Deutsche Fahrradtour

 Willkommen!

The fixture started off on an ominous note when G. T. Bishop arrived at the Ma Bicyclette Café to find that it was not open on Mondays. 

A couple of minutes later, Birdie Munger appeared to hear the bad news. Following a short discussion, it was decided to carryon towards the Bande Verte and meet up with Louis Rubenstein who had decided to meet the group enroute. Just before heading off, A. T. Lane arrived and, after a number of Guten Morgens, the three members pushed westwards into a stiff breeze along the Lachine Canal.

Finally, turning off towards the canal path, the three crossed the 20 and turned the corner onto the Bande Verte whereby they were pushed nicely along the new path by the wind now behind them and quickly joined up with Louis Rubenstein.

G. T. layed out the itinerary for the morning that was designed to give the members a taste of Deutschland in Montreal and to get them hankering for the Spring trip across the pond. Heading east towards the Glen hospital, the members surmounted the short, but challenging incline to lead them to the de Maisonneuve bike path. 

At the Vendome station, G. T. spied a café and quickly suggested they stop to make up for the one that was closed on the canal. What a great choice!

Not only did they served good coffee and pastries but it was part of a service for the adjoining hospital that would be beneficial to know about.

The members took their time to enjoy their beverages and discuss various subjects.

Finally, the ride continued eastwards into the heart of Westmount to arrive at the first Germanic fixture point of Westmount Square, designed by Aachen-born, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

While the members tried to appreciate the spare beauty of the structures with Birdie Munger pointing out how the reflections on the windows of the adjoining buildings provided a sort of conversation between the square and the surrounding buildings, it was ultimately felt that the overall impression of the place was one of isolation rather than inclusion highlighted by the lack of any human activity around the square or even any invitation for the same such as benches or play areas or greenery.

Carrying on, the members stopped in front of the Royal Montreal Curling Club to admire the more classical building and allow G. T. time to reflect on his other major activity when who should exit the door but Daisy Greville!

After recounting her game-winning sideways takeout shot to G. T., Daisy spoke of the joys and sufferings of another activity that some of the members participate in during the winter; the Canadian Ski Marathon. 

Bidding Daisy adieu, the members moved further west past Louis' Alma Mater, Concordia University.

Although a bike path on Sherbrooke street is A. T.'s passion, the dream of synchronized lights on the de Maisonneuve bike path is G. T.'s.

Turning up onto President Kennedy due to the detour for the endless REM construction at McGill College, the members stopped momentarily at the corner of St. Laurent to look into the window of the Goethe Institut where the members were informed they could receive German lessons and watch German films occasionally.

Doubling back, the members past the Maison Symphonique before heading up Jeanne Mance towards the mountain and some alpine training.

Birdie Munger queried the hill climbing when the planned route next spring was to follow the Danube river but G. T. pointed out that, while that was technically true, most points of interest such as castles, were invariably located on high points.

Still, the members felt that enough elevation was gained and, rather than continue up to the cross, turned downwards towards Beaver Lake.

G. T. tried, unsuccessfully, to lead the members around some construction behind the chalet and, undeterred, pushed on into the woods with visions of the Black Forest in his mind.

Louis was not too enamoured with the route choice but followed along and was assisted ultimately by Birdie to make the final descent.

The path led the members behind the Royal Canadian Hussars Amory, which was very appropriate given that Remembrance Day was fast approaching.

 

Carrying on, the members passed a group of CSN employees picketing outside the Cote des Neiges cemetary. One of the employees took a moment to explain to the members their grievances.

 It seemed like even Mother Nature was in sympathy with their cause.

Undeterred, the members quickly made their way towards Queen Mary and the lunch spot at the Boucherie Atlantique. What a find! As the members made their way through the aisles of chocolates and cookies and other delicacies to the counter, it was almost too much to take in.

The gentleman behind the counter, Gerard, suggested that the members try the pork roast special. While he was serving it up, Louis practiced some of his German on our Austrian host. Fortunately, no harm was done and the members were served. The result is easily shown on Louis' face.

A. T. had disappeared to the sandwich counter but his offering was equally as enjoyable. As the members consumed their lunch, they chatted with Gerard as well as the other customers about their plans for a German bike trip next spring. Gerard recommended a tour of Lake Constance, which is the region he is from.

The members could not depart without filling their arms with goodies.

It was time for the members to head their separate ways after a blustery but very satisfying bit of Germany in Montreal.

Auf Wiedersehen!

Distance for the ride: 35K

G. T. Bishop