After a morning cuppa Joe (Starbucks, in fact), we left Hawkesbury bright and early, and were on our bikes only a few minutes when we crossed the Quebec border! After spending nearly a month in Ontario, we were now surrounded by quaint towns with picturesque neighbourhoods and many a French-speaker. One thing that hadn’t changed – the sun was still shining.
Crossing the bridge to Quebec!
Pedaling Feat's sixth province!
We followed a quiet highway (#344) that traced the Ottawa river. John drove ahead to find a break spot, and we would roll up to find him sun-tanning like a lizard on a rock. For lunch that day, we stopped in a little park in Deux Montagnes. There we met a handsome old chap named Rocky. Rocky, native to Quebec, spoke mostly French, which gave us the chance to practice speaking our second language. Rocky was very excited to learn all about Pedaling Feat. He was retired (at age 77) but took care of the Bocce Ball pitts, and was getting them all ready for the playoffs that night. We sat and ate lunch with Rocky on the swing, while he talked about his family and the town of Deux Montagnes (named after the Lake that it sits on).
With more than half of our ride completed, we continued on our way to Montreal. The traffic got busier and the roads, bumpier but we were both very excited to ride onto the island.
Mel, crossing the bridge to the island of Montreal!!!
Once in the city of Montreal, we visited Starbucks (John knows every Starbucks location in Canada) before heading to Marie and Errol’s gorgeous home in NDG. They ordered in Chinese, which Mel and I scarffed down like champions. We then ventured out to a local pub to meet up with old McGill friends, Curtis, Sylvain and Phil! It was great to be able to catch up with the guys (some of whom we haven't seen in years, others since Winnipeg!). A few sangrias later, we were ready to call it a night. We gave the guys a tour of Lois and sent them off with a hug, some Twizzlers and an apple pie.
Phil, enjoying his Twizzlers and apple pie.
Sylvain and Curtis hanging out in Lois!
Mel and I love Montreal, so it was really nice to be back. McGill is where we met – and where the idea of Pedaling Feat was born!
Note: No road signs were taken out by Lois today. Success!
You hit one sign... just one... and you can never live it down...
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