April Fools

Four members (G.T. Bishop, A.T. Lane, H.S. Tibbs and Louis Rubenstein) met at the Ma Bicyclette Cafe for another Spring Training Ride. However, A.T.'s purpose was only to promote an upcoming Critical Mass ride and consume coffee as he had other activities planned for the day.

The other three set off towards the Champlain bridge on a cool, sunny morning that promised to warm up later. The calendar stated that April had arrived but, apparently, drivers in Verdun did not get the message.

Fortunately, the bike paths on Nun's Island were clear of vehicles and the members made their way unimpeded to the bridge searching for signs of the mythical REM train. With none to be seen and only minor work witnessed on the REM line, the members continued down to the South Shore that held great views of the new bridge and little evidence of the old one.

Louis and then H.S. caught up and the members decided to head for the bridge at the lock and on to Ile Notre Dame.

Unfortunately, the Seaway had not opened the path over the lock and the members had to return to the South Shore and head for the Jacques Cartier bridge. With the sun warming the air, the riding was getting more pleasant. The members then turned down onto Ile Ste Helene where H.S. decided to stop for some reflective time, Louis decided to head for the Metro and G.T. carried on back to Montreal.

Rather than go through the Old Port, G.T. headed into Griffontown, lured by a REV banner.

This segment of the REV system was unknown to G.T. so he followed it up Peel all the way to Rene Levesque where it mysteriously disappeared. Strange system that does not connect together...

He managed to find his way REV-less to Claire Morrissette path and then home.

Total distance for the day approximately 40K and very pleasant spring riding.

G. T. Bishop