This tour began on the evening of the 27th with a Meet and Greet at the Community Centre at Britannia Beach. There we met co-ordinator Marg Hurley (also our billet host for Chris and me) and her committee who outlined the week’s activities. We were given an information package that included brochures and a Canada 150 ball-cap complete with the CCCTS logo.

While sampling appetizers we had a chance to mingle and get to know the 48 participants. Twenty riders from the west coast, mainly Victoria and Vancouver were billeted by local CCCTS members. For some of us this was a first time trip to the Ottawa area and a chance to experience it during Canada’s 150 celebrations.

The committee asked us “west-coasters” by a show of hands how determined we were to ride in the rain since the forecast was indicating heavy showers over the next few days. Surprisingly, a significant number of hands went up!

June 28 dawned cloudy when we met at the Champlain Bridge parking lot. We were offered 2 tour choices to get to Rideau Hall for the 10 am tour. Each tour split into a faster and slower group complete with a leader and sweep. All of us arrived on time at Rideau Hall under sunny skies. After an informative tour we rode by the Rideau River Falls and up the canal area before returning to the start — which was a nice 33 km introductory ride through the capital area.

Day 2 was forecast to be wet. Nevertheless, there was only a slight drizzle as we met again at Champlain Bridge to tour the Gatineau area. Since the long route to Wakefield was cancelled the two remaining tours headed up to Mackenzie King’s estate located in the Gatineau Hills. The route took us through a beautiful trail system which is very popular for cross-country skiing in the winter. As we climbed the weather got progressively worse. By the time we reached the estate the rain was heavy and those of us who stopped at the Teahouse were grateful for a chance to dry out a bit and get a hot drink and food. Some of the group carried on to Champlain Lookout, which judging by a few photos was mostly fogged in. At this time those riders who took a “museum-day” instead of riding seemed to have made a good decision.

Fortunately, we were able to dry out our shoes and gear well enough at home to eagerly take on the next day’s challenge on June 30. Our objective was to go west up the Ottawa River either to the historic Pinhey’s Point area or the village of Carp followed by a stop at Alice’s restaurant for lunch. Our group chose Pinhey’s Point. Under cloudy skies we followed Tom’s lead going at a brisk pace up the Trans Canada Trail. Oblivious to high creek flows we went past a warning sign where upon in a blind corner, a seemingly small puddle got deeper and deeper until we were in water above the cranks! Needless to say, we could not stop now. Pedaling hard we were soon on dry ground where we could stop to wring out our socks as much as possible. Apparently, Peter’s group was warned so avoided this unexpected water bath.

Determined to carry on we enjoyed a nice tour of the Pinhey farm house and museum before working our way back. Once again, cloudy drizzly skies gave way to steady rain which accompanied us most of the way home.

The next day was Canada Day ….. time to take a break and enjoy the festivities on Parliament Hill, or so we thought. After being passed by numerous free buses we finally got downtown when Marg and Peter drove us to a friend’s place where we could catch a different bus. In the city it was apparent that security concerns, along with the huge crowds, long line-ups and a lack of information about how long it would take, that there was no point in trying to get closer. We just wandered around taking in the positive atmosphere and many attractions scattered around Ottawa downtown.

July 2nd we were back on tour. The choices were Bridges of Ottawa, Swan on the Rideau or Manotick village. These routes took us south of Ottawa and past the airport. Our choice was Manotick Village which had a working grist mill on the Rideau River. Here we learned about the power of water and turbines that formed the heart of the new community 150 years ago allowing them to develop a sawmill and flour mill plus associated industries. Afterwards, we checked out some of the locks on the Rideau Canal. High water had forced them to shut down for a time while they spilled extra water. We got back to the parking lot just as the skies opened up once again so were glad to have driven to the start.

On our last day, July 3rd the tour was a ride to the Parliament Buildings or Supreme Court via the Gatineau area. This tour was previously scheduled prior to July 1 but was delayed because of security concerns. It was a good decision. Most of the security fencing was removed and there were a lot less people. By all accounts both tours were a great hit and we came away much better informed about the history and operation of government in our nation’s capital.

Since this was our last day all the participants met that night at the Canal Ritz restaurant. We enjoyed a nice dinner on the Rideau Canal while saying goodbye to our fellow cyclists and thanking the organizing committee, ride leaders and especially, the billet hosts!!

All of the out of town travelers felt that the hospitality and guidance of the Ottawa chapter of CCCTS made for an unforgettable trip that showcased our nation’s capital and showed us why cycling here is the envy of much of Canada.

Kim James Bartlett,  Victoria, BC