
1. Go to Highway 40, heading east, toward Montreal.
You can cut over from the 20 in Ste. Anne, or on St. Charles Road,  St. John's or Sources.
 
2. You will come to a sign that says Mirabel Airport. Head for Mirabel. You will be on 13 North.
 
3. After passing through Laval, you will come to a turn-off to 640 East. (Keep heading for Mirabel.)
 
4. At the (former) General Motors plant- now a shopping centre - you will cross the Laurentian Autoroute. Ease right, and get on the Autoroute. (It is 15 North).
 
5. Stay on the Autoroute until you come to Exit 69. (It should say exit to  Ste. Marguerite). Take the exit.
 
6. Turn right at the Y-intersection at the bottom of the hill. (Left used to take you into Ste. Adele. Now you can only go right.)
 
7. You pass the Alpine Inn and climb a long hill. Near the top, you will see a church on the left. The cycle trail parking lot is back twenty feet and by the church.
 
There's plenty of free parking. Let's meet there at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday

 

 

July 30, 2013
Proposed trip: La Route Vert North across Laval to Riviere des Prairies
 
Plans are to cycle across the back river from the path we usually take along Gouin East
then along La Route Vert which heads Northward across Laval to Blvd. St. Rose and on to a park along  Riviere des Prairies. This is about 33kms. return & flat.
 
To get there from the West Island, drive east along Henri Bourassa (accessible from Highway 40) past Marcel Laurin in St. Laurent to O'Brien, then North to Gouin, there may be parking on O'Brien around Gouin ) or at Parc Raimbault just a little west  of O'Brien, on the North side of Gouin.
 
Let's meet at Parc Raimbault at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, weather permitting.
If you need help with the directions, call me at 514 697-8802.
Or, if you wish to go as part of a group and carpool, we can use our place & the park across the street as a marshalling point (9:15 a.m.).
 
Check again before leaving if the weather looks 'iffy'.

 

 

July 23, 2013
A local trip is proposed because rain may appear later in the day; please note the earlier start: 9:15! 

Suggested trip: Ile Perrot
 
Those on the Island can either cycle to the departure point on the St. Anne de Bellevue side of the Galipeau bridge or drive.
Right turn at St. Annes exit off Route 20, then left toward the tracks. 
Parking is available alongside the railway line on the North side of the tracks just West of Ancien Combattants opposite the Hornell condos.
Cycle to the circular bike path entrance to the Galipeau bridge on the St. Anne de Bellevue side; our departure point for 9:15.
Another  departure point  will be at the traffic lights on Ile Perrot after exiting the bridge for those West of the bridge.
 
There is often parking near Daisy Antiques at the southwest side if the bridge.

 

 

July 16, 2013
Please carry an extra tube for your tire size in case of a flat.
 
Forecast for Tuesday will be hot, so we'll try to follow water.
 
The proposal is a departure from the riverside bike path at 53rd ave. Lachine at 9:30 .a.m. heading into LaSalle by the Lachine Rapids then on to Agrignon Park in Verdun.
 
This is a shorter trip, for those who've yet to join us.
Park on or around 53rd. ave. Lachine. However, some may wish to cycle there from home 

 

Note for long-term planning:

Bruce Corbett has suggested August 6th (or the 20th in case of weather problems on the 6th) for another Laurentiens trip followed by a BBQ at his cottage.   August 13th would be the date we'll plan the St. Jean to Farnham trip culminating in watching the St. Jean  Balloon fest over pizza supper, more to follow!

 

 

July 9, 2013
The proposal is a departure from the riverside bike path at 53rd ave. Lachine at 10:15 .a.m. heading in to town past Atwater market to Parc Jean Drapeau on Ile Notre Dame. Park on or around 53rd. ave. Lachine. However, some may wish to cycle there from home.

 

 

June 18, 2013
Plans are follow the bike path alongside  the Back River and Gouin East.

To get there from the West Island, drive east along Henri Bourassa (accessible from Highway 40) past Marcel Laurin in St. Laurent to O'Brien, then North to Gouin, there may be parking on O'Brien or at Parc Raimbault just a little west off of Gouin.

Let's meet at Parc Raimbault at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday to allow for travel time to get there.

If you need help with the directions, call Wayne at 514 697 8802.

 

 

June 4, 2013
Plans are to leave from Chambly, at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, heading to St. Jean Sur Richelieu along the canal path. This is a beautiful trip between the canal and the Richelieu River, past some lovely homes. The path is paved and sometimes packed gravel. Pack a lunch as the return trip is about 42 km.
 
Directions:
 
Cross the Mercier Bridge go left & watch for signs for Route 30 east Then take Route 10  & take exit 22 toward Chambly.
 
