route verte quebec

[Clif]

I am thinking about a ride later this month from Montreal to Quebec along the Chemin du Roy, part of the Route Verte. I would appreciate any thoughts about this route. Scenic? Rideable? Challenging? Thanks.  

[yfor01]

Hi Cliff, I live in the Mtl area and cycle the Mtl to Quebec City route on many occasion to visit a freind that lives in Mont Ste-Anne (30 miles east of Quebec City).  The route is very flat as it follows the St-Lawrence river for most of the way.  There are a couple of hills as you near Quebec City but nothing to write home about. Shoulders are reasonably wide and traffic is light as it is only local traffic using that road.  If you want the most scenic make sure you stick to the "Chemin du Roi" as this road (which used to be the old road) sometimes gets back on route 138.  There many cities along this route with lots of services.

If you need more info do not hesitate to write back.

Yves

[Clif]

Thanks, Yves. That is very helpful. Looking forward to this ride. 2 more questions: At a steady but not hurried pace, best to plan 2 or 3 days between Montreal and Quebec? Do you usually return the same way or is there a scenic alternate route?
- Clif

[yfor01]

It really depends on you average daily mileage.  When I do it in 2 days with a stop in Trois-Rivières which is about 1/2 way. I find it is such a flat route that it is not physically challenging.  If you are lucky the dominant west to east winds will push you along.

As for the return I there is road on the south shore of the St-Lawrence called route 132.  I have never driven it nor biked it but judging from a map I pulled from MS Street & Trips route 132 runs for most of it's way close to the shore.  It is the old road also only used by local traffic.  I would surely give it a try if I were you.  If you give me your email address I can send you the MS map I pulled.

Yves

[Clif]

Two days sounds about right...as well as the idea of trying the southern route on the return. My e-mail is cmcfeely@northcastle.com. Thanks again, I really appreciate your advice and look forward to enjoying Quebec by bike.  -- Clif