Thursday Cycling in the Sun

      The MBC convened the 28th of October, a cool Thursday morning, at Shäika Café: Laura Snowball, A.T. Lane, and H.S. Tibbs..   It was a cycling day of dangerous obstructions.   The first was met on the de Maisonneuve cycling path where two construction trucks set up shop in the path.   Tibbs called Public Security from his place while getting warmer clothes.   Cycling to Old Montreal along the Lachine Canal was beautiful except we were into a stiff cold wind from the east.   It was chilling. 

Cold geese on board walk in the Lachine Canal

  

     Heading more northerly along Berri and then St Denis we warmed ourselves on the sunny side of the street with less wind.   When we continued on Lajeunesse Tibbs clumsily rode into a construction standard that was not completely out of the detour path.  A bit of cursing but he was fine.   

Snowball and Tibbs on Lajuenesse's wide (too wide?) cycling path

     Having reached the back river, or des Prairies, the three cyclists were stunned as they took a blind curve behind vegetation to come face to face with the open bucket of an earth mover on the cycling path.

Exterior of l'Église de la Visitation showing the original church and the neo-Baroque façade 

     After these episodes they thought it wise to stop and make a pilgrimage at l'Église de la Visitation.   They were disappointed though that the doors were locked but made a complete walk-around of the church.   Tibbs was vaunting the excellence of the interior which he had visited on previous occasions.   Hopefully one day the cycling and a visit to the church's interior will dovetail.

The unseen interior of l'Église de la Visitation for another day 

     Another disappointment was that their favorite café Le Meunier was closed, only being open on weekends.  But nearby they found another.   It was dedicated to cyclists.    And had excellent americano coffee and melted cheese in a croissant.    Gouin outside its window was pedestrian.

Gouin outside the café

     After a laid back lunch we headed to the west side of the Miron quarry and then cycled up to the Cirque du Soleil end of it.   There were some beautiful trees in autumn colours.  

A.T. and Laura on the Miron quarry west side path

     After some difficult cycling on busy streets we found the shrine to 70s québecois rock, the Beau Dommage mural.   Tibbs is a great fan.  The necessary photo was taken.

In the shadows of Beau Dommage

     The return was by St Denis again, Rachel, Parc, Milton, University, and de Maisonneuve.   As a final surprise they found police cars sitting in the Mansfield cycling detour for the REM station.   Tibbs shouted out "You're putting cyclists in danger".   He did not look back to see if they heeded his warning.  There was beautiful sun all day and the temperature rose, albeit slowly.