Local Tourist Fiona Tapp takes her first tour of the NCC bike paths

Her first NCC bike path adventure, Fiona Tapp rented her bike for four hours at a cost of $25, including helmet, lock and map.

Fiona Tapp is a British Elementary School Teacher, who has called Ottawa home for the past five years. As a native Londoner, she tries to explore and enjoy Ottawa as a tourist, and so far is pretty impressed with this “tiny but brilliant” city!

I am not exactly what you would call a born cyclist, in fact I haven’t owned a bike in years, and unless you count one hour’s rental a year, usually because its included in a resorts activities, I don’t bicycle at all, and am ashamed to admit I have never used the NCC bike paths.

So with the day stretched out in front of me, and glorious weather to boot, I thought I would go ride a bike, and spent the morning looking into rental choices. There are numerous bike shops in Ottawa, but after a few quick calls, I was informed that there are basically two options available, to those who do not own their own bike. Rent a Bixi from various locations or take a trip under the bridge at Colonel by Drive and Rideau to “Rent-a-Bike”.

Safety first...

Safety conscious as always, I wanted to be able to rent a helmet, lock and map-the availability of these items at Rent-a Bike helped to sway my decision. I was met by a very friendly and helpful young man who got me all set up and put my seat down to the lowest possible setting, without laughing- pesky short legs!

I started out along the Canal in a convenient straight line from the tunnel bike shop-it amazed me how natural bike riding felt even though we have been absent friends; it’s a true adage that you really never forget how to ride a bike. After a little while I noticed I was smiling, and realised the girlish thrill of my hair blowing in the wind and the straps of my backpack flying out behind me was quite intoxicating.

Soon I reached Dow’s Lake and marvelled at how much quicker cycling was than my other pastime, running, in terms of actually getting somewhere promptly- there is no contest!

After passing some locks I arrived at Hog’s Back Falls and Park and stopped for my picnic lunch. I absolutely adore picnics, other picnic spots I have visited this summer and would recommend are Pink Lake in Gatineau Park, Lake on the Mountain near Picton and The pick of the bunch;  the NCC Arboretum, where my husband and I enjoyed a champagne picnic to celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary.

Groundhog!

I sat by the lookout enjoying the view of Ottawa, while I ate my lunch and happened upon a group of very friendly squirrels, chipmunks and a big fat groundhog-I find groundhogs very comical and I really enjoyed watching him busy himself unconcerned with my presence.

Ottawa's Rideau Falls

After lunch I felt like challenging myself more than the 8km return trip along the canal, so I decided, upon studying the map, to cycle along the paths past Vincent Massey Park and on the route towards Rideau Falls. I have run part of this route before so felt confident I wouldn’t get lost, and as long as you keep to the paths which are well sign posted, you shouldn’t either.

The bike that I was loaned was a Giant Pathway Comfort, and was great fun to ride, the gears were easy to operate even for a novice and the seat was about as comfortable as a bike seat gets. I had the bike for four hours at a cost of $25, including helmet, lock and map. An hours ride will cost you just $9.

I arrived at Rideau Falls, and enjoyed the beautiful view until I realized the bike path had finished and I still had to get back to the bike shop-being somewhat directionally challenged I chose to head in the wrong direction down Sussex and ended up at Rideau Hall- where very friendly staff pointed me down the road to my destination.

I must admit I was slightly nervous to now be riding on the street, all be it in an assigned bike lane, but felt rather proud of myself when I managed to arrive around the back of the art gallery and suddenly without warning knew exactly where I was.

Bike path in Ottawa

When returning the bike I had to descend into the tunnel down a flight of stairs but there is a nifty little channel running down the middle of the stairs that allows you to guide your bike down without any trouble at all.

I really wasn’t sure I wanted to return the bike, I had enjoyed riding it so much, and was informed that for $260 it could be mine- Mmm, I’ll have to think about that….

All in all, I cycled 24km travelling alongside the Rideau Canal, the Ottawa River, through parks, forested areas, some streets and urban areas, all on bike paths, and as Rent-a-Bike’s website explains: “Canada’s capital has been good to cyclists. We have over 250km of paved pathways, with more to come.”

