What
a long, cold, long, did I mention cold, and long winter it was. There were
moments – several in fact – during January and February where I thought it may
just be time to relocate to somewhere with a longer motorcycle riding season –
like South America!
Less than a month into the current riding
season though, and those thoughts are a fading fantasy.
The 2015 riding season started on April 11th
for me. A short 400km roundtrip ride from Ottawa to Mont Tremblant for lunch
was exactly what I needed to shake off the winter blues and get my riding blood
pumping again.
My friend Alex and I headed out of Ottawa on
the 417 – not necessarily my preferred route – but my 2014 V Strom 1000 is just
so comfortable in almost any environment that even riding the slab can be
enjoyable.
We rode to the Highway 34 - Hawkesbury exit
and continued north to the 148, heading east on this fun little 2-lane country
road until we met the 327 – one of my favorite roads in the area. This
provincial highway has a little something to offer every style of rider, from
long, undulating climbers and sweepers to some super-tight twisties and
everything in between. If you have never ridden on highway 327, do yourself a
favor and ride it this summer. You will definitely not be disappointed.
After lunch we decided to take a different –
but every bit as enjoyable route home. Highway 323 starts (or ends, depending
on your perspective) at Mont Tremblant as well, and it will take you all the
way back down to Montebello and highway 50, or highway 148.
We opted for the 148 – a little rough, and
sometimes congested – but still a very enjoyable road to ride – and followed it
all the way back to Gatineau, where we eventually crossed over the river into
Ottawa and made our way to our respective homes.
Living in Vanier, I consider myself to be one
of the very lucky ones. I am smack dab in the middle of some of the best riding
offered in 2 provinces – and the country. I’m not kidding – check out this link
if you need another opinion:
I tend to spend 95% of my free time in the
saddle. To the tune of 3800 kilometers so far this season. Which for me has
been 22 days.
I am heading out on another fun Ontario and
Quebec ride this weekend, so I promise, there is more to come…
Joe
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I really do appreciate and encourage comments and / or criticisms. If I do not get back right away it is likely because I am out riding - or haven't checked the comments section in a couple of days - but I will do my best to respond.
Hope you are enjoying the ride.