10 September 2021 Mascouche by da Sea

In order to maintain the tradition of ferry or train rides the official excursion began at Sauvé  metro station, at 12:35, Louis arriving via Metro from Vendome and GT Bishop pedaling from Le Plateau via the St Denis REV.

The train ride to Mascouche was uneventful but it was noted that both stations were equipped with ramps that eased the getting ons and getting offs for passengers on bikes (GT Bishop - Wishful thinking on Louis' part as the EXO signage definitely excludes cyclists from using these ramps), in wheel chairs or with baby carriages.  A very simple, lo-budge solution not yet conceived on the other local commuter lines.  Another welcome feature was a flush toilet onboard!

Starting from rue de la Gare in Mascouche GT led the way over the mild objection of Louis who thought a better route would have been by turning immediately right at de l'Esplanade and again at de l'Etang.  Nevertheless except for a 5 k stretch along a somewhat busy 2 lane road with no shoulder (GT Bishop - but identified by Google as a bike route and pretty farmland nevertheless) we persevered through Terrebonne/Bois-de-Filion on more familiar territory that we have travelled on frequently.  

Louis recognized certain land marks and features of this route but was grateful that GT led and made every turn correctly until Chemin de la Grand-Côte in Rosemere where we eventually stopped for a beer at the station terrace before boarding train and heading home.  (GT Bishop - Well, in front of the terrace on the grass as Louis was lacking the requisite Vaccine Passport; ergo the beer in a coffee cup trick.)

About 45K (GT Bishop - 35K Mascouche to Rosemere plus 10K to and from the MTL stations)

Attended by Louis Rubenstein (Rapporteur) and GT Bishop (Secretary)