Another reason to love Ottawa!

Thanks for sharing your adventure Fiona!

Cyclo Tourist Ottawa: Part III – Aylmer bound!

Laura Allardyce is a cultural observer with an overactive imagination, who is always insisting the glass is half full. She has lived in Ottawa her whole life and says she will only leave once she has smelled all the roses. She is currently training for the ride of her life.

In my last post, I shared with you my favourite route in Ottawa. The ride to Alymer is similar in the sense that it’s somewhat along the same pathway and still a great route along the water. This time instead of going right at the end of the Champlain Bridge, you go left (west) and head out towards the Deschenes Rapids.

After doing mostly short rides, no longer than 25km at a time, it was time to start challenging myself to longer rides – hence 40km loop to Aylmer!

Over the Champlain Bridge once again. I can’t tell you how awesome it is to have bike lanes on both sides of this bridge. It is my preferred way to cross the river. Once across the bridge exit to the right as you would to head towards Parc Mousette (East) but make sure to stay to the right because the path leads under the bridge (heading West).

This is a great pathway. For the most part, it runs parallel to Boulevard de Lucerne. In some places, like in this photo, the brush next to the path is so thick it’s like being hugged by nature. The other benefit, if you’re not as into tree-hugging as I am, is the shade. If you’re out early in the morning, or later in the afternoon (anytime the sun is right overhead), the trees on either side of the path provide fantastic shade to keep you cool on your ride.

My favourite part of this ride is when you the path turns into a wooden bridge over a swampy area. It’s very Lord of the Rings-ish, very pretty.

Go discover it!

Maybe I was suffering from heat exhaustion because all of a sudden I thought I was in a Mario Bros game. I emerged from the tree-lined pathway into suburbia, greeted by this house that looks an awful lot like Bowser’s castle. No offense to the people who live there or the designer, but really? The tower, chimney and colour choices didn’t do this house any favours. It is, however, one of my favourite markers on this route. (What you don’t see in this photo is the back yard. Lovely seating area and a hot tub. Okay, yeah I’m just jealous.)

Well it happens to be breakfast time and apatio just happens to be empty. Sure, let’s stop for a bite! It didn’t take long until the patio of the Marina d’Aylmer Restaurant to fill up. The food is basic but good and exactly what I wanted. Plus coffee. Is it just me, or does coffee really help when you’re riding? I have no pep before coffee.Don’t worry about finding the restaurant, the bike path leads you right to it. Right now there is construction blocking the path that forces you to ride in front of the patio. But once you’re at the marina, you’ll know it. (Hint: Before you reach the marina you ride through a bit of a residential area. Each time I’ve been here artists are set up displaying their works.

The artists are from the Centre d’Exposition l’Imaginer, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes contemporary visual arts in the Outaouais region. Stop and check out the Parc de l’Imaginaire too. It’s located directly behind the centre. It’s essentially an open-air art gallery. It’s full of bench sculptures!

On the other side of the marina is Parc de Cedres. It’s a great beach for swimming and relaxing and there’s a canteen and washrooms (but note, they don’t open until 11 a.m.). In one visit I saw a girl doing yoga, a guy practising martial arts, and someone kite surfing.

So many ways to enjoy the outdoors in summer!

The route continues up to Eardley Road but there isn’t anything up there. It’s part of the 40km but basically, we go up there to turn around – which is fun because it’s a pretty good hill to speed down (carefully!). Check out the map above on the MapMyRide site to see what kind of hill we’re talking about by hovering over the elevation chart.

Return the way you came, either back over the Champlain Bridge, or continue the mapped ride of the basic loop from part II of this series.

Until next time when we tour around Ottawa some more before another long-distance trek out to Carleton Place.

Thanks Laura! Laura will cycle across Vietnam in September to raise money for CARE Canada, an international humanitarian NGO whose work focuses on empowering women and girls in emerging nations. If you want to help, you can make a donation here.

