Day 52 Ottawa to Hudson 105 miles

After a healthy breakfast we loaded the truck and headed off into town. We followed the canal along some really pleasant cycle routes right into the city centre and back to the parliament buildings. We wanted to take some day time photos and so rode all around the parliament which is a bit like a mini Westminster but in a much quieter location. I was amazed to be able to get right up to the door and rather than being an arse the guide offered to take our photo outside the main door.

We then moved around the outside of the building to a famous cat-house (feline I assure you) where stray cats are in residence and then came across the Canadian Police Memorial Wall. It was quite sobering when I saw the number of Officers killed in the line of duty and I was quite grateful that despite pressure we remain unarmed. After some reflection we moved off back onto our planned route.

We followed more cycle paths and the odd road passed many of the embassies and the Prime Ministers house, we didn't stop, and then out along the River Ottawa which was just stunning riding.

Todays ride included two short ferry crossings, the first of which heralded our arrival in our 6th province, Quebec. You can tell your in a another province, whilst all across Canada the signs are bi-lingual the ones in Quebec are just in French and they just wont comply with Canadian law. Sounds familiar doesn't it.

The ride was through some lovely countryside and then we arrived at the Chateau de Montebello, the worlds largest wooden building and the site of a G& meeting some years ago. Whilst the outside is nothing special the inside was stunning, I just hope my photos do it justice, I have never seen a fireplace and chimney so big. It is a hotel but trust me when I tell you not many of you could afford to stay there!

The final part of the ride was through expensive riverside property with a quick break in Rideau the home town of one of riders.

Tonight the locals of Rideau and Hudson, friends of Marie-Andre have provided dinner for us (much to the annoyance of TDC) to celebrate the tour and in particular their own participants success. I said a few words of thanks on behalf of the group and l also welcomed back a couple of riders who had missed a day or two through illness, so now we are back to full strength.

Tomorrow we go towards Montreal, I am splitting off from the main group with a few others, we are going to spend the night in town and sleep at Daniels house instead of going to the campsite, we will have to catch up a few miles the day after but I'm sure it will be worth it to see downtown Montreal and sleep in a house rather than a tent.


Onwards and Upwards