Early Birds vs Late Birds

 Only a few members braved a very chilly morning to turn up at Vendome station for the 7:02 train. The initial idea had been to do some birding and biking going toward Ste-Anne-des-Plains. But a few other and perhaps wiser folks decided to take a later train from the Park Ave station in the hope of more sleep and a warmer start. So the early birds went to St Jerome and, fortified with a good breakfast at the station, they headed down the bikepath to meet the late birds at our favourite café in Ste-Thérèse. Refortified, the merry band of 6 continued south in the hope of warmer climes.

The early birds read team sets out. Lots of water on some of the fields, even some ice and snow just off the path "up north."

Reunion plus rewarming and refueling before setting out for the rest of the ride.

Quebec early spring scenes, just a hint that leaves might soon start to appear, a few ducks already arrived, lots of water about. And many trees and branches down all over as a result of the ice storm just two weeks ago.

Crossed Laval on their excellent bikepaths...

 

Going east from Park Bernard Landry we faced a challenge! G.T. Bishop shows it can be done!

Others found a longer route around and did not have to wring out their socks! But G.T. Bishop swears by wool socks for all seasons : wet or dry, they keep your feet warm!

Back on the island and onto the REV. A.T. Lane takes inspiration from the white on blue signage for the advocacy posters for the REVe Sherbrooke. And a first sighting for some of the Vélorue sign!

Lunch at last and well-deserved! Warm enough after lunch to get the crowds out. Altogether a satisfying day!

Distance for the early birds (St Jerome to NDG): 62 km