Cyclo Tourist Ottawa: Part II: River riding

Laura Allardyce is a cultural observer with an overactive imagination, who is always insisting the glass is half full. She has lived in Ottawa her whole life and says she will only leave once she has smelled all the roses. She is currently training for the ride of her life. And don’t forget to check out Part I of her LTOttawa Cyclo Tourist series.

Cyclo Tourist Laura Allardyce

I love cycling next to the water so I consider myself very lucky to live so close to the Ottawa River. But really, with 220 kilometres of bike paths in the Ottawa region, anyone can be close to water in fairly short order.  The following is my favourite ride because it’s only about 40 minutes (depending on your riding speed) and you stay on the water practically the entire time.

Ottawa River Parkway – Across Champlain Bridge at Island Park Drive – Through Parc Mousette – Across the Chaudière/Booth Street Bridge

Laura's favourite bike ride

This path contains some of my favourite things:

1. The old Prince of Whales train bridge. You may recall in the early days of LTOttawa, I wrote about the Prince of Whales Bridge. At the time I went across, it was considered trespassing. I’m happy to report that the giant gate blocking the bridge has been taken down. It seems we won the war. Be warned, however, if you attempt to walk across the whole bridge to the Gatineau side, you will be stopped by a QC cop stationed at the mouth. So don’t do it. But do wave hello when you bike by – the bike path takes you right by the officer guarding the bridge.
   
   

   The Prince of Wales Train Bridge

2. The rock piles – Though what they are, I’m not exactly sure. They used to be rocks piled like Inuksuit but now there’s a guy out there stacking them in whatever formation they will take. They’re still cool. And it’s one of the most perfect spots to watch the sunset. The rock piles are behind the Health Canada Tunney’s Pasture campus, between Little Chaudière Rapids and the lookout tower/parking lot.
   
   

   The rock piles behind Health Canada's campus at Tunney's Pasture

3. Champlain Bridge – What an amazing view. Stop and straddle the Ontario/Quebec border. One direction you can see far down river towards the Deschenes Rapids, the other way is a beautiful view of downtown Ottawa and the Chaudière. You can occasionally spot kayakers on the rapids by Bate Island (which you cross on Champlain Bridge and worth a detour to take a spin around).
   
   

   Champlain bridge

4. Parc Mousette – A small park with a beach. There’s also a baseball diamond, volleyball court, playground, and community building with washrooms, changing rooms, and outdoor showers. There isn’t a canteen like you will find at many public beaches but a quick trip up to Alexandre-Taché will reward you with a Dairy Queen and there’s a Quickie convenience store over by the baseball diamond.
   
   

   Parc Mousette

5. On your way out of Parc Mousette – You’ll pass some lovely water-front apartments on the left and run across this interesting statue on the right. Take a minute to go read the plaque and find out why he’s holding a cross and a canoe paddle. Intrigued?
   
   

   Parc Statue

6. Follow the path back into the woods – This is where the ride gets really fun. There are some steeper climbs that take some getting used to for the pre-season cyclist and a couple of excellent downhills that can be exhilarating. Use caution on steep hills with turns at the bottom though. There are signs on the pavement indicating upcoming steep incline and u-turns. I’m always tempted to blast down the hills without touching my brakes but then, not wanting to be thrown off the path down a cliff side or into on-coming cyclists, I think better of it. After going around Squaw Bay and down the river a bit, you arrive to find yourself at the other side of the train bridge where you get a great view of downtown Ottawa and the aforementioned QC cop gets a great view of you. (Say hello, they don’t bite).
   
   

   Beautiful downtown Ottawa

   

   The cop pretty much always stationed at the Prince of Wales train bridge

7. The path emerges onto Alexandre Taché – Exit the park on the path and stay right. Head down to the Chaudière Bridge (first lights, turn right). This is an easy bridge to cross in this direction because it is a single wide lane. I get slightly disoriented when I try to look at the water rushing under the bridge while riding – which is cool – but I’d recommend pulling over safely for any extended viewing. I snapped this picture of one of the old buildings on Philemon Island. Am I the only one who thinks that one open window is a little creepy?
   
