Fall Colours Multi-Modal Fixture Ride, Oct. 9, 2019

MBC Minute Book October 2019

Today's fixture ride included the participation of members: G.T. Bishop, W.G. Ross, H.S. Tibbs and Louis Rubenstein.

The weather forecast was for sunny skies and seasonal temperatures. The weatherman seemed to have hit the right spot on his dartboard and it was a beautiful Fall day.

The first leg involved taking the 09h55 EXO train from Lucien L'alliers station to Dorion. G.T. Bishop boarded at the departure point and was joined by W.G. Ross and H.S. Tibbs boarding at Vendome station and Louis Rubenstein at Montreal West.

The train journey passed quickly as the members discussed various topics around the recent Climate March and the upcoming federal election. Before long, Dorion station was announced and the members disembarked and made preparations to set off (read bathroom break). Amazingly, the station building was open so the toilet could be used instead of the porta-potty beside the building (placed there for the bus drivers).

We followed the bike path out of Dorion towards Vaudreuil and then onto the shore road towards Hudson and the Oka ferry. Along the way, we saw many Canada Geese using Lac des Deux Montagnes as a rest stop on their migration south as well as the mandatory construction work on the road.

In short order, we made it to the ferry just as it was getting ready to depart. Well, three of us made it and we looked back expectantly hoping to see Tibbs come around the corner. And we waited...but he did finally come into view just in time to board and we were embarked on our next leg of the journey.

Tibb's keen eye captured some fine shots along the way to the ferry.

Maison Felix Leclerc

There was also another 'Biker Gang', somewhat folically-challenged but with an excess of horsepower compared to our human-powered steeds.

Oka seemed to be the best place to stop for lunch even though we had only cycled a short distance. G.T.'s cafe recommended cafe was, unfortunately, closed so we back-tracked to the restaurant facing the ferry dock and its bustling terrace. It had everything you could want in a menu as long as you wanted fries with it but the burger was actually quite good. W.G. Ross managed to find something that didn't come with fries but Louis helped him out from his mound of potatoes.

With the fuelling portion completed, we headed along the “La Vagabonde” bike path that took us through Oka park, past Pointe Calumet Water Park and on the Deux Montagne...

Sumac on Fire

Well, almost. Just before Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, we were confronted with a barricade indicating that the bike path was closed. Undeterred, we carried on but then we saw down the path that there was a fencing going straight across. Thinking we could 'Do a Malcolm', we took the road beside the bike path to find a way around, heading into a private lane and then into the trees until we ended at the cause of the path closure.

Ross and Rubenstein probed further to evaluate the possibility of jumping the barrier and avoiding the large construction vehicles operating on the other side.

Ultimately, the members decided that discretion was the better part of valour and returned back to the initial road closure sign to follow the detour route up to the 344 and then eastwards, through more road construction until they could pick up the bike path again.

As we entered Deux-Montagnes, Ross and Tibbs decided to part company and take the next EXO train back to Montreal. Louis and Bishop decided to venture further and bade farewell.

Our party of two now carried on towards Laval and the next ferry connection that would take them to Ile Bizard.

Two other cyclists were waiting for the ferry and kindly snapped a photo. They seemed quite impressed by our cycling journey. Disembarking on the other side, the two remaining members rode towards the bridge that would take them onto the island of Montreal. This involved a brief detour into the Nature reserve that was very pleasant though a bit up and down along the path.

Once on the home island, Louis decided to part company at Pierrefonds and St. Jean avenues to head south and, hopefully, catch the EXO train that would take him back to Montreal West. G.T. Bishop carried on the planned route to Roxoboro station but then decided to keep riding back to home rather than wait for the train.

Once through the very unfriendly section of Gouin near the station where there was no other option for cyclists (is Roxoboro the least bike-friendly borough?), the ride home was quite pleasant as the sun made its way towards the horizon and there was one further opportunity to take in the Fall Colours.

Here is the route followed by the various members over the course of the Fixture Ride.

Postscript

Subsequent to the journey, Louis advised that he had successfully made his way home via some judicious use of sidewalks along boulevard St. Jean and the EXO train at Dorval.

H.S. Tibbs advised that he and Ross made their train at Deux Montagnes, and he provided some colourful and interesting views around Dorchester Square before making his way homeward.

Two Queens

W.G. Ross was silent on his ultimate arrival status but it is assumed it was pleasant and uneventful.

Member reporting: G.T. Bishop
Photos: G.T. Bishop and H.S. Tibbs