Algonquin College Cycle Tour Guide: Day 4

Day 4 – No Rain. Just Snow.

This was the frostiest morning yet. After shaking the snow off our tents we packed up our gear and gathered our spirits in the outdoor meeting room at the Bonnenfant Y Outdoor Education and Leadership Centre. Delicious French toast, yogurt and fruit between these four walls quickly put a smile on everyone's faces.

We hit the road at 8:30 and our first stop was 11km away at the Heart and Soul Cafė in the town of Dunrobin where we enjoyed hot beverages and our second breakfast.

With full stomachs we continued are journey. 23 km away we took the ferry to cross the Ottawa River into the town of Quyon. We all thought it was neat to get to ride onto the ferry with our bikes but it was still cold out and the wind really picked up on the river. Once on the Quebec side we took shelter under a pavilion and enjoyed warm stew and pizza buns.

By the time we got back on the bikes it was 2 o’clock. We had covered half our planned distance, we were cold and anxious to get to our next destination.

We passed back through Quyon past all the historic buildings of the lovely town, and waving as we past the lady who took in our runaway travel dog on day 2 (considering the strange look she gave me, the dog clearly went wild and became a wolf).

Our aim: Shawville. Knees aching and cold wind freezing our water and spirits, we decided to take the scenic (long) route. It's not an adventure if you don’t add in some intervals just to practice fighting for your sanity.

We passed a good hundred dozen fields (most containing pretty cows) before we got to Norway Bay. The ride here was beautiful. Go here. River Rd has the miniature version of every house you’ve ever wanted and a friendly cyclist less ambitious with hills as we were. The ride went by the river and is completely worth the biting wind to get there.

We continued through Brisdale. A lovely Cidery passed us by on River Rd, of which Kyle gave us an epic history. We were all disappointed we couldn’t stay.

We ended our cycle past more forest and field and finally turning onto the PPJ. After a kitten’s attempt to chase us for our love and the sun’s attempt to have us chase it in awe of its loveliness, we arrived at our café. Artbrulant. Washroom break, coffee , the friendliest welcome despite our late arrival, we will continue to go back.

We dined on tacos. They were golden. We ended the day heading to a convenient store called Langford’s. It's a landmark. Here, hot chocolate, coffee, a table and good company welcomed our tired bodies.

Trip tip!
Don’t lose your pants. Neoprene doesn't keep you warm if it's not wet. Attitude is everything: enthusiasm and trip crazies fight cold and clouds better than the sun does.

Photos!

A frosty morning in Dunrobin!