   

   Philemon Island

Next time, we’ll take a trip out to Aylmer. You’re going to love it!

Laura will cycle across Vietnam in September to raise money for CARE Canada, an international humanitarian NGO whose work focuses on empowering women and girls in emerging nations. If you want to help, you can make a donation here.

Cyclo Tourist Ottawa: Part I

Laura Allardyce is a cultural observer with an overactive imagination, who is always insisting the glass is half full. She has lived in Ottawa her whole life and says she will only leave once she has smelled all the roses. She is currently training for the ride of her life.

Cycling in Ottawa. What comes to mind? Poorly planned bike lanes with concrete barriers on Laurier? Uncertainty about cycling road rules? The stress of dodging cars? Getting tickets for cycling on the sidewalk? If so, I’m here to help.

Cycling in Ottawa is not the giant headache that recent news reports would have you believe. Yes, people do run into accidents. Yes, cyclists have been ticketed. Yes, there are concrete barriers along the Laurier bike lane (it’s a pilot project; give it a shot and feedback to the City if you don’t like it).

The Ottawa-Gatineau region has more than 220 kilometres of bike paths, and living in the valley means they are relatively flat routes – so it’s easy for anyone to explore the National Capital Region on a bike. And now that Ottawa is equipped with Bixi bike stands in 10 locations, there are no excuses.

Over the coming weeks I’m going take you riding with me and help you discover Ottawa by what I believe is the best way to travel – two wheels, a seat, and some peddles.

Why did I start biking?

In 2006, a co-worker at the time was getting a team together for the Rona MS Bike Tour, and seeing as I am a compulsive joiner, I said, what the heck. That year I invested in a hybrid bicycle (great for city riding) and started training for the long-distance ride that would take the group from Ottawa to Kemptville and back the next day.

I became addicted. As someone who dreams of becoming a runner simply as a way of getting from point A to point B faster, a bike was the perfect solution. It’s an efficient machine that, if you use properly, does most of the work for you (granny gear for hills and higher gears for long flat stretches of road). Get yourself some panniers and you can easily commute to work, get groceries, or pack a picnic for a day-trip, just as examples.

Why am I still biking?

Aside from the reasons I’ve already stated, because I’m back in training mode for another charity ride. In September I’ll be joining a team of likeminded individuals from across Canada for the ride of our lives: A 400+ km cycling tour across Vietnam to raise money for the international humanitarian aid organization CARE Canada. CARE works with people in 82 countries and last year, nearly 11,300 staff (97% of which are from the country they’re working in) helped 87 million people. CARE’s work focuses on empowering women and girls because they are the greatest agents of change in their communities. I know I definitely feel empowered because of CARE — I wouldn’t be challenging myself to do this if it wasn’t for them.

So far since signing up for the Cycle for CARE Vietnam 2011 fundraiser in June, I’ve ridden over 260km and raised $1000 towards by goal of $3500. If you want to help you can donate online here. Or come to the Rock Show at the Rainbow (yes named as such because it rhymes), on Monday September 5^th at The Rainbow Bistro (tickets online here).

Interested in getting out there? Here are some helpful resources:

• NCC’s Cycling in Canada’s Capital Region
• Find a Biki near you 
• Plan your route with MapMyRide 
• Or try Ride with GPS 
• And of course, Google Maps has bike path instructions.

Google Maps is useful if you know where you want to go but are not sure about how to get there. Let it show you the possibilities then throw it into MapMyRide to get information about elevation and input updates about the terrain, how long it took, etc. AND you can share the route with your friends.

Which is what I will do for you. Next entry for LTO will show you my favourite ride to do in the city when I only have about an hour to spare. Later I’ll take you out to Aylmer with me. We’ll also go to Stittsville, Osgoode, Carleton Place, and Perth to name a few long distance options.

One challenge that I’ll need your help with (by way of encouragement – and donations perhaps?) is the uphill battle that is Gatineau Park. She is my Everest.

Until then fellow and future cyclo-tourists! 

