On your bikes!

Last year, I rediscovered the pleasures of cycling. And I'm very happy about it. I feel good in the saddle, even if my bottom sometimes hurts! I enjoy the pleasant sensation of activity. I like to see the countryside go by as I pedal and take a deep breath of fresh air. A new-found happiness!

Since the return of the warm weather, I've ridden many kilometers in Laval. What's fascinating is that, even though I've lived on the island for over 30 years, my two-wheeled strolls have taken me to places I've never seen before. It has to be said that there are many ways for cyclists to get around the island. Personally, I love the bike lanes and paths along the Rivière des Mille Îles and the Rivière des Prairies, or those that lead to viewpoints on the water, in nature or wherever I can admire the wildlife.

One sensational activity that took me to some surprising places was when I took part in the Rallye des Rivières.

What is the River Rally?

The Rallye des rivières is an initiative proposed by the Centre d'interprétation de l'eau (C.I.EAU ) to help people discover the particularities, history and important role of the Rivière des Mille Îles and its tributaries in the region.

Léonard-Éthier bank

The rally covers six municipalities (Laval, Terrebonne, Lorraine, Rosemère, Boisbriand and Saint-Eustache) and invites participants to find 13 markers along the banks of the Rivière des Mille Îles. Each one contains information on an aspect of the river's water. For example, bollard 10, located at Berge Léonard-Éthier (7275, rue Dessureaux in the Saint-François sector), explains the reason for the river's accelerated flow. At marker 11 (Les grandes Îles, rue Maurice in the Saint-François sector), we learn why animal and plant biodiversity is impressive on Îles aux Vaches, au Foin and Saint-Pierre. At marker 12 (Auteuil wastewater treatment plant, 300 Brissette Terrace in the Auteuil sector), we learn where sewage water goes.

Each terminal displays a QR code for further information. Enriching! Of course, you don't have to do the rally in a single day. To get the most out of the activity, however, I suggest you buy the hiker's booklet, which is sold at the C.I.EAU for $5. The C.I.EAU is located at 12, rue Hotte, in the heart of Vieux-Sainte-Rose. This is also where you'll find marker 1, known as Berge des Baigneurs.

Berges Jacques-Cartier and Idéale

One of my favorites of the rally in Laval was the Berges Jacques-Cartier et Idéale (Berges Jacques-Cartier and Idéale) marker 13, located at 130, rue Bérard in the Auteuil district. I was seduced by the forest path leading to the river and by the water's edge. When I discovered this place, I knew I'd be back with a chair and a good book, with the kids for a fishing trip, or on my bike for a new getaway.

Finally, between two terminals, I invite you to take a gourmet break. Two great places: Talie Chocolat and Fromagerie du Vieux Saint-François. Talie Chocolat is a company of sweet delights located in an ancestral home on boulevard Sainte-Rose. Here, you can fill up on chocolate treats and refresh yourself with an iced coffee or chocolate milk. So (so...) good! Owner Nathalie La Haye has even set up a bike stop to welcome cyclists.

La Fromagerie du Vieux Saint-François is located on boulevard des Mille-Îles and, as you'd expect, in the Saint-François district. It offers an impressive variety of cheeses (around twenty) and other products made from goat's milk. Without a doubt, you must try the cheeses, but I also recommend you try the gelato. An excellent way to cool down!

Would you like to take part in Laval by bike?

Organized activities are often a source of motivation and provide great experiences. For my part, it was my participation in La Petite Aventure, orchestrated in collaboration with Vélo-Québec, that got me hooked on the sport again. How about meeting up on Sunday September 16 for the 4th edition of Laval à vélo, an event organized by the same organization?

Laval by bike (Photo: Éric Constantineau)

This bike tour offers two routes on the eastern tip of Île Jésus, the first of 20 km and the second of 40 km. On both routes, the tour will take place on a linear circuit closed to vehicular traffic. Stops will be set up and refreshments offered. Mechanical assistance will also be available if needed (so don't worry).

Start at 9 a.m. at the Nature Center. This is also where participants will cross the finish line. For information, participants in the 20 km route will ride on Montée Saint-François and Rang Saint-Elzéar Est, while those taking part in the 40 km will ride along the banks of the Rivière des Prairies and the Rivière des Mille Îles (boul. Lévesque, boul. des Mille-Îles, boul. Sainte-Marie and montée Saint-François).

Good reasons to pedal

When you choose to get on your bike, you're doing yourself a favor. For me, it's now hard to resist the call of the gears. Pedaling does my body good... and my mind.

Parc des Prairies

I admit it's also good for the family spirit. When I'm out and about, I like to take the opportunity to picnic or visit attractions with the kids. My suggestions: the Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, where you'll find the new Centre d'exploration, featuring a permanent exhibition dedicated to the discovery of the Rivière des Mille Îles, thematic panels, aquariums and vivariums, and the Parc des Bernard-Landry, located in the heart of the Laval-des-Rapides district (5, avenue du Crochet), which boasts almost 5 km of trails to get active on, as well as a little slice of natural paradise. Other ideas include the Musée Armand-Frappier, currently showing the exhibition "Les allergies font jaser!", and the C.I.EAU (Centre d'interprétation de l'eau), which highlights the importance of water in our lives. Of course, don't forget to bring your bike lock.

To help you plan your route, you can pick up a map of the city's cycling networks at Tourisme Laval. You can also plan a route on the website of La Route verte, the largest cycling network in North America. In Laval, the Route verte stretches for just over 32 kilometers, and the Perry Island footbridge, located 2.1 kilometers from the Viau Bridge, gives you direct access to Montreal.

We look forward to seeing you on two wheels!