For once the weather forecast for Montreal was right. 60% chance of scattered showers. So with a strong West wind I set out from my sister in law's residence (missing most of the showers) to check out a new planned route for the Montreal "Short" Tour. See the OBC July Spokesperson, or send James a e-mail for information on this very interesting tour for the more relaxed and newbie riders who would like to see the sights and food of Montreal from a bicycle point of view, while cycling in a park and woodland setting for most of the tour. First it's was a good idea to go as I found out that our (past) return route the Jacques Cartier Bridge to St, Helens Island is under construction (replacing whole sections of the bridge) and will be closed all summer. With the new route this crossing is not required. First we still start & end the tour at McDonalds ( corner Sir Wilfred Lauier & Victoria Road) on the South Shore, where St Lambert meets Greenfield Park.. We still cross the St. Lambert Locks but instead of turning right for the Island of Notre Dame we turn left and travel West on the Seaway, seawall (hard pack cider) for 3 km's to pass under the Champlain Bridge and taking the flood control gates across the St Lawrence River to the Island of Ile des Socurs (Nuns Island) . Both Flood gates and island are very good paved bike paths with a small section of cider while passing through a wooded area as we circle the island. On Nuns Island our first stop will be for a group photo. At the 15 km mark we will have crossed over to the Island of Montreal were we will follow by paved bike path,the shore of the St Lawrence River past the Lachine Rapids over the Aqueduc to pass under the Mercier Bridge to the mouth of the Lachine Canal. At 32 km's we will cross over the canal to 1704 Boulevard Saint-Joseph were we will have lunch (outside) at LidiOt. It is suggested that you do not order dessert or pizza as we will be stopping at the St Lawrence Market as we travel East along the Lachine Canal to Old Montreal. Bikes will be minded by Sir James as you take in the view and delightful smells of the market, plus dessert (Italian supper). It is suggested that we pass through Old Montreal quickly on our way to La Fontaine Park and Velo Quebec were you can purchase light food and drink the latest cycling maps (free cycling maps of most of the route can be picked up from summer students working information boths along the bicycle paths) and neat map carriers. From there it's up the buggy path to the lookout at the Top of Mount Royal and where ice-cream cones and light food is available and we will take our second group photo with all of Montreal as a background. From Mount Royal we will travel North a short distance to ABC Cycle at 5584 Park Avenue, for a visit. We will then return to Old Montreal and if time permits Sir James will mind the bikes on the waterfront while you take a hour to browse the many shops of Old Montreal. It's off again for a return trip via the Island of Notre Dame were again we may pause for a photo at the Montreal Casino, as we return to St. Lambert to freshen-up and stow bikes before enjoying great Italian food ( pizza is very good) at the Piazzetta at 680 Victoria Avenue in St. Lambert. Relax, chat and prepare for the drive home to Ottawa. This is a great chance to learn your way around Montreal and it's network of great wide, paved and smooth bicycle paths which are all in beautiful park settings and pick up a map as I'm sure many will want to return on their own after getting their first taste with "Sir James. Their is a chance that we may get the use of the OBC van for the short tour as the racing team may not require it for their trip to Nova Scotia. We will have it for the long tour on the 18th of August. But please bring your cars to James residence so that all who wish to go, may do so. If not required (have van) I live on a quiet street and have a large driveway. were you can park your car and not have to ride home at night when we return. It is also suggested that you bring a change of cloths in case of rain (It never rains on "Sir James" tours) some funds for lunch, dinner, munchies & drink and a little more if you plan to shop. This is the perfect tour away from home for the Tuesday Night Cyclist, and I hope to see many of you in Montreal. Cheers, "Sir James" PS James will wait for a slow rider as we will be away from Ottawa on a new route for most. However, it is hoped that the slower rider will put in a little extra effort and the faster riders will cut their pace a little and enjoy the view, so we can all enjoy the trip together. 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