An ode to Ottawa cycling: Gordon Smith reflects on the city’s two-wheeled culture

Gordon Smith is a 23-year-old man with little rest; boyfriend (wink), web designer, runner and bike racer. He is the founder of the Human Powered Movement, an organization dedicated to improving persons and community through non-commercialized fitness avenues. He is also running 23 marathons in 2011.

Cycling is, as the philosopher Wittgenstein (a bicycle owner himself) might have said, another way of ‘being in the world.’ The cyclist’s personality combines the rationalist and the rebel; a public spirit and a free spirit of being.

Gord in France

I like to think my cycling personality is just that. I cycle because it is the cheapest, quickest, most hassle-free and ecologically defensible means of getting around Ottawa, but also because it accords the freedom to breathe in nature and all her splendour.

Futurists once predicted that two-wheeled human-powered pedalling machines would quickly evolve to the extent that we could harness the kinetic energy required to hurdle down highways at 50 miles an hour. A provocative notion, but the automobile arrived before any significant genetic mutations occurred. And ironically, many persons have been experiencing a physiological regress since.

No matter what you do, cycling is tethered as the ideal vehicle of travel in a bike friendly city like Ottawa, a city itself that is kaleidoscopic and in the process of continual change and transformation.

A view of the Laurier Avenue bike lanes

And change is certainly upon us!

Cycling-savvy Ottawa mayor Jim Watson recently unveiled the Laurier Avenue West segregated bicycle lanes, part of the city’s ambitious cycling infrastructure project. The lanes, located on either side of Laurier Avenue, are separated from motorized transport via concrete curbs, plastic poles, parked cars and planter boxes. Since its conception, more than 12,000 two-wheeled enthusiasts have sped along the route (I trust under the enforced 20 km/h speed limit) making Laurier the most highly congested bicycle pathway in Canada within its first week.

A few highlights of Ottawa’s cycling culture:

• The city of Ottawa boasts a silver designation (3rd tier rating before gold and platinum) from the Bicycle Friendly Communities organization, an award presented during the recent Ontario Bikes Summit held in June.

• Canada’s capital claims the highest percentage of bike commuters in the country, if not the continent. Its 170 km worth of paths make it easy to get from point A to B, though two-wheeled traffic declines between December and March.

• Ottawa is home to numerous Canadian National Cycling Team members, and also nurtures new talent through countless cycling clubs, locally sanctioned races and an ample supply of inexhaustible volunteers.

• The Capital Bixi bike-sharing program, run by Montreal’s Public Bike System Company, launched in May, with 10 stations all within close proximity to Parliament Hill. A total of 100 bicycles serve downtown Ottawa and Gatineau.

The Capital Bixi station by Ottawa's NAC

Over the next few weeks, I want to tell you more about Ottawa’s identifiable cycling centre.  I wish to illustrate nature’s grace vis a vis spectacular cycling routes, tell you about upcoming events and highlight commercial establishments of interest to the cycling inclined.

So I have a challenge for you, the reader: get the cobwebs off your two-wheeled contraption wedged in the hall closet. Inflate the cracked old tires enough to carry your frame and go ripping out the door. Pull up any place you damn well please – the new Laurier bike lane, Ottawa River Parkway, Gatineau Park… Gorge back a fine espresso while considering shaving your legs, learning how to play the guitar and speak Italian (cue 1979 cycling flick Breaking Away). Look at your bicycle as the facilitator of all – you’ve always had it, you always knew how and it’s about time you revisited this staple from times past.

Get on your bikes, Ottawa.

Thanks for highlighting some of the reasons why Ottawa is such a cycling-friendly city, Gordon. It’s certainly nice to see we’re on the right track! We hope to read more about your two-wheeled adventures in the upcoming weeks.

Do you have any cycling topics you think Gordon should write about? What is your favourite part about biking in Ottawa?

Cycling in Ottawa: Laura Nicol trains for her longest bike ride yet

Bicycling in Ottawa (Photo Credit: NCC)

Laura Nicol is an Ottawa native and an optimistic activist, realistically committed to leaving the world better than she found it. You can find her on Twitter at @311laura.

