Day 3: Wakefield to Dunrobin

We woke up at 5:30 this morning to prepare a delicious feast of mashed potatoes, veggies, eggs, and cheese for the group. We lucked out with a dry morning, high humidity, and a quiet Wakefield to send us on our way. Topping it all off with some fantastic lemon loaf.

Our route intended to take us along side the Gatineau River, an awesome road for cycling that isn't popular for vehicular traffic. We marvelled at the rustic charm of the cottage-like homes in the area, and after a steep climb we turned onto Highway 105, heading South East to Old Chelsea via Scott Street.

We made a much needed stop at Biscotti in Old Chelsea. Seb and Spencer enjoyed a cheese and egg filled scone (very tasty) while the others drank dark roast coffee and cappuccinos. I decided to stick with a chocolate filled croissant; highly recommended.

A few kilometres later we turned off Chemin De La Mine onto Trail 5 in Gatineau Park. This is a popular paved route that leads you right down to the Ottawa River, very close to the bridges leading to Ontario. We spotted boulders, bluejays, cardinals, and rivers on the trail- it didn't take long until we popped out of the park with Ontario in sight!

After crossing Alexandra Bridge we stopped in the Byward Market for some stinky Swiss cheese, baguettes, fresh vegetables, patėe, and hummus. Before heading back down to the river, we took the classic Parliment photo, we really had no choice. We winded through waterfront trails and side roads that took us right to the Sobey's in Kanata (March Rd and Klondike) before crushing the last 12km to the YMCA Camp in Dunrobin.

A huge thanks to Jessica and Dylan at the Alpengruss Hotel / Restaurant in Wakefield. They were very accommodating and provided us with a shelter, showers, and a place to set up camp! Check out their website here.

Miles Arbour

TRIP TIP!
When riding in a pace line, or if someone is having trouble keeping up to the pack, positioning weaker riders close to the stronger lead riders will effectively place them into a very efficient drafting position. This keeps the group closer together and literally gives riders a chance to work less as well.  

Photos!

Our first stop in Old Chelsea, at Biscotti

 Outside of Biscotti in Old Chelsea

Ben Shillington in front of the Prince Of Whales Bridge that cross the Ottawa River between Quebec and Ottawa.

Looking across the Ottawa River from the Voyageurs Pathway

Crossing Alexandra Bridge to Ottawa

The view from Alexandra Bridge

The full team in front of parliament!