Day 53: Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada

Day 53: Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada

August 4, 2016

Miles: 46

Average Speed: 9.5 mph 

Portneuf, Quebec to Trois-Rivieres



Riding along the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River has been even more beautiful then riding along the south shore. It offers more small towns to visit and more towns to find lodging.  Consequently, more restaurants, more restrooms, and more churches and bridges. We had decided a couple days ago to ride on the north shore straight to Montreal, which incidentally is located on the north shore as well.  However, most people who we have met along the way suggested we take the south shore, but when we looked for towns and lodging, we found few options on the south shore.  This is when we decided to switch routes and we are glad that we did.  Today's ride to Trois-Rivieres was especially beautiful.  The sights, the weather, but not necessarily the wind.  It was brutal today fighting the wind, mile after mile, and it never died down all day.

Trois-Rivieres, the city's name, is French for three rivers.  It is named for the fact that the Saint-Maurice River, which is divided by two small islands at the river's opening, has three mouths at the Saint Lawrence River. 

So our day started about the same time that it always starts - around 7:30a.  We found a great breakfast this morning at the same restaurant that we ate dinner last night.  And I have to say, breakfast was considerably better then last night's dinner. Steve had rated last night's meal as good, but I questioned his rating because a lot of times his good ratings, in my estimation, have been well, for good meals. But last nights's meal in my opinion was lousy, as my dad would have said it. Even after I gave Steve my opinion, he stood strong behind his rating and said 'it was edible, so it was good.'  I just don't get it.  Dinner wasn't good at all, but there was nothing I could say to change his mind. In the future, I may have to rethink it when he says something that I have cooked is 'good'.  Basically, not a good rating, no pun intended! 

Sorry for the digression, so we were on the road by 10:30a this morning and despite the wind we made good time.  Not because we averaged a fast pace, but because we stopped only once, not counting bathroom breaks and picture breaks, to get into town sooner than later.  We made it to Trois-Rivieres at 4:30a.

Good breakfast, no really it was 'good'

Crepes, eggs and an omelette

First beautiful church we passed

We encountered a bridge that looked a lot like the bridge we crashed on a few years ago in Portsmouth, NH.   We knew right away that we couldn't ride our bikes across this bridge.  That and because the sign said so.  Too dangerous!

Walking bikes mandatory

Not cool

Steve's knees were knocking the entire way across.  He's afraid of heights, but after about half way across he did much better.

Very cool, at least I thought so

View from the bridge

Picture break

Same

At every turn, we saw the St. Laurent name everywhere.  I'm so popular in Quebec!  

First of many

We stopped after 36 miles for lunch.  We only wanted to stop for a short time, so we searched for a place that would be quick.  We stumbled upon a farm stand.  

At first, Steve did not want to share his blueberries, but eventually he did

Lunch

Another beautiful church along the way

And another sign

Just outside of Trois-Rivieres we crossed over another bridge.

Nice big bicycle lane to cross this bridge.

Wish we had bicycle lanes like this on the Newport and Jamestown bridges.  In fact, it is against the law to even cross these bridges by bicycle.

Where the city got it's name

Third vantage point to make up the name three rivers.

Here it is again, see famous!

Like most towns in Quebec, there is a main street that is heavily populated by restaurants, bars and bistros.  This is the main drag in Trois-Rivieres.

So many options

Here waiting for our table.  Relaxing having a beer.

We made a good choice tonight.  Steve ordered a falafel and me chicken, which was excellent.  I think I like chicken again!

Dinner - great!

Not sure where we are headed tomorrow.  I haven't figured this out yet, but we want to ride another 45 miles tomorrow if possible, meaning if we can find a town with a hotel in that vicinity.  I plan to work on this next!