In preparation for being a tourist in another country, I thought, what better way than to do it in my own city?

You see, in September I’m going to be joining a group of Canadians to bike across Vietnam (from Ho Chi Minh in the South to Hanoi in the North) over ten days in support of CARE Canada. Our longest ride is 90 km in one day, and about 400 km over the ten days, but I hear it’s a bit “hilly” and “humid” there.

The longest I’d ever biked was to work – a mere seven km. Obviously there’s some preparation needed to get from seven to 90 km!

It’s kind of funny. I used to work in tourism in Ottawa at the Capital Infocentre across from Parliament Hill. I spent my days raving to tourists about all of the fantastic things they could see and do while they visited – and I meant it. But never did I think that my training for biking across Vietnam would lead me to discover a place I’ve called home for nearly 28 years, and a place I thought I already knew all about.

A cyclist's view of Ottawa (Photo Credit: Laura Nicol)

I’m discovering through my training rides how amazing the city is to see by bicycle. My first ride, approximately 25 km, took my along the river by Carleton University, Vincent Massey Park, along Riverside Drive on a beautiful and breezy day. So many others were also out biking, walking or blading and would smile or wave a hello as you passed. The scenery was gorgeous and it was a beautiful trek through the greenspaces and public parks this city has to offer.

I came across this quote while researching my trip and thought it was a great motivator for Vietnam. Now I realize it’s true of being a tourist in my own city too:

It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of a country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.

– Ernest Hemingway

Just don't forget to wear your sunscreen!

I can tell you all about how Alta Vista Drive has never occured to me as being such a long winding uphill road in places!

Of course, I also learned that it’s helpful to have someone help you with putting sunscreen on your back.

I’m really looking forward to using my training rides as a chance to discover more of what this beautiful city has to offer.

Here are some helpful links to help you broaden your biking experience:

• City of Ottawa Cycling
• National Capital Commission Cycling
• Google Map directions by bike

Do you have a favourite trail you like to bike in Ottawa? Send us a note and tell us about it!

It’s a beautiful day in Ottawa: get out on a bike!

Photo credit: gobiking.ca

Happy long weekend Ottawa!

It is a beautiful day today, and we hope the wonderful weather continues. So what better way to enjoy Ottawa than to get out and enjoy the city by bike?

We’re told there are more than 170 kilometres of bike paths in the city: check out the maps from the City of Ottawa and the National Capital Commission, or visit www.gobiking.ca for a great snapshot of the top trails.

Don’t have a bike? No problem.

Photo credit: OutdoorOttawa.com

This week the NCC installed seven BIXI bike stations in downtown Ottawa, and three more in Gatineau.

Here they are (via CTV Ottawa):

Ottawa locations:

• Elgin/Queen: at the intersection of Elgin and Queen Streets
• William/Rideau: close to the intersection of William and Rideau Streets
• Booth/Vimy: close to the intersection of Booth Street and Vimy Place
• Lyon/Queen: at the intersection of Lyon and Queen Streets
• O’Connor/Queen: at the intersection of O’Connor and Queen Streets
• York/Dalhousie: at the intersection of York and Dalhousie Streets
• Murray/Mackenzie: at the intersection of Murray Street and Mackenzie Avenue

Gatineau locations:

• Du Portage/Laval: at the intersection of Promenade du Portage and Laval Street
• Des Allumettières/Laurier: at the intersection of Des Allumettières Boulevard and Laurier Street
• Alexandre-Tâché/Montcalm: at the intersection of Alexandre-Taché Boulevard and Montcalm Street

All together, 100 bikes are available around the city for just $5 per day, $12 for three days, or you can get a month or year-long subscription.  We doubt that is enough bicycles to sustain Ottawa’s cycling needs – so if you’re still on the hunt for a quick rental, you can also check out: www.rentabike.ca.

Interested in local biking events and other bicycle news? Check out Citizen Cycle, a growing cycling website powered by the Ottawa Citizen.

Want to share your passion for cycling in the city by guest posting or sharing photos with Local Tourist Ottawa? Send us a note!