You'll eventually spot a housing development on the left and go through a roundabout you'll spot an IGA on your right.
 
Continue on to another roundabout where you're choices are: either head right or straight.
 
Take the right one which leads to Old Chambly and Fort Chambly. Eventually this road becomes Frechette and curves left. 
 
After crossing railway tracks and traffic lights at Rue Perigny you'll spot a Maxi on the right.
Turn right onto Boulevard Perigny (Route 112 ) and then turn left and left again to the Maxi parking lot. Park well away from the Maxi front door, closer to Boulevard Perigny (Route 112).

 

 

May 28, 2013
Plans are to cycle along the St. Lawrence from Pointe aux Cascades to Coteau du Lac. (37 kms).
From West Island:

Drive West on #20 to Dorion turning left at the lights onto Route 338.
Proceed to Pointe aux Cascades. Turn left, taking Cascades which merges into Centrale.
Turn right onto Centrale you’ll cross under a huge  Pointe aux Cascades sign  to Chemin de Fleuve.
Head right into to the parking area (opposite the church) & look for the group. 

 

 

May 21, 2013
Departure point Fairview Park around 10, weather permitting, thru Bois de Liesse park to Riviere des Prairies. Location Name  Fairview Park; D.D.O. Qc. rue Blue Haven [chalet parking]

 

 

May 14, 2013
Plans are to leave from the Ile Bizard Arena (now called Vincent Lecavalier Arena) parking lot, at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, heading thru' the nature park to the ferry ($1.50 each way) to Laval West  & on thru Deux Montagnes to Oka.
 
Weather permitting, you may want to swim, if so, you may want to bring a bathing suit.
Take Blvd. Jacques Bizard off Pierrefonds Blvd. (about midway between St. Jean & St. Charles), cross the bridge & stay on Jacques Bizard to almost the end (to the Ile Bizard Arena parking lot). Bring a lunch or snack.
 
It is possible to cycle from the bike path along the power lines at de Salaberry, north along Somerset which turns into Jacques Bizard in Pierrefonds, but most usually drive. Park along the north end of the parking lot, well away from the entrance to the arena.

 

 

May 7, 2013
Starting point: Fairview Park in D.D.O. [St. Jean N. of the 40 east on Blue Haven (Shell Station on corner). Blue Haven  curves around toward the bike path which parallels de Salaberry.]
 
Some will cycle there from home, (I'm leaving 227 Lakeshore at 9:40) otherwise there's parking at  Fairview Park.
 
We'll head West along  the bike path which parallels de Salaberry then North on Somerset which becomes Jacques Bizard then over the bridge to Ile Bizard then on through the Nature park to the beach on the island.

 

 

April 30, 2013 10:00 am 53rd ave. Lachine Departure from 53rd ave. Lachine where it ends at the bike path near the Lake at 10 a.m. Some may wish to bike from home, those driving use the streets around 53rd ave. for parking. Destination, Atwater Market.     April 23, 2013 Depart about 10 am from the N.W. corner of Beaconsfield Shopping Centre's (St. Charles & Beaurepaire Drive) parking lot. proceeding westward along Beaurepaire Drive into Baie D'Urfe and on to Ste. Anne de Bellevue. Many will cycle from home, as we will from 227 Lakeshore, judging travelling times accordingly (we'll try to leave home by 9:40).   Some will transport bikes to Beaconsfield Shopping Centre.

 

 

April 2013

Cyclopaths Ride Preparation
 
The Cyclopaths fluorescent yellow vests were adopted a couple of years ago, to provide more visibility/safety for the group, even though most of our rides are on bike paths or trails. The vests also help us identify a group member who might be quite far away.
 
The first few rides of the season are usually shorter distances (15 - 20 km.) and as we get fit they are a little longer later in the summer (30-40km.)
 
We strive to stay together, but due to different fitness levels and abilities we often get spread out a little. We don't leave anyone behind as the objective is to get everyone to arrive at the finish at nearly the same time. We carry a snack/lunch and water for hydration. We stop fairly often to refresh, chat, take pictures, bathroom breaks, etc.
 
Some items a new rider should bring would be:

• Suitable clothing for the weather expected - wind, rain, hot sun, etc. Being as comfortable as possible makes for a more enjoyable ride. Dressing in layers helps.

• Make sure your bike is in good condition. Some members do over 1000 km. over a summer and that takes a solid bike. Tires should be inflated properly to avoid flat tires and improve ride enjoyment.

• A light lunch and water bottle. Personal identification and Medicare card should be carried.

• Bike helmets are strongly recommended. Riders do fall once in a while and we want to avoid injuries.
  Proper bike fit is a major component of a good ride. Information will be available at the beginning of rides.