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 motorcycle 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:
http://motorcycleroads.com/best/?